BMW 540Ia Sport (SOLD)
22-02-2011, 11:50 AM
#1
BMW 540Ia Sport (SOLD)
Welcome to my advert for my beloved late 2000 facelift highly specified Titanium Silver 540ia Sport (Nov 2000 facelift M62TU engine - low tax bracket).
This car, as you would expect from a BMW, is absolutely stunning. With the big 4.4i V8 it goes like a BMW should and gives a simply brilliant driving experience.
The mileage of the car is now at 140,000 – but do NOT let this put you off – The engine is silky smooth, uses no oil at all and is in absolutely perfect mechanical order. The steptronic gearbox has been meticulously cared for with oil and filter changes in order to keep it at the peak of perfection.
With the purr of the V8 when cruising in traffic coupled to the amazing steptronic (semi)automatic gearbox the drive is absolutely effortless, and should you feel the need to drive a little enthusiastically then the steering wheel is fitted with gear shift paddles – just like the M3 SMG and the latest M5 SMG which give the more discerning driver the chance to change gear in complete comfort without the need to take a hand off the steering wheel.
The car started life originally as a 540i Sport and has only a handful of subtle modifications which completely compliment the car. These include:
Genuine E39 M5 wheels - Shod with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 rubber (245/40/18 front with 4mm tread and nearly new Yokohama Advan 265/35/18 rear
M5 style quad exhaust with Carbon Fibre diffuser
M5 front bumper mesh with brake ducting
M5 mirrors in black to match the bumper trims (fully folding, heated, electric, blue tinted and with the "blind spot" edge)
M3 SMG steering wheel with gear shift paddles
DVD player in the boot connected to the standard 16:9 Nav system via the AUX feature on the TV mode, complete with remote control
TV In Motion
Uprated front brake pads (EBC Yellow Stuff) rear brake pads (EBC Red Stuff)
CCFL replacement sidelight bulbs
All Black “Kidney Grills”
The previous owner also fitted a Limited Slip Differential with a slightly shorter ratio (3.23:1 as opposed to the standard 2.81:1 ratio) for quicker acceleration (no loss of cruising economy - 2500rpm at 70mph in 5th –) – BMW, in their wisdom, never fitted LSD’s to any of their production vehicles (except “M” cars) After 1997, and instead opted for the DSC to control the transfer of torque between the rear wheels. In reality, the DSC only serves to cut power when it is needed most. The addition of an LSD transforms the way the car puts power on the road with less intrusion from the DSC and then with the DSC switched off, a more responsive and sure footed driving experience.
The specification of the vehicle when it rolled off the production line was extensive. This included the following options (not extensive but the majority):
Leather Electric Sports Seats,
Electronic Adjustable Steering Column
Memory Keys with “personal vehicle setup - Drivers seat position, Steering Column angle, Temperature, Radio Station, Mirror Position etc)
Auto-Dip rear view mirror
Front Fog Lights
Ski bag
High Level On Board Computer
Cruise Control
BMW Alarm + Immobiliser (Thatcham Cat 2)
Top-Tinted Windscreen
Bluetooth Phone preparation
Dual Zone climate control + Air Conditioning
Electric Glass Sun Roof
Electric rear sun blind
Manual rear side blinds
Warning Triangle
First Aid kit
BMW Tool Kit
Glovebox Torch
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
ABS
Front centre armrest with oddments tray
Steptronic Transmission
Servotronic power steering (speed related)
Rain sensing wipers
Xenon Head Lights + Angle Eyes (OEM Fitment)
16:9 On Board Monitor (updated with latest “split screen” software)
GPS Satellite Navigation (Mk3)
DSP 10 speaker Sound System 6 CD Changer
Television
Traffic Master Guidance
Latent Heat reservoir
De-chroming (High Gloss Black)
Multifunctional “M Sports” Steering Wheel with dual stage airbag
8 airbags + Seatbelt pre-Tensioners
As you would expect from a car of this calibre, there is an extensive and FULL BMW service history with having only 4 owners (1st owner registering the car to his company and then later to himself as a way of tax relief (technically 1 owner), the next owner from 2004 to 2008, then to a Graceland on this forum then myself)
The service history comprises of not just service stamps but service inspection sheets and a stack of other paperwork with a multitude of receipts from Victoria BMW Harrogate and BMW Specialist Cars Luton to back the cars history up. All previous MOT certificates bar the first one (2003) and the car has never had a gap between testing.
