a 'what E39' thread...

[covmutley]

Bare with me please, I have been using the search button but just have a couple of questions!

Looking at getting an E39 saloon, budget about £7k.

I do about 10k miles a year and will probably only keep the car 2-3 years so i am thinking about petrol over diesel, plus I read that the turbos are relatively prone to failing.

People seem to suggest that you may as well go for the 528 over 523 as little difference in economy, but im not sure how the 525 fits into this?

Also, was split rear seats an option and does anyone have any idea how many e39's may be around with split rear seats?

Now that uk is making the switch over to digtial tv and the satnav is probably outdated i assume that you shouldnt pay any premium for a car with media pack??

Thanks.

Edited by covmutley on Wednesday 21st April 10:59

[MattOz]

For £7k I'd be looking for a 2002 or even 2003 model 530i sport with comms, xenons etc. An absolutely cracking car IMHO.

My M5 was in for a service recently and the "loaner" was a W reg 528i auto. All in, it was a lovely drive and I can only imagine the 530i being that much more special. Did comfortably over 30mpg too, as an average, so not exactly a thirst monster.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1626164.htm

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1598258.htm

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1643585.htm

Matt

Edited by MattOz on Wednesday 21st April 11:24

[Max M4X WW]

I'd say 530i Sport to, Maybe a Champagne II model!

I've recently bought a 540i Sport for a shade over 5k, the 530i's go for more usually if they are late and high spec.

Mine has split seats, through load, rear blinds, tv, nav, comfort seats and xenons to name a few options. Get as much as you can!

[covmutley]

530 is tempting. I do have a mk1 mx5 for weekend hooning so the extra pace is not a huge attraction, but it would be does seem you get more car for not much more money. I do much prefer the aluminium trim over the wood.

At 10k miles a year I calculate that petrol for 525 will cost about £200 more than 530d, and 530 another £150 again over 525. Not much to worry about, although i suppose insurance will also be higher.

[TOPTON]

covmutley said:

I do much prefer the aluminium trim over the wood.

Don't let that be the deciding factor. You can buy a full set of vavona wood trim on ebay for £25 - £30 and either respray it youself, or have it professionally resprayed to your desired hue.
It easily clips on and off and a full trim change won't take more than half an hour.

A visit to the 5 series forums over at http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/ is well worthwhile.
You'll find a plethora of information there, a friendly crowd and even an E39 buyers guide

[Max M4X WW]

A 530i Sport is probably your best bet for resale as well

[Matt UK]

covmutley said:

530 is tempting. I do have a mk1 mx5 for weekend hooning

Good combo

[covmutley]

many thanks for the replies - useful to know about the wood trim.

I had a good trawl thorugh the 5 forum last night. The autobox worries me a little, it seems a weakness and ther seems to be confusion about it being a sealed unit and whether or not to change the oil?

[skoff]

TOPTON said:

It easily clips on and off and a full trim change won't take more than half an hour.

I am guessing you don't have the radio flap in your car then...

[SJobson]

covmutley said:

the autobox worries me a little, it seems a weakness and ther seems to be confusion about it being a sealed unit and whether or not to change the oil?

No confusion - change the oil. Definitely do it. Anyone who says otherwise has a financial interest in rebuilding or replacing auto boxes.

As for 530 vs 525 economy, there's no way there'd be that much difference in it, and you'll sell on a 530i that much more easily so I'd say it's a no-brainer. £7k should get you the very best E39 there is.