Okay so I've been missing from the forums for a while, picked up a VF SSV then an 06 XT Forester and now I've picked up this.
Car: 99' E39 M-Tech 540i
Transmission: Auto
Mods: Deleted Resonators.
The car is basically stock besides some deleted resonators to give it a little note, ideally I'd like a full exhaust but that might be down the road!
Congratulations...
I think.
I hate to be the one to say it, but someone has been telling you fibs.
That is definitely not stock for a '99 and looks to be a bit of a mongrel "parts bin" car with a '99 base and lot's of bits from other models.
Headlight assembly appears to be from an E38 sedan, not E39. (They don't fit properly!)
Twin exhaust outlet was not standard so this has been changed. (could be a good thing.)
Sport model wasn't released as a model until after 2000 so all the "sport" bits are add-ons.
Front spoiler is a non-genuine M5 copy and I suspect the rear bar is too.
Clear tail-lights are after-market.
Wheels are from a later 7 series.
Steering wheel is from a later Sport model and looks genuine. (but most likely didn't come with this car)
I has the update 7" Screen (upgraded from the 4" screen this car likely came with -again a good thing), and to work properly should also have come with an upgraded Mark 3 or Mark IV Nav to replace the Mark II it probably came with. (also a good thing)
Seats are not "sport" seats, but are the standard comfort seats this model came with. (should be electric with memory.)
If you are lucky, they might have upgraded to the sport diff as well which has lower gearing.
Things to watch out for on these cars:
Transmissions were sealed and promoted as having "lifetime" fluid, so most have never been opened/serviced. High mileage ones will need a rebuild sometime around 150-250K.
(Servicing high mileage ones that have never been done before accelerates failure!)
Cooling systems are crap and prone to failure. Get an alloy radiator and replace the hoses stat or it will leave you on the road somewhere. Around every 80K everything will need replacing.
Water pump failure is common and it's a PITA to get to.
Door handles wil break and Window/Door/boot actuators will fail.
Crappy plastic timing chain guides will need replacing by around 100k or else could cause dramatic engine failure.
Sunroof drains will block and fill your front footwells with water.
These cars are hard on brakes and suspension.
Soft pads mean great brake feel but lots of dust and frequent replacement.
Harder pads mean discs will not last.
It's a trade off.
Electronics - where do I start! LED displays will fade and fail. (If they haven't already). Annoying but repairable, but takes time/knowledge/$.
Ignition switch failure will make lights go on and off randomly.
The MID display will constantly beep and warn you about something not being right.
Don't get me wrong, it's not all bad. They are a fantastic drivers car with a great engine and are a beautiful thing to steer when they are working, but I hope you are handy with the spanners or make friends with your local Indy. You will see a lot of him.
All joking aside, PM me if you need any info and i'll try to help if I can.
By the way, the ///M badge is in the wrong place and is misplaced on this car. (That's why the purists in their E30's are laughing at you as you drive past)
Also have a look the forum below for better subject matter experts and assistance.
Plenty of E39 experts on there that have persisted longer than I did.
(Don't let 'em know Black5 sent you - They may not like me any more since I went to the "dark side" a while ago.
BMW Forums