Over the past couple months, we’ve featured a few E34 and E39 540i sedans with the M-Sport package. While the E34 540i M-Sport was an extremely limited edition model that was akin to the late model M5 we didn’t get, the E39 540i M-Sport was kind of an M5-light. You were down about 100 horsepower versus the M5, but if you wanted a sporty V8 5 series with an automatic, this was your only ticket. Thankfully, this Dinan tuned 540i M-Sport for sale from our reader Hunter is equipped with the 6-speed manual, giving the new owner a lot of the same pleasures of the infamous super sedan from this era.
Click for details: 2003 BMW 540i M-Sport on BMW CCA Classifieds
Year: 2003
Model: 540i M-Sport
Engine: 4.4 liter V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 59,000 mi
Price: $18,500
Well maintained 2003 BMW 540i M-Sport 6-speed with Dinan upgrades. Only 59,000 miles, always garage kept, recent cooling system overhaul, pixel repair done, new Dinan air filter with sock, Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Documented Dinan upgrades performed by Rusnak BMW and include cold air intake, exhaust, throttle body, mass air-flow sensor, stage 4 software, and front strut bar.
For me, the E39 is fast becoming a timeless machine. It just has presence and design cohesion that subsequent 5 series lack. In this late model, M-Sport trim with the popular Style 37 M-Parallel wheels I really can’t think up a way I would rather have my E39. This car just looks like it means business. Prices for E39 M5s have been steadily climbing the last year or two, with very low mileage examples bringing in excess of $30,000. It would be hard to find an M5 as mint as this 540i M-Sport for the price, and with the Dinan bits, you’re getting closer to that magical M5 horsepower zone.
-Paul
I am not feeling well versed in Dinan architecture so I am curious if these upgrades warrant the increased price. I will say that I’ve always thought the Dinan badges on the back looked rather out of place and rudimentary. Almost cheap.
Alpina and Dinan badges look horrible, the fonts are bad and both are too LARGGGGEEEEEEEE.
I have a 135i with the stage 2 Dinan tune. I got it when it was 20% off for 1600 it increased HP from 300HP to 355HP and added tons of torque …. Well worth the cost and it did not void factory warranty like other tuners