Why I Bought My First BMW: 2003 E39 540i M-Sport Manual!

Am I insane to have bought a high mileage 2003 BMW 540i M-Sport? Time will tell.

[Minerva___]

So nearly 7 months later, do you still own the car and how do you feel about it? Curious about any potential maintenance issues.

[ryanriesenberger]

I own a ‘95 540i and there’s no better feeling than owning a car that’s appreciating in value.

[myanime]

Honda guy " this is the first car I've had with LEGITIMATE TORQUE haha

[MatthewAllen]

Do. Not. Sell. This beauty. I sold mine in 2009 and it's now that one car I wish I never sold. It's hard to find these cars in that good condition.

[MaxSpeedMike]

If anyone ever asks why I drive manual, it is always the same 3 answers;
1. Keeps you more focused and engaged
2. Gives you more control and a better driving experience
3. Most of all, it is always MORE FUN!

[Speedgear]

e39 is by far one of the best bmw ever made, im a proud owner of one, wont trade it for a new one.

[CJAEY]

E39's always been my favorite 5. Electrics on them can be finnicky but they're a pleasure to drive

[chasevans]

I've had mine as a daily driver for the last 5 years. Normally I get bored and change my daily every year. It does comfy limo for transporting Mrs and kids and it does third gear clutch kick huge slides when they aren't in it. The best mod you can do to it is fit an E39 M5 limited slip differential (needs M5 propshaft and driveshafts to fit). That makes skidding more predictable but other than that it's perfect straight out the factory.

[Fee.]

I bet you fall in love with it and keep it longer

[saviorstyles]

Not going to lie that car looks amazing

[ethownzbh]

These things are awesome. Basically a bargain e39 m5.

[JamesMotorsport]

And much respect for switching it up, there are too many cool cars in this world to own. If you ever need any BMW repair advice hollah at cha boy we got you

[FlyinGato]

I used to own one of these back in 2009, it was silver with Eisenmann exhaust, was glorious with it's 6 speed manual.

[dacarguru]

Still got mine and drive it every day, except in the winter. Nothing else can give you a total package in one car and be cheap to buy like an e39 540i. It’s not too bad on maintenenace and mine has been reliable *knock on wood.* I’ve got the DINAN exhaust and with the 6 speed and V8, it’s the best bang for your buck vehicle. Congrats!

[eleonik]

Honda man here, had 6 Accords and almost any 2 door coupe except the NSX and S2000. Went threw E39 though and hands down, better in any way than any Accord. Mine was 525i, and yes, the Type R is faster and more nimble in the city, but on the highway this has no match. I drive it fully loaded at 220 kmh with barely touching the steering with my finger. Cross winds cant move it an inch. Comfort, materials, build quality, and its so damn easy to work on it that it hurts! Air and cabin filters (2) are changed for less than 3 mins. Coils, fuses, everything on this car is so easy accessible. Has few weak spots like Vanos and the cooling system, but if you service them in time and use quality oil, wont give you hard time. Good choice, however, you should have gone with the 530i, straight 6, way smoother and cheaper to maintain, power wise not big gap. Enjoy it!

[tudorpescar]

This is the best car you'll ever own. E39's are special.... I'll stay stick with at least one e39 for the hole life!

[JBaek]

Daily driver issue is always relative to the person's life style and needs. So many people argue that you're "weak" cause you don't want to DD a manual car, two seater, or high horsepower, tuned suspension for the track, etc etc.. but really, when you just need something comfortable, something 4 door with cargo space, for daily commute route (traffic/road condition/etc), not many sports cars fit the bill WELL... especially modified examples. I've had my S2k for 10 years now since new and few motorcycles and always had a DD to the fleet, and it's the best "mod" I've done to my S2K and Ducati. But if you're rich then everything changes lol.

[jordanunderwood]

I used to be so obsessed with these back before I bought my g35, I wanted a 540i m sport 6 speed so bad. I used to check eBay and Craigslist every day for one but eventually figured I needed a reliable car. Still think this is one of the best looking bmws ever. The M-par wheels are my favorite OEM wheels. Congrats to you and thank you for reminding me how amazing these really are. Except for those horrible cup holders.

You now own two of my absolute favorite cars ever. NSX and 540i M-Sport

[zemiorka]

I own one too! I love it! The sound, the look, easy to fix, everything!

[typhoon]

after watching this video i set out to buy a 540i m-sport. test drove one and everything. unfortunately, i chose not to get one but i did get an '05 imola red 330i saloon 6 speed mani zhp. i love this car!
thanks for your well spoken description