2000 E39 528i 110k miles - what to look for?

[Pommygranite]

Is there anything in particular to look for with a 110k e39 528i sport?

Cheers!

[hantsxlg]

yeah... that it hasn't been 'mileage adjusted' at only 110K for a 14 year old luxo-barge!

[sparks_E39]

Mileage is nothing. Cooling system and rust.

[Pommygranite]

I'm in Australia and clocking is much rarer than UK due to massive penalties and rust is rare due to climate so perhaps its just the cooling system?!

Is it an expensive fix?

[sparks_E39]

Ah I see. Not really. £600 all in over here using genuine parts. Don't use cheaper aftermarket stuff. At the minimum I'd look to change the radiator, water pump thermostat and expansion tank if original... some may require a third set of parts now... Nissens is a good brand for the radiator.

A 528i Sport is a nice car, hope it's a good one!

Edited by sparks_E39 on Saturday 13th September 09:14

[andyiley]

Check the electronics, the electronics, and then the electronics!

Seriously, they can be real "friday afternoon" cars on occasions.

Make sure ALL warning lights come on & off when they should, and all switches operate what they should & when they should.

Worst contenders are auto wipers, ABS systems/warning lights, window/door mirror controls, A/C auxiliary fans, and parking sensors.

[Pommygranite]

Thanks chaps, appreciated.

If anyone's interested its tis one :

http://stock.3mw.com.au/details/2000-bmw-528i-no-b...

Not many over her with silver trim and sports kit.

Expensive compared to te UK - £4700!

[sparks_E39]

Duff electronics normally caused by the ignition switch. Or a bus/lcm problem. Nothing outlandish price wise but often tricky to find.

[sparks_E39]

Pommygranite said:

Thanks chaps, appreciated.

If anyone's interested its tis one :

http://stock.3mw.com.au/details/2000-bmw-528i-no-b...

Not many over her with silver trim and sports kit.

Expensive compared to te UK - £4700!

Worth it though, lovely car.

[Pommygranite]

sparks_E39 said:

Pommygranite said:

Thanks chaps, appreciated.

If anyone's interested its tis one :

http://stock.3mw.com.au/details/2000-bmw-528i-no-b...

Not many over her with silver trim and sports kit.

Expensive compared to te UK - £4700!

Worth it though, lovely car.

going to have a look Monday - looking forward to the test drive.

[sparks_E39]

On the upshift and downshift the gear changes should be seamless and quiet. A light shunt from 2nd to 1st is quite normal. Try and drive the car from cold. The temperature needle should reach 12 o clock within a few miles and stay there. If it moves either way something is wrong.

[Pommygranite]

Great thanks.

Any major 'service/replacement items' should have been done or due?

Are they chain or cambelt?

[sparks_E39]

Chain, it lasts forever.

Erm don't think so. Just the cooling system and a good service history. Suspension could be a little tired.

[Pommygranite]

Sounds promising. Was fearful of paying (here in Oz) not much for the car and a bunch more for upkeep. Nice to know it might be lowish.

Here speeding is enforced by nazis so very likely to have led a life where it has never exceeded 70mph and 4000rpm - cars have quite an easy life here.

Only thing is many cars don't get serviced/have service history and given the ad doesn't say it will be interested to see if it has it. If it doesn't ill probably walk away.

[sparks_E39]

Service history is really important with these cars. Hopefully it's been looked after. What's the reason a lot of Oz cars don't get serviced often?

[Pommygranite]

sparks_E39 said:

Service history is really important with these cars. Hopefully it's been looked after. What's the reason a lot of Oz cars don't get serviced often?

My thoughts yeah.

I don't know, its like a mentality issue - I think many get done 'by myself or mate who's a mechanic'

There's no MOT/Annual Check either so a car could literally no maintenance or check for its entire lifespan. Frightening.

[sparks_E39]

Jesus, there must be some real heaps on the road!

[Pommygranite]

Yeah absolutely but strangely I saw more knackered cars in the UK. Weird.

Have a look.... www.carsales.com.au. Exchange rate £1=$1.80.

Fancy a new M5 for £150k ....

[Pommygranite]

Had a look at the car and bought it - was in very good condition, immaculate boot/engine bay, no real dings or bodywork problems, worn leather but a full service book, all the pizels/electrics working and drove smoothly with ice cold air con so very pleased. Just been serviced and had new pads/disks which is good.


Couple of minor interior trim issues - centre silver colour flap missing (between gearstick and glove compartment) and stuck drinks holders but thats it.

Pick up later in the week, will put up pics if anyones bothered.

Thanks for the tips/help - appreciated.

[sparks_E39]

Well done! Yes definitely post some pics.