ArcyBuru Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 Hey everyone, Just want to take the time to introduce myself to the forum. While I write this, I'm also writing my farewell post to the BMW forums. I've just sold my 1995 540i 6speed. 1 of 1,524 BMW 540i/6's imported to North America/USA; Around 3000 world-wide Here are some pics and a video http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/espe39/IMG_0657.jpg http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/espe39/IMG_0976.jpg http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/espe39/23711_1436166343967_1227212136_3213.jpg http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/espe39/23711_1435837695751_1227212136_3213.jpg This is when the car could never, ever be driven, no matter what. Things have changed with a subaru http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/espe39/IMG_0501.jpg http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/espe39/IMG_0642.jpg [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTAdP_BUQSU]YouTube - 1995 BMW 540i 6 speed Exhaust[/ame] In person the exhaust is much more aggressive and the take off at 24sec is slow shifting and only to 5000RPM. My goal with the exhaust was to try and get a decently high pitched exhaust note, as a BMW is not an american muscle car. To replace the car I found myself wanting a stick shift again, something more practical, cheaper on insurance, more reliable and 4WD/AWD. I scoured the web in search of something with a budget of around $7000, but came to realize that if I want something with fairly decent mileage and in great condition, I'll have to bump that up a bit. The day I was going to buy a Honda Accord (yes, I know it didn't fulfill the requirements I wants, but it was good enough), I came across a 2005 Subaru Legacy Wagon with a 5 speed manual tranny. Called the guy that day, went to see it the same day, and put a deposit down and bought in full a few days later. It's got 80,000 miles, one owner, clean history, folder full of service records, roof rack, and a few scuffs proving it was used how a Subaru is supposed to be used. (I'll buff them out though ). Picked it up for $9250. And some pictures of the Subaru http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/espe39/Buru1.png http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/espe39/Buru2.png http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/espe39/IMG_0698.jpg I'm looking forwards to joining the community and learning more about the workings and practicality of a Subaru. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhiteyFresh Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 Welcome to the forums! Congrats on your purchase. I think you will really enjoy your Subaru. They are great cars and are fun to drive . I see you are from Maryland. Check out the Mid-Atlantic subforum - there are weekly / bi-weekly meets in the area. Out of curiosity, what made you want to sell your BMW? Do you have any plans for your wagon or is it going to stay in stock form? Have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.sane Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 Welcome! That 540i looks very well maintained! It must've been hard to let go considering you got half the amount of cylinders now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcyBuru Posted February 26, 2011 Author Share Posted February 26, 2011 Welcome to the forums! Congrats on your purchase. I think you will really enjoy your Subaru. They are great cars and are fun to drive . I see you are from Maryland. Check out the Mid-Atlantic subforum - there are weekly / bi-weekly meets in the area. Out of curiosity, what made you want to sell your BMW? Do you have any plans for your wagon or is it going to stay in stock form? Have fun! Thanks for the info. I had to sell the car because I'm in college. Need every penny possible. Insurance on the BMW was actually 300-450$ more each year than the Legacy, even though it was 10 years older and a very safe car. Maintenance on the 540i was also pretty hefty and having to get 8 ignition coils at $70-85 each can take a toll on your wallet. Parts are more expensive on the BMW and gas. It was premium gas with about 12-14 mpg in city (Wash. D.C. and peak-hour highway traffic), 17mpg in the suburbs/surrounding D.C. area, and 22-24mpg on the highway. If I had the money, there would be no chance I would part with the car. As for the wagon, it will stay stock. Trying to minimize my bills and spending while saving as much as possible for the future. When I have the money, I'll most likely end up with an old school BMW (new ones suck) and newer Subaru as they are now my 2 favorite and realistic cars. (Otherwise, I'd be driving a McLaren F1). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcyBuru Posted February 26, 2011 Author Share Posted February 26, 2011 Welcome! That 540i looks very well maintained! It must've been hard to let go considering you got half the amount of cylinders now It was hard. I consider this a day of mourning The 540i was enthusiast owned it's whole life, although it was a commercial fleet vehicle back in 1995-1996. Subaru has half the cylinders, half the power, one less gear, BUT almost twice the fuel economy and better reliability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJS5689 Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 It's sad to see the BMW go. We had an 1989 535i (e34 as well) and it was by far one of the best vehicles we've ever owned. They got rid of the 535's I6 for the V8s of the 540 in 1993. The e34 is praised as one of BMW's most reliable and robust cars. How are you liking the Subaru? