BMW E39 530i

[LGriffiths88]

Evening.

Me and the Mrs have been mulling over a second car for a while. We were going to get an x5. But due to circumstances we are going to get a run around for myself.

Seen this little beauty

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Been looking at the E39 for a year or two as it's one of the cars I really lust for. I blame the BMW short film 'The Hire'. Now an M5 would be ideal... But for what I'll be potentially using for it won't be ideal. Unfortunately.

Now the prices seem to be creeping up on the 39's.

Now this example looks good. Very local to me. So will pay a visit to it this weekend.

Is £2k a good price? How low shall I aim for if I make a bid on it. Anything I should be looking for?

Thanks

[ZX10R NIN]

Look for rust & generally check everything the passenger rear door looks like it's been resprayed as it looks a slightly different shade of silver.

Give the box some stick as it can sometimes be a weak spot & obviously check the rear suspension obviously due to the tow bar.

[LGriffiths88]

ZX10R NIN said:

Look for rust & generally check everything the passenger rear door looks like it's been resprayed as it looks a slightly different shade of silver.

Give the box some stick as it can sometimes be a weak spot & obviously check the rear suspension obviously due to the tow bar.

I didn't notice that at first. How much do you think it would cost to get it re sprayed to march rest of car?

When you the box? You mean the auto box?

[ZX10R NIN]

Yes the auto box, I'd say budget £200-£300 for the door.

[LGriffiths88]

Think it's worth mentioning that in negotiations?

Where's best to have them done? Imagine a BMW garage would be quite expensive.

[ZX10R NIN]

Find a good bodyshop in your area & I'm sure they'll see you right.

[turboflutter]

Rust, everywhere... Bottom of boot lid, slam panel under bootlid, numberplate light holder, bottom of doors, around lock barrels. Anywhere that is likely to pick up a paint chip will rust, this type is usually superficial but can be extensive so will cost a lot if you're handy with bodywork. I've seen quite a bit of serious rust on jacking points too so a proper look there, if you can see past all the plastic underbody covers.

Can be heavy on suspension and brakes (of course dependent on driving style) so just do your usual checks there.

Engine generally solid - CCV and coolant system failure common so make sure they're done or factor in the costs.

Auto gearbox also a weak point as stated above - good run and use all the gears and functions.

I just got my 530i manual on the road today for the first time since buying it, fantastic cruiser even with a manual. Best all rounder I've driven for the money. The money seems good enough for that but try and get some more off as usual procedure
Oh and do MOT history checks!! Free and will tell you a lot more about the history than the owner might

[LGriffiths88]

Cheers for all that info pal.

Just spotted one on autotrader for 1800. Done 20k odd less miles too.

And all door panels look the same.

[turboflutter]

I bought mine on 144k - its had all suspension done, coolant system, CCV, brakes, wheel bearings, feels fabulous. I used to be afraid of miles until I bought this car haha. When they say buy on maintenance and history rather than mileage it is true!

Both my nearside doors are rusty along the bottom, got a spare front and looking for a spare rear, so I can only assume its a common things with panels being switched especially at this age and value. Easier to get a £30 door than get the rust treated and painted I guess!

[LGriffiths88]

This cheaper one I've seen has part service history and 4 owners in total. With 3rd owner having the car for a total of 10 years.

So would like to think it's been looked after and serviced well.