BMW 540i (E39)

ENGINE 4398cc/V8/DOHC POWER 282bhp@5700rpm TORQUE 310lb ft@3900rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 155mph 0-60MPH 6.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 23-27mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 103,866 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The V8 fires up to a refined burble. It sounds naughty, and as you start to prod the accelerator it swiftly becomes clear that there’s a muscle car beneath the E39’s respectability. There’s a willingness to rev from the engine and it pulls strongly through the gears. The automatic gearbox moves through the ratios seamlessly, with no slurring or hesitation. The dynamics are sharpened in sport mode, the kickdown is more urgent and there are more revs to play with – it engages perfectly. This may be though a Sport model but the suspension is beautifully compliant, and exhibits no rattles or vibrations. The steering is similarly good – it’s initially light but firms up well under pressure with no dead zones. The brakes are sharp yet predictable and pedal feel is good, with no tramlining. Road noise is at a normal level, indicating there are no duff window rubbers.

BODYWORK CHECK

The body is largely good, with only a few minor marks that you’d expect of a car with half this one’s mileage. There’s some minor paint peel on one of the door frames and discolouration on the panel above the offside front wheel, though you really have to look closely to spot it. There are a few touched-in stonechips on the snout and a minor scuff to the nearside front door. There are slight marks on the bootlid and rear bumper, plus a rubbing mark under the nearside rear light. Most of the window’s encasement is in perfect order and the glass itself is unblemished. The rear window rubber is showing some cracking but there are no signs of water ingress. The alloy wheels have been freshly refurbished and wear Continental Sport Contact 5 235/40 R18 tyres up front and Kumho Ecsta 265/35 R18s at the rear. All have an excellent level of tread remaining.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The silver trim is in good condition but a little discoloured here and there. The headlining is unblemished, the sunroof works perfectly and all the tactile elements are free from wear. The front seats show only light creasing while the rears looks unused. All the controls – including the radio and air conditioning – work perfectly and there are no dead instruments or display pixels. The carpets are in fine condition.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay looks concoursready, with no sign of corrosion. All the fluids are up to the maximum mark and none show signs of leaking. The service history reveals that it’s had largely annual services mostly from BMW dealers up until 2008. The stamps are absent from 2012 to 2016, but the car was serviced last year.

THE CCW VIEW

Some might not view the E39 5 Series as a true classic, but it’s one of the 1990s’ most accomplished saloons and the engine is a peach. 540is at this price will seem cheap in a few years’ time…