BMW e39 5 Series

2Shae

Im thinking of buying an e39 5Series with 100,000 to 120,000 miles. Does anyone have any information about this car? Is it a good car? and how much does it have any issues i should know about?

high horse

You'll have to give more details here if you want a comprehensive answer. What engine is in the car you're looking at? 520i, 525TDs 530D?

2Shae

520, ether auto or manual. so give information on both if there is a difference.

SpannerMonkey

they are an excelent car i have one myself the auto will be heavier on petrol but probably worth more in a resale personally for an engine that small id go manual , expect mid 30's mpg , they are fantastic to drive very comfortable with lots of kit , you should get the water pump changed unless you are sure it has been done as there was trouble with the early ones , whats your budget , what year were you thinking ??

sk8board

funny, was just checking some of those myself during the week (was wondering if the extra 2-3k for the new model would be worth it)

hard to see past some of these:
03, 520, manual, 45k, m tec, 10.9k
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-m-te/200927194485180/advert?channel=CARS

03, 520,auto, 59k, just €9.5k
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-Auto/200918192667766/advert?channel=CARS

pick of the bunch, fully loaded '03 auto for €10.7k
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520i-Aut/200928194577760/advert?channel=CARS

Eoin

2Shae wrote: »

520, ether auto or manual. so give information on both if there is a difference.

There are two different 520 engines. The later 2.2 is the one to go for.

SpannerMonkey

ya but you can get the newer moder E60 from 10500 aswell the E39 is a great car but the E60 is nicer to drive

SpannerMonkey

eoin wrote: »

There are two different 520 engines. The later 2.2 is the one to go for.

+1

Mr Benevolent

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_5_Series_(E39)

Very interesting stuff in there. The electronics were updated in 2001 at the same time the car got the angeleye lights, which coincided with the new 2.2 engine as well. So go for 2001 and over.

Lex Luthor

sk8board wrote: »

funny, was just checking some of those myself during the week (was wondering if the extra 2-3k for the new model would be worth it)

hard to see past some of these:
03, 520, manual, 45k, m tec, 10.9k
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-m-te/200927194485180/advert?channel=CARS

03, 520,auto, 59k, just €9.5k
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-Auto/200918192667766/advert?channel=CARS

pick of the bunch, fully loaded '03 auto for €10.7k
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520i-Aut/200928194577760/advert?channel=CARS

none of these 3 have the auto climate control which is a must when you're a buying a car like this. Why have the twiddly dials when you can go digital.
If its cloth seats stay away from the light grey ones. They have a tendency to rip. The darker charcoal cloth seats last a lifetime.

also try to get one with the angel eyes as already mentioned, particualrly with the clear indicators. I'd be wary of low mileage ones unless they have a full service history to back it up. 45k miles on a 6yr old car is suspicious

As for mechanical, there is a lot to check. Do a search on google or here for E39 Buyers Guide and that should put you in the right direction.

I'd be inclined to look out for a 525i post 2001 with the 192bhp engine. I had the 523i 170bhp and felt it could always have done with a bit more power, but in saying that it was adequate. Anything less, would be pointless

rebel.ranter

The e39 hides the mileage very well, a car with a 100k plus miles can feel almost as good as low miler. This means you should do a good bit of checking into the low mileage examples (even higher ones too).
I would say the e39 is a better drive than the e60. As others have mentioned go for post 2001 if you can, get the auto climate control, etc. No need to buy a poverty spec model with cloth seats either.
Just be aware that there are a disproportionate number of UK e39s here. I have noticed that here in Cork that the of the decent looking, decent spec cars are imports. They all have Reg numbers ~02-C-25,000 or more. Another reason to do a bit more checking, another potential layer to investigate.
I have a 525iA sport, I'm sorry I didn't go for a 530i or 540i at the time now. The bigger the engine the better, 525i is OK, more power would be nice though. Definitely auto is the way forward, drove a manual & definitely preferred the auto.
Buying a car like an e39 5 series with 100k miles for ~€10k you should not really be worried about resale, if you have it for a couple of years it will be difficult to shift on anyway without a drop in money. Hence I say the bigger the engine the better.
Remember these cars were pretty expensive when new & to look after them properly is equally expensive. A lot of jobs on the cooling system, suspension, electrical, Ed. Crop up on cars crossing the 100k miles barrier. Just bear that in mind.
I suggest you join a specialist forum like:
Bavarian Board
BMW Driver.net
Bmmerforums
To get an idea of the nitty gritty stuff that goes wrong.

