5 series e39
5 series e39
Author
Discussion

gaz1234

Original Poster:

5,233 posts

250 months

Wednesday 25th April 2012
quotequote all
looking at a 523, manual, as a run around.
things to look out for?

The Stiglet

2,063 posts

225 months

Wednesday 25th April 2012
quotequote all

miniman

30,226 posts

293 months

Wednesday 25th April 2012
quotequote all
Careful with the 523. Mine had all the power of the 520 and all the economy of the 528. Making the 528 a much better overall buy.

gaz1234

Original Poster:

5,233 posts

250 months

Wednesday 25th April 2012
quotequote all
rust then...

The Stiglet

2,063 posts

225 months

Wednesday 25th April 2012
quotequote all
Actually, just re-reading that thread, it wasn't great! Sorry but I thought there was more detail in it.

Key areas on the E39 to check:

Radiator and cooling system = weak point. Check hoses, fan, radiator for replacement.

Bushes, you can normally tell when the front ones are done in by a shim or wobble though the steering at around 50 mph under light braking. You might think it is the discs but usually it isn't.

Rust, beginning to attack all but the very cosseted E39's. Main areas are rear wheel arches, boot handle and surrounding area including edges upon opening and fuel cap area once opened.

Door seals tend to shrink, which allows the heavy doors to rattle against the striker under acceleration or bumpy ground. Many people use grease or electrical tape around the striker to mask the sound.

Auto boxes have some history of failing at around 100,000 miles. Flushing the oil and changing the filters doesn't necessarily improve the situation.

More will be along soon with extra detail, I'm sure.

gaz1234

Original Poster:

5,233 posts

250 months

Wednesday 25th April 2012
quotequote all
will give it a drive...smile

JJM

469 posts

220 months

Wednesday 25th April 2012
quotequote all
Also worth checking the handbrake mechanising is working ok, on my car (an automatic) it had to be replaced last year to get it through the MOT.



Edited by JJM on Wednesday 25th April 21:46

sparks_E39

12,738 posts

244 months

Wednesday 25th April 2012
quotequote all
Anything below a 528 is pointless. They are expensive and can be troublesome but they still are one of the best cars out there.

gaz1234

Original Poster:

5,233 posts

250 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
quotequote all
sparks_E39 said:
Anything below a 528 is pointless. They are expensive and can be troublesome but they still are one of the best cars out there.
sounds a little contradictive....(IS THAT A WORD..)

sparks_E39

12,738 posts

244 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
quotequote all
gaz1234 said:
sparks_E39 said:
Anything below a 528 is pointless. They are expensive and can be troublesome but they still are one of the best cars out there.
sounds a little contradictive....(IS THAT A WORD..)
In other words they are so good you forgive the little faults.

gaz1234

Original Poster:

5,233 posts

250 months

Thursday 26th April 2012
quotequote all
sparks_E39 said:
In other words they are so good you forgive the little faults.
seeing it tomorrow...smile