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taylorwilsdon

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Nov 16, 2006
1,868
12
New York City
This is what $7,000 buys you these days. 290hp V8 that still passes for a new car to the layman.

Nice 'n low:
3593335329_f62d36fc01_b.jpg

Lotsa camber:
3594258416_183b588830_b.jpg

New silver carbon fiber interior teaser:
3593394521_2673751c07_b.jpg

Before the carbon fiber:
3506102462_d2227c9aa3_b.jpg


Yes, I actually paid 7000 cash for the car. Yes, I have way more money than that into it now.
 

CarlsonCustoms

macrumors 6502
Mar 5, 2007
387
0
I've been searching high and low for a 540i 6speed around here. I have it saved as an autotrader search but most are around $10k around here with 120k miles.

How many miles does yours have? I can't tell but which model /tranny is it?

Zack
 

taylorwilsdon

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Nov 16, 2006
1,868
12
New York City
I've been searching high and low for a 540i 6speed around here. I have it saved as an autotrader search but most are around $10k around here with 120k miles.

How many miles does yours have? I can't tell but which model /tranny is it?

Zack

110k miles, but its an autotragic. An M5 is in my future whenever student loans get good. This puppy is paid cash so I don't mind carrying 5k of extra student loan debt to have a little more fun.
 

taylorwilsdon

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Nov 16, 2006
1,868
12
New York City
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...on=&max_price=10000&cardist=45&standard=false

This is about as close as we get around here in chicago. I just can't bring myself to buy an automatic one.

Have you researched the problems that crop up with these cars? From what I've reaserched it looks like you should have a few grand handy to replace the radiator and overflow tank becuase they will fail shortly.

Haha, have I researched :D A thousand posts at bimmerforums will answer that question.

I wrench, so there isn't really a $$$ problem. Parts aren't crazy expensive. I have replaced the entire cooling system and suspension, as well as most of the failure parts (spark plugs, valve cover gaskets) and I'm replacing the fuel filter whenever I get the inclination to order it.

For the record, the radiator and expansion tank are only $250 total for new OEM parts. Labor at a reasonable indy would be like 200 bucks. I've spent like a thousand in maintenance since I bought it, but that includes 600 for all cooling components, and an oil change with the good stuff. Now that I'm done, it will probably cost 500 or less a year to maintain... a hell of a lot less than car payments.

edit - if you have questions about these wonderful cars, feel free to PM me. I know a helluvalot about E39s, but way more about the v8s than the i6s.
 

shfreelance

macrumors 6502a
May 24, 2008
685
1
Eustis, FL
Nice, I am thinking about trading my Trans Am in for a 2000ish BMW M5 in a year, maybe... Looks like a hell of a sleeper, oh and insurance is cheaper and has 4-Doors.
 

MattZani

macrumors 68030
Apr 20, 2008
2,554
104
UK
Would love to have one of them in a few years, heres hoping my Dad gets a new Car (He Has an '02 525D Tourer in Silver with M Body Kit, love it)
 
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