E30 Zone

May be going to look at a 1996 e39 523i this week, just wondering if there are any common faults/issues to look out for, or if anyone can give me any further information on them?
Comfy? Nice driving "feel"? Approximate MPG? etc etc.

If I'm not mistaken it's similar to an m52 in that it has a restrictive intake manifold on it? Or am i completely off the mark with that?


Any help appreciated

Thanks,
Phil

A good one is a nice comfortable barge but most will need a few suspension parts by now to drive nice and tight. A '96 will have had a nikasil block originally - probably not a problem now but BMW will be able to confirm if it ever had a replacement. Flaky dash displays and non-functioning air-con are common on this vintage.

MPG? Low 30s if you're lucky on a motorway cruise. 25mpg'ish in mixed driving.

Manual 523i's are OK if a little flat low down the rev range. Automatics are nice cruisers but very hard work to drive "enthusiastically". A decent remap can help though. A 525i/528i/530i are all much better IMO with similar running costs.

As above but make sure the electrics are good and also check for front suspension issues and shimmy's around 55-70mph

I've had 2 x 1996 523's in the past - 1 being a manual which was a bit of a shed and must have been ragged in it's early life as it had everything (nearly) go wrong with it and cost me a small fortune and the second being an auto was a much more nicer drive and it was well looked after

if you're looking for an early E39 that's economical and no slouch then the 523 is a good choice

Agree with the above, don't know the motor (my 96 E39 was a b28).

Make sure ALL the dash warnings come on and go of on start up as they should.

On the test drive brake quite hard applying constant pressure from about 60mph to check for potential expensive front brake / suspension components needing renewal.

Check the tyres carefully for wear on the inner edge.

Also pixels on the dash and mid can go but quite an easy fix if you don't mind doing a bit of drilling and can get the ribbons

Cheers guys will bear all that in mind.

Check out forum.bmw5.co.uk buyers guide sorry dont know how to do links

atlantis wrote:Check out forum.bmw5.co.uk buyers guide sorry dont know how to do links

Nice one, some good info in there

check if all the heaters in the cabin blow hot air, if they dont while the car is worm then walk away, if the car has had a head gasket changed then dont bother as the head bolts to tent to pop up, these two things i have found through experience can cause the end of life to the car, if you need any more info on the e39s then please pm me and i will be happy to help