E39 advice

[darkchild]

Hi, hoping somebody can give me a little advice on what to look out for on an E39 as I'm going to look at a 1999 T plate 523i tomorrow as a replacement for my E36 (can't live without air-con any longer!). It's built after the nikasil problems were resolved, but any other pointers would be much appreciated!

Cheers,

Jonathan

[Ant]

good engines.

check for all the usual suspects, not really prone to anything in particular dude.

Possibly may have a plastic impellor waterpoump in there, but thats about it.

engine should fire up and settle to fast idle from cold, oil light straight out and no ticky tick from the top end.

to test for inlet leaks , with engine @ warm idle, pull the oil filler cap off, it should idle like a P,O,S

Good luck

[zimmerbimmer1]

Hi, hoping somebody can give me a little advice on what to look out for on an E39 as I'm going to look at a 1999 T plate 523i tomorrow as a replacement for my E36 (can't live without air-con any longer!). It's built after the nikasil problems were resolved, but any other pointers would be much appreciated!

Cheers,

Jonathan

If looked after well they go on for ages. let me know chassis no

can check full spec for you tomorrow and see if any recalls/enhancements need doing on it

[darkchild]

Cheers gents - much appreciated!

zimmerbimmer1 - will take you up on that mate if the car seems good! Ta very much

[darkchild]

Car was a turd. The advert mentioned split fold rear seats which it didn't have and the mileage was closer to 120k than the 110k stated. Service history absent from 70k onwards. It even had rust on the front nearside wing due to a previous prang that hadn't been sorted and rusty stonechips on the bonnet. Don't think I've ever seen rust on an E39 before. Suspension bushes were knackered and tyres barely legal as well. Bit pi$$ed off I drove 50 miles to see this alleged mint beast. I know as an entusiast of the marque we probably expect a bit more but both my E30 and E36 put this turd to shame condition wise. It drove ok but would need a good grand spent on it to remedy most of the above. As I only got offered £1200 for my E36 (1997 316i) I think I may as well keep it. It's been pretty much faultless in the time I've had it, just a bit sickening to think I paid £8500 for it 5 years ago!

[stuartgallafant]

you're best off getting a post '01 model. they're the nicer looking ones

[darkchild]

you're best off getting a post '01 model. they're the nicer looking ones

Agreed mate. The newer front and rear lights look better and the Sport models are probably my favourite looking BMW. If only my budget would allow. Buying a house has finished any chance of spending big!

[curryp]

i know you have seen the car but problems iv had are various sensors failing (speed sensor,brake sensor)and different bulbs burning out every couple of months.i belive front wheel bearings can fail on hard driven 5s early in there life aswell.but then again they probably would on most cars i have a 2000 sport model and its a great car to drive

[zimmerbimmer1]

Facelift kits are available for the pre 01 cars.

Colleague at work has a 96 523i which he has fitted facelift lights and Mtech bodykit.

With a private plate on it it fools alot of people

[darkchild]

Cheers for the comments folks Much appreciated and I'll definitely keep an eye out for the issues you've raised. I'm still going to keep looking for a 5. The best thing is I'm in no rush so I'll make sure I end up with a car that feels right and has been well looked after. I think the DIY facelift approach (new front and rear lights etc) is going to be the way forward as I don't really want to spend more than 4-5K (especially with the rate that E39 prices are dropping). I think I'm going to go down the 528i route as well as, whilst being silky smooth, the 523i seemed a bit gutless low down. Bizarre that I can get a decent insurance quote on a 528i but a 328i is just stupid money. Must be the "pipe and slippers" image of the 5. All the gadgets though make my E30 and E36 feel a bit spartan in comparison!

[gazm3]

Jonathan,

I paid my old man 4k for his E39 525tds.
The first mod was the lights, it makes a huge difference.
Next was the wheels. E39's have there own central bore. So alloy choice is limited.
Its like driving your sofa.

[M5pilot]

Just purchased a 528i Sport W/2000.

Brilliant cars.

Quiet and sophisticated, excellent ride, good power and well built.

Not the most exciting of cars but what an all rounder.

Surprisingly good on fuel aswell.

[MOODY]

if you want a 5 series go for the 540i rare 6 speed thats what i got but its a ac schnitzer all the trick bits its imola red with red leather and black pipeing, and trust me its the dogs pulls like a train, got 155mph easy , also not to bad on juice,

[B7]

Why no go for a late e34? I've had both and to be honest, quality and build issues wise, the e34 wins hands down. You'll get one cheaper, it'll be more reliable and the 525 M50TU e34 is 192bhp as opposed to the slug like 170bhp 523 2.5 M52. Believe me, the 525 e34 feels much quicker than the 2.5 e39. BHP on the e39 is down by 22 but the torque remained the same. I had a steptronic and I was forever kicking the box down to get past stuff. Mate has a manual and he reckons it's the same (but for 1500 notes he ain't moaning too much!!). His is the early '96 single vanos and mine was a 2000 dual vanos so that makes bugger all difference either! We both had auto 24v 525 e34's previously and both reckon they are much more effortless.