The car was extensively looked after by Victoria BMW in Harrogate with the first owner and then Specialist Cars BMW Luton with the second owner.
Only a couple of tiny bad parts about the car really - there is a small patch of paint bubbling rust on the tailgate at the bottom right which is no bigger than a 50p piece (can be seen in the photo's and a common E39 problem), a tiny dink in the offside front wing (about the size of a 5p) from a bird strike on the motorway, a small graze on the NSR wheel (about 20mm long), The rest of the wheels are immaculate and completely un-damaged) and the front bumper has the usual stone chips you have now grown to expect from the E39.
Mechanically the car is in superb condition and wants for absolute nothing.
The car last visited BMW for an Oil Service at 126133 miles which also included a brake fluid change and coolant change (5/12/08), with the previous visit at 118275 miles for an Inspection II (03/09/07)
Service details (Not just stamps, but the paperwork to back the stamp up too)
BMW Victoria Harrogate = VH
BMW Luton Specialist Cars = LS
30/11/00 - PDI - 00000 - VH
25/06/01 - Oil Service - 13709 - VH
05/03/02 - Inspection I - 30590 - VH
20/11/02 - Oil Service, Brake Fluid, Coolant - 45433 - VH
24/09/03 - Inspection II - 59251 - VH
07/09/04 - Oil Service, Brake Fluid, Coolant - 75688 - VH
27/07/05 - Inspection I, 91832 - VH
03/07/06 - Oil Service, Brake Fluid, Coolant - 105302 - LS
03/09/07 - Inspection II, 118275 - LS
05/12/08 - Oil Service, Brake Fluid, Coolant - 126133 - LS
The drive is what you would expect from a highly "Money No Object" maintained BMW - tight and frugal with no knocking, banging or other nasty noises from any of the suspension components and sub frame.
This car has NEVER been smoked in so the interior has no nasty discolouration or foul smells.
Taxed for 2 months, MOT until December (during the MOT it was found to have excessive wear on the OSF lower suspension arm, this was duly replaced with receipts to prove
As you would expect for a BMW that has been pampered all of its life, it comes with 2 master "remote" keys, valet key and emergency wallet key plus all user manuals and associated paperwork for the service history
Price £5500
This car, as you would expect from a BMW, is absolutely stunning. With the big 4.4i V8 it goes like a BMW should and gives a simply brilliant driving experience.
The mileage of the car is now at 140,000 – but do NOT let this put you off – The engine is silky smooth, uses no oil at all and is in absolutely perfect mechanical order. The steptronic gearbox has been meticulously cared for with oil and filter changes in order to keep it at the peak of perfection.
With the purr of the V8 when cruising in traffic coupled to the amazing steptronic (semi)automatic gearbox the drive is absolutely effortless, and should you feel the need to drive a little enthusiastically then the steering wheel is fitted with gear shift paddles – just like the M3 SMG and the latest M5 SMG which give the more discerning driver the chance to change gear in complete comfort without the need to take a hand off the steering wheel.
The car started life originally as a 540i Sport and has only a handful of subtle modifications which completely compliment the car. These include:
Genuine E39 M5 wheels - Shod with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 rubber (245/40/18 front with 4mm tread and nearly new Yokohama Advan 265/35/18 rear
M5 style quad exhaust with Carbon Fibre diffuser
M5 front bumper mesh with brake ducting
M5 mirrors in black to match the bumper trims (fully folding, heated, electric, blue tinted and with the "blind spot" edge)
M3 SMG steering wheel with gear shift paddles
DVD player in the boot connected to the standard 16:9 Nav system via the AUX feature on the TV mode, complete with remote control
TV In Motion
Uprated front brake pads (EBC Yellow Stuff) rear brake pads (EBC Red Stuff)
CCFL replacement sidelight bulbs
All Black “Kidney Grills”
The previous owner also fitted a Limited Slip Differential with a slightly shorter ratio (3.23:1 as opposed to the standard 2.81:1 ratio) for quicker acceleration (no loss of cruising economy - 2500rpm at 70mph in 5th –) – BMW, in their wisdom, never fitted LSD’s to any of their production vehicles (except “M” cars) After 1997, and instead opted for the DSC to control the transfer of torque between the rear wheels. In reality, the DSC only serves to cut power when it is needed most. The addition of an LSD transforms the way the car puts power on the road with less intrusion from the DSC and then with the DSC switched off, a more responsive and sure footed driving experience.
