BMW E39 - Best Car in the World?
Discussion
The E34 M5 has the sharpest steering feel of the E34's when driving near the limits but the rest are very good still.
The notion that the six cylinder E39's have a better steering feel than the V8 cars is a little out-weighed by the far greater urge of the V8 cars, especially with an 'M' or Alpina chassis.
The notion that the six cylinder E39's have a better steering feel than the V8 cars is a little out-weighed by the far greater urge of the V8 cars, especially with an 'M' or Alpina chassis.
k-ink said:
Oh hang on, I am mixing up models here. I had the 530 in my mind as the one to get, but that was the advice for the E39 (to maintain the sharper steering).
Do all variants of the E34 have the same steering feel? If so I guess just go for the largest engine. Thoughts?
Think all E34 are recirculating ball steering but with differing ratios between models. Do all variants of the E34 have the same steering feel? If so I guess just go for the largest engine. Thoughts?
I've had a 530i auto (2002) for nearly 7 years and it's been a great car when it's all going well.
However at 170k miles it's beginning to rust around the rear wheel arches, the torque converter doesn't lock up always, it has always had a rough running from cold problem that most 530s seem afflicted with, there's a vagueness in the steering that means yet more suspension components have worn (again), the traction control light is on indicating a problem with the precharge pump (a common BMW issue) and the vanos is rattling.
I haven't had a single problem that other people on forums haven't also experienced so there's plenty of knowledge out there - also getting diagnostics to run on a PC is cheap and easy (unlike MB for example)
So it's probably not far off the scrapyard given it needs lots to get it back to health
On the upside the interior is exceptionally good quality (despite some comments to the contrary) and when they're all sorted a great drive with a very solid feel absent from modern cars.
Best car ever ? Well they were good in their time but few are left, and of those most are probably quite ropey so if you want to buy one then make sure you get a good one.
However at 170k miles it's beginning to rust around the rear wheel arches, the torque converter doesn't lock up always, it has always had a rough running from cold problem that most 530s seem afflicted with, there's a vagueness in the steering that means yet more suspension components have worn (again), the traction control light is on indicating a problem with the precharge pump (a common BMW issue) and the vanos is rattling.
I haven't had a single problem that other people on forums haven't also experienced so there's plenty of knowledge out there - also getting diagnostics to run on a PC is cheap and easy (unlike MB for example)
So it's probably not far off the scrapyard given it needs lots to get it back to health
On the upside the interior is exceptionally good quality (despite some comments to the contrary) and when they're all sorted a great drive with a very solid feel absent from modern cars.
Best car ever ? Well they were good in their time but few are left, and of those most are probably quite ropey so if you want to buy one then make sure you get a good one.
)Friend of mine had an E39 528 saloon I coveted somewhat, I couldn't afford to take it off his hands when it came to sale time and I was gutted, I got use of it fairly regularly and it was superb, comfortable, quick, handled surprisingly well for its bulk and economical for a 2 ton saloon car with a 2.8 I6! I still have the E39 M5 on my list of "must own one-day cars" the styling in my opinion is the last good looking M5
My current daily is a 523i SE with sport suspension upgrade & a few other bits.
I only really bought it as I couldn't believe a 2 owner 80k car with a full bmw service history was about to be scrapped. Originally the plan was simply to give it a full service, get it running right and give it a damn good clean prior to making some ££££££.
That was in August last year, I've now done around 8k & I'm thinking this BMW might stick around a little while longer in less someone makes me a good offer.
It's generated an incredible number of positive comments from various people and a strange number of people are under the impression it must be worth ten times it's true value.
I only really bought it as I couldn't believe a 2 owner 80k car with a full bmw service history was about to be scrapped. Originally the plan was simply to give it a full service, get it running right and give it a damn good clean prior to making some ££££££.
That was in August last year, I've now done around 8k & I'm thinking this BMW might stick around a little while longer in less someone makes me a good offer.
It's generated an incredible number of positive comments from various people and a strange number of people are under the impression it must be worth ten times it's true value.
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