This ClassicCars.com Marketplace featured listing is a 1997 BMW 540i for sale in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Equipped with V8 power, a sporty six-speed manual transmission and a fresh coat of ‘Hellrot’ Red paint, this car would be a head-turner everywhere it goes.
The Joji Nagashima-penned design of the fourth-generation 5-series, incorporating a lion’s share of aluminum chassis and suspension components, proved to be many steps forward in the evolution of BMWs. Powered by the 4.4-liter M62B44 V8 engine, linked to a six-speed Getrag 420G manual transmission, the 540i made 282 hp with 310 lb ft of torque. This car was as fun to drive as it was practical – clearly personification of “The Ultimate Driving Machine.”
The Touring version of the E39 remains very popular as one of the great sport-wagons. The trim on this particular model is a sedan, with some tricks. The seller states, “(The) vehicle has all the options except for navigation and also sports elements of the M5 including a lowered M suspension and a muffler delete option.”
The car reports 209,870 on the clock, but according to the seller, the car is sound. “I recently spent thousands $’s at a BMW certified mechanic on mechanical updates/major engine service, transmission and cooling system. Back to bare-metal repaint also recently undertaken as well as full restoration of BBS ‘octopus’ 3-piece alloy wheels that were a BMW option.” The seller adds, “The mileage may seem an obstacle, but remember, this is a 23-year-old car. This equates to less than 10 thousand miles/year.”
The seller speaks of this car’s rarity: “BMW Individual build stamp on R turret. Believed to be the only 6-speed manual in the bright-red color sold that year in the USA. Interior and exterior are in superb condition and any drive will bring a large smile to your face.”
The 1997 BMW 540i has an asking price of $11,000. This one is ready to rock the next car show.
To view the listing on ClassicCars.com, click here.