The specification of the vehicle when it rolled off the production line was extensive. This included the following options (not extensive but the majority):
Leather Electric Sports Seats,
Electronic Adjustable Steering Column
Memory Keys with “personal vehicle setup - Drivers seat position, Steering Column angle, Temperature, Radio Station, Mirror Position etc)
Auto-Dip rear view mirror
Front Fog Lights
Ski bag
High Level On Board Computer
Cruise Control
BMW Alarm + Immobiliser (Thatcham Cat 2)
Top-Tinted Windscreen
Bluetooth Phone preparation
Dual Zone climate control + Air Conditioning
Electric Glass Sun Roof
Electric rear sun blind
Manual rear side blinds
Warning Triangle
First Aid kit
BMW Tool Kit
Glovebox Torch
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
ABS
Front centre armrest with oddments tray
Steptronic Transmission
Servotronic power steering (speed related)
Rain sensing wipers
Xenon Head Lights + Angle Eyes (OEM Fitment)
16:9 On Board Monitor (updated with latest “split screen” software)
GPS Satellite Navigation (Mk3)
DSP 10 speaker Sound System 6 CD Changer
Television
Traffic Master Guidance
Latent Heat reservoir
De-chroming (High Gloss Black)
Multifunctional “M Sports” Steering Wheel with dual stage airbag
8 airbags + Seatbelt pre-Tensioners
As you would expect from a car of this calibre, there is an extensive and FULL BMW service history with having only 4 owners (1st owner registering the car to his company and then later to himself as a way of tax relief (technically 1 owner), the next owner from 2004 to 2008, then to a Graceland on this forum then myself)
The service history comprises of not just service stamps but service inspection sheets and a stack of other paperwork with a multitude of receipts from Victoria BMW Harrogate and BMW Specialist Cars Luton to back the cars history up. All previous MOT certificates bar the first one (2003) and the car has never had a gap between testing.
The car was extensively looked after by Victoria BMW in Harrogate with the first owner and then Specialist Cars BMW Luton with the second owner.
Only a couple of tiny bad parts about the car really - there is a small patch of paint bubbling rust on the tailgate at the bottom right which is no bigger than a 50p piece (can be seen in the photo's and a common E39 problem), a tiny dink in the offside front wing (about the size of a 5p) from a bird strike on the motorway, a small graze on the NSR wheel (about 20mm long), The rest of the wheels are immaculate and completely un-damaged) and the front bumper has the usual stone chips you have now grown to expect from the E39.
Mechanically the car is in superb condition and wants for absolute nothing.
The car last visited BMW for an Oil Service at 126133 miles which also included a brake fluid change and coolant change (5/12/08), with the previous visit at 118275 miles for an Inspection II (03/09/07)
Service details (Not just stamps, but the paperwork to back the stamp up too)
BMW Victoria Harrogate = VH
BMW Luton Specialist Cars = LS
30/11/00 - PDI - 00000 - VH
25/06/01 - Oil Service - 13709 - VH
05/03/02 - Inspection I - 30590 - VH
20/11/02 - Oil Service, Brake Fluid, Coolant - 45433 - VH
24/09/03 - Inspection II - 59251 - VH
07/09/04 - Oil Service, Brake Fluid, Coolant - 75688 - VH
27/07/05 - Inspection I, 91832 - VH
03/07/06 - Oil Service, Brake Fluid, Coolant - 105302 - LS
03/09/07 - Inspection II, 118275 - LS
05/12/08 - Oil Service, Brake Fluid, Coolant - 126133 - LS
The drive is what you would expect from a highly "Money No Object" maintained BMW - tight and frugal with no knocking, banging or other nasty noises from any of the suspension components and sub frame.