Lex Luthor

rebel.ranter wrote: »

The e39 hides the mileage very well, a car with a 100k plus miles can feel almost as good as low miler. This means you should do a good bit of checking into the low mileage examples (even higher ones too)..

I put new upper & lower control front arms on mine just after 100k and I have to say it drove like a new car.

They are if not, the most comfortable 10yr old car I had ever driven

Seth Brundle

My 523i crossed 135k miles recently. It is still good from a standing start. It gives reasonable mpg and it is as smooth as anything.
As for the E60, I find the interior too clinical!

Mr Benevolent

I get the impression that a diesel E39 is not really worth the extra money, especially the auto. It doesn't give many advantages over the petrol and could be seen as less reliable because of the turbo and swirl flap issues. Also, it seems like above about €6-7k it's not worth importing one.

Voodoomelon

kbannon wrote: »

As for the E60, I find the interior too clinical!

I agree, hate the E92, E60 and E65 interiors, the older ones are much warmer and classy.

Confab wrote: »

I get the impression that a diesel E39 is not really worth the extra money, especially the auto. It doesn't give many advantages over the petrol and could be seen as less reliable because of the turbo and swirl flap issues.

Well the 530d is a fantastic engine and a remap gives incredible hp gains.

rebel.ranter

I was all set to go to an e60 diesel now I'm leaning towards an e39 M5 next, not straight away mind. How much worse economy-wise can it be than the 525iA?

The e60 M5 are coming close to the €30k mark now too. That makes then very tempting. However I think there might be a few deal breakers for me. I have some diagnostic capabilities with CarSoft at the minute but the e60 takes the potential for electronic gremlins to the next level. Also the front end of the e60 is Aluminum, apparently there is a special kind of bond (steel-aluminum) holding the wings, etc. Any damage can be difficult to repair properly because of this. Both reasons make me nervous about the e60, I expect I'll get over them in time though.

As I said before these cars were expensive to buy when new & there is also a premium on the maintenance to keep them in shape.

On a side note I fitted new Pioneer speakers & tweeters all round, really made a difference. I'm not a boy racer but I felt the sounds was a bit of a let down after listening to the Harmon Kardon system in a Land Rover Discovery. I recommend the upgrade, got mine here.

SpannerMonkey

rebel.ranter wrote: »

The e39 hides the mileage very well, a car with a 100k plus miles can feel almost as good as low miler. This means you should do a good bit of checking into the low mileage examples (even higher ones too).
I would say the e39 is a better drive than the e60. As others have mentioned go for post 2001 if you can, get the auto climate control, etc. No need to buy a poverty spec model with cloth seats either.
Just be aware that there are a disproportionate number of UK e39s here. I have noticed that here in Cork that the of the decent looking, decent spec cars are imports. They all have Reg numbers ~02-C-25,000 or more. Another reason to do a bit more checking, another potential layer to investigate.
I have a 525iA sport, I'm sorry I didn't go for a 530i or 540i at the time now. The bigger the engine the better, 525i is OK, more power would be nice though. Definitely auto is the way forward, drove a manual & definitely preferred the auto.
Buying a car like an e39 5 series with 100k miles for ~€10k you should not really be worried about resale, if you have it for a couple of years it will be difficult to shift on anyway without a drop in money. Hence I say the bigger the engine the better.
Remember these cars were pretty expensive when new & to look after them properly is equally expensive. A lot of jobs on the cooling system, suspension, electrical, Ed. Crop up on cars crossing the 100k miles barrier. Just bear that in mind.
I suggest you join a specialist forum like:
Bavarian Board
BMW Driver.net
Bmmerforums
To get an idea of the nitty gritty stuff that goes wrong.

whats wrong with uk imports i have had 2 in the past and i think they were in far better condition far better spec and never gave me any problems , i would 100% prefer a uk import as the irish ones i have had were a disgrace in comparison , i also prefer the lighter acelerator on uk cars

Mr Benevolent

davy_b wrote: »

whats wrong with uk imports i have had 2 in the past and i think they were in far better condition far better spec and never gave me any problems , i would 100% prefer a uk import as the irish ones i have had were a disgrace in comparison , i also prefer the lighter acelerator on uk cars

I think he meant:

have noticed that here in Cork that (most) of the decent looking, decent spec cars are imports

Lex Luthor

kbannon wrote: »

My 523i crossed 135k miles recently. It is still good from a standing start. It gives reasonable mpg and it is as smooth as anything.
As for the E60, I find the interior too clinical!

you have that ship a while now kb, hows it going for ya? Any need to use those Bentleys yet?

