When it comes to assessing the rarity of a vehicle, we can’t just blame the Corvette guys for picking apart their build sheets down the smallest detail. As a long-time BMW fan, we do the same thing, but in many cases, the low production numbers are typically quite real, especially when you combine a desirable option package with a model that typically didn’t attract buyers looking for that equipment. In the case of a BMW 5-Series Touring Wagon like this one here on craigslist, it’s legitimately rare for combining the long-roof design with the desirable factory sport package – and it’s available for just $5,950.
This 540i wagon is part of the E39 chassis lineup, which is one of the most popular eras of BMW’s 5-Series sedan. In European car culture, the wagon is not seen as dawdy or something your grandmother would drive; quite the opposite, in fact. In a car like the 540i, your grandmother would be quite the gearhead if she opted for the V8-equipped model, and even more so if she asked the selling dealer to order her a car with the factory sport package, which unlocked different wheels, a firmer suspension, upgraded bumpers, a 3-spoke steering wheel, Recaro-like sport seats, and more.
Simply put, a lot of wagon shoppers just wanted a wagon for the room, not for the personality or performance potential. If you were a BMW customer and wanted a car that was quick on its feet, you’d buy an M3 or an M5, or at least a standard version of either the 3- or 5-Series and sedan and equip that car with the sport package. However, over the years, a few wagon fans always get their cake and eat it, too, combining the convenience of the wagon design with the attitude of a car that’s been sharpened up by the factory, and these are often among the most sought-after models you’ll find. With the low asking price on this car, I suspect it will sell quite fast.
The 540i wagon also wears a fairly rare shade of paint known as Sienarot 2 Metallic, adding to its desirability. The 4.4L V8 produced a healthy 282 horsepower at and 324 lb-ft of torque, and revs out quite nicely. The seller lists a long assortment of recent maintenance that’s been performed under his watch, and it sounds like an open checkbook approach to upkeep was adhered to. The problematic timing chain and guides have been done, along with a bevy of other known issues from this era of the 5-Series. Cars like this don’t come along often and for such a fair price, so act fact if you’re in the market. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the find.
That’s such a fantastic car, Jeff. One of my favorites of all time was a 2000 528iT, somewhat similar to this but with the 2.8 inline-six. It was so smooth, quiet, and fun to drive, plus having the utility of a wagon. Not to mention, my first heated seats and heated steering wheel, handy features for Minnesota winters. Good tires made it work in the snow much better than I thought it would. I ended up selling it to get a 2002 Audi TT ALMS edition that I still have. It’s been well over two decades, but I’d love to have another E39 wagon someday.
This is a great deal on a great car even with the miles with all the upkeep to head off any problems.
When it eventually blows up, you can install a General Motors LS engine in it to save some serious cash.
This V8 is positively bullet proof. My mechanic said someone brought one in with 1 quart of oil and is still ran. Try that with an LS!
I bought a new 2002 530i and drove it 100k miles in 10 years. Best driving sedan ever, would have loved the 540 too. This is a great buy.
Was a ’93 Taurus wagon in the BMW studio when they designed this 540i’s body?! Ironic it is fitted with Goodyear tires.
The Taurus would be a much better candidate for a gross country road trip (read the CL ad).
Not sure what a gross country road trip is. Just kidding, I know it’s a typo!
The typo appears in the CL ad – jwalt’s comment is calling it out humorously.
As a 540iT owner, with M-sport and a few other upgrades, i can attest, best driving experience ive ever had.
Ive raced Teslas, ive loaded building materials, ive left it parked for a year and it roars to life every time.
It would humble Taurus wagon, not even comparible.
This car is Autobaun designated.
It is a 25 year old car, so in amazing condition, a steal at this price.
When I was a BMW service manager. My (now ex) bil wanted a new 540 sedan. By that time, we knew a few things about the V8 cars. I made him promise to have the coolant flushed every year, regardless of what the dealership said. (,we have better coolant now than we did back in the late ’90s) I hear he still has the car and has racked up close to 400,000 miles on that car. With no coolant related issues.
If there are receipts for all of the claimed work that has been performed, then no worries on the 250K miles. A west coast buyer will find themselves with a nice car at a great deal.
The only problem with the 540 wagons, other than the high maintenance costs, was that you could not get the sweet shifting 6 speed, in the US anyway.
I remember 540s having engine issues, that’d be a wary buy for me
The E39 range was the last great, home maintainable all round BMW in my book, we owned 4 or so E39 Tourings (wagons), our last BMW was an X3 3.0i sport, good car that would pass most things except a fuel station!
I grabbed this car yesterday. Not as good as the description said, but still a very rare car in a good color. Receipts for the work were magically located somewhere else, but the car drove very well and looked like it had a bunch of new parts on it. Plus, I’ve written a book on these cars (well, technically the E36), and I already have one (1998 528i), so I’m very, very, very familiar with what needs to be done. Price was right at least…
Congrats Wayne. These are very nice driving cars. If you can do your own maintenance and repairs and avoid the dealer gouge then ot will also be economically feasible to own.
Yes, I actually wrote a how-to book on these cars (actually the E36 – “101 Projects for your BMW 3-Series”, so I should be well equipped!
-Wayne
The early ones were recalled in states with high sulfer content gasoline. (Causing pitting in the cylinder walls Mainly in the southwest.) The only other problems that I remember was caused by corrosion build up in the cooling systems that were not maintained properly. (This going to sound wierd.but it is how I remembered it. ) corrosion buildup would cause the intake manifold to lift up causing coolant leaks and oil leaks down the back of the transmission. Properly serviced early cars never had an issue. Later cars used better coolant and agin,no issues. Great cars to drive. I took one for a demo, every time I could get away with it. Although, I usually got stuck with a Volvo or Oldsmobile. Because I never knew when they were going to rotate out demos. (Sales department program) And being in the back in the service department, I was the last to know when the change happened. It was a, very bad place to work. So I could only stand it 5 years. (BMW, VOLVO, OLDSMOBILE dealership)
I’m pretty sure the engine issues that you allude to affected the M60 motor only – the previous 5-Series, which was/is the E34…
-Wayne
Yes, with the dreaded Nikasil cylinder coating. State-of-the-art technology at the time but didn’t hold up well with the use of poorly refined, heavy sulfur US gasoline.