1997 BMW 523I SE AUTO

[gooner1]

Anyone had one of these, or have an informed opinion on them?
Thanks.

[B7]

Yeah I had a 2000 W with steptronic. Pretty gutless to be honest. Mates got a 96 manual and that ain't much better. Go for the 2.8 is my advice.

I'm currently looking for another e39 and it won't be a 2.5 thats for sure (unless it's the later 525 192hp facelift).

[darkchild]

I was considering getting an E39 last year and drove a few of these. Nice and smooth, but a bit gutless low down with the auto box. They really need to be revved to make rapid progress. The 2.8 is so much better and running costs are practically identical.

Personally, I think the E39 is overated and all this "Best Car in the World" talk is nonsense. When new, they were fantastic and a lovely drive, but the majority of E39's I looked at all had electrical niggles, knackered suspension, dodgy dash displays and various other issues. I'd only consider buying a minter. They're don't handle neglect as well as an E34 and cost big bucks to put right. The early 6 pots and V8's have the well documented Nikasil drama to contend with and the later alloy block engines are simply scrap if overheated. Diesels again are fine when new but a moneypit waiting to happen when past 100K.

There are still nice early examples out there and I'd advise to simply buy the best one possible. I'd personally be buying a late E34 525i rather than an early E39. Better engineering, classic looks and practically bombproof.

[pacerpete]

I was considering getting an E39 last year and drove a few of these. Nice and smooth, but a bit gutless low down with the auto box. They really need to be revved to make rapid progress. The 2.8 is so much better and running costs are practically identical.

Personally, I think the E39 is overated and all this "Best Car in the World" talk is nonsense. When new, they were fantastic and a lovely drive, but the majority of E39's I looked at all had electrical niggles, knackered suspension, dodgy dash displays and various other issues. I'd only consider buying a minter. They're don't handle neglect as well as an E34 and cost big bucks to put right. The early 6 pots and V8's have the well documented Nikasil drama to contend with and the later alloy block engines are simply scrap if overheated. Diesels again are fine when new but a moneypit waiting to happen when past 100K.

There are still nice early examples out there and I'd advise to simply buy the best one possible. I'd personally be buying a late E34 525i rather than an early E39. Better engineering, classic looks and practically bombproof.

SNAP !!!

[320iAN]

depend's what you want from a big heavy luxury car?
ive got one (it's in the link in my sig) 2000 "W" 523i SE auto/steptronic 102000 miles and i'll be honest "it's a crackin BIG car" owned it over 2 yrs, no real problem's (usual wear N tear), goes very well, even though mine is lowered on 18'z it's still very smooth. i know folk who sold there E39's and bought E60's and wished they had stayed with there older E39's
about town it's any where from 18mpg and on long run's it can go above 40mpg, ive also got a full stainless exhaust and a free-flow back box (custom built) with an induction kit and it can sit neck N neck to my mate's 1998 E39 528i sport. ... they are heavy of the line but can push toward's 145+mph (on a private test track)

i'd recommend a E39 all day long (maybe not a 520 )
also if you do go for a E39 try buy a 1999 onward's as they have the better engine's
........ BHP .....0-60 ..... T0P
520i: 150 ---- 10.2 -----137
523i: 170 ---- 8.5 ----- 142
525i: 192 ---- 8.1 ----- 149
M5: 400 ---- 5.3 ----- 155 restricted

if i was going for a new E39 i'd go for a 535i sport, 235 bhp, 7 sec's 0-60 & 155 mph (restricted)