ISO advice on 1999 540i

[njmurvin]

I have an opportunity to buy my sister-in-law's pampered 1999 540ia Sport Pkg at a decent price ($17k). The upside is that it's a one-owner, well-maintained car of which I know the history. The downside is that it has 93k miles on it and that it has been smoked in

I was wondering if there are any known issues with the powertrain or other expensive components on this car as they reach 100k miles. Also, does this year use synthetic oil and, if not, is it adviseable to switch at this mileage?

Thanks for any advice from owners or those knowledgable of this vintage.

 

[Montana]

Mine has 105k miles runs like a rocket and engine, rear end are clean as a whistle inside. I would always suggest synthetic oil and change every 7k or so. The research I have done is either 5w40 or 10w40 depending on hot(10w) or cold(5w) climate. I don't know that changing from regular oil has any side effect.

Other issues to ask if already fixed/addressed notorious for these models: If they haven't broken yet, they are about to any day so watch them all.

radiator replacement
catalytic converters replacement
water pump replacement

Auto tranny I'm not as familiar with but regularly serviced should be a good sign. Optional items: If the tranny has "lifetime" fluid, and hasn't been changed, it could not hurt to change it with that mileage, especially if driven hard. Same goes for rear diff fluid.

 

[CosmosBlack]

In addition to Montana's list...don't forget the Mass Airflow sensor, and the Oxygen sensors. Brakes might need new rotors and pads.