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rao Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 Welcome! Rob IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CAR YOU SHOULD NEVER DRIVE IT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcyBuru Posted February 26, 2011 Author Share Posted February 26, 2011 It's sad to see the BMW go. We had an 1989 535i (e34 as well) and it was by far one of the best vehicles we've ever owned. They got rid of the 535's I6 for the V8s of the 540 in 1993. The e34 is praised as one of BMW's most reliable and robust cars. How are you liking the Subaru? My brother had an '89 535i too. A black 5 speed manual. I'd have to say the 535i was the most reliable out of the bunch. The engines are bulletproof and could start no problem in any weather and even after sitting for years. In regards to the M60B40 (540i engine), it's reliable in the context of longevity. The engine is very well designed, but maintenance costs a fair amount and the cooling system was terribly designed (as it was/is on almost every BMW from around 1992-present. The e39 and e46 were the worst of them all. I often see new BMW's hauled into the BMW dealership, near where I live, and it's always the cooling system...or turbo failure. I'm really enjoying the Subaru. It's got a little more kick than I had expected. Shifts smoother than the 540i and it's leak free. It's also more relaxing to drive due to the smoother ride and lack of exhaust noise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 That's good to hear that E39 cooling systems suck... I bet the E34 was a fun ride. Hope you enjoy the Subaru! [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcyBuru Posted February 26, 2011 Author Share Posted February 26, 2011 Welcome! Thank you! And I see you have an e39 540i with "Chevy Power". Would that be the LS1 swap by any chance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rao Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 I've read that most everything on an e39 sucks Actually is is a 6.6 liter LS2, but LS1 is close enough. Rob IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CAR YOU SHOULD NEVER DRIVE IT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 The wagons had bad cooling systems too, right? [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draco-REX Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 Welcome to the Subaru cult. Your funny hat will arrive in 6 days. I think you're going to enjoy your Subaru. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcyBuru Posted February 26, 2011 Author Share Posted February 26, 2011 I've read that most everything on an e39 sucks Actually is is a 6.6 liter LS2, but LS1 is close enough. And the E39 M5 is the only e39 I would ever get Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 And the E39 M5 is the only e39 I would ever get You obviously didn't see his Daily Driver thread yet, if you only posted one [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcyBuru Posted February 26, 2011 Author Share Posted February 26, 2011 The wagons had bad cooling systems too, right? Yes, it was all the same on the wagons. It really depends on how you maintain the car. Every 40-60k miles you want to replace the ENTIRE cooling system (pump, thermostat, sometimes radiator, hoses, etc...). If you do that, you'll run fine, but it's a lot of $$$. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcyBuru Posted February 26, 2011 Author Share Posted February 26, 2011 You obviously didn't see his Daily Driver thread yet, if you only posted one I should probably familiarize myself with it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/ot-my-new-project-road-144502p4.html [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcyBuru Posted February 26, 2011 Author Share Posted February 26, 2011 http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/ot-my-new-project-road-144502p4.html Just went through it....wow, that's all I have to say. It's impressive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madjik_Man Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 Subaru Legacy Wagon with a 5 speed manual tranny. Welcome my 2.5i 5MT wagon brother http://content5.videojug.com/61/612220cc-2750-060f-1783-ff0008ca9a92/replacement-for-the-fist-bump-americas-h.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRSCobra Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 That exhaust sounds amazing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLO03 Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 You could have gotten a bwm wagon I hear there nice.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcyBuru Posted February 27, 2011 Author Share Posted February 27, 2011 You could have gotten a bwm wagon I hear there nice.. Insurance costs, maintenance, fuel etc... would have been more expensive on any BMW I chose unless it was old enough where I didn't need certain aspects of insurance. e34 wagon: depending on year, no passenger airbag (higher insurance), premium gas, and all were auto so you'd need to buy one with a swapped tranny or swap yourself. e39 wagon: cooling system sucks, maintenance costs, gas, higher insurance and manuals are incredibly hard to find. They're known as "BM-trouble-U's" for a reason I've done my homework. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabin Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 That's a clean E34! That must have been hard letting that one go but I'm sure you'll enjoy the Suby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desmondt Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Hi E39esp. Make sure you get yourself another E34 when you get out of school and find a job. The folks at bf.c will be waiting... BTW...you're going to miss realoem.com b/c the part "diagrams" for Subarus flat out suck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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