honest opinion on this E39

only_a_newbie

hi all, Ive had two e39s previously both 530d's (1998 msport and 2001 se) but sold both when the kids came along for a very reliable Skoda superb (2010) which I still have. the Skoda has 280k on her and many a scratch on the body work. Probably needs a bit or work done under the hood as well.

Ive always missed my E39's and have been toying with going back to one now that kids are older (no more prams etc) and my commute is 1/3rd what it used to be.

Ive come across this 2003 E39 on done deals and was wondering what is the general opinion on it? Not a lot of cash to lay down on it as id be hoping to sell my Skoda but just looking for advice on what yous think…
Cheers
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-5-series-2003/35804519

kdevitt

Looks well priced, the M54 2.2 engine is very reliable - occasional oil level sensor issues. If you like the spec, then it seems like a good option.

kermitpwee

Absolute pig on Juice, low twenties

Buddy Bubs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122193196#Comment_122193196

Yeah I had 2 of them, 530i and 525i and were both very thirsty

520i just as thirsty apparently

Id love one again but 1000-1500 motor tax, reliability issues with age and fuel costs would be nuts these days.

Stallingrad

I can relate, also a Superb owner but always wanted an e39 or e38. One day.

Re that 520i the usual caveats apply, they do burn oil, rust can be an issue around arches, filler cap, boot, cooling system/suspension may need an overhaul. Like any old BMW you want to set aside money for annual maintenance, they are thirsty too, and don't expect it to be as reliable as your Skoda. 2 owners is a good sign though, you would expect the car to come with a pretty extensive service history.

It's also a very basic model, but decent e39 are so thin on the ground that may not be an issue, and after your 530d that creamy petrol 6 is sublime, from a bygone era.

I say go for it!

Gerrymandering reborn

Make sure to check the underbody for any potential rust issues

ELM327

That's the best e39 color. Estoril blue (if I'm not mistaken). Lovely six cylinder even in the 520i. Probably my third favorite BMW of all time, behind the e38 and e61. Go for it, if you're a bimmerhead you won't regret it.

On the spec, it is an SE not an msport but it's not bad spec wise. The alloys are SE and therefore you probably have the more comfortable suspension, however you've got a lot of M Sport bits like the MFSW, front fogs and bumper etc. Looks like the base audio however but at least there's cruise and leather. I've seen a lot worse specced e39s come over from the UK with cloth seats, SE spec wheel without cruise or MFSW.

You only live once. I took my w210 v6 on a long drive yesterday (different manufacturer, granted, but still a 6 cylinder saloon from the early 00's) and it returned 36mpg. Pretty phenomenal. I usually only use that around town and it gets 25-28. There's such a big difference between a 6 cylinder and a smaller engine in a premium sedan.

Gumbo

may as well buy a 530i. The 520i is too thirsty for what you get. Not much difference in mpg.

ELM327

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122193910#Comment_122193910

The 530i was a 3.0 6 and the 520i was a 2.2 6. I watched a recent youtube video of someone comparing the two engines (albeit in e46 guise) and they suggested that the only real difference was top end grunt. That was in the UK where the tax rate was the same for the 2.2 and the 3.0, over here it's 951 for the 2.2 and 1494 for the 3.0.

To be honest, i could enjoy a 520i or a 540i, but I'd feel a bit annoyed going for the - as the kids would say - mid option.

User1998

You’d nearly be better off keeping the Skoda and getting a classic policy on the BMW. Use it as a Summer/Weekend car and declare it off the road when not in use.

Prefect_1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122193910#Comment_122193910

might as well get the V8 540i ;-)

ELM327

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122194018#Comment_122194018

Thats what I do, I have a few secondary cars but my model 3 is the main driver. Allows me to have cars I like while not having to drive them every day.

Prefect_1998

big over budget : https://oldcolonelcars.co.uk/listing/alpina-b10-4-6-v8-switchtronic/

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122194035#Comment_122194035

I had that engine in my X5.

Only live once, may as well get an M5 😂

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122193986#Comment_122193986

I agree. Not many 540i over here though. Although I haven’t been looking in years. Thought the 530i would be easier to get hold of. Stick a limo license on it and sorted 😂

kdevitt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122193902#Comment_122193902

Its defintely not Estoril.

Stallingrad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122194180#Comment_122194180

Looks like Biarritz Blue. Lovely combo with the cream interior.

only_a_newbie

my first was Biarritz blue… still my favourite car ever.

Stallingrad

Had a Sorrento Blue 520i e34. Nicest car I've ever owned.