1997 BMW 5 Series 540i Touring from UK and Ireland - Comments

20th Mar 2007, 15:57

"A masterpiece of German Engineering"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Air conditioning condenser fan failed (common problem I'm told). The condenser was an original BMW part and was showing very minor signs of leakage, so it was replaced at the same time as the fan (£300 all in).

Rear window lift motor has failed. Fortunately in the 'up' position, Not yet been quoted to repair/replace.

Both rocker cover gaskets replaced due to very minor leak (£100 all in).

General comments?

Had the restrictive rear silencer removed and replaced with a magnaflow universal rear box.

Also had the engine management system re-mapped by a company called 'Chipped-UK'. These modifications saw the BHP rise from 282 (Still as good as the day it left the factory! That shows just how good these engines are) to 320. The fuel consumption is also better now and the car has a far smoother power curve. The difference in power is excellent and the car sounds wonderful too. According to the on board computer, on the motorway at around 70 - 80mph, It can return between 27 and 37mpg.

The car has the TV and Satnav too, so it's almost home from home in there.

Absolutely love this car. May sell one day, but likely to be only for another 540 touring or 3 series convertible with the 2.8 engine, or an M3 if I can afford one.


21st Mar 2007, 10:50

Nice set of wheels, I had an 1997 840i.Absolute Posing Machine, but the Fuel economy around town was very bad. I used to get between 9 and 11 MPG urban. Maybe its how I drove it. Out of interest what MPG do you get around town?

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