1998 BMW 540i Sport

Following on the lineup of 540is I’ve featured recently, I ran across this early production 540i Sport package car. It’s interesting for a few reasons. First, I’ve always really liked the clean look of the early sport package cars with either the turbine Style 32 wheels or the multi-piece BBS Style 19s as shown on this example. Something really worked for me about this wheel on this body style. An early 540i Sport, it’s missing some of the later additions I covered last time around, but still carries the aforementioned 17″ wheels and M-Sport suspension. However, this car is a bit different than the usual one that you’ll come across.

Having covered only 65,500 miles in its life, the seller claims the car was special ordered for European delivery. It also doesn’t have the standard sport seats that would have accompanied the sport package. It was ordered in fetching Canyon Red Metallic (343), too. And, of course, it’s got the all-important 6-speed manual transmission. Here, the pre-facelift orange directionals and less fussy taillight design work in harmony with the lack of body kit and beautiful exterior hue. Is it a winning combination?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1998 BMW 540i Sport on eBay

Year: 1998
Model: 540i Sport
Engine: 4.4 liter V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 65,500 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

1998 Motor Trend Car of the Year! Fully Loaded, Special Ordered, Immaculate inside and out 540I Flagship!
Exceptional condition! Purchased from original owner E39
Might be one of the lowest mileage example of BMW’s sport sedan available.

Have all records, all documentation, window sticker, car cover, manuals, books and service records of this rare special ordered (delivered in Munich) exceptional example of one of the greatest cars ever assembled by BMW.

Special Ordered:Metallic Canyon Red with PERFECT Grey leather, Real Sports package with all the “M” components, Navigation with DSP stereo system and including every available option except for xenon and rear sunshade ..everything works perfectly and drives exceptionally.
Priced to sell to someone who is familiar with these cars or who appreciates one of the best handling performance sedans at any price.

Brand new Michelin Pilot Z tires (245-45 ZR17) and recent service this car needs nothing!
Thanks for looking and don’t hesitate to ask any questions or to set up a time to check it out.
Car is for sale locally in Colorado and could end early due to local sale.

Chassis WBADE5321WBV93052 was produced in BMW’s Dingolfing plant in late 1997. It features the updated M62; in this case, option 961 (Special Engine) was the indication of the crossover to the Alusil motor. Rated at 282 horsepower, it offers plenty of twist to exited your life. This example was also opted with a heated steering wheel (248) , heated power comfort seats with lumbar support (456, 459, 488, 494), ski sack and pass-through (464, 465), Hifi and CD Prep (677, 694), on-board computer (602), car telephone prep (540), navigation (609) and a glass sunroof (403) as well as the optional warning triangle (428). A sport package car, it was opted with both the 17″ wheels and M-Sport suspension (704) as well as Shadow Line trim (339). Overall condition seems to be excellent, with all records since new, documentation and recent service (though what was done is not indicated) as well as expensive tires.

If there are any downsides, I wish the photos were better and more descriptive. Personally, I think tan would have been a better match for the beautiful exterior. But the only thing I really find disappointing is that it was optioned with comfort rather than sport seats. The BMW sport seats are fantastic, but my experience with the “comfort” seats has been more of an unnatural feel. There isn’t as much of a demand on the early 540is though, so the price on this pristine ’98 should remain more reasonable – if the auction breaks reserve. Active bids have so far failed to meet the reserve price, and at time of writing the auction sits just below $5,000. It should come in below the pricing of the 2003 we looked at and overall this looks like an excellent example of the breed.

-Carter