BIMMER CHALLENGES
Unique Cars|Issue 478
ED GUIDO’S E39 HAS BEEN HAVING A BIT OF A PARTS-SPIT
GUY ALLEN
BIMMER CHALLENGES

IS IT possible for a car to have a mid-life crisis? If so, the mighty 2003 BMW 540i Sport has just had one at 20 years and 200,000km.

To recap, we bought it from the first owner back in 2015, with 120,000km on the odo. At the time it was in great shape and cost $17,000, compared to the $160k (?!) handed over when new.

The 4.4lt V8 claims somewhere around 290 horses (216kW) and is tied to a five-speed auto. It’s not going to flatten your eyeballs when you sink the slipper, but it’s certainly quick enough to get your attention. Plus it handles nicely while providing a pretty good ride.

All up, it’s a well-balanced ride/performance/ handling package that works on long trips, particularly if there’s the odd twisty mountain road involved.

Up until recently, it’s demanded no more than straightforward servicing, with the odd set of brakes or other consumables thrown in.

This story is from the Issue 478 edition of Unique Cars.

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This story is from the Issue 478 edition of Unique Cars.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

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