The M5 You Can Afford | 1999 E39 BMW 540i 6-Speed | Review and What To Look For When Buying One

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At first glance, the E39 540i doesn’t shout, "Look at me!" Instead, it whispers, "I’m better than you, but I don’t need to flaunt it." Its clean, understated lines have aged like a fine Bordeaux. The quad headlights with angel eyes (yes, BMW made halos cool before it was mainstream) frame a kidney grille that tells you this car means business. It’s equally at home parked in front of a Michelin-starred restaurant or ripping down the Autobahn.

Pop the hood, and you’ll find the beating heart of the 540i: BMW’s 4.4-liter M62 V8. This engine churns out a buttery-smooth 282 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque. It doesn’t roar—it growls with the sophistication of a James Bond villain. Paired with the optional 6-speed manual (yes, you could row your own gears in this masterpiece), the 540i offers a driving experience that’s becoming tragically rare in today’s world of CVTs and turbocharged anonymity.

0-60 mph? About 5.6 seconds. Top speed? A governor-limited 155 mph. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. The V8’s linear power delivery and intoxicating soundtrack make every drive feel like an event.

BMW’s engineers must have had divine inspiration when tuning the E39 chassis. The 540i achieves the automotive holy grail: a ride that’s both comfortable and engaging. Its precise steering communicates just enough of the road’s story to keep you connected, while the suspension manages to smooth out imperfections without numbing the experience.

Slide into the driver’s seat, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by an interior that screams, "I mean business, but I also have a soul." The materials feel robust and expensive, with soft leather, real wood trim, and controls that click with satisfying precision.

The seating position is spot-on, the climate control is Germanically efficient, and there’s enough tech to remind you it’s from the late ’90s, but not so much that you need a PhD to figure it out.

Ah, the 540i is not without its idiosyncrasies. The cooling system likes to play Russian roulette, the suspension bushings love attention, and the occasional electrical gremlin might decide to spice up your day. But for those who treat their 540i with the care it deserves, it rewards you with an enduring sense of satisfaction.

Think of it like a high-maintenance partner—it might demand a little more effort, but it’s oh-so-worth it.

Issues:
Timing Chain Guide Failure
Problem: Plastic timing chain guides can become brittle and fail over time, leading to chain rattle or worse, catastrophic engine damage.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on startup or under acceleration.
Solution: Replace the timing chain guides and associated components as a preventive measure, often a costly repair.

VANOS Seal Failure on 99 and Up models
Problem: The Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) seals in the M62 engine can degrade, affecting performance.
Symptoms: Loss of power, poor fuel economy, or a rough idle.
Solution: Replace the VANOS seals with improved aftermarket versions.