Bmw 530d m sport e39 question

Colash

I'm seriously tempted to pick up one of these beauty's . I've always wanted one an I'm gona take the plunge an try an get one . A manual , preferably with low enough mileage . Is there anything I need to look out for when buying . ?I want to pick up a 03 model ,. I'm normally a vw man so bmw is new territory to me

Foxhole Norman

Colash wrote: »

I'm seriously tempted to pick up one of these beauty's . I've always wanted one an I'm gona take the plunge an try an get one . A manual , preferably with low enough mileage . Is there anything I need to look out for when buying . ?I want to pick up a 03 model ,. I'm normally a vw man so bmw is new territory to me

I have a 2002 525i Sport, love it to bits. Personally, the diesels are not the best for economy, I'd still be looking at the petrols. I average 20MPG around the city but on Motorway/Dual Carriageway runs I get around 40MPG and between 400/500 miles to a tank.

If you do decide to get a diesel the swirl flaps are the first thing to check, if they're not blanked already, get them blanked. Rust is another big issue with E39's, the Boot lid lip under the badge can rust badly along with around the keyhole. The arches are another big rust spot, especially if there is or was mud flaps fitted.

The suspension is the next weakest part of the E39, especially with the heavier diesels, they run through control arms/bushes, worth doing a refresh when you get it, have about €1000 for this or thereabouts!

They're so worth it in the end though, here's mine:



If you're about Cork you're welcome to a spin in mine!

Colash

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

I have a 2002 525i Sport, love it to bits. Personally, the diesels are not the best for economy, I'd still be looking at the petrols. I average 20MPG around the city but on Motorway/Dual Carriageway runs I get around 40MPG and between 400/500 miles to a tank.

If you do decide to get a diesel the swirl flaps are the first thing to check, if they're not blanked already, get them blanked. Rust is another big issue with E39's, the Boot lid lip under the badge can rust badly along with around the keyhole. The arches are another big rust spot, especially if there is or was mud flaps fitted.

The suspension is the next weakest part of the E39, especially with the heavier diesels, they run through control arms/bushes, worth doing a refresh when you get it, have about €1000 for this or thereabouts!

They're so worth it in the end though, here's mine:



If you're about Cork you're welcome to a spin in mine!

She's a beauty
, what kinda tax / insurance are u paying if u don't mind me asking? Is it your everyday car???

Foxhole Norman

Colash wrote: »

She's a beauty
, what kinda tax / insurance are u paying if u don't mind me asking? Is it your everyday car???

Tax is 1080 a year, insurance was 1300 this year but I'm expecting the renewal to be around 1500 due to the increased premiums all round.

Yep, I drive it everyday and I drive it on at that! My typical mileage is about 200 miles a week but over the last 2/3 weeks I've covered 2500 miles in it, couldn't be happier with it to be honest!

Colash

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

Tax is 1080 a year, insurance was 1300 this year but I'm expecting the renewal to be around 1500 due to the increased premiums all round.

Yep, I drive it everyday and I drive it on at that! My typical mileage is about 200 miles a week but over the last 2/3 weeks I've covered 2500 miles in it, couldn't be happier with it to be honest!

Would you personally take a petrol over diesel model ?

Foxhole Norman

Colash wrote: »

Would you personally take a petrol over diesel model ?

Yes, everyday of the week. MPG is not a lot different to be honest and the Petrol six cylinder makes a fantastic noise and pulls very well. I found the Diesels to be quite rattly and loud too, even with six cylinders. Mine's an Auto so there'd be a bit more go in the Manual version too.

Boskowski

I know I gonna sound like a broken record but I have a petrol 6 cylinder and for me its automatic, no contest. Also, a colleague of mine had the 530 and she's a lovely car, but since you're not going to get the infamous 'cheap tax' anyway why diesel, if you don't mind me asking? My 523i is bad enough at €1080, but tax for the 530 is around €1400. And while the 530d sounds and behaves pretty cultivated for a diesel its still nowhere near my one.

Edit; Second the suspension issue. Its no biggy but she does not like speed bumps and wants a refresh every now and then, especially bushings. The E39 has a reputation for a bit of an over-engineered suspension.

commited

I've had 2 e39s - a 2003 530d Sport manual in a 2007 for 18 months (bought 82k, sold 102k mi) and a 2001 530i Sport auto in 2012 for 18 months (bought 125k, sold 135k mi)..

The 530d sport was spectacular as it was only 4 years old, 1 owner and was literally perfect - I imported it myself from the UK. The lowest MPG I got out of a tank was 37mpg, with my long term average being around 47mpg. From people I know with similar, my car seemed quite exceptional but the autos definitely return significantly lower MPG. It's not as refined as the 530i but I'd take it over a 4 cylinder petrol engine. My only real issue with the car was fuel pump related which left me stranded. The spec was good - leather, bluetooth, CD, high OBC, front & rear parking, cruise, climate, auto wipers & lights etc - it was a UK car and the Irish cars were brutally spec'd in comparison. I'd buy the car back in a heartbeat if I could find it.

