2003 BMW 540i M-Sport 6 speed manual (One year only, like M5 ) V8 not 530i 528i

2003 BMW 5-Series M-Sport Description

Relisted due to a fraudulent "buyer"I am regretfully selling my 2003 BMW 540i M-Sport.
The GOOD:This is a one-year-only and very rare model. Unlike other 540i, 530i or 528i models, this was a special edition BMW made for 2003 to send off the e39 chassis with style before the next model, the e60, was released. There are other years of 540i Sports but this is the only true M-Sport and only sold in 2003 in the USA. I searched for months for this example since I wanted this color (it is "sterling gray"), with a 6-speed manual stick shift transmission and the rear power sunshade/side window sun shade option. I also refused to buy a car with rust so this one is from CA/AZ its whole life until I bought it.This car has ZERO rust, none. I challenge you to find another car for sale in a climate like Chicago with less rust.I have years and years of service records and even the original window sticker.TONS of work has been done to this car...basically all the work you do not want to have to do has been done between 194k miles and now (202k miles) so this car will be good for at least another 100k miles and more.
The AC works excellent, as do the windows, locks, rear power sunshade, rear trunk button, lights, cruise control, power seats etc.The radio works great and even the LED pixels in the dash, on board computer and radio work perfectly which is rare for these cars.It has the bi-xenon headlights with angel eyes (all factory parts)This car also has the one-year-only and M-sport-only black headliner.The e39-specific M-parallel wheels are included with the cars with good tires mounted to them.The engine pulls hard and it very fast but can still break loose the traction of the fat rear tires from time to time, especially in the rain.The big V8 sounds great out of the 2003-only rear exhaust surrounded by the M5-style body kit.Perhaps most importantly is the M-technic II suspension that came on this car from new. This is M5 suspension on a 540i and quite hard to come by.The car is SOLID on the highway and fun and responsive on twisting roads.Paint color and condition is pretty good but see below for some info on dings and dents.You can get a full options list from bimmer.work.I have the vehicle history report from when I bought the car plus the clear/clean title in my name and in hand. Please let me know if you have questions or wish to see the car.The cooling system works great even in the hot summers here and with the AC cranking.
THE BADThere is a small (couple of quarter-sized drips on the driveway after driving the car) power steering leak. Does not affect driveability but every 3 months or so I add an ounce of P/S fluid to the car. (I do not drive it often, I have a minivan daily driver).The Sunroof is finicky but I can always get it closed by messing with the buttons to adjust it shutThere is a check engine light on for a timing sprocket adjustment. This has absolutely no effect on driveability, fuel mileage or performance. The computer sensors in these cars are so sensitive that if the timing adjustment is read even slightly incorrectly it throws a code. I have the procedure to adjust this item but I have not gotten around to it. I can provide the adjustment process in writing to any buyer. Other than that, the car is mechanically sound. IThe headlights are a little cloudy.The passenger back-seat pocket is loose in one corner.There is a small piece of the rear C pillar cloth coming off but some interior glue would fix that.The rear shelf has been faded to purple due to the California and Arizona sun but some fabric paint would set it right.
The paint is pretty good but there are some dings along the side and some scratches on the nose from highway travel and gravel.
SALE INFO:I am in the Chicago-land area. Please contact me if you have questions or wish to see the car. My cell number is two two 4, two two 6, O49O.I am not available the 4th of July weekend for viewing nor for transactions unless we arrange something prior, contact me for details.