Hey NewbieChris...

[The_Grinder]

You are the guy to talk to about BMW's. I'm talking to a guy with a 1998 540i who is intersted in a trade for an RX8. His 540 has 94K miles, and has a KBB value of $9,400. My RX8 has a KBB value of $15,200. If I can get this trade rolling for his 540i and $5,000+ for my RX8 am I making a good deal in your opinion? What do you know about the 5 series and their reliability?

(And of course I would be getting his Bimmer checked out by a third party mechanic before trading)

[NewbieChris]

Maintenance on the 5 series body style you are looking at, e39, can be costly. Some things I would make sure are taken care of. Due to the weight of the car original suspension parts and joints tend to take more wear and tear. Same thing goes for breaks. The standard breaks on the 540 can warp under normal driving conditions...which is sad if you ask me. Depending on what has been replaced fixing these can be expensive. Also, is the car automatic? The 97-99(I Think, I know 98 is included cause that is the model my dad had that failed) automatic transmissions were made by GM and fail. You'd want to ask if the it was replaced. In general well maintained e39 will last a long time. My 540 has 130 or so on it.

You're also going to notice that the cup holders suck, so if you're an animate 'bringer of liquids' into the car you'll be pissed. The e39 also can have annoying little interior issues. A squeak from the rear deck is common, buzzing from the dash. haha. I'm really not selling this car well. Just remember its 10 years old. Just make sure you take it to a good BMW mechanic to have it checked over. They will tell you what needs to be replaced.

To answer the pricing question I would have to know more about the car. As in what the original owner has done in terms of maintenance, what transmission, etc. Heres the problem with KBB and NADA they tend to under estimate BMWs in the opinion of BMW owners. Any more info on the car?

[The_Grinder]

Yeah I have read that the cup holders blow. But what really concerns me is all of the other issues. Every single review has the same theme. Great driving car, great performance, looks great, but be prepared to spend about $1K a year on maintenance and repairs. I just can't swing that right now. I was just jacked to finally be possibly getting rid of my RX8. Thanks for the help bro.

[NewbieChris]

Yeah I have read that the cup holders blow. But what really concerns me is all of the other issues. Every single review has the same theme. Great driving car, great performance, looks great, but be prepared to spend about $1K a year on maintenance and repairs. I just can't swing that right now. I was just jacked to finally be possibly getting rid of my RX8. Thanks for the help bro.

If you are looking for a good driving car that is particularly cheap, the e36 M3 has dropped in price you could probably pick one up for 10k. Maintenance on the e36 is much cheaper. Its just something to consider.

On a side note why do you want to get rid of your RX8 so badly?

[The_Grinder]

On a side note why do you want to get rid of your RX8 so badly?

Honestly.... for right now I want to sell the RX8 and get a cheaper or similarly price used car that will hold its value better. That way in 2 years when I want something "nice" I will be in a better position by a few $K. Take the E36 M3 you mentioned. If I got one for $10K and sold it in a year or two I probably wouldnt lose as much on depreciation as I would keeping the 8 for another year or two.

As far as the car itself there is nothing at all wrong with it. Its a blast to drive and will be missed. Just more of a money thing right now and I'm trying to get what I can out of it before it is a $7K car.

[Mr.Mafioso]

RX-8!!@ what year?

[The_Grinder]

RX-8!!@ what year?

2004 Fully Loaded Grand Touring. Like I said, nice car, just need some money at the moment.

[Mr.Mafioso]

nice

iv always been a huge fan

if i had the money id prolly have one of my own.

[The_Grinder]

nice

iv always been a huge fan

if i had the money id prolly have one of my own.

How much you got? :D

Haha, but seriously, used ones are going for much cheaper than you would think for a relatively new model that is $32K fully loaded. Something to look into.

[The_Grinder]

Hey Chris. A little update on the 540i. He had the car inspected by a BMW dealership a few thousand miles ago. The only problem they found was with the drive belts, which he had replaced. He also had the radiator replaced about 2K miles ago. That is all I know so far about the condition. How should this affect my decision?

Also, how well do you think the E39's value will hold up over say the next 2 years?

[NewbieChris]

Is it this car?

Great 1998 540i Aspen Silver $11,350 - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

[Timber]

to be honest a grand a year in maintenance sounds pretty normal for any vehicle. I have an older Chevy pickup that cost me 2 grand a year on a good year. these days thats just the cost of owning a car

[The_Grinder]

Is it this car?

Great 1998 540i Aspen Silver $11,350 - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

Hell yeah Chris that is the car. Crazy you found that because I actually found it on the RX8 forum while the guy was looking for a trade.

[The_Grinder]

to be honest a grand a year in maintenance sounds pretty normal for any vehicle. I have an older Chevy pickup that cost me 2 grand a year on a good year. these days thats just the cost of owning a car

Maybe I'm spoiled by Japanese vehicles because my yearly maintenance for the past 2 years in my RX8 has consisted of oil changes, fluid checks, and cleaning my re-chargable K&N panel filter once.

I wouldn't call $1K a year "normal" unless you are talking about certain cars.

[dna9488]

Maybe I'm spoiled by Japanese vehicles because my yearly maintenance for the past 2 years in my RX8 has consisted of oil changes, fluid checks, and cleaning my re-chargable K&N panel filter once.

I wouldn't call $1K a year "normal" unless you are talking about certain cars.

Dude remember your car is fairly new. Newer cars don't need that much work. On the other hand, my '93 Acura Legend at 145K miles needs work. I spend about a 1-2grand a year. Anywhere from performance mods, to simple keep up.
If you do decide to get that BMW, its just going to need work because its older than your RX-8, and its a BMW. Everything is expensive on a bimmer. Also, if you don't fix a problem quickly, it will lead to a bigger and more expensive problem.