The 530i sport was quite a different car, the auto box was silky smooth and made it a great city car/cruiser. I fitted an M3 steering wheel with paddle shift which made it a bit more fun but it was mostly used for long trips. It was quite a bit more tired than the 530d and I sold it on rather than put the money into it. The spec wasn't as good as the 530d - leather, climate, cruise, sunroof, electric seats was about the lot. The power delivery was nice, as was the noise. Edit - should have said, long term MPG was about 25mpg, this sat around 18-20mpg in the city but I got a staggering 38mpg over a full tank once (doing a lot of 110kmh driving)

I'm currently looking for another but the big problem is trying a nice one. To justify the 2.5/3.0 tax, I want something in good condition with good history and a decent spec - it's nearly impossible to tick all boxes now. I'm looking at condition/spec over engine choice at the moment - I'm considering 525i & 530i/d in both auto and manual.

Foxhole Norman

commited wrote: »

I'm currently looking for another but the big problem is trying a nice one. To justify the 2.5/3.0 tax, I want something in good condition with good history and a decent spec - it's nearly impossible to tick all boxes now. I'm looking at condition/spec over engine choice at the moment - I'm considering 525i & 530i/d in both auto and manual.

Best bet is to keep a constant eye on the BMWHaus and Driver forums, good E39's pop up every now and again over there.

Gumbo

My E39 530d Auto averaged 24.9 MPG on a long term average with 95% city driving. Just to give you an idea.

2003 E39 530d Aegean Blue Edition by kceire, on Flickr

P1020914 by kceire, on Flickr

Dale Parish

I have both - a 525d (my current driver) and a 530i (stored away as I'm not needing this right now).

I have to disagree with the above regarding MPG. There is a world of difference for the long journey (having also previously owned an e46 320i).

See for example my trip from Limerick City to Ratoath, Meath. No way my 530i will do anything near that - from a full tank. I would ignore the computer trip though as this is usually just lies...



Now having said that - I'm doing minimum 600 miles per week.

The simple fact is the petrols are better value for money while sounding 10x better (even though it has 6 cylinders and sounds much less like a tractor than the 4 cyl diesels, it's still a bag of hammers when cold).

They're almost certainly cheaper to run if you're doing 300 miles per week or less.

The automatic is superior I find - it's really a nice drive - however it's a no-no on the diesel (especially 530) as this GM gearbox cannot handle the torque from the diesel engine. You can change the oil frequently all you want - which will prolong its life but in the end it will still pack in.

Now the main issues with these cars I am finding are the bushings. It's the same story with the petrols - but to a lesser extent. These bushings are wearing with time as well as use - but the diesels are much heavier and the extra torque is wearing down front suspension much quicker - as well as some other bits.

Also to be noted, BMW plastics are POS.

You won't have swirl flaps on this model if you buy a manual, but you may have the old turbo breather installed, in which case you can change to the updated version.

Colash

So there's no swirl flaps on the 530d manual ?

Dale Parish

Not on e39

Gumbo

Dale Parish wrote: »

I have to disagree with the above regarding MPG. There is a world of difference for the long journey (having also previously owned an e46 320i

What is it with my MPG reading you disagree with?

Dale Parish

Sorry - I didn't even see your post - I meant Foxhole's "diesels are not the best for economy" - my point was they're probably equal around town but long distance there is a big difference.

Foxhole Norman

Dale Parish wrote: »

Sorry - I didn't even see your post - I meant Foxhole's "diesels are not the best for economy" - my point was they're probably equal around town but long distance there is a big difference.

I was using my buddies as reference. He has a Manual 3.0D, his only returns 45 usually, 50 at a stretch. Mine returns around 40 at 120, not that much of difference imo.

Idbatterim

Op, the only reason to go for the diesel, as has been mentioned, is if you are doing high mileage...

there will be a far bigger selection of petrols, they are cheaper to buy like for like, less to go wrong and sound much nicer...

bmwguy

I registered on boards initially to ask about one of these e39 cars (hence the username) and I ended up buying a black 530i sport which was a beautiful car. Sold it a few years later for something a bit cheaper to run (alfa 156 1.6) and regretted it instantly. I now have a silver 525i sport 2004 which is the only 2004 I have seen in this country, although I am sure there are others.

Beautiful cars the only downside is the tax and petrol which sometimes make me question it as I have mainly urban driving returning somewhere in the region of 23-25 mpg. But every now and again I get it out on the motorway and a trip across the country and back will give high 36-38 mpg cannot ever seem to crack 40 over long distances without dropping below 120. The trip computer and the empty to full test are very close to each other.

So to the OP, go for it but get it checked out first as they are getting old. You will not regret it if you get a good one.

Just yesterday, I started thinking of LPG conversion for my own which will more or less cut my fuel bills in half and make me like the car fully again. I want to keep the car as it running great and has new tyres etc....any opinions on LPG from anyone that has one or knows about them? Looking at probably €1000 for the conversion

Idbatterim

Beautiful cars the only downside is the tax and petrol which sometimes make me question it as I have mainly urban driving returning somewhere in the region of 23-25 mpg.

