E39 Replacement
Discussion
I've been in my E39 530i touring for well over 5 years and decided afew months ago , that I'd like a change.
I need a big estate car and I've reached that time of life where quality of ride, quietness and comfort are much more important than getting from A to B as quickly as is absolutely possible.
I've looked at a few prospective replacements in recent months, but even with an £18k budget to replace it, I've not yet found anything that offers a better allround package than the car I'm in.
The cabin of the E61 appears a soulless place, and the runflats give a harsher ride than I'd like. I've tried a post-facelift E211 Mercedes E Class Estate, and whilst there's no doubt that it really is a handsome beast, it's let down by the quality of the interior trim and switchgear, which really don't seem to be of legendary Mercedes build quality.
I do like the look of the Audi A6, and it doesn't seem to have the same plastic wood and switchgear issues that the merc does, but I really prefer a slushmatic and there appear to be some big issues around Audis multitronic gearbox .
I'm therfore stumped as to what to buy next.
My E39 has done around 140k miles but, it's still a pleasure to drive. It's quiet and comforatble and shrinks around you when you press on. The engine performance is refined and effortless. The fact that I've no phone or satnav integration is the only real irritation.
So, has anyone any other suggestions as to what I could replace it with, or should I just lavish a couple of grand on it and keep it for another few years?
I need a big estate car and I've reached that time of life where quality of ride, quietness and comfort are much more important than getting from A to B as quickly as is absolutely possible.
I've looked at a few prospective replacements in recent months, but even with an £18k budget to replace it, I've not yet found anything that offers a better allround package than the car I'm in.
The cabin of the E61 appears a soulless place, and the runflats give a harsher ride than I'd like. I've tried a post-facelift E211 Mercedes E Class Estate, and whilst there's no doubt that it really is a handsome beast, it's let down by the quality of the interior trim and switchgear, which really don't seem to be of legendary Mercedes build quality.
I do like the look of the Audi A6, and it doesn't seem to have the same plastic wood and switchgear issues that the merc does, but I really prefer a slushmatic and there appear to be some big issues around Audis multitronic gearbox .
I'm therfore stumped as to what to buy next.
My E39 has done around 140k miles but, it's still a pleasure to drive. It's quiet and comforatble and shrinks around you when you press on. The engine performance is refined and effortless. The fact that I've no phone or satnav integration is the only real irritation.
So, has anyone any other suggestions as to what I could replace it with, or should I just lavish a couple of grand on it and keep it for another few years?
Edited by sparkythecat on Monday 30th August 05:38
Tailgate and bushes should be an easy DIY if you are so minded. The rust can be dealt with too, not sure on the cost of that though (I have some on my E46, must get it looked at..)
The only thing I'd be worried about is the potential for the autobox to die, but nothing you can do about that.
Aftermarket phone kit and stick on satnav (or an iphone etc) will do the job and an Intravee or similar to do the iPod stuff - up to date tech and a car you enjoy driving, who cares how old it is..
The only thing I'd be worried about is the potential for the autobox to die, but nothing you can do about that.
Aftermarket phone kit and stick on satnav (or an iphone etc) will do the job and an Intravee or similar to do the iPod stuff - up to date tech and a car you enjoy driving, who cares how old it is..
I know how you feel.
I worked for a BMW dealer for a few years - as a delivery driver - and drove everything in the range (and many Mercs, Audis etc. that corporate customers had finished with).
My favourite was always the 6-cyl e39, and I decided I would have to have one.
Had my 528ise for two years now, and recently replaced it with a 328ci. The e46 is quicker and has many more toys.
But I don't like it, it's noisy and harsh. I miss my friendly, comfy old barge.
Fortunately I still have the e39. The 328 is back on the market and, once it's gone, the '5' will get new discs, some attention to the (rattling) propshaft and an aircon service.
Other than a 530i (e39, of course) with a higher spec, I can't think of any car (in budget) I'd rather have.
I worked for a BMW dealer for a few years - as a delivery driver - and drove everything in the range (and many Mercs, Audis etc. that corporate customers had finished with).
