E39 What to look for when buying?

Discuss Non-E30 BMW's in here - No selling!

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pony2
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Post Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:21 pm

I am going to look at this for a friend, can anyone give me some pointers on what to look for on these.

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http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1229771.htm

I think I remember hearing that the self leveling suspension can be a problem and expensive to fix. What are they like to drive? Thanks for any help.
BadDave
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Post Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:30 pm

Once you sit yourself in the drivers seat,check all the electrics work.
Try every leccy thing you can.
Check the climate control and aircon works,asc+t as well if you can
On the tourer's,check the bottom of the tailgate and around the rear screem washer jet for bubbling and corrosion
Rear beam bushes are a PITA due to there being 4 of them
Self levelling is ok if it's working ok. Airbags can be replaced at home if one bursts. there's a DIY guide online.
There's more bits to check, but I can't remember all of them at the moment.
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pony2
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Post Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:36 pm

Thanks Dave, for helping to assist again.
Jon_Bmw
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Post Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:43 pm

Loads to check, but it seems quite keenly priced for a tarted up 528 to me. Alas, there are few manual tourings, so you can't be too choosey.
capri_rob
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Post Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:59 pm

Looks OK to me - I'd rather pay a bit less for one that hadn't been messed with though.

Is Airbag light on an MOT failure ?
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e30topless said : Proper BMW's have 4 headlights, last of the run was the E30 and E34/E32 anything after that is just complete shite
pony2
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Post Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:28 pm

So the electrics are prone to problems, I will be sure to check these out. I know the asking price is a little steep but there may be room for negotiation.
bss325i
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Post Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:29 pm

Just like all other BMW's they attract scumbag penniless looser who scrimp and scrape!

I have just spent the last month traveling round the country to look for a nice 530i sport with the right spec and the amount of time and money wasted traveling to look at supposed minters was a joke! :x

There is so much scrap out there!
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Post Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:52 am

bss325i wrote:Just like all other BMW's they attract scumbag penniless looser who scrimp and scrape!

I have just spent the last month traveling round the country to look for a nice 530i sport with the right spec and the amount of time and money wasted traveling to look at supposed minters was a joke! :x

There is so much scrap out there!

Mmmmmmmmm Glacier Green? One of the worst colours to sell.

As Barry says, so much scrap out there.........and I reckon that could be one as well. No mention of history, it has issues and just "nice example" in the ad? I think the guys just being honest and it ain't all that. Read "money pit".
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pony2
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Post Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:02 am

Thanks guys, I have a feeling you might be right about this one.

No harm in going to have a look as it local, we will see later.
pacerpete
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Post Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:10 am

As above Tony. Allow £500 for A/C and airbag issues, you might have some change or you might not....
Sounds like £1500 of sad spec trouble to me ! :(
BMracing
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Post Sat Nov 14, 2009 4:54 pm

capri_rob wrote:Is Airbag light on an MOT failure ?
No.


It could be anything of course but iirc, most of the e39's I came across with airbag lights on had a n/s/f seat occupancy sensor fault.

Yeah the classic 'probably just needs a re-gas' could end up costing you hundreds to put right!
Max

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