530d advice

positivenote

Hi guys,
im looking at getting rid of the current car after numerous headaches and would love to take the plunge and get a 530d. Im not into the looks of the newer model and was looking something 2002/03 under 12k. Any advice on the chances of getting something with half decnt milage and should i strictly go for the automatic. Im covering approx 18000miles a year.
thanks

robtri

Plenty around for that budget, and a few around with under 70K, heres a nice 2004
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/530D-se-/200943195611164/advert?channel=CARS



great car.... really great car, can't fault them.....bulletproof from all regards.

Auto is widely accepted as the best and would be the one to go for., but personally I prefer manual....

Big car, big engine, so running costs are going to be big as well....
tax, insurance, servicing, parts ect..

positivenote

cheers robtri,
but its the older model that i was looking at, dont like the design of the 2004+ models tbh. When you say servicing is expensive is this because you have to go to specific bmw garages for the servicing?

mickdw

The value now available is shockingly good tbh. 10/12k for a low mile e60 530d.

robtri

positivenote wrote: »

cheers robtri,
but its the older model that i was looking at, dont like the design of the 2004+ models tbh. When you say servicing is expensive is this because you have to go to specific bmw garages for the servicing?

no any good mechanic can service it... but parts are a bit more expensive then smaller engined cars... even down to the amount of oil it takes to fill the thing... needs bigger brakes as well to stop.. so its just more expensive to service.

rabbitinlights

I think it's worth noting that the BMW E39's are now under the new servicing costs from BMW called Value Service:

http://www.bmw.ie/ie/en/owners/maintenance/Value_Service_5_Series.html

S.

bazz26

€12K will easily you one of the last of the E39 530d models. A few examples:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200915192461423
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200941195415343
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200935195056244

If you want an auto:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200922192938562
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200938195236655

niceirishfella

The E39 is a must in Auto only, I've had a few.........really super car.

positivenote

hi guys,
thanks for the replies so far. can i as why there are recomended for automatic only? as i really do like this model

THanks

rabbitinlights

I've driven an auto and a manual E39 and I would never pick the Auto..... I just love the manual box to get the best out of the engine, take both for a spin and see what your happy with.

xjr130002

hi mate i have the new model e60 530d and i would not recommend them bucket of sh_te,if u as me stay away,,dont know about the older model,,:)

beachlife

positivenote wrote: »

Hi guys,
im looking at getting rid of the current car after numerous headaches and would love to take the plunge and get a 530d. Im not into the looks of the newer model and was looking something 2002/03 under 12k. Any advice on the chances of getting something with half decnt milage and should i strictly go for the automatic. Im covering approx 18000miles a year.
thanks

Just make sure it has full bmw/specialist service history. and if you buy one.CHANGE oil and oil filter and oil separator straight away.then just change the oil separator every 30,000miles and you'll have no problems with the turbo
My friend had this car with 265,000miles on it still on original turbo!!!

_Kaiser_

Always liked the last gen 5 series and half-tempted at the prices you can get them for now - if only the tax wasn't a killer on them!

VolvoMan

The E39 is undoubtedly one of the best all-round cars you will ever find. Under 12k will easily bag you a very nice example of a 530d.

Voodoomelon

positivenote wrote: »

hi guys,
thanks for the replies so far. can i as why there are recomended for automatic only? as i really do like this model

THanks

Make sure the dealer has a 4th alloy wheel for that set, the rear left wheel is different from the rest.

VolvoMan

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Make sure the dealer has a 4th alloy wheel for that set, the rear left wheel is different from the rest.

You don't need me to tell you that that car looks as dodgy as can be.

positivenote

pardon the ignorance Volvoman, but why do you reckon its a dodge motor? thanks

joeperry

You should go for something better specced, that car is almost police spec apart from the leather and sunroof. You should go for one with the auto dual zone climate control at least. And those alloys are from a pre facelift car. Beige dash isn't great either, black leather interior easier to keep clean. What about the sport model.

You may as well get a proper one, buy on condition and not mileage with these cars

positivenote

hi joe,
by saying buy on condition rather than milege on these cars sugests that high milege (90K +) isnt really an issue? is this right? also if theres any out there matching the spec your talking about feel free to link

joeperry

well I have a '98 528i. 5 years and no probs, but i haven't scrimped on the maitenance.maybe something like this but it's hard to see the spec in the pics. Alcantara sports interior are meant to be nice.
I have the sports seats and they are much better.

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200922192938562
or this seems good value but is petrol, I wouldn't discount a petrol , very economical on a run and a lot less to go wrong


http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200924193095677

have you been browsing the classifieds for long?

positivenote

browsing on and off for a while alright, but situation with my own motor has provided a chance to take the plunge and get what ive always wanted. Basically i was going for a diesel because of the miles id be clocking up and ive every intention if i do get a 530d (or a 320d finances will dictate) to drive it literally into the ground Yet if your saying that high mileage aint really an issue with this type of car it opens up a few more possibilities

Boots2006

You should be well able to get a high spec E39 in v good condition on your budget.

If it were me, I'd be buying a new model, manual, m-sport, purely for the resale factor, something like this: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1017625

Here's the kind of spec you can get on an E39 : http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1015371

positivenote

just wondering about the mileage again guys? is 100k + alot of miles on a car like this? how much would you expect to get out of something that would be serviced every 6 or 8k?

VolvoMan

positivenote wrote: »

pardon the ignorance Volvoman, but why do you reckon its a dodge motor? thanks

The odd wheel and the mis-matched front headlamp units suggest to me something about its past.