1997 BMW 540i

California Car, Dinan Package

This high performance BMW 540i Dinan has SOLD

We have a fine high performance BMW 540i for sale. This fabulous and unique BMW 540i has been based in the Bay area since new. It was owned for 8 years, until this year, by one Marin-County-based BMW enthusiast, as part of his 5-car BMW collection.

He purchased it from Sonnen BMW (Marin's highly regarded BMW dealership) in 2001, with 98,000 miles. It was serviced exclusively and regularly with Sonnen for the 8 years that he owned it the dealership has told us that he is one of their best customers, a fanatic who takes meticulous care of his cars. It shows. The car comes complete with a FULL service history and the original window sticker.

In the 8 years since 2001, this BMW logged only 57,000 miles. During that time, in addition to regular service, the owner added a series of performance modifications. In 2004, he had Dinan in Mountain View install a full Stage 1 suspension package, including high-performance springs and special Koni adjustable shocks with a lifetime warranty.

He also added BMW M5 wheels, having Dinan clearance-adjust the fenders so that these aggressive wheels would fit the car with the Dinan (lowered) suspension. In 2006, he then added more Dinan performance enhancements -- sway bars, and, a Dinan strut tower brace -- further upgrading the handling.

In 2004, while sitting parked, the car was hit from the rear by a passing driver. There was extensive rear sheet metal damage (but no structural damage). The cost of a full repair exceeded the bluebook value of the car, so the insurance company wrote it off. The owner wanted to repair the car, and took it back from the insurance company (hence it has a salvage title). He had it rebuilt by a shop on the Peninsula that is known for its factory-spec repair work.

This work included a full repaint to factory spec. The owner paid over $21,000 in 2005 for this work. The receipts for this work are with the car. So the car, although 12 years old, wears factory-quality paint that is only 4 years old! Which in part explains its beautiful presentation.

Everything is in perfect condition and works as per factory spec. The only minor blemishes are a few LEDs that are faded on the radio/information display. Other than that, the car appears, and functions, as near-new. The condition of the interior suggests a very-well-cared-for 2-year-old car. The engine and gearbox are as new, with terrific power and beautifully smooth shifts. The Dinan-tuned handling is simply spectacular.

It is a very special car. One can understand why the owner was so attached to it. From what we've been told, his decision to sell was due only to the arrival of another BMW and literally running out of storage space.

It is a testament to the quality of the rebuild that the owner installed the second round of Dinan modifications AFTER the rebuild work � in his mind (and ours), the car clearly came back as good as new, and thus, worth more investment in performance enhancement.

We are selling this BMW in a true NO RESERVE auction, in the original spirit of Ebay. So bid to win and please, only bid if you are serious! We are glad to answer any questions about the car. This is a chance to own a unique, high performance BMW, with full history and documentation that has been meticulously cared for, in near-perfect condition!