Sort of new to E60

E24 · 01-25-2011, 10:21 PM

I say I'm sort of new, but not really. My mom currently drives a Space Gray 2010 528i M-SPORT. I ordered the car for her. She wanted the final run; coming out of a 2003 525i. She wanted the small motor and agressive looks. I must say the car is relatively rare and looks really good. Anyhow, I'm about to come out of a 2008 335i sedan (Jet Black/Lemon) - lease is about up. Fantastic car, but with two kids and my wife's career...it's just too small for her/us. I have my eyes on a 2008 540i (it's M-SPORT body but I guess they didn't call it that in 2008). Anyhow, nicely equipped car with mileage in the 20's. All records. It is a 6MT car - which is what we/she wants. We love our BMW's with stick shifts, and I understand a car like this is hard to find. I have personally owned new BMW's since 1986. But I am not that familiar with the 540i; other than the fact I like the way it drives. Is there anything that I need to look for prior to purchasing this vehicle? Any advice is appreciated. Further, I have always had the CDV replaced in my cars. I assume this is the way to go with this car; should I buy it. However, I put an OEM BMW short shift kit into our 335i. I love it. Is there an OEM short shift kit available for the E60 540i? If so, what is your opinion? If not, what short shift kit do you recommend? Thanks in advance.

etnav382 · 01-26-2011, 01:05 AM

The first thing you should check is what model the car really is. I don't believe a 540 was ever available in the US, a 545 was though, and even then I know in 2006 they replaced the 545 with the 550. Not trying to sound negative in anyway, or it might just be confusion on your part with the 4 and 5. I drive an auto so the only thing I can comment on is the records. If its indeed a 550 just checked and see if the recall work has been done on it.

E24 · 01-26-2011, 01:08 AM

Sorry - 550i. 2008.

Hoog_23 · 01-26-2011, 01:45 PM

I just bought a 535 and am coming from two 335's. First 335 was a stick and I missed it with the latest one. Stock shifter on the 535 just feels right. I personally wouldn't want to go to a short shifter.

I want to see pics of that Lemon interior!

assinizarM3 · 01-28-2011, 03:50 PM

I'd say go for it..great car just make sure it's a 550i

Jtmone · 01-29-2011, 11:15 AM

Id would much prefer the 550i myself but your choice is final !

Mike

01-25-2011, 10:21 PM	#1
E24 DUBYA 28 Rep 352 Posts Drives: 2012 328I - 6MT Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Texas iTrader: (1)	Sort of new to E60 - but looking at an 08 540i I say I'm sort of new, but not really. My mom currently drives a Space Gray 2010 528i M-SPORT. I ordered the car for her. She wanted the final run; coming out of a 2003 525i. She wanted the small motor and agressive looks. I must say the car is relatively rare and looks really good. Anyhow, I'm about to come out of a 2008 335i sedan (Jet Black/Lemon) - lease is about up. Fantastic car, but with two kids and my wife's career...it's just too small for her/us. I have my eyes on a 2008 540i (it's M-SPORT body but I guess they didn't call it that in 2008). Anyhow, nicely equipped car with mileage in the 20's. All records. It is a 6MT car - which is what we/she wants. We love our BMW's with stick shifts, and I understand a car like this is hard to find. I have personally owned new BMW's since 1986. But I am not that familiar with the 540i; other than the fact I like the way it drives. Is there anything that I need to look for prior to purchasing this vehicle? Any advice is appreciated. Further, I have always had the CDV replaced in my cars. I assume this is the way to go with this car; should I buy it. However, I put an OEM BMW short shift kit into our 335i. I love it. Is there an OEM short shift kit available for the E60 540i? If so, what is your opinion? If not, what short shift kit do you recommend? Thanks in advance.
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01-26-2011, 01:05 AM	#2
etnav382 New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 06 550i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SD iTrader: (0)	The first thing you should check is what model the car really is. I don't believe a 540 was ever available in the US, a 545 was though, and even then I know in 2006 they replaced the 545 with the 550. Not trying to sound negative in anyway, or it might just be confusion on your part with the 4 and 5. I drive an auto so the only thing I can comment on is the records. If its indeed a 550 just checked and see if the recall work has been done on it.
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01-26-2011, 01:08 AM	#3
E24 DUBYA 28 Rep 352 Posts Drives: 2012 328I - 6MT Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Texas iTrader: (1)	UGH - TIRED Sorry - 550i. 2008.
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01-26-2011, 01:45 PM	#4
Hoog_23 Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 335i/535i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (4)	I just bought a 535 and am coming from two 335's. First 335 was a stick and I missed it with the latest one. Stock shifter on the 535 just feels right. I personally wouldn't want to go to a short shifter. I want to see pics of that Lemon interior!
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01-28-2011, 03:50 PM	#5
assinizarM3 Private 6 Rep 85 Posts Drives: bmw e70 4.8 - 02 530 manual - Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: canada ottawa iTrader: (0)	I'd say go for it..great car just make sure it's a 550i
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01-29-2011, 11:15 AM	#6
Jtmone New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2004 BMW 545i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Baltimore MD iTrader: (0)	My choice Id would much prefer the 550i myself but your choice is final ! Mike
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