You may struggle to find an e34 with AC but they are out there. Go for as later one as possible with the wider grille but watch for the metric tyres.

I even knew a guy who put an e34 540 touring on classic insurance!!

Just an idea thats all.

If you definately want an e39, hang out for a 528. It has the 192bhp engne and is much better.

[darkchild]

Why no go for a late e34? I've had both and to be honest, quality and build issues wise, the e34 wins hands down. You'll get one cheaper, it'll be more reliable and the 525 M50TU e34 is 192bhp as opposed to the slug like 170bhp 523 2.5 M52. Believe me, the 525 e34 feels much quicker than the 2.5 e39. BHP on the e39 is down by 22 but the torque remained the same. I had a steptronic and I was forever kicking the box down to get past stuff. Mate has a manual and he reckons it's the same (but for 1500 notes he ain't moaning too much!!). His is the early '96 single vanos and mine was a 2000 dual vanos so that makes bugger all difference either! We both had auto 24v 525 e34's previously and both reckon they are much more effortless.

You may struggle to find an e34 with AC but they are out there. Go for as later one as possible with the wider grille but watch for the metric tyres.

I even knew a guy who put an e34 540 touring on classic insurance!!

Just an idea thats all.

If you definately want an e39, hang out for a 528. It has the 192bhp engne and is much better.

I'd love an E34 as they're quite simply built like a tank. The only problem is that the seats don't fold down on the saloon. This is essential as my other half is a photographer so needs enough space for tripods etc. I would consider a touring but, at 26, she feels she's far too young to join the estate brigade!

It's going to be an E39 with either split fold rear seats or a ski hatch. Agree with you on the 528i. The 523i I drove was a bit gutless low down. Sounded lovely though. The extra 22 ponies from the 528i should make all the difference! Cheers for your comments, much appreciated

[B7]

Good luck on the search and let us know what you end up with. bare in mind not many 39's had the folding seat option.

I'd have to say, the reason why the e34 IMO is a better car is because it's built like a tank. The build quality is so much better. It's the same with the e30 and e36 (and the 46 after it). I have my e30 convertible and a 99 323 e36 convertible and the e30 feels so much "better built". Out of interest I thought the 323 2.5 in manual would be okay but although better than the heavier 5, it still lacks power even in a 3!!

I enjoyed my 39 (it had the full sport pack with 17" alloys, titanium in place of wood trim, sunroof, full computer, everything bar satnav and was in Biaritz with grey leather so it had a big wow factor) but I have to say that it was a HUGE disappointment after my 34s. I'm currently moving house and will no doubt be buying one that needs work. I therefore will need a load lugger (to save on the ridiculous delivery charges) and it will probably be an e34 touring filling the space on the drive.

[toby]

Some E34 saloons did have fold down seats.

[darkchild]

Some E34 saloons did have fold down seats.

Thats definitely got me interested! I've never seen it myself so I assume its quite a rare option? A late 525i with that could be very tempting

B7 - Agree with you on the build quality. My Dad uses a 520i for towing and its built like Fort Knox. The good old days when BMW built a car as well as they could and added a profit on top. Shame its got the acceleration of a milk float! A mate of mine at work has a lovely 530i fully loaded touring in silver and it's absolutly mint. Still a very classy vehicle. Quite tempted by the 525i on the Old Colonel website at the moment.

[B7]

Funny this. I was looking last night for myself and found this. I know you're not a touring man but for me to fill up with windows, doors, bathrooms and kitchens how's this for value??

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/176686.htm

Or this, a bit dearer but still only 2 and a half grand which in real terms may be a lot for an e34 but peanuts for what you're actually getting. I could run this for a year and still get £1500 for it all day long! Cheap motoring considering what I've lost in the past buying latelow milers!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/116442.htm

[Splondike]

I am sure that E34s are currently the some of the best BMW bargains to be had

[darkchild]

Funny this. I was looking last night for myself and found this. I know you're not a touring man but for me to fill up with windows, doors, bathrooms and kitchens how's this for value??

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/176686.htm

Or this, a bit dearer but still only 2 and a half grand which in real terms may be a lot for an e34 but peanuts for what you're actually getting. I could run this for a year and still get £1500 for it all day long! Cheap motoring considering what I've lost in the past buying latelow milers!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/116442.htm

Cheers B7 That 540i looks a lovely motor. Whilst an early E39 represents a lot of car for the money, a late E34 is about as good a bargain BMW you can get. I personally think the touring is more pleasing on the eye than the saloon but convincing my other half is one battle that I'm not going to win!