My favourite was always the 6-cyl e39, and I decided I would have to have one.
Had my 528ise for two years now, and recently replaced it with a 328ci. The e46 is quicker and has many more toys.
But I don't like it, it's noisy and harsh. I miss my friendly, comfy old barge.
Fortunately I still have the e39. The 328 is back on the market and, once it's gone, the '5' will get new discs, some attention to the (rattling) propshaft and an aircon service.
Other than a 530i (e39, of course) with a higher spec, I can't think of any car (in budget) I'd rather have.
Edited by forsure on Friday 20th August 03:34
I replaced my 162k mile E39 540i Touring with a 545i Touring earlier this year (and 8,000 miles ago now). I wasn't willing to spend as much as your budget; mine cost £10,500 as a private sale, still under extended BMW warranty so a fairly safe buy.
I bought basically the same thing because I liked the old one, and the E61 doesn't really do anything better but does feel more modern. I'm not sure if your budget will stretch to a post-facelift E61 but they do have improved interior quality over the earlier cars, and either pre- or post-facelift the seats and leather are much nicer than the E39's.
Can see why you're unsure though.
I bought basically the same thing because I liked the old one, and the E61 doesn't really do anything better but does feel more modern. I'm not sure if your budget will stretch to a post-facelift E61 but they do have improved interior quality over the earlier cars, and either pre- or post-facelift the seats and leather are much nicer than the E39's.
Can see why you're unsure though.
Tricky one.
I was in a similar position to you and decided to spend a few quid on my 530i.
Got some rust sorted that had appeared on the rear panel above the bumper and got a new bluetooth phone kit and ipod set up that allows it to be controlled via the steering wheel.
I'm going to keep mine for a bit longer. With 100k+ miles on the clock I think I'm going to Dortmund in Q1 next year to have the autobox fully serviced by ZF.
I'm actually planning another 4 yrs / 100k miles in mine if circumstances stay the same.
I was in a similar position to you and decided to spend a few quid on my 530i.
Got some rust sorted that had appeared on the rear panel above the bumper and got a new bluetooth phone kit and ipod set up that allows it to be controlled via the steering wheel.
I'm going to keep mine for a bit longer. With 100k+ miles on the clock I think I'm going to Dortmund in Q1 next year to have the autobox fully serviced by ZF.
I'm actually planning another 4 yrs / 100k miles in mine if circumstances stay the same.
Another E39 530i T owner here, although I only purchased mine around a year ago. The only car I would consider changing it for would be a Range Rover L322 or a more modern Crossover like the Mazda CX7 or Volvo XC60 when they depreciate a bit more.
In the meantime I will be refreshing the suspension a bit as it doesn't quite glide over ruts and holes on the floor. Any suggestions on which ones to attack first?
Gearbox service in Dortmund is high on the list too, at 56k miles I feel its good time to do it.
In the meantime I will be refreshing the suspension a bit as it doesn't quite glide over ruts and holes on the floor. Any suggestions on which ones to attack first?
Gearbox service in Dortmund is high on the list too, at 56k miles I feel its good time to do it.
I had a ride in an '07 Audi A6 Avant 2.7TDI SE on Saturday. I'd pretty much convinced myself that I wouldn't like it before I saw it. But, as it turned out, nothing could be further from the truth. I was so impressed that I've decided to buy it.
Yes it does understeer a bit, but it's whisper quiet and the cabin has a better quality feel about it than the E Class I tried.
It's also been chipped to over 200bhp and has more toys than Hanleys. I'm sure I'm going to like it.
Yes it does understeer a bit, but it's whisper quiet and the cabin has a better quality feel about it than the E Class I tried.
It's also been chipped to over 200bhp and has more toys than Hanleys. I'm sure I'm going to like it.
sparkythecat said:
I had a ride in an '07 Audi A6 Avant 2.7TDI SE on Saturday. I'd pretty much convinced myself that I wouldn't like it before I saw it. But, as it turned out, nothing could be further from the truth. I was so impressed that I've decided to buy it.