This car has NEVER been smoked in so the interior has no nasty discolouration or foul smells.
Taxed for 2 months, MOT until December (during the MOT it was found to have excessive wear on the OSF lower suspension arm, this was duly replaced with receipts to prove
As you would expect for a BMW that has been pampered all of its life, it comes with 2 master "remote" keys, valet key and emergency wallet key plus all user manuals and associated paperwork for the service history
Price £5500
Last edited by Twellsie; 05-03-2011 at 10:27 AM.
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22-02-2011, 04:12 PM
#10
Team HOTHOT!
If I had the money I would have it back in a heartbeat, Regret getting rid of it tbh 
Whats the mileage on it now Rich?
Whats the mileage on it now Rich?
Last edited by Graceland; 22-02-2011 at 04:13 PM.
22-02-2011, 06:13 PM
#12
Team HOTHOT!
Missed that bit 
Not done many miles then in the 18 months
Seriously, for anyone who is interested in this car, you simply will NOT find a better one out there - This one has everything and more - It is the only 540ia with an LSD that I know of (I should know, I fitted it to the car!) and is superb in every single way.
Whoever buys this will not be dissapointed and that is 100% a certainty!
Not done many miles then in the 18 months
Seriously, for anyone who is interested in this car, you simply will NOT find a better one out there - This one has everything and more - It is the only 540ia with an LSD that I know of (I should know, I fitted it to the car!) and is superb in every single way.
Whoever buys this will not be dissapointed and that is 100% a certainty!
Last edited by Graceland; 22-02-2011 at 06:15 PM.
28-02-2011, 10:11 AM
#17
Team HOTHOT!
All being well Mark yes - Just waiting on Rich getting back to me with a collection date, we have agreed a price which is excellent for both of us and I'm currently sweet-talking Adam into seeing sence
Already got the cash here waiting so no problems there
It is one of the few cars that I can honestly say I 100% regret selling
Now, I need to sell my 03 Omega 2.2 DTi CD Diesel to someone to make space in the driveway
Rich - If you want me to Paypal you a deposit in the meantime then PM me your paypal address and I'll fire a cheeky £100 over
Already got the cash here waiting so no problems there
It is one of the few cars that I can honestly say I 100% regret selling
Now, I need to sell my 03 Omega 2.2 DTi CD Diesel to someone to make space in the driveway
Rich - If you want me to Paypal you a deposit in the meantime then PM me your paypal address and I'll fire a cheeky £100 over
Last edited by Graceland; 28-02-2011 at 10:15 AM.
28-02-2011, 11:05 AM
#18
PassionFord Post Troll
Join Date: Apr 2004
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I'm not surprised to see your having it back Gracie , it's a properly specced car without having to pay m5tax.
I read your write up on the diff change but couldn't find anything on the paddle shift upgrade , have you got any info?
Any plans to change or upgrade anything else?
I read your write up on the diff change but couldn't find anything on the paddle shift upgrade , have you got any info?
Any plans to change or upgrade anything else?
28-02-2011, 11:19 AM
#19
Team HOTHOT!
The padel shift was done before I got the car, but is VERY easy to do - Involves simply fitting the steering wheel and then running from the back of the slip ring on the column 3 wires to the gear shift switch in the center console - About an hours work for a competant mechanic
Plans wise, Already looking at prices on the 4.6 M62TU engines as fitted to the X5 - they are somewhere in the region of 350bhp and a direct swap with no ECU changes
Plans wise, Already looking at prices on the 4.6 M62TU engines as fitted to the X5 - they are somewhere in the region of 350bhp and a direct swap with no ECU changes
28-02-2011, 07:09 PM
#21
01-03-2011, 09:52 AM
#22
Team HOTHOT!
We're currently not speaking after a rather heated arguement over me even thinking about buying back the car
BUT I am off to view it on Saturday
Last edited by Graceland; 01-03-2011 at 11:48 AM.
01-03-2011, 07:05 PM
#23
Chasing Radders
02-03-2011, 08:24 AM
#24
Team HOTHOT!
I've managed to sweet talk Adam a bit more, told him I want my car back and he didn't argue just said something along the lines of "money, house desposit, payback loan" - I switched off at that point and felt happy
arses 
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