Since I seem to be close to being finished with training my replacement at work I need to prepare for future unemployment. That means liquidating some project/toys. Well only one I guess.....
1997 BMW 540i 6 speed manual. 230k miles. 100% original car down to the windshield. Paint meter shows between 1.0 to 2.5 mil of paint all over. Very rare 97 with non-vanos M62 engine. I remember staring at the same car on the showroom back in the day wearing a sticker price of $56k and always wanted one. Found this one on the back lot of a pot lot about 3 years ago. Owner was driving it and had done a bunch of work to it, and I fell in love. And was happy to over pay based on condition. Used as daily since, left me stranded only one time. Heated comfort seats, 4 spoke steering wheel DSP surround sound CD changer factory options.
Here is the good and the bad.
Good:
Condition. Almost impossible to find a 6 speed that hasn't been driven hard and put away wet. Paint shows the age and miles but never hit or repainted.
Interior is clean. Well should be cleaned but shows little wear. No holes rips headliner staying up nicely. All windows work sunroof works radio works a/c works heater works cruise works.
The not too bad:
Headlights faded and pretty well rock chipped all over the front. Front bumper met a parking block courtesy of one of my kids/wife and is broken. Wheels (original BBS) need refinishing-no real curbing but clear coming loose.
Pixels on cluster missing and odometer light is out. Buttons falling off climate control head. Drivers side seat heater cuts out if you sit all the way back on cushion. Rear seats fold down but are locked-I only have valet key. Alarm very rarely goes off after locking. Not consistent enough to figure out-left it unlocked.
Auxillary fan inop. Doesn't overheat but I turn off a/c in stop and go traffic to be safe.
Could be daily driven again with some minor attention and a pinch of good luck.
Has thrown code for camshaft position sensor-not currently there but has come and gone two times. Could be a sensor, could be chains. Too scared to look into it-parked it the second time I saw the code to prevent further damage. I might just be parinoid but have enough respect for the car not to break a chain and condemn it. But have no time space or correct tools to do myself. Does not make noise from chain covers.
Power steering pump super loud after sitting. Fluid looks full but whines like a baby.
Squeaky front and rear brakes-have not looked at.
60 mph shake that is asking for some front end bushings.
Tires about 40% left on some Michelin touring type tire.
That's about it. Love to see it go to an owner who has time and money to bring it back.
Located in Minden NV about an hour south of Reno.
$2017 firm-and only advertised here for now. Will be asking more everywhere else.
Clean title in hand. Possible trade for 4wd automatic that daughter could drive-prefer Ranger or similar but not a Subaru. And I could be available for delivery at end of month :(
Pics in link below. Parked at family home about 30 minutes away from mine. Questions fastest response at veedubstuff At yaaaaahoooooo. Or text 775 434 eight six six five.
