Find me a BMW E39 5 Series!!

bmwguy

I had one of these cars previously, a 530i sport which i foolishly sold at the end of 2010, it was a beautiful car and I miss it, I've decided to get another one 2002/2003 probably. I still think they're the best looking car on the road, and one of the best ever made. I moved to an alfa 156, while nothing wrong with it, is just not in the same league. I have found a family member that will buy it from me. There are a few on carzone in the region of 3 to 4k, but are there any others available that people know about? If anyone wants to do some St Stephens day research for me it would be great! The only thing I will specify is that it is the genuine sport model, and will probably go for the 520i, I like them in black, silver, red and blue! Would be willing to pay up to 3k for the right one, so anything with asking prices in that region would be appreciated.
NCT expiry, mileage, spec etc will not rule anything out, just might affect the price I would be willing to pay. I have an experienced BMW mechanic to check it out for me anyway.

Here are a few I found so far to give you an idea of the type I'm looking for. Not mad a bout the green colour though, and I think at this price UK imports will cost more to buy and VRT than I can get one for here, but I'm open to correction

Thanks in advance

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/M-SPORT-/201137204475523/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/M-SPORT-/201140204789453/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-AUTO/713234380206640/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-M-TE/201149205944338/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520i/201140204835916/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-M-SP/131851942736593/advert?channel=CARS

rebel.ranter

Just remember that the 520i after 2001 is actually a 2.2L, meaning you might as well go for a 525i from a tax, insurance & fuel economy point of view. You should head over to www.bmw-driver.net for a look put your request up there. User over there "Chris" has a silver 520i Sport that he has been considering selling. Stick a request in the "Wanted" section, it would be a more targeted request over there.

Voodoomelon

Best of luck in your search, but you're not gonna find a decent 02/03 E39 Sport for €3k or less. If you want a good example and plan on keeping it for a few years, you need €4k-€5k as a minimum and more again for a well specced, low miles model.

bmwguy

thanks for the advice guys, not really looking for low mileage as I dont think they exist anymore for that age of a car, just one well looked after and I have the right guy with me to make that judgement for me. I really do think I will find one for 3k, there are people need rid of these and the market is so small, it seems ludicrous to me, and possibly you, but thats all these fine cars will fetch these days. probably right not to limit myself to the 520, you're right, the only difference will be a few hundred tax to a 525 or 530

colm_mcm

I like the look of this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2836488?cid=2836488&

bazz26

colm_mcm wrote: »

I like the look of this

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2836488?cid=2836488&

That's an SE with sport seats afaik, Colm.

OP two M Sports here:

http://www.adverts.ie/car/bmw/5-series/2001-bmw-5-series-for-sale/1189900

http://www.adverts.ie/car/bmw/5-series/2002-bmw-5-series-for-sale/1201792

colm_mcm

bazz26 wrote: »

That's an SE with sport seats afaik, Colm.

OP two M Sports here:
]

Maybe I'm getting old, but an se like that would do the trick for me.

commited

The most important thing when looking for an E39 is no of owners, service history and spec.

No of owners:
These cars are mental cheap now, and they're falling into the hands of people who can't afford to run them. Therefore, the less owners the better. There are pretty much no 1 owner cars left which is a pity.
Service history:
This could be seen as personal preference, but I feel FSH is vital for any E39 unless it is mentally cheap and you are happy to put a lot away for some big bills.
Spec:
The UK cars are generally a lot higher spec than Irish cars. Climate, multi-function steering wheel and leather are a must on these cars. High OBC/Sat nav is also desirable.

You're right not to stick to just the 520i, as the 525i & 530i have similar running costs (tax excepted) and most 520s have terrible spec. I agree that you'll have to stretch that budget if you want to get a good one - spending extra now could save in the long term.

I'd have a look at the following:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2693071
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2716354
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2814492

Eoin

commited wrote: »

Climate, multi-function steering wheel and leather are a must on these cars. High OBC/Sat nav is also desirable.

The Alcantara interior is very nice too. I was insistent on leather until I tried one with the Alcantara and loved it immediately. It's very comfortable and wears well. More than a few e39 owners have swapped out their leather in favour of it.



MFSW can be a cheap enough retrofit, but probably best to get one with it already alright.

commited

I test drove several with Alcantara when I bought mine and decided that it had to be leather! You're right though, it is down to personal preference. I know MFSW isn't that hard a retrofit as I did similar in an E46 and it wouldn't stop me buying a clean one, but one missing climate would and MFSW and climate pretty much go hand in hand, hence me listing them both.

I really miss my e39, still the best car I've owned and one of the best I've driven.