2002 E39 530i Sport

[sparks_E39]

I purchased this from a member over on bmw5 forum this past weekend. It's a 2002 E39 530i Sport Auto, titan metallic silver, 89k. Very well cared for and a decent spec. Also my second E39, replacing my 1999 528i SE Auto. Nav, full leather and all the Sport goodies. The last owner also fitted HID's. All it needs is the airbag light fixing as it intermittently comes on and a small patch of rust sorting out on the drivers side quarter panel (looking at circa £300 to fix) The cooling system is all original so that will be getting looked at. I would imagine I'd replace at least the water pump, viscous fan and radiator as a bit of pre-emptive maintenance. It's just had the inspection 1 and MOT from a BMW dealer so it's in great mechanical condition.









small patch of rust- pretty much the only rust on the car. Will be easily taken care of shortly.


No plans to modify it or anything else, although I might take out the bar at the front of the bumper like on the M5 as I prefer the look, not sure if this is possible though... it's early days but so far so good.

[sparks_E39]

pincher said:

Ha - mine is an RJ52 as well and has 88000 miles. Small world!

Just out of interest, how much did you pay (if you don't mind me asking)?

No worries! I'll PM you.

RJ is Reading area I believe...

[sparks_E39]

Falsey said:

Looks lovely.

Thanks! Really happy with it so far.

[sparks_E39]

pincher said:

Cool - ta.

I bought mine off a PH'er - far and away the all-round car I've ever had.

Yours looks nice. Any issues with it so far?


Currently de-badged, quite like the clean look... what do you lot think?

Edited by sparks_E39 on Thursday 27th June 22:34

[sparks_E39]

I'll think I'll keep it de-badged. I'm glad this was made back in the day BMW didn't go mad with the ///M logo. Although I've seen some Sports with the ///M logo on the front door trims... don't mind those.

[sparks_E39]

Max M4X WW said:

They must have been optional, I thought the later ones got them but yours doesn't and nor did my Y-Plate.

£20 a side from the dealer apparently.... will cosmetically and mechanically ensure the car is sound but I think I'll probably get these.

[sparks_E39]

Thanks all, nice to see other E39's.

Graham- they are an aftermarket kit yes and look brilliant. Didn't have Xenons as standard. Haven't played with the blutooth yet...

[sparks_E39]

LeoZwalf said:

Old school BMW? How old are you?! :P

I think of 70's ones as being old school...

I was 15 when my 52 plate rolled out of the factory...

[sparks_E39]

benjj said:

Christ, I feel old. I still think of the E39 as a pretty modern car.

It doesn't feel like an old car, not really. It can still hold it's own against more modern stuff.

[sparks_E39]

Thank you! That little bit of rust definitely has to go though!

[sparks_E39]

Said goodbye to the 528i today. Spot the difference!

[sparks_E39]

giblet said:

Very nice! I've always wanted an E39 with those wheels. Toying between a bargain basement LS400 to replace my car in a few months, or I could spend a bit more and tick the E39 box. What are the running costs like? I'm used to 17mpg, I'm guessing these are a litle better?

Thanks, 23 mpg over 400 miles of mixed driving so far.

[sparks_E39]

So manh of my freinds think I'm mad for "buying the same car again"!

[sparks_E39]

Cemesis said:

You need to try the voice recognition...

Can't seem to get it to work...

[sparks_E39]

Vajazzle said:

Nice looking 530! That rust on the rear wing is a common problem caused by the little 'tang' that slots into the bumper, the other side will no doubt be starting too. I'd definitely suggest removing the sill covers to check for rust.

I'll get them looked at soon. Judging on the rest of the car it doesn't seem to have much in the way of rust

[sparks_E39]

Cemesis said:

If you hold down the voice button the steering wheel (with the engine running), does the car beep at you?

No it doesn't...

[sparks_E39]

Can't get the Bluetooth to work, no biggie really. I'll try again at the weekend. But thanks for the tips!

Tonight at Sandbanks and one at The New Forest.

[sparks_E39]

Thanks Fox, yours is equally as nice, pretty much identical from the outside! I want the ///M strips on my doors too. Did you fit those or did they come with the car? Seems odd some Sports don't have them.

Graham- I'm beginning to think something is unplugged or missing...

Ross, thanks. It's much improved over the 528. Much smoother power delivery, sports suspension is brilliant and it certainly feels more confident and planted on country roads. It's not a whole lot quicker but all the little changes add up to make a big difference. Looks wise the Sport has so much more road presence. It sits lower, bigger bumpers and the 18 inch alloys. The ride isn't as comfortable as the 528i, but that's not an issue. Still a hugely comfortable car to drive.

Edited by sparks_E39 on Thursday 4th July 10:00

Edited by sparks_E39 on Thursday 4th July 10:01

[sparks_E39]

S3_Graham said:

GMS cars have the perfect 530 up for sale currently.

2004 Champagne II with 60k on it. Shame the price is £6750!!!

That is rather alot for an E39.

[sparks_E39]

4154QLD said:

Nice pics of Banks Road mate. Haven't seen that view for years. Used to love going down there and watching the sun-sets with a beer from the deck at the Harbour Heights Hotel.

Cheers,
Paul.

Thanks. We're very lucky down here, but this time of year it's mad busy!