Rare 2001 540iT Touring in Stunning condition

2001 BMW 5-Series Sports Model Description

There are few BMW models that have received more accolades over the years than the E39 Touring (wagon). In particular the 540iT version, sporting a near-300 HP engine, represents the pinnacle of German engineering. The 540iT Touring is rare indeed, and highly sought after, since 2003 was the final year for the E39 series and the last year that BMW sold a 540 Touring model in the U.S. Even today, if you want cargo-carrying capacity in a BMW, you have to opt for a BMW SUV "truck”.

Where else can you find such a stunning vehicle that has the passenger and cargo carrying capacity of an SUV, but the sporty handling characteristics of the "Ultimate Driving Machine”

This particular example is a one-owner, and offered by me, the original owner. My wife and I special-ordered this car and picked it up right at the factory in Munich, logging its first miles around Europe before shipping it back to the states some 45 days later.

Our 540iT was ordered with non-standard black leather interior, and the stunning Orient Blue exterior. It included the BMW "sport" package, which featured M5 details (such as black-out exterior trim, and M3 steering wheel), and a lowered and stiffened sport suspension with special, wider, radial spoke wheels and lower profile tires. Other features: 6 way electric sport seats, manual/shifting automatic, 10 speaker stereo/CD system, automatic height-adjusting rear suspension and electric sun roof.

The original paint is still in stunning condition, with no cracking or clear coat peeling. This could be attributed to the fact that this car has ALWAYS been garaged since new, even during the day when at work (we owned our own business and provided sheltered parking for ourselves).

The car has always lived in a dry, rust free environment (mostly its current location here near Austin, Texas), and shows absolutely no signs of any sort of corrosion or rust, externally, or underneath. The only minor exterior blemish (save for the expected front hood gravel pits and a few minor parking lot side panel depressions) is a small quarter-sized area at the gas filler door which inexplicably developed a bit of corrosion a number of years ago. It has been treated with primer, factory blue touchup and clearcoat, and has held up for the past 8-9 years without further issue. However, the touch-up, done by hand with a small brush, IS noticeably on close inspection.

The interior is in equally stunning original condition. The beautiful black leather seats are in supple, like-new condition, without a single scratch or tear. Likewise, the dash, carpeting and headliner are in beautiful condition. Even the original floor mats are still in great condition.

The car still has all its original manuals, tools, and jacking equipment. And, as a bonus, we include a $500 factory roof rack for bicycles or skis. Regrettably, despite our initial enthusiasm for its use, it has never been installed on the car, and other than a bit of dust, is still in new condition.

This car has been carefully and lovingly maintained throughout its life, befitting the status of a $60,000 vehicle. This includes oil and filter changes according to manufacturer's schedule (always 20/50W full synthetic), periodic coolant flush and refill, and brake system flush.

There are no noticeable fluid leaks on the car, and compression remains excellent, with every sign this engine will last indefinitely.

We have been religious in repairing minor defects when they occur, to insure that everything works as should be on the car. To that end, the following components have been rebuilt or replaced within the past 10,000 miles:

• · Lifetime warranty aluminum radiator (the OEM original radiators have plastic cases, with an average life span of about 3 years)
• · New radiator header tank, temperature sensor, and hoses
• · New all-metal water pump
• · New alternator
• · New Power Steering Pump
• · New power steering hydraulic hoses
• · Intake manifold valley gaskets replaced (a common leakage area, very labor intensive to replace)
• · Timing chain tensioner and chain replaced (again, a common problem area with higher mileage cars, and a very expensive job)
• · New brake rotors and pads, all 4 wheels
• · All wheels removed, professionally bead blasted and powder coated to original OEM condition
• · New windshield wiper blades
• · New front windshield surround trim
• · Replacement HID headlight ballast modules
• · ALL interior gas discharge digital display modules overhauled with lifetime warranty (failure of display segments is common). All digital segments do currently illuminate properly
• · Interior door panels removed and factory-correct moisture seals replaced (leaking through these seals when it rains is a common issue)
• · New passenger-side electric window motor
• · New driver-side electric seat motor
• · Both rear suspension air modules replaced
• · Automatic transmission fluid flushed every 60,000 miles as recommended by outside experts (requires special equipment)
• · All 8 ignition coil packs replaced (spares are included)
• · New front chrome "kidney" grills
• · 1 new tire (due to failure of the predecessor).. all others have serviceable remaining tread

All features of the car still function as original, including all gauges, telescopic steering wheel, electric windows, remote locks, remote mirrors, rear tailgate wiper, radio, cruise control, etc. The only single item I am aware of that isn't working is the front windshield washer, due to a leaking washer fluid reservoir. I have explored this issue, and find a new plastic tank is inexpensive, but requires removing the plastic inner fender liner for access, so I will leave this task to the next new owner.

In summary, this car is being offered in stellar exterior and interior condition, mechanically sound, with all major failure-prone areas having been addressed in recent times.

Regrettably, after 16 incredible and enjoyable years of ownership, we have finally moved on to other cars in our garage, and there is no longer room for our beloved old friend. So.. we pass the keys along to the next lucky owner.

The price of this originally-$60,000 car reflects the high mileage on the odometer, and affords ownership of a stunning, reliable, luxury vehicle for the price of an old Honda! No doubt this car will continue to give dependable service for many more thousands of miles.

Feel free to call if you want to discuss this beautiful car, or would like additional pictures.

Shipping is of course at buyer's expense, but I am always happy to assist in coordinating with the buyer's shipper in any way I can.

Phil Auldridge 512 517-0055