E39 530i Sport Touring Advice Needed

[Mahmood]

Hi all

No longer an E30 owner, nor a BMW for that matter I am looking at getting back into the BMW fold with an E39 Touring.

Following the birth of my son last month, I need a 'baby wagon' and have discounted the more sensible choices.

I was looking at a Lexus IS 300 Sport Cross (good spec. and RWD) and E39 Tourings (well built and RWD).

I am going to look at a 2003 E39 530i Sport Touring at the weekend. I wanted a 530D but they are hard to come by so will have a look at the petrol one.

Any issues that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance.


Mahmood

[Splondike]

Congrats on the new arrival Mahmood

I have got a good checklist in a word document. I will send it to you mate.

Have a word with Trev (B7) and Kos on here, they have 530 petrols. Simon has a touring too... The touring brings some possible problems with the sls and airbag suspension but as long as it is working it is ok. Tailgate electrics can be problematic ( they were on mine ) so make sure the rear glass opens and the wash/wipe functions correctly. A good one is a nice place to be.

[Kos]

trevor/B7's journal

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... hlight=e39


i've had my e39 530i sport for a year now, no issues what so ever apart from the inlet cam sensor.

[Mahmood]

Thanks Mark and Kos. Will print and read this eve.

[clipper]

Sure it's mentioned in the material refered to above, but a good tip on the motor would be to check the vacuum created by the crank cases by taking the oil filler cap off and putting your hand over the hole. A slight suction is normal, if it tries to pull your arm in the CCV is knackered.

Also assume that the vanos seals are knackered, most are.

Any vibration / knocking on braking can prove difficult / expensive to resolve. Don't be fobbed off with the "a new pair of discs will solve it" line, it invariably won't.

I'm on my second E39, currently got a 525 touring, still an M54 motor so suffer from many of the same issues as the 530.

[gazm3]

I have a Topaz 530 sport.

If I had the money I would buy Simons car. A 100% A1 Bloke.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3334896.htm

[Kos]

i want the exhaust lol

[B7]

Go in eyes wide open. Do not think for moment these are as reliable as the e30 or 34 was at the same age.

[Simon]

Definitely eyes wide open!

They can cost money. Autoboxes seem to be a popular failure, but manuals are very hard to come by.

I had mine fail on me, I was having quotes of £1800+ for a rebuild.

I also came home on the back of a recovery truck 2 weeks ago due to an airspring bursting on me. First time I've ever broken down and needed assistance.

I'm selling mine as I want to go back to simple motoring again, not living in fear of what is going to fail next.

[ETERNITY]

E39 are like any other Bmw that were recognized for there awesome build quality when new and 10 years on things need replacing.

Finding a good maintained one is the key to a good e39 NOW and then taking it into a Bmw specialist for an inspection and get everything sorted that needs sorting.

[clipper]

Finding a good maintained one is the key to a good e39 NOW and then taking it into a Bmw specialist for an inspection and get everything sorted that needs sorting.

Couldn't agree more with that statement.

My current touring was bought with a full BMWSH and it's first service was in a reliable local indy who I trust, and he was told to do everything that needed done. Cost me 1,000€ but the car drives like its new.

[Ajsingh]

I had a 525i sport and the inlet boot has a little pipe that comes off it which perishes (Common M54 engine problem), caused an eml light to come up but once sorted it ran like a dream, solid cars!

I worked on a 330ci (same engine) a few months back, showing 260 k on the clock, the inlet cam sensor was fooked but once sorted it still pulled nicely!

Good car, great smooth engine
Congratulations btw ;)

[scott180gtb]

I have been looking at these. I'm currently running an early 530d se. Awsome bulid quality. I'm looking for a touring to fit the kids and bikes in when on holiday. I still cant make my mind up between petrol/diesel. You can find the same year sport touring 530i with 80,000 miles for the same year 530d with 112000 miles.

Going to look at some today.

[ETERNITY]

scott I have access to a 530i sport champagne edition 2, ITS NOT A TOURING, but awesome looking thing and unbelievably comfy

if you dont have any luck with the touring, let me know , you can have it for a good price

this one is a stunning example, only 94k and 3 owners, and its a special edition, only 150 made

[scott180gtb]

Got to be a touring buddy.

[mrLEE30]

Test everything electric three or four times. Sunroof, windows, central locking / stereo don't miss anything. Then repeat.
Rust inside the filler cap on saloons, not sure tourings same.

Re check electrics!!!

Any knocks/squeaks/rattles are expensive especially at rear. (all aluminium arms/control arms)

Failed / part failed lower dash display is easy fix with a new ribbon cable, but good bargain point.

[andyp]

ive had my e39 530 sport a year last weekend, and done nearly 8,000 miles in it, only thing ive had to change was the radiator which started weeping, ive been told they are expensive when they go wrong but a pleasure to drive imo

[ETERNITY]

I am absolutely loving mine

awesome machines, and they feel like there built out of granite

A v8 alpina is on the cards next