Looking at an E39 5 Series - advice?

[Beeby]

I have been offered first refusal on my neighbour's one previous owner E39 5 series. It's a 97 R 520 SE auto. It is in mint condition and only done 49k. Now the fact it is 15 years old doesn't bother me as I currently run a 13 year old car which is extremely reliable. I'm sorely tempted by this particular car but I'm wondering I am potentially letting myself in for a whole heap of pain?
The car itself really is in beautiful condition with FSH, premium matching tyres, everything electrical works etc. It has clearly been very well cared for. I've checked for common faults on these which I am now aware of but has any one ever run one of these and is there anything that you recommend I look out for? I'm not bothered about the fact it only does 30mpg as I only do about 6k a year. He is asking £2000 for it which I think is a bit high. I'd be more tempted at £1700. Any thoughts welcome.

[RP1]

Sounds expensive. For that spec/miles i'd say at 1200-1300 tops really.

The 2.0 is really quite inadequate for the size of the car its got to haul around and being auto won't help either. You'd be better off with a 523i or preferably 528i.

ETA: It is worth paying a premium for a good one as they are cracking motors. Sadlyjust the wrong engine in your neighbours one!

[4key]

They are lovely cars, I owned one for quite a few years. That one is of a poor spec and overpriced by quite a bit, have a look though the classifieds at prices. All imo of course

[Baryonyx]

Even in the E39 5 series I thought the 2.0L engine was too small. After that, it was even more bizarre! The E61 520i must be dreadfully slow.

[TomM]

Overpriced, the engine in these are gutless and the car is far better enjoyed in 3ltr +

I had had a couple, things I replaced in ownership (out of the ordinary)

Dash pod (£500)
Gearbox oil cooler (£600)
ABS Module and all sensors (£1000)
TV / Radio module - only applies to cars with Sat nav (£500)

That said, I LOVED both of mine and kept them both a lot longer than I intended. My last was a black 530i sport, facelift - shoud never have sold it. The best all rounder I have driven / owned.

[4key]

Thats the other thing, a 97 will one of the first. They always looked so much better with the facelift lights and the msport package. Mileage isnt much of an issue with them, my last one was the most indestructable cars that I have ever owned.

[Pickled]

Too much money, and probably wont be much more economical than any of its larger engined siblings (V8's excluded)

[stewjohnst]

Have had a couple, a 535 and a 540 - both auto. Lovely, big comfy and reliable cars with no major worries. and would have another in a flash.

As others have said, the 520 was reckoned to be underpowered for the body although I've never driven a 520, it will also likely be lower spec unless whoever bought it went crazy with the options.

I'd also say he's about a £1000 to steep for a 520, even though he's only done 40k in it and if he's only getting 30mpg he better be doing town driving as I could get 25-28 on the 535/540 and brother saw 30+ on the 528.

There isn't a shortage of E39's out there so I'd say for £1500 treat yourself to a 528 instead.

[Ki3r]

I have a 1997 528i SE Auto and love it. I've heard that there isn't a huge difference in running costs between them, but no idea if this is true (I currently get 18mpg around town though).

Mine had done 97k when I got it at the start of the year. Paid £1000 for it.

[Beeby]

Thanks all I really appreciate your advice.

[sparks_E39]

I wouldn't bother with a 520, same mpg as a 528 but it's a tortoise.

[*Al*]

I love the E39s, i've owned the M5 and the 535 both V8s

[Pig Skill]

Aren't the e39's renown for being rusty fkers?

[sparks_E39]

Pig Skill said:

Aren't the e39's renown for being rusty fkers?

They do suffer a bit yes, nothing drastic though.

[forsure]

sparks_E39 said:

Pig Skill said:

Aren't the e39's renown for being rusty fkers?

They do suffer a bit yes, nothing drastic though.

Agreed; certainly nothing like as bad as E-class Mercs of the same vintage.

Not a mark on my 100k miles '00/W 528i as far as I'm aware, and I had good look around while it was on the hoist at the last MoT.

[sparks_E39]

Mines going a bit. Off side sill both ends, the corner of the osr door frame and nsr wheel arch. Nothing serious, £150 quote to sort. I know jacking points are known weak spots. Last year when mine went for MOT the tester said that my car was mint underneath, and my indie says the same.

[ajb85]

Fantastic cars, I can't heap enough praise on my old 530d. Although I have to say, the only reason I'd want to drive an automatic 520i would be to induce sleep...

[trickywoo]

As others have said don't bother with the 520.

I had a 528 a couple of years ago it was a great car but my mileage shot up and I had to sell it.

I only got £1,300 for it with 70k on the clock full service history and it was an SE with heated leather etc.

[kpb]

We've got a dead one in my Dad's garage. Same engine but S-plate.

Just to reiterate the points above, its over-priced and underpowered. You'd get better economy from a larger engine driven on a lighter throttle. The rest of the package is superb though (comfort, handling etc).

The REALLY big thing you need to look out for is cooling system problems. They are very very prone to water pump, radiator and expansion tank problems and tend to cook the head gasket very quickly if one goes. Thats why we have a dead one.

Even if you know the provenance of the car i'd suggest an extended test drive well up to normal operating temperature and then let it sit running for a while. Watch that temp gauge! I just wish i'd done this when buying the one we had rather than a cursory and impressive short test drive.

[sparks_E39]

In regards to the cooling system: If you buy one replace everything, working or not. Every E39 suffers and it will he the best £400 you spend on the car. You only cook an E39 engine once...