2Shae

im going for the 2.0L so i actually drive it(insurance reasons). i will prob be named driver with one of parents as main. Im doing serious mileage between galway and back every week so its time for a decent car, just went through 2nd clutch on a polo saloon.

my budget is 2-4k for the car, and 2-3k for insurance. id rather leather seats. but i can get over it (can always get them redone to leather if i wanted)

This is the type of car i intend to keep untill it wont drive anymore so resale value doesn't effect me.

unkel

2Shae wrote: »

im going for the 2.0L

My wife has the 2l manual. I prefer big powerful engines myself, but that said, I wouldn't call the 2l particularly underpowered. 0-100km/h in 10s is more than adequate for most people and at a guess faster than 90% of the cars on the road in this country. Because of the (silky smooth) straight 6 engine, the car has more power (150BHP) and torque than most 2l normally breathing engines.

The car is 10 years old and has 115k on the odometer, but it doesn't look and feel anywhere near as old. As Lex Luthor said, the charcoal cloth seems exceptionally high quality. We've only had it a few months and so far nothing has gone wrong.

Eoin

2Shae wrote: »

id rather leather seats. but i can get over it (can always get them redone to leather if i wanted).

I was the same, but the e39 I got had the Alcantara suede instead and I've really come to like it.

Mr Benevolent

2Shae wrote: »

im going for the 2.0L so i actually drive it(insurance reasons). i will prob be named driver with one of parents as main. Im doing serious mileage between galway and back every week so its time for a decent car, just went through 2nd clutch on a polo saloon.

my budget is 2-4k for the car, and 2-3k for insurance. id rather leather seats. but i can get over it (can always get them redone to leather if i wanted)

This is the type of car i intend to keep untill it wont drive anymore so resale value doesn't effect me.

Go with XSDirect for the insurance, it's much cheaper for a 5 series and chances are you'll be driving it carefully anyway. I've been quoted 1500 (29/male/provision for less than 1 year) from them for an E39. Remember the tax too.

Seth Brundle

Lex Luthor wrote: »

you have that ship a while now kb, hows it going for ya? Any need to use those Bentleys yet?

I have her just over 5 years and about 90k odd miles now and it still feels tight (power steering pump going though). I keep thinking whether I should move on but I would be afraid that I'd end up regretting it.
Not bad for something that was declared an economic write off last year!

The Bentley was only used the once (to replace the interior fan blower) but its still good reading material! (Thanks again!)

Fey!

I had a '98 520 (2.0) for 3 years, and now have a '01 525.

Both great cars, and both very good drives. The 520 had 99.9k on it when I sold it, and the 525 has 117k.

The alacantra sport interior makes a huge difference. UK ones are generally better specced.

Be aware, however, that UK ones are more likely to be clocked (speaking from experience); get it checked by a specialist like BMWCARE on here and on the BMW forums.

rebel.ranter

davy_b wrote: »

whats wrong with uk imports i have had 2 in the past and i think they were in far better condition far better spec and never gave me any problems , i would 100% prefer a uk import as the irish ones i have had were a disgrace in comparison , i also prefer the lighter acelerator on uk cars

Hi, there is absolutely nothing wrong with UK imports, I have two UK imports sitting on my drive (both BMs), both of which I imported myself. You are dead right they are better specced & in general UK cars are better minded. They also have better roads & a larger land mass both of which allow serious mileage to be clocked up in a short period of time without the wear & tear that might be bestowed on a car that lived its life over here.
Therefore I recommend that any UK car be given extra special attention.

One other reason why is I know a 2nd hand car dealer down here in Cork that brought at least one BMW a week (over a sustained period) into the country & he clocked every one of them, thankfully he got caught (only for a small few cars though) & served some time in Cork prison for his trouble. If I were in the market for a car that the OP was potentially going to buy I would check any higher number (~25k) Cork reg BMWs of the 98, 99, 00, 01 there is a good chance it is clocked. I would imagine that there is every chance that there are similar unscrupulous individuals else where in the country, not to mind any that live in the UK!

