turbonawd

I'm debating which car to purchase.

99 540i 6speed black on black (clean title) (I think 17mpg?)

or

01 E55 AMG silver on black (salvage title) (I think 13mpg?)


both have about the same amount of miles..

Which would you choose and why?

Peter_02AMG

salvage title or clean tile? tough choice.

CharlyE500

First, W210 E55 don't get 13mpg. I get about 15 city and 25 to 26 MPG in freeway for 30 miles drive. They are very good in MPG. If I were you, I would chose the 540 6 speed. Don't get me wrong about W210 E55, they are powerful and classic looking. I bet E55 will kick 540 *** in any aspect except handling. Salvage title is most concerning. At this year 2001 salvage title, you won't have much chance to sell it in the future.
I know which Silver E55 you are talking, this guy is selling for long time ago ! the car has 148K miles for $8K. I would go with clean title.
Good luck !

turbonawd

Not sure if it's the same one cuz it has 120k miles on it. He wants only 5900 for it? Isn't that a good deal?

The 540i is 4800 and the E55 is 5900

But the 540i has check engine and oil light on :/

The E55 has no check engine or any light on

CharlyE500

Here is a good deal 540 2002 newer. I don't know your budget but this one looks GOOD !

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pts/2752575924.html

CharlyE500

If you plan to keep for long long long time then i don't see any problem with Salvage title E55. Run the VIN in the web, sometimes you can see damage pix. As long its not too bad or no frame damage. Again, if you plan to keep it for long time. $5900 is good deal.

turbonawd

Yeah I actually called that one before and the owner dropped the price. That one is really nice but its a tad over my budget. Maybe I should save for couple weeks and get it hehe

turbonawd

True. I should run the VIN and see. Yeah I agree it is a good deal and there is no body damage at all. The exterior and and interior is clean.

CharlyE500

I kinda like the interior leather and black outside. I have no much knowledge about BMW 5 series. This one has few custom so you better do some homework. If you are good in mechanic or find someone to check the car, you don't want surprises. How much did he lower ?

turbonawd

Yea I'm pretty mechanically inclined but I should get it inspected. He wants 7500 firm

hyperion667

I wouldn't worry about miles per gallon with fun cars you know?
head over to the E55 board and check out the fun those dudes have in
their 55's

turbonawd

So far, everyone is telling me not to go for the Salvaged E55

I should just get a clean title E39 540i?

turbonawd

Hey guys..

The 99 540i owner is willing to drop the price.. the car just needs O2 sensor and a Oil Pan sensor gasket replaced.

4k. Is that a good deal?

aarkaah

Turbonawd,

Don't do it. I have owned a 97 540i 6 Speed - was in good condition - Repairs are through the roof. My friend owns a 02 540i - Same deal.

Salvaged title - MB E55 don't do it! Repairs are unpredictable.

Spend the money now or face the pain later.

Regarding your MPG. E55 is way better I get 17 MPG avg city and interstate. I hit 26 MPG interstate only.

Stay away from the E39 540... please please please..

My w210 has 150K miles and still drives strong - in all one visit a year to the dealer... thats it. E39 you will go at least 4 times a year.

Oh Yeah on the E39 - Everything breaks and is made of plastic. Door handles, Cup Holders - Oh wait - yes even the freaking radiator - which develops a crack or two each year... scare you enough?

Regards,

Double-A

armaniE55

Eh... I'm scared and I'm not even looking at one

I would recommend looking for a "non salvage" used W210 E55 for what your looking to spend I'm sure you could find one. Try Craigslist with out of states search , Ebay hell create a WTB buy here.. I bought my E55 from MBWORLD the car history is just a click away. Agree with the above these cars are such low demand on repairs it's ridiculous.

Armani

GL

MBFLO

if all u got is the cash u lookin to buy the car with ,then id suggest somthing else cuz one major thing goes wrong , you will be out some cash and if you aint got it on hand to fix it the car will sit and u be left with no ride if you dont have a backup car ..
That said I got mine in that situation lol and the E55 has been nothing but a dream to drive . even after two years gone by daily driving it still get a good feelin everytime that sucker starts up
I was bent on gettin a 5 series at first 99-01 wanted 530i but after takin this for test drive ponied up couple grand more n got the AMG .Even drove almost 4 hrs to see it and had lovely 4 hours driving it back through a snow storm .

CharlyE500

Good to know about E39. So far my W210 E55 is very reliable. No repairs (knock on the wood) I did oil filter brake rotor tires change so far in last 9 months of ownership. spend about $2K but all in maintenance. I plan to keep it for long long time..... its only has 89K miles now. The only experience i have with BMW was 745Li 2004, had it for 6 months spent $4K to fix stupid sensors........ sold it before other big repair so...... Good luck !

Strigoi

I wouldn't touch a salvage E55. Make sure it's up to date on maintenance if you do decide to go that route. Routine maintenance can get expensive if it's not up to date. Also check the front brakes, they'll set you back around $700 just for rotors/pads (parts only).

pugads650

i think you guys are talking about my 2000 e55 lol here's my link.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2852027207.html

and heres some pics of the accident that made it salvaged.

pugads650

and heres some pics i took last yesterday. like my add says bring your mechanic or whomever to pre inspect the car. i have nothing to hide the car is straight as an arrow.

Derek@MACAutoCouture

I have never owned an E55, but I have owned a E39 540i, so I'll chime in here.

I loved my 540iT, it was a 2000 wagon, sport package, super rare. It was fast, handled amazing, super comfy for the fam/dogs. It was also a hell of a maintenance nightmare. Those motors are very prone to valve cover gasket failure, if you look at the one you're looking at I can almost guarantee that they are leaking. That car really started to nickel and dime me to death towards the end. Proceed with caution.

CharlyE500

The link doesn't work. So you buy salvage and sell as business ? the car still has about 125k miles ? it looks clean and no major accident at all. I guess car for more than 10 years old, insurance company just pay you the car instead of fixing it. To paint the car around $1500 depend how is done. How much are you asking ?

pugads650

yeah thats what i do. i was looking to get 6900.00 obo. if your interested you can reach me at 626 380 6726 john

ohh and here the link

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2852027207.html

CharlyE500

Oh thanks for clarify. This is a Super clean car for a salvage title. If anyone is looking in budget and want to keep it for long long time, this is the one. Sorry, I already have 2 E55........ if i get 1 more...... wife will eventually kill me. I am looking W140 99 Grand Edition if you can find.

Nachtsturm

IMO, the BMW over the salvage E55.

But if both were clean title, E55 hands down. I have owned a 01 CLK55, and a98 540i. The upkeep on the 540 will surpass the E55. 540i's have cooling issues up the wazoo., along with expensive suspensions. Good news is this car is pre Vanos, so that is one less thing to worry about.

If you can wrench, and don't mind doing so the 540i can be one fun car and go 200k plus with ease. It just wont be free getting there.