Yes it does understeer a bit, but it's whisper quiet and the cabin has a better quality feel about it than the E Class I tried.
It's also been chipped to over 200bhp and has more toys than Hanleys. I'm sure I'm going to like it.
Hi Sparky,Yes it does understeer a bit, but it's whisper quiet and the cabin has a better quality feel about it than the E Class I tried.
It's also been chipped to over 200bhp and has more toys than Hanleys. I'm sure I'm going to like it.
I'm a fellow longtime E39 owner (9years plus) still trying to find something worthy as a replacement.
Can you elaborate on the Audi? I've been thinking E60 up until now but may give the Audi a try.
pp
I have a 99 540 and my wife has a 59 A6 2.0 diesel- the eco version. The engines are compleately diferent so I wont comment on performance, but the economy is very impressive. Leicester to Liverpool and back on 1/4 tank in the A6.
The BMW feels smaller. Havent compared dimensions, but it does feel smaller and more nimble.
The A6 feels more planted on the motorway- the BMW finds ruts in the Motorway which the A6 does not
the BMW has just the right amount of toys to have them all on seperate buttons. The Audi (and more modern cars) have so many more functions they need the wheel/menu. So this feels like it takes longer to find/change somehting, compared to the BMW and its one-button approach.
That said the A6 is very clever, with lots of subtle adjustemnt avaialble- how long do you want the sidelights on after you switch off? waht about wiper delay? All adjustable.
The sat nav in the A6 is better then my non-existant one, but you cant do all of the postcode- just the main bit. So, to get to pistonhea HQ, you can only do TW11 9. You then need to know the road and number, as you need to enter this seperately.
The aircon is great in both cars.
I cant really get on with the seats in the A6. The leather is still too new and feels cheaper (and harder) and I'm not as comfortable as I am in the BMW
I like the electronic handbrake in the A6. But dont do it on the move as the rear wheels will lock momentarially.
14k miles and 1 year into the A6 life, it still tells us it has about 600 days to be before the first service!
The A6 has more control from the steering wheel, but it wont find my iphone for the hands free phone kit. My wifes phone works very well
The A6 feels relaxed and if driven in this manner, offers a very nice drive. I guess the bigger engined ones have more go and a sportier edge, but for wafting, the A6 2 litre diesel is fine. Its obviosuly a lot younger, and feels it on the road and with better technology
Hope this helps
I'll be selling my 540 soon, but I'm going for a smaller 4 door.
The BMW feels smaller. Havent compared dimensions, but it does feel smaller and more nimble.
The A6 feels more planted on the motorway- the BMW finds ruts in the Motorway which the A6 does not
the BMW has just the right amount of toys to have them all on seperate buttons. The Audi (and more modern cars) have so many more functions they need the wheel/menu. So this feels like it takes longer to find/change somehting, compared to the BMW and its one-button approach.
That said the A6 is very clever, with lots of subtle adjustemnt avaialble- how long do you want the sidelights on after you switch off? waht about wiper delay? All adjustable.
The sat nav in the A6 is better then my non-existant one, but you cant do all of the postcode- just the main bit. So, to get to pistonhea HQ, you can only do TW11 9. You then need to know the road and number, as you need to enter this seperately.
The aircon is great in both cars.
I cant really get on with the seats in the A6. The leather is still too new and feels cheaper (and harder) and I'm not as comfortable as I am in the BMW
I like the electronic handbrake in the A6. But dont do it on the move as the rear wheels will lock momentarially.
14k miles and 1 year into the A6 life, it still tells us it has about 600 days to be before the first service!
The A6 has more control from the steering wheel, but it wont find my iphone for the hands free phone kit. My wifes phone works very well
The A6 feels relaxed and if driven in this manner, offers a very nice drive. I guess the bigger engined ones have more go and a sportier edge, but for wafting, the A6 2 litre diesel is fine. Its obviosuly a lot younger, and feels it on the road and with better technology
Hope this helps
I'll be selling my 540 soon, but I'm going for a smaller 4 door.
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