Tell me about E39s

[pstruck]

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!

[pstruck]

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.

[pstruck]

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.

[pstruck]

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.

[pstruck]

Not sure whether to broaden my horizons and consider an auto. My heart says manual would suit me best, but as has been pointed out there are less around. If considering autos also there would certainly be more to choose from. In reality what is the difference in fuel consumption on say a 528 or 530 auto vs manual?

[pstruck]

The deep pockets thing worries me. I guess any car of this age has the potential to require quite a lot of upkeep, but with a 5 series BM that upkeep could be considerably more expensive than others. I am finding myself going off the idea somewhat. An old complex car is probably not where I should be looking for my next steed. Perhaps a re-think is on the cards.