Thoughts on this Chariot please (E39 523i)

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

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Andy325i
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Post Mon Jun 21, 2010 10:32 pm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1773396.htm

Is it about the right price for the year/spec/condition?

What faults do E39's suffer with?

Did they need a replacement block or was all fine by 1999?

Are they genuine MV2's?

Many thanx

Andy
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darkchild
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Post Tue Jun 22, 2010 7:38 am

Nikasil blocks only ran until 03/98.

Faults for E39s of this vintage are numerous - flaky dash displays, knackered suspension, asthmatic air-con, temperamental electrics, rust around the bootlid - check everything thoroughly.

IMO 523i's are a waste of time - they just don't have the grunt to shift the E39. At least its a manual, autos are lethargic. A 528i and especially a 530i are far, far better chariots.

Genuine or not (and they don't look genuine to me), those wheels look horrid on a standard E39 and the seller's "alrite geezer" advert doesn't inspire confidence.
B7
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Post Tue Jun 22, 2010 6:14 pm

Go for a 528. Much better car. I had a 523 and it was not a quick car. A nice car yes but not quick.

I'd recommend an e39 but only go in with eyes wide open. They can be a nightmare glitch wise!

That car looks rank IMO. The leathers a retrim and the rims are all wrong. Thats a toshed up boggo 523 in my eyes.
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Andy325i
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Post Tue Jun 22, 2010 10:02 pm

Thanx for the input guys :)
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clipper
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Post Tue Jun 22, 2010 10:15 pm

I just got rid of a minging E39. You don't want a bad one.
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mrLEE30
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Post Wed Jun 23, 2010 1:09 pm

i have two at the moment a 528 and a 540. the 528 is approaching 300000km with no issues the 540 is on 160000 and only recently had to change the fuel pump and regulator

as a car they are brilliant but check for dodgy interior trim and electrics.

dash readout can disappear but easily fixed by changing the ribbon cable (few quid) but tell them it needs a new cluster....5-600quid from dealers...good bargain point

rear suspension is a complicated set up and listen carefully for knocks from this end (both control arms normally require changing), front is not to bad only the usual control arm / bushing set up.

as above a 523 may stuggle on power and those rims do not suit the car
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