BMW 5 Series 540i M Sport

The 2002 BMW 540ia e39 is the ultimate driving machine. I can still put the baby in the back seat and the groceries in the huge trunk. I have owned Honda (which I still like and own) Pontiac, Ford, Chevy, and Dodge, none have compared in ease to work on and reliability. and I have had one problem and it has branched into others because of a $70 part. It is called a FSU resistor. It regulates the speed of the blower fan in the interior. When this goes bad it runs the fan when the car is shut off and can slowly drain the battery down. Which in turn runs the alternator under an extra load and ultimately frying it after a period of time. I replaced the battery first. Then I replaced the alternator. Then the car went dead again. I was at a loss. Finally my wife looked up battery drain and the FSU was one of the main problems. I have had no problems since I have replaced the unit, and have noticed an increase on remote range, mpg, and power. It totally surprises me that a small part under the glove box can cause so many issues. If anybody asked me if they should buy a car like this one I wouldn't hesitate to sell them, but I would warn them of this issue. The brakes are phenomenal, I have yet to replace or feel any weakening at all over the 2 year period. These happen to be the brakes I bought the car with at 78,000 and I now have 104000. I runs beautifully. Handling is great with a little bit of body roll, but it remains comfortable. The power is amazing, I am sure that it will go faster but I will not try it.

If you are going to use this car in the snow I suggest buying a separate set of cheap 16" rims and some general winter tires 215 16 60s. This will run about $600 but is well worth it to have a set of summer performance wheels and some high profile winter wheels. Its like night and day compared to all seasons. Please consider at least test driving and you will never go back to any other car. I love this car and will pass it along to my kin when I pass. The newer 5's are OK but they are not as comfortable and do not feel like the e39. BMW nailed it with this car.

Thank you for enduring this long review and I hope you enjoy your car as much as I do.