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Re: Time to let the old girl go

#1 - Thanks for your service

On pricing, I too recently sold my 2000 540i with 73K that was meticulously maintained, Zionsville upgrades recently, all records, and cosmetically excellent. There was no shortage of interested parties for such a vehicle at a reasonable price, and I sold it before I expected to (Roundel ad for Feb, but the online post goes up right away). I don't think we enthusiasts necessarily get a good return for the extra care investments we make, but there a discerning buyer knows the difference. For me it's all about good stewardship and the buyer, who has been a knowledgeable BMW owner for years (e34 525, X5 6-speed, 740i) will benefit from my efforts.

Years ago we had an early Celica that we really liked and we took excellent care of it. We sold it at 87K on the presumption that the value/reliability curve was at the apex. It gave us great satisfaction to see it years later, and even though it was very rusty, it was still running strong at 269K.

Tell your daughter to keep it but...

Do a cooling overhaul for her first.
This will cost some $700 in parts if you DIY.
Then the car will be bullet-proof.

Delete the hyphens to see the link:
www.b-----immerboard.com/forums/posts/199986

Note: do not use MTC Fan Blade, use Dealer Fan Blade only.

Re: Current insight from the other end of the range

Yeah but that car for that price is a better deal than an 18,000 Prius or some of the other stuff out there.

A friend just bout an 05 E60 545 for 21000 - his trade of a 97 E39 525 for an after trade price of 18,000. So he got 3K for his ride on trade.

The E60 was sport and premium with 60K miles

Michael
00 540 sport 6 speed

It's funny how....

...those on the board who own and are helping those looking to buy keep telling everyone how these cars are almost worthless and poo-poo paying even $10k for a 540 because they're "everywhere" (except where Euro is) and go for a song.

Those on the board looking to sell are at the same time telling people how they're worth a lot more than they even thought they were...

Both can't be right. Behaviour #1 devalues all of our cars. It would be interesting if there was a bit of resurgence for well-kept E39s.

Current insight from the other end of the range

I'm not sure if this helps anything but I can give some insight into the other end of the e39 model run as I just bought my 2003 540/6 in Nov 2010 ...

$18,700. with 36+K miles - no modifications or much more then oil changes on record.

"I" though the price was a bit high but "the seller" thought I stole it from him ... so each side suffered a bit and a transaction took place. I had to immediately buy winter wheel & tire setup so call it $20k for a 8 year old car on the road.

They paid a bit more then a $1 per mile ($40k price reduction from sticker for 36+k miles of enjoyment) ... I hope to do much better








Michael in MD
CCA #442539

2003 540i 6-speed M Tech II sport
Sterling Gray / Black Leather
Cold Weather Package
Electric Rear Sunshade
Premium Sound
Gas Guzzler
Build Date 5/03

35% 3M Tint

ASA 17" AR1's Black w/ Machined lip
Pirelli 210 Zero winter wheel & tire package

CDV Deleted
All fluids replaced @ 37k

[Grinning from ear to ear]

weep, weep..plz tell me my baby's worth > $3k ;-(

I agree, keep it as a spare before giving away

let me put it this way.....

Back in the spring while in Tampa I went to the local car auction with a dealer friend. An all white 97 528 caught my eye. It had over 180k miles on it, worn seat, some broken dash and door pieces. Nice, but neglected. I was sure I could get it for a song. It went for over $4000. It was not worth more then $2500. Stop giving these cars away, just because there are a bunch of dead beats looking to make money off of you, it does not mean you should let them.

When I was in Tampa last week, he told me that cars are 1k more expensive now then last year. Less inventory, more demand. With tax season approaching, dealers are buying everything in sight to stock up.

A few months ego, I sold my mom's Acura TL. We want to get an M3 convertible and leave it there for when we come down. I had so many bums calling me and offering 50-60% of the cars worth, telling me how they can buy it for that money anywhere. I just kept asking them why they are calling me then, they should be lined up to buy these other cars asap. Eventually, the right guy came along, appreciated the car for what it was worth in the condition it was in and paid it.

Don't be a sucker and give it away.
"I FEEL THE NEED, THE NEED FOR SPEED"...-Dad
"BMOC KICKS A$$"........................-Roland

Click the picture for my Cardomain site.