2003 BMW 540i M-Sport

The E39 M5 gets all the press as the best E39, and often as the best M5 ever. Sitting in its shadows is the highly capable 540i. The M-sport came with 6 speeds, M Suspension, and the desirable Style 37 M-Parallels. Today’s has been further upgraded with an M5’s LSD and Dinan chip, helping to up performance levels a little more. Ideally this would be a less-expensive alternative to the king of all supersedans, but the price is dangerously close to decent E39 M5 money. Can the low mileage and choice add-ons make up for missing 100 horsepower and ///M cachet?

Click for more details: 2003 BMW 540i M-Sport on Southern California’s Craigslist

Year: 2003
Model: 540i M-Sport
Engine: 4.4 liter V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 84,500 mi
Price: $14,990

2003 BMW 540i M-Sport
Navigation in Dash
Sterling Gray on Tan Leather
84,500 Miles (still being driven)
6-Speed Manual Transmission
4.4L M62 V8 Motor
290HP Factory / 310HP Now
320ft/lbs Torque / 345 ft/lbs Torque Now

This 540i is the M-Sport package from 2003 equipped with M5 body from BMW factory.
Only 1,260 were made and sold in the USA. Only 200 were sold as a 6-speed transmission option.

This car is an M5, minus 100HP.

Performance & Modifications:
1. Dinan stage 2 software flashed to the factory ECU increasing torque & HP, along with AFE air filter & custom mandrel bent stainless steel free flow exhaust. ($1,800 upgrade)
2. UUC Aluminum Flywheel and performance clutch, short shifter and weighted knob. ($1,900 upgrade)
3. Removed factory differential and installed an M5 limited slip 2:81 ratio since the factory 540i differential did not have limited slip and ratio was 3:15. This increases traction and gives slightly improved acceleration. Also installed M5 sway bars for better handling in the corners.
4. Gauge rings similar to M5 dash around Temperature, Fuel, Speedo, and Tach.
5. Removed valve covers and had bead blasted and re-powdercoated as well as replaced all oil seals to get rid of any and all oil leaks.
6. Installed stainless steel braided brake lines all the way around as well as upgraded rotors to cross-drilled and brand new break pads.

COSMETICS:
car is in great condition.
Paint is outstanding.
Just a few chips on front bumper and front edge of the hood.
Interior is PERFECT.
Wheels are spotless, no curb rash.

MECHANICAL:
Replaced bad alternator and power steering pump with BMW parts. $2500
Cooling system has been completely overhauled including Radiator, water-pump and all hoses ect. $1300
The engine runs great.
The engine pulls hard and smooth, no lag in power.
A/C and heater work.
Radio works flawlessly ( has ipod connectivity module installed.)
Suspension is tight and completely noise free.
All lights, sunroof, and window functions work.
Hoses and plastic parts in the engine bay look like new.
OBD-II has NO stored or current codes.

This car was very well maintained and cared for. I have invested $17,000.00 over the last year of ownership performing needed maintenance and tasteful modifications. This is one of the best examples of the E39 540i M-sport you will find. I have had little willingness to put up with any imperfection and repair problems as soon as they show signs of failure. If you know this car I do not have to tell you that it is worth what I am asking and I have much more in the car than I am asking for it so no low ball offers. Pixels is the speedo display have just started to disappear.

I really do like this car; it’s probably a hoot and the owner has done a lot to improve an already-outstanding driver. But he says “I do not have to tell you that it is worth what I am asking…” Well, sir, you may have more than that invested, but why wouldn’t I go buy one of the $15-20k E39 M5s on eBay? There’s an auction right now for one with 96k miles and $16,500 Buy-It-Now. To me, I’d shell out the extra $1500 to buy the best sedan ever. Alternatively, maybe you can use that comparison to have a reasonable discussion with the seller. If he can drop it a thousand or two, this becomes a great proposition.

-NR