OP (2Shae) best of luck with your purchase, they are still a great car, still one of the best cars I have driven in terms of an all-rounder. I do however think you will get an almighty fright with the fuel bill coming from a VW Polo. I throw €70-80 a week in & I only live 7 miles from work!

mick.fr

Fey! wrote: »

Be aware, however, that UK ones are more likely to be clocked (speaking from experience); get it checked by a specialist like BMWCARE on here and on the BMW forums.

Yeah. 2 important things to do when you buy a bimmer (and any other brand of course), UK or not:

- Run a diag on the car to read potential faults, check mileage stored, check VIN. A simple Carsoft @ 50 quids can do that.
- Call BMW to get the service history records of the car and a ASAP report (Factory options...)

And all the usual stuffs to check of course...service bills, rust...

kkelly77

Lex Luthor wrote: »

I'd be inclined to look out for a 525i post 2001 with the 192bhp engine. I had the 523i 170bhp and felt it could always have done with a bit more power, but in saying that it was adequate. Anything less, would be pointless

+1+1+1 on that LL

I had a '99 523. Best car I ever owned to date. Unfortunately I lost it to a lousy garage that screwed me big time for a lemon I traded in for. Legal case STILL ongoing for the last 18 months. Can't wait to name and shame them when it comes to a conclusion. But that's a whole other thread........................

Marlow

Confab wrote: »

I get the impression that a diesel E39 is not really worth the extra money, especially the auto. It doesn't give many advantages over the petrol and could be seen as less reliable because of the turbo and swirl flap issues. Also, it seems like above about €6-7k it's not worth importing one.

First of all, you'll never have the turbo issue, if you don't start racing your Diesel E39, before it gets warm. Once it's warm, you can do whatever the f*** you want.

The other thing is, how do you beat 2000 km Ireland -> Denmark and only used 140 liters of diesel, even though I did beat the crap out of the engine and hit 140 mph on the german motorway ? You won't get that of a petrol one.

I've got a '97 E39 525tds and have just returned from a 6500 km roadtrip covering every country between Ireland and Sweden without hickups whatsoever.

I bought the car for 2850 sterling in the north last year, 126k miles on the clock, and paid just under 1k EUR import. It's got over 165k miles on the clock now and beyond the regular items (tyres, breaks etc.) and the waterpump, it has given me no hassle.

The only E39 bug, that's gonna hit anybody at some point, is the ABS/ASC issue, if one of the sensors goes faulty, where it basically pulls the speed off the engine, while you're accellerating. Intermediate solution: turn ASC off after starting the engine. Permanent fix: find the faulty ABS sensor

Personally, I'm probably going to replace mine with a 530d within the next year, but it's a seriously lovly car and with my 525tds, if it didn't say '97 on the reg, people would say it's an '01 or '02. I would never buy a E60, because it's ugly and has software issues. Ever not been able to go to work, because your software in the car crashed ? E60, no thanks.

/Martin

2Shae

marlow, can you tell me more about Clements insurance? im sick of paying crazy insurance out here. saw clements on your website

Marlow

2Shae wrote: »

marlow, can you tell me more about Clements insurance? im sick of paying crazy insurance out here. saw clements on your website

Heh I had my E34 520i insured with them and actually unfortunatly crashed that. No issues with them, they paid up straight away. The Volvo C70 was also insured with them.

Basically, the way it works is, that they insure people working in a different country from their origin, working for multinationals. I'm danish, was working for Dell at the time, and working here in Ireland. So that fits. But who you work for is not so important.

The interesting thing is, that they do not care about no claims, years of driving experience or anything. They only want to know, if you have a license, how many cylinders your car has, what the value is and if it's build to american specs.

The BMW did cost me around $680$, the Volvo $2400, but at a value of $60k in case of theft/damage. The C70 was a real bitch, being a soft-top most insurance didn't want to talk to me. FDB quoted me 4800 EUR/yr.

Insurance is $250 or $500 liability, fully comp and covers you in other cars and other people in your car. Third party is via AIG, so you get a regular irish insurance cert, comprehensive bit is with some insurance in the states. And they include world-wide recovery.

All in all, the best deal out there, if you can get it. I can't get it anymore, because I'm self-employed now. I use 123.ie instead now, which isn't too bad either.

A friend of mine (also danish) took learner license here, bought a Rover 600 and paid $720/yr having no experience and being under 25, with Clements.

/M