02 530i sport - time to change?
02 530i sport - time to change?
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Rene Artois

Original Poster:

17 posts

64 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2021
quotequote all
Afternoon all

I was directed here for some advice from some colleagues.

I have a 02 530i sport which I've owned since 2004. Absolutely love it and it's cost me nothing other than servicing things and consumables (and small bodywork). Mileage is 98k.

I'm in 2 minds about changing it. Everything still works fine but rust is starting to creep in more so now and whilst the car is reliable (don't see many about either), I'm not looking forward to having to sort out rust.

I was looking at replacing it with a 430d since I do go on the motorway once a month. What are your guys thoughts please? Stick or replace?

4004

164 posts

80 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2021
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Difficult to offer you advice not being in your shoes, but sounds like you don't fancy sorting out the rust (or investing in the e39 in general?).
If so, might be better to move on, because it will either need doing or will get worse (or if you have the touring - thoughts and prayers)

d_a_n1979

13,856 posts

102 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2021
quotequote all
Rene Artois said:
Afternoon all

I was directed here for some advice from some colleagues.

I have a 02 530i sport which I've owned since 2004. Absolutely love it and it's cost me nothing other than servicing things and consumables (and small bodywork). Mileage is 98k.

I'm in 2 minds about changing it. Everything still works fine but rust is starting to creep in more so now and whilst the car is reliable (don't see many about either), I'm not looking forward to having to sort out rust.

I was looking at replacing it with a 430d since I do go on the motorway once a month. What are your guys thoughts please? Stick or replace?
E39s; when going rusty, can be a money pit... But, it is all down to how bad the rust it & where it is...

Some can be fixed readily enough; others need a lot of new metal welding in...

Either way; it has to be done properly otherwise it'll come back to haunt you soon enough

I've owned E39s now since 2012, E38s before that. Bar my current touring (Jap import, so no corrosion at all); they've ALL had rust and I've had it sorted. But in some places, it had started to come back unfortunately and they were sold on

As good as the E39 is; as soon as it starts to cost you a lot for body work etc; it's sometimes the right thing to let go

However, how many miles do you do? For me, diesels only need to be considered when you're doing 20/25k miles plus; any less and it's better to stick with petrol; unless the derv has the spec you really want etc

My pal has an M4 and a 430D as he travels down to Reading, a LOT, from Harrogate; so the derv made sense for him. It's a lovely car, but he always says that neither his cars drive anywhere near as smoothly and as quietly as my touring!

I'd say that's worth bearing in mind too

Sn1ckers

704 posts

88 months

Thursday 3rd June 2021
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In the past I had a 528i and remember it for being comfortable, quiet and with an excellent ride. I presume you are of a similar opinion as you’ve kept yours so long?

I think you may have a mixed view of newer BMWs in that the engine/gearbox has improved enormously but the steering/ride isn’t what it was.

You don’t say if you’re looking at new / used or budget if the latter. If the former then a test drive is the only answer. If the latter then same applies but if the size is manageable to you I’d try a 6 series GC in SE form as it may be nearer what you have been used to for the last 15+ years.

Rene Artois

Original Poster:

17 posts

64 months

Friday 4th June 2021
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Thanks all for your advice.
The rust is not too bad at the moment. Slightly paint bubbling on the boot, some rust on the inside of the boot near the bumper and a couple of spots in engine bay. Some paint bubbling on bumper side edges.

As mentioned earlier, I like the car as mechanically its fine and they are rare now on the roads. But now bodywork problems are starting to creep in.

I would be looking at a used car if I replaced. Probably around 2012 430d coupe. Or maybe 2010 635d, I like the shape.

I do about 8000 miles a year but that does include a motorway trip once a month to see mother in law frown
Thank you.

d_a_n1979

13,856 posts

102 months

Friday 4th June 2021
quotequote all
Rene Artois said:
Thanks all for your advice.
The rust is not too bad at the moment. Slightly paint bubbling on the boot, some rust on the inside of the boot near the bumper and a couple of spots in engine bay. Some paint bubbling on bumper side edges.

As mentioned earlier, I like the car as mechanically its fine and they are rare now on the roads. But now bodywork problems are starting to creep in.

I would be looking at a used car if I replaced. Probably around 2012 430d coupe. Or maybe 2010 635d, I like the shape.

I do about 8000 miles a year but that does include a motorway trip once a month to see mother in law frown
Thank you.
You really don't need to be going anywhere near a diesel for that sort of mileage; it needs to be x4 that IMO to look at the dirty fuel...

Stick to petrol

But, for me, if the the rust isn't that bad; speak to a few local bodyshops, get a quote to get it fixed and go with the one that you feel offers the best work for the best price...

You'll regret selling the E39 and it won't fetch much in it's current state

However, if you feel it is time to change; then so be it smile