E39 question

[jaymos]

Might be going to look at a 520 se this week, it looks in good nic only had 2 owners from new, full history etc the only think that is a bit of a worry is that it's done 160k. What things should I look out for if I go to view it?

Cheers guys

[fingerman]

How old is it? Always thought the 520 was underpowered for the E39, and the minimum is a 523? (says me who drives an E34 518 )

Anyway, look out for dead pixels on the dash and MID - this can be fixed yourself for about £30-£40 with a new ribbon and drilling the dash Did it on an E38

Check heaters/aircon as the final stage resistor is a common failure

I've had 2 * E39 523's and they're quite refined cars, but do eat front suspension. Front end shimmey and shimmey under braking - can cost a bit to fix.

It's not this is it http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1998-BMW-520I-SE- ... 0565733694

[jaymos]

Bloody hell ye that's it, was gonna try and take a look at it before it ends. What you think?

[fingerman]

Go and have a look, looks nice - the seller has pretty good feedback for a trader.

But it's a pre-facelift auto with a 2 litre and velour

[jaymos]

Go and have a look, looks nice - the seller has pretty good feedback for a trader.

But it's a pre-facelift auto with a 2 litre and velour

I know what ya mean, but just after a nice runabout for work while the e30 is off the road and thought this might fit the bill.

[burtcocain]

the e39 are awesome cars...loaded with toys,i have an 1998 540i touring....i have owned it now for 3 years and apart from servicing and fuel!!!! had to spend nothing on it.....

[bmwbmwbmw]

e39 awesome cars i have a e39 525 and e30 325, the e39 tends to have water/heating issues, find out if the car uses/looses water, if the headgasget was ever replaced DONT bother with it, and check if the heaters in cabin blow hot air from ALL VENTS, every thing else on car is great