BMW 540, 1998, Rovaniemi

I am offering my BMW, which I have owned for 13 years. It has been used as a daily enthusiast car and has provided many great moments. The odometer shows about 350,000 km. I am selling only because this is now getting into classic car age, and I already have another older enthusiast BMW as my main hobby car. Different times, different things.

M62b44 non-VANOS + Getrag S6S 420G. The big weapon right after the M5. This is a car whose value only goes up when it is well cared for.

This is a Sport Touring model with the very rare 6-speed manual and, of course, the big-block V8. Factory original manual option. This, together with the power of the V8, is a very enjoyable combination on larger roads, offering the old-school driving feel without nannying automatic transmission and dashboard beepers.

The feeling with an automatic is probably a bit thinner. And in the long run, a manual is technically more reliable.

Forget about DIY manual swaps; that is no longer a quick job on the E39.

Black, intact leather interior and plenty of equipment. Pre-facelift.

The timing chain work was done in 2017, when the odometer showed 291,000 km. Receipts for the parts are available. This is a job that comes up in all M62 V8 engines. Here everything is in order for a long time to come. At the same time, the oil pump fastening was secured with adhesive, another M62 characteristic.

The air springs have been replaced with steel springs, but the system has not been coded out. If you want air suspension, the bags and compressor can be refitted plug and play. That is why the warning shown in the instrument cluster appears in the picture.

Much has been done. Recently: air conditioning recharge for summer 2026, control arms, camshaft and crankshaft sensors, ignition coils, thermostat, instrument cluster repair, rear brake lines just replaced, and the high-pressure line from the fuel tank. Only original or equivalent quality parts have been used in maintenance.

Well maintained, including recent gearbox and differential oil changes, as well as brake fluid.

The rear jack points have been properly repaired with the tank removed, using 1.5 mm steel and internal reinforcements. Finishing work is left to the buyer.

The clutch was replaced in 2013, but no documentation was found.

Since being imported from Germany, it has only been driven in the mountain winds, which shows in the condition of the body, but of course age and use are inevitably visible. You could say it has aged with dignity. Could be registered as a historic vehicle in two years with reasonable effort. Of course, it also works perfectly as a daily driver if you want to drive a V8, and why not. No welding needed.

It is not a new car nor show-ready, but a dependable workhorse and the overall appearance is very tidy. Ready for a longer journey or a good base for a hobby car.

Affordable annual vehicle tax still based on weight: 313.17 €/year.

Defects:

The TV/navigation display does not work. The reversing sensors also act up sometimes; replacing the sensors will probably fix it. The air-conditioning fan also sticks, but the A/C works. Sometimes it gives a false coolant level warning. It may just be oxidation in the connectors, because I now drive the car quite rarely. Nothing else comes to mind.

The car may also have other hidden faults; it is 28 years old.

Other:

An additional temperature gauge has been fitted just in case. It can be removed without leaving marks on the dashboard.

Alpine DVD player, working condition not guaranteed. Only the V8’s resonant song has been listened to in the car.

Two sets of tyres: studless winter tyres and decent summer tyres. Wheel models are shown in the pictures. Centre caps are available for the honeycomb wheels.

Additional plate included.

Original owner’s manual, service book, other documentation, etc. available.

Two keys

Webasto, which does not work, but can probably be serviced back to working order.

Detachable towbar. Protective cap for the towbar is available.

The buyer will also receive various bits and pieces accumulated over the years, Bentley service manual, both parts, original multi-function steering wheel for restoration, service parts, etc.

It could be said that this is a unique opportunity to get an original-condition manual V8 BMW like this for reasonable money. In the coming years the price may rise a bit, so I do not recommend buying it just to butcher it. Or then fit a supercharger and show the M5 who is boss. There are not enough of these for every boy or girl.

Additional plate

Country of import: Germany

First registration date in Finland: 13.9.2007

The vehicle must be collected within 7 days of the auction ending unless otherwise agreed - Huutokaupat.com.

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