E39 - good or bad idea?

[sawman]

I have been running an old, slightly scabby merc 190e for the last few months as a winter hack, its been reliable and now sports a fresh MOT with no advisorys. I had planned to sell in the spring and then revert to the morgan for commuting.

I could do with a towbar, to move our small sailing dinghy to events this year (on of which being a big trip to the south coast (from north east) and I have looked at putting one on our jeep, but the interweb tells me this will cost about £500 (supplied and fitted).

So, my latest scheme is that I could trade up the merc for something with a towbar - which seems more fun than spending a morning having a hitch fitted.

I have spotted an S reg E39 bmw 520 manual fully equipped with a tow hitch (look like it might have caravan electrics!) which might be in budget. Its got about 80k on it if you believe the advert.

Is there anything to be wary of with these - particularly in the context of previous caravan pulling?

[Baryonyx]

The 520 would not be my first choice for towing. Maybe a 528i or 530i. Ideally a 540i...

[jas xjr]

I do not mean to upset anyone who owns one but the 520 is very under powered . The thought of towing with one makes me shudder .

[soad]

It's a big heavy slow car. Bigger-engined model, shirley?

[g3org3y]

520i is considered underpowered sans trailer. Wouldn't be my first towing car of choice tbh.

[sawman]

Oh, I am not too bothered about its towing capabilty - the boat only weighs about 80 kg (plus trailer) - its more about whether the E39 is a reasonable bet as a 15 year old car, and whether there are any areas I should be concerned about when looking at one, particularly one which may have been used for towing.

Thanks all...

[falkster]

My mate has just this morning bought an absolute spanking 528se for less than a grand. Full leather and documented history.
Bargain barging has never been so luxurious.

[chrisispringles]

My dad's E39 528i has been superb to us so far. If you get an SE on small wheels and balloon tyres it rides like nothing else I've ever been and is very quiet and refined. Things to bear in mind are that the radiator will need replacing if it hasn't already and they like a drink. As others have said, try and go for at least a 523i at least, the 2l engine isn't powerful enough for the car and costs the same if not more to run. They are wonderful old slippers though, get one.

[Scootersp]

The thing is a small dinghy is pretty lightweight isn't it? the equivalent of 2 rugby playing passengers so it shouldn't be too bad for the task.

I'm not sure what downsides the possible caravan towing might have caused, premature clutch/drive train wear?

[g3org3y]

sawman said:

Oh, I am not too bothered about its towing capabilty - the boat only weighs about 80 kg (plus trailer) - its more about whether the E39 is a reasonable bet as a 15 year old car, and whether there are any areas I should be concerned about when looking at one, particularly one which may have been used for towing.

Thanks all...

Well in that case, worth a look.

Be wary:
- Cooling system might be in need of an overhaul - common fail point on the M52 engine
- E39s are quite heavy on their suspension components and many are still on their original bits. Might need replacing come MOT time.

This thread should tell you all you need to know about the E39.

HTH

[Redder Tint]

E39 530d would be my choice. 520i wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding.

[falkster]

Redder Tint said:

E39 530d would be my choice. 520i wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding.

Nothing like a nice power slide in an oil burner!!

[Devil2575]

An old E39 is like any old BMW. Buy the wrong one and you'll end up with a money pit.

The 520 is fine. Not that fast does not mean the same as underpowered.

[sawman]

Well, went to have a quick look, and generally seemed tidy(ish) bit of rist bubbling on rear arch, but I noticed the tow bar (which was my main reason for interest) seemed to be bent - or at least sticking out at a funny angle, suggesting that whatever it was attached to was bent!

I didn't get any further.