I have a 325ci and find the tax just about acceptable, the 2.5 engine with our tax system, is the engine that makes the most sense, decent bit more bhp than the 520 for only slightly more tax, but not at the lunacy 3L rates. I would work out with an LPG conversion, what the repay time would be, do you still plan on having the car in 2/3 years?

Stallingrad

It's a brave person that buys a BMW diesel over 100,000 miles, so much more to go wrong than petrols and potential for huge bills.

bmwguy

Idbatterim wrote: »

I have a 325ci and find the tax just about acceptable, the 2.5 engine with our tax system, is the engine that makes the most sense, decent bit more bhp than the 520 for only slightly more tax, but not at the lunacy 3L rates. I would work out with an LPG conversion, what the repay time would be, do you still plan on having the car in 2/3 years?

Thats what I am not sure about. Repay time is about a year. Might possibly move up to a petrol 08 e60 petrol on the new tax bands (not paying 1494 on old system) and do it then, should get a good deal on a petrol if I can even find one at all. Might not be the value in my car to do it.

Voodoomelon

kceire wrote: »

My E39 530d Auto averaged 24.9 MPG on a long term average with 95% city driving. Just to give you an idea.

2003 E39 530d Aegean Blue Edition by kceire, on Flickr

Why more people don't put M-Pars on their E39s i'll never know. One of the best combinations of all time.

Stallingrad

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Why more people don't put M-Pars on their E39s i'll never know. One of the best combinations of all time.

Agreed, and they transform the E38 too.

Foxhole Norman

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Why more people don't put M-Pars on their E39s i'll never know. One of the best combinations of all time.

Hard to find! I'm waiting for a genuine set to pop up for mine, almost all are reps or asking ridonculous money.

ShaunieVW

My 530d did 42mpg no matter how o drove it! Just don't slam, I did this and was forever fixing arms and changing rear tyres!

Sorry about the size of the pic! Phone won't allow me to it bigger!

testarossa40

Stallingrad wrote: »

It's a brave person that buys a BMW diesel over 100,000 miles, so much more to go wrong than petrols and potential for huge bills.

Sorry to say that I couldn't disagree more... My M47-engined 320D has hit 140k miles, runs sweetly & like clockwork.

Bought at 70k, turbo & injectors (4) replaced by ~85k, ECU remapped to 199Bhp @ 90k, and, serviced & dipethaned religiously to date.

Not a single engine issue since those parts had to be replaced and I'm sure it'll run another 100k at least no problem - suspension parts on the other hand...

Gumbo

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Why more people don't put M-Pars on their E39s i'll never know. One of the best combinations of all time.

+1

Even better when they are standard on the car as that one was. Came from the factory with them

bidiots

bmwguy wrote: »

I registered on boards initially to ask about one of these e39 cars (hence the username) and I ended up buying a black 530i sport which was a beautiful car. Sold it a few years later for something a bit cheaper to run (alfa 156 1.6) and regretted it instantly. I now have a silver 525i sport 2004 which is the only 2004 I have seen in this country, although I am sure there are others.

Beautiful cars the only downside is the tax and petrol which sometimes make me question it as I have mainly urban driving returning somewhere in the region of 23-25 mpg. But every now and again I get it out on the motorway and a trip across the country and back will give high 36-38 mpg cannot ever seem to crack 40 over long distances without dropping below 120. The trip computer and the empty to full test are very close to each other.

So to the OP, go for it but get it checked out first as they are getting old. You will not regret it if you get a good one.

Just yesterday, I started thinking of LPG conversion for my own which will more or less cut my fuel bills in half and make me like the car fully again. I want to keep the car as it running great and has new tyres etc....any opinions on LPG from anyone that has one or knows about them? Looking at probably €1000 for the conversion

That 1000 for conversion will buy a lot of petrol tbf...if you are keeping the car more than 2 years then maybe... but over the short term it can be false economy
Also, if you do eventually sell it, will the LPG conversion hinder or help the sale?

mooseknunkle

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Why more people don't put M-Pars on their E39s i'll never know. One of the best combinations of all time.

Couldn't agree more i've 19' m-pars on my 530i and they look great.

@ the OP the e39 is one of the best cars ever made,buy one and you'll never regret it.

Foxhole Norman

mooseknunkle wrote: »

@ the OP the e39 is one of the best cars ever made,buy one and you'll never regret it.

Unless you buy a bad one, then they become serious money pits.

Voodoomelon

mooseknunkle wrote: »

Couldn't agree more i've 19' m-pars on my 530i and they look great.

@ the OP the e39 is one of the best cars ever made,buy one and you'll never regret it.

Tut tut, replicas are unacceptable!

Foxhole Norman

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Tut tut, replicas are unacceptable!

Try finding a genuine set :P

mooseknunkle

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

Unless you buy a bad one, then they become serious money pits.

Buy a good one then :P

Foxhole Norman

mooseknunkle wrote: »

Buy a good one then :P

:pac: