Tell me about E39s
Discussion
I quite fancy the idea of an E39. Just doing some initial research here, so not looking to jump in yet. I’ve had BMWs before (E36 + a couple of E46s including a 330Ci Sport) but never a five series. I know these are getting old now, but are they still a worthy proposition for a daily runner? For me it would have to be a six cylinder car and a manual. A V8 535 or 540 would be great but the MPG would depress me, so I’ll keep my focus on the straight sixes! The Sport spec cars look great, but on the type of roads I frequently use I fear the firmer suspension might become tiresome, so maybe a nice SE would be more appropriate. Having said that if I get to serious looking I would go for the nicest I can find within my budget, so if that is a Sport then so be it.
Which is the best engine variant to go for? Having had a 330 I imagine the same engine in the E39 would give respectable pace and reasonable economy.
What are the main areas to look at on these? I have read a bit about the cooling system, which I guess if it hasn’t by now been refreshed will most likely need some attention.
Educate me!
Which is the best engine variant to go for? Having had a 330 I imagine the same engine in the E39 would give respectable pace and reasonable economy.
What are the main areas to look at on these? I have read a bit about the cooling system, which I guess if it hasn’t by now been refreshed will most likely need some attention.
Educate me!
I had one for 3 years. Mine was a 528i. Nice place to be and bargains to be had!
Definitely check the cooling system and check it regularly!
I fitted new radiator/water pump and stat but did it a little too late! Resulted in HGF and the car is now on my drive ready to sell for spares or repair!
I was going to rectify it but 'everybody' said not worth doing due to head/block warpage and threads would strip!
If you do get one, check on t'interweb for details of correct bleeding procedure, it is straightforward but not obvious!
That being said, it was the only real problem I had with the car!
Definitely check the cooling system and check it regularly!
I fitted new radiator/water pump and stat but did it a little too late! Resulted in HGF and the car is now on my drive ready to sell for spares or repair!
I was going to rectify it but 'everybody' said not worth doing due to head/block warpage and threads would strip!
If you do get one, check on t'interweb for details of correct bleeding procedure, it is straightforward but not obvious!
That being said, it was the only real problem I had with the car!
I've had two 530i Sports over the years. Should have kept the first one, but foolish sold it, however i was happy with the 2nd one and ran it for nearly 4 years.
A very well built car, but expect to see some rust on the wheel arches and on the boot. Inside the car is lovely, even today. I drive a Jaguar XFR now, but the e39 sport interior is still a nice place to be, in comparison.
As mentioned above, the cooling system is weak. This is what happened on my 2nd car: https://youtu.be/c306V2L5PWI
I had to replaced the rad, thermostat, pump, pipes and expansion tank. I also replaced the belts and pulleys just to be on the safe side. It is something you can do yourself, with the correct tools; essentially the long spanner for the fan is the only thing i had to buy, everything else is standard, takes about a day to sort out.
There is also the issue to the head gasket, it may be weeping oil. A simple replacement of the gasket sorts this out. A 30mins job.
Servicing is pretty easy. All spark plugs can been reached, although check the coil-packs, it may be worth replacing these at the same time, relatively cheap from carparts4less or GSF.
Never had an issue with electrics, although maybe carter for a new battery, especially with the colder weather around the corner.
There is a 60-70 wobble in the steering wheel, when on the motorway. The wheels were well balanced and the tracking wasn't out, but i've read that it's something that is common on these cars. It could have been down to the Falkens i was using, but other owners have reported the same thing with different tyres. Take it to about 75 on private roads, and it goes.
If you're using the likes of the Philips Xtream Vision bulbs, you may want to look at replacing the bulb holder with a ceramic one. The plastic holder will melt over time and will cause issues. This is from first hand experience.
In terms of harshness with the m-sport suspension, it's not that bad. If the car is crashing around, then it may be the bushes have worn out. A set of OEM replacements should sort that out, rather than the harder poly ones.
Otherwise if the car is well maintained, then they will run well as a daily runner.
A very well built car, but expect to see some rust on the wheel arches and on the boot. Inside the car is lovely, even today. I drive a Jaguar XFR now, but the e39 sport interior is still a nice place to be, in comparison.
As mentioned above, the cooling system is weak. This is what happened on my 2nd car: https://youtu.be/c306V2L5PWI
I had to replaced the rad, thermostat, pump, pipes and expansion tank. I also replaced the belts and pulleys just to be on the safe side. It is something you can do yourself, with the correct tools; essentially the long spanner for the fan is the only thing i had to buy, everything else is standard, takes about a day to sort out.
There is also the issue to the head gasket, it may be weeping oil. A simple replacement of the gasket sorts this out. A 30mins job.
Servicing is pretty easy. All spark plugs can been reached, although check the coil-packs, it may be worth replacing these at the same time, relatively cheap from carparts4less or GSF.
Never had an issue with electrics, although maybe carter for a new battery, especially with the colder weather around the corner.
There is a 60-70 wobble in the steering wheel, when on the motorway. The wheels were well balanced and the tracking wasn't out, but i've read that it's something that is common on these cars. It could have been down to the Falkens i was using, but other owners have reported the same thing with different tyres. Take it to about 75 on private roads, and it goes.
If you're using the likes of the Philips Xtream Vision bulbs, you may want to look at replacing the bulb holder with a ceramic one. The plastic holder will melt over time and will cause issues. This is from first hand experience.
In terms of harshness with the m-sport suspension, it's not that bad. If the car is crashing around, then it may be the bushes have worn out. A set of OEM replacements should sort that out, rather than the harder poly ones.
Otherwise if the car is well maintained, then they will run well as a daily runner.
Edited by XFRFred on Wednesday 3rd August 15:00
Had an 01 530 Sport for over 3 years, loved every minute of ownership.
As with most people I had the replace the full set of suspension bushes (I went for Poly bushes & didn't regret it) and pretty much the full cooling system as a precaution when I saw the radiator bottom was starting to bulge out.
For the sake of a few hundred quid it was well worth budgeting for if not done already.
Pretty much the best (read most perfect for me) car I have ever owned, got it LPG converted which meant a (£/£) equivalent cost of 55 mpg.
Check ALL electrics FULLY as (especially 98 - 01) soem did have some dodgy goings-on. Make sure the ABS/ASC/Whatever they call it depending on age lights operate correctly or expect a £1k bill for the ASC/T ECU/Pump unit.
I think the above poster meant Rocker cover gasket 30 min fix, no-one can change a head gasket in 30 min!!!! Oil in this area is common & easy to fix with £30 parts & an hour & some Wynns black liquid gasket.
As with most people I had the replace the full set of suspension bushes (I went for Poly bushes & didn't regret it) and pretty much the full cooling system as a precaution when I saw the radiator bottom was starting to bulge out.
For the sake of a few hundred quid it was well worth budgeting for if not done already.
Pretty much the best (read most perfect for me) car I have ever owned, got it LPG converted which meant a (£/£) equivalent cost of 55 mpg.
Check ALL electrics FULLY as (especially 98 - 01) soem did have some dodgy goings-on. Make sure the ABS/ASC/Whatever they call it depending on age lights operate correctly or expect a £1k bill for the ASC/T ECU/Pump unit.
I think the above poster meant Rocker cover gasket 30 min fix, no-one can change a head gasket in 30 min!!!! Oil in this area is common & easy to fix with £30 parts & an hour & some Wynns black liquid gasket.
pstruck said:
I quite fancy the idea of an E39. Just doing some initial research here, so not looking to jump in yet. I’ve had BMWs before (E36 + a couple of E46s including a 330Ci Sport) but never a five series. I know these are getting old now, but are they still a worthy proposition for a daily runner? For me it would have to be a six cylinder car and a manual. A V8 535 or 540 would be great but the MPG would depress me, so I’ll keep my focus on the straight sixes! The Sport spec cars look great, but on the type of roads I frequently use I fear the firmer suspension might become tiresome, so maybe a nice SE would be more appropriate. Having said that if I get to serious looking I would go for the nicest I can find within my budget, so if that is a Sport then so be it.
Which is the best engine variant to go for? Having had a 330 I imagine the same engine in the E39 would give respectable pace and reasonable economy.
What are the main areas to look at on these? I have read a bit about the cooling system, which I guess if it hasn’t by now been refreshed will most likely need some attention.
Educate me!
Wise decision to search out a manual as the auto boxes now quite elderly and approaching the end of their useful lives; having said that some autos do soldier on above 150k miles. Many more autos than manuals, and manuals now attracting a small premium at resale.Which is the best engine variant to go for? Having had a 330 I imagine the same engine in the E39 would give respectable pace and reasonable economy.
What are the main areas to look at on these? I have read a bit about the cooling system, which I guess if it hasn’t by now been refreshed will most likely need some attention.
Educate me!
If you're not taking the V8 route then have a look at any of the sixes bar the 520. Best performance/economy balance from the 528i & 530i. (As an aside, kind of like the lazy power of my 530d but these are now quite difficult to find with a manual gearbox).
As you have commented the petrol sixes have comparatively fragile cooling systems and should be carefully assessed.
My E39s (530d SE manual & M5) eat suspension components. I've spent more here than on all the other systems of the cars put together but I am really fussy about the way my cars ride and handle.
SE spec suspension is 'compliant'. Actually, it's too soft for spirited driving but it more than compensates for this when cruising on motorways. My 530d is an awesome comfortable and relaxing long distance machine: cannot think of a better car for this type of work. Look forward to chasing down the infamous shimmy/judder! Many have tried and failed!
Rust is a bugbear on all wheel arches, front and rear of the sill, jacking points (if severe here can effectively scrap the car) & boot lid.
Buy a good one and you'll love it. Buy a neglected one and you'll curse it!
Hi,
Do get yourself over on the UK centric 5 series forum;
http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/
You can ask anything you'd like in addition to the good advice above!
Cars are always advertised on the site and some are excellent bargains, other's well priced and looked after and others have pie in the sky pricing! which is pretty much on par for everywhere else too!
Depending on your budget, you can get a very good example. The 540i's are quite rare, the 535i even rarer (and one guy with a 68 K miler is soon to sell his on the forum) finding them in manual gearbox format is like gold dust, but they are out there. Pick of the bunch has been the facelifted 530i for a good balance of all round performance and driveability.
They're still excellent cars, and I'm not looking to sell mine on at all having just spent a substantial amount including a 5 speed manual swap
I'd urge you to strongly look for an excellent condition example, other things can be added/retrofitted if you really must have certain options etc.
What's your budget ?
Cheers, Dennis!
Do get yourself over on the UK centric 5 series forum;
http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/
You can ask anything you'd like in addition to the good advice above!
Cars are always advertised on the site and some are excellent bargains, other's well priced and looked after and others have pie in the sky pricing! which is pretty much on par for everywhere else too!
Depending on your budget, you can get a very good example. The 540i's are quite rare, the 535i even rarer (and one guy with a 68 K miler is soon to sell his on the forum) finding them in manual gearbox format is like gold dust, but they are out there. Pick of the bunch has been the facelifted 530i for a good balance of all round performance and driveability.
They're still excellent cars, and I'm not looking to sell mine on at all having just spent a substantial amount including a 5 speed manual swap
I'd urge you to strongly look for an excellent condition example, other things can be added/retrofitted if you really must have certain options etc.
What's your budget ?
Cheers, Dennis!
Thanks all for the excellent information. This is just an idea at present and I have not set a budget as yet. It might be no more than about £3k, to include some for getting the essential jobs done. Not a lot of money for a car purchase, but I'm hoping it might be enough to secure a decent one. Pie-in-the-sky prices were mentioned above and I've already seen a few of those! I will be sure to check out the forums mentioned.
E-bmw said:
I think the above poster meant Rocker cover gasket 30 min fix, no-one can change a head gasket in 30 min!!!! Oil in this area is common & easy to fix with £30 parts & an hour & some Wynns black liquid gasket.
Yes, sorry for the confusion OP. This is what i meant. cheers E-bmwBuy an E39 on condition, not age. Early ones (P/R/S) can be in better condition and they're often more reliable because the cooling system was far simpler (it's basically an E30 E36 system) and things that went wrong on later cars such as the ABS control module almost never fail. Forget the 520i and 523i unless you stumble on a minter for no money - the 528i is the one to have. With E39's, the newer they are, the more there is to go wrong - ABS ASC and DSC units, semi and full electronic throttle bodies, the utterly awful post 9/98 cooling system that must have had Renault involvement at the design stage..............and rust - you'll find that even 2002/3 cars can require welding.
But remember that E39's are now firmly in banger territory, and will require money spent to keep it going. But a decent one is a lovely thing.
But remember that E39's are now firmly in banger territory, and will require money spent to keep it going. But a decent one is a lovely thing.
Last November I picked up an 03 530i sport with 64k and no rust for a little over £2200. Since then I've needed a new front caliper and I added new discs and pads. Other than consumable items and servicing that's the only expense I've had so far.
The car has been faultless and is now on 74k although I've noticed oil consumption seems to be getting higher but not had time to investigate. It may be an engine characteristic as I've not noticed any oil drips on the driveway.
The 530i is a good mix between being reasonably quick and having decent economy. My trip computer is showing 28.2 mpg but I've never worked it out on a tank. It also makes a great noise when you get up in the rev range and everyone knows BMW are famous for the smoothness of their their 6 cylinder engines.
There are definite bargains to be had so don't go buying the first overpriced dog you come across. I know I could still sell my car and not lose anything so I count myself very fortunate to have some cheap motoring. As much as I love my car, the ultimate daily driver would be a manual touring, with a tow bar.
The car has been faultless and is now on 74k although I've noticed oil consumption seems to be getting higher but not had time to investigate. It may be an engine characteristic as I've not noticed any oil drips on the driveway.
The 530i is a good mix between being reasonably quick and having decent economy. My trip computer is showing 28.2 mpg but I've never worked it out on a tank. It also makes a great noise when you get up in the rev range and everyone knows BMW are famous for the smoothness of their their 6 cylinder engines.
There are definite bargains to be had so don't go buying the first overpriced dog you come across. I know I could still sell my car and not lose anything so I count myself very fortunate to have some cheap motoring. As much as I love my car, the ultimate daily driver would be a manual touring, with a tow bar.
Mr. H said:
Last November I picked up an 03 530i sport with 64k and no rust for a little over £2200. Since then I've needed a new front caliper and I added new discs and pads. Other than consumable items and servicing that's the only expense I've had so far.
It's good to know that they're out there for the sort of money I am likely to be considering. Sounds like just the sort of thing I could do with finding.iSore said:
Buy an E39 on condition, not age. Early ones (P/R/S) can be in better condition and they're often more reliable because the cooling system was far simpler (it's basically an E30 E36 system) and things that went wrong on later cars such as the ABS control module almost never fail. Forget the 520i and 523i unless you stumble on a minter for no money - the 528i is the one to have. With E39's, the newer they are, the more there is to go wrong - ABS ASC and DSC units, semi and full electronic throttle bodies, the utterly awful post 9/98 cooling system that must have had Renault involvement at the design stage..............and rust - you'll find that even 2002/3 cars can require welding.
But remember that E39's are now firmly in banger territory, and will require money spent to keep it going. But a decent one is a lovely thing.
I didn't appreciate the differences in the cooling system on the earlier cars. Interesting and worthy of more research. Thanks.But remember that E39's are now firmly in banger territory, and will require money spent to keep it going. But a decent one is a lovely thing.
I've just acquired an e39 540i from my father who has owned it for 15 years.
The cooling system has been replaced (hoses once, rad twice) and the suspension rebushed to cure the shimmy. The engine has leaked oil also which caused new cam cover gaskets to be fitted. BMW made a right hash of this by threading a securing bolt so be careful when undertaking work yourself. The screen rubbers have perished which I need to sort out.
On the upside it is rust free and the interior is lovely. It's v fast- my Saab 93 Aero is quickish but the bm is fast even by modern standards. With the 6 speed manual it's also frugal for what it is- 32 mpg on a run.
Before this car he had an e39 manual 528i. It wasn't as fast but handled better and the 5 speed gearbox was so much nicer to use.
I've looked on eBay and autrotrader for comparison and I guess it's waiting for a good one to come up. Alas a lot of them have become drift cars or are purchased by unsympathetic owners as they're cheap and big for family use. I think the 540 is worth about 1800-2000 as it has full bmw history and only 135000 miles on it.
Hope this helps 😀
The cooling system has been replaced (hoses once, rad twice) and the suspension rebushed to cure the shimmy. The engine has leaked oil also which caused new cam cover gaskets to be fitted. BMW made a right hash of this by threading a securing bolt so be careful when undertaking work yourself. The screen rubbers have perished which I need to sort out.
On the upside it is rust free and the interior is lovely. It's v fast- my Saab 93 Aero is quickish but the bm is fast even by modern standards. With the 6 speed manual it's also frugal for what it is- 32 mpg on a run.
Before this car he had an e39 manual 528i. It wasn't as fast but handled better and the 5 speed gearbox was so much nicer to use.
I've looked on eBay and autrotrader for comparison and I guess it's waiting for a good one to come up. Alas a lot of them have become drift cars or are purchased by unsympathetic owners as they're cheap and big for family use. I think the 540 is worth about 1800-2000 as it has full bmw history and only 135000 miles on it.
Hope this helps 😀
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