2002 E39 BMW 530i Sport

[Gooly]

Last week I decided I wanted a big comfy saloon to do big trips and the occasional off-peak cross-London run. I currently own an E36 323 which is a drift / fast road car:



It's pretty shonky inside (and out) and can't really do the all-in-one thing which previous cars have been able to.

I also own a 350z fast road / drift car which now has a blown bottom end and will probably be broken for parts:




The original brief was something that I can comfortably have four adults in and go cross-country / Europe in comfort. I have a big history with old BMWs, and having previously had an E38 740i:



an E39 530dA SE Touring:



an E39 530iA SE Touring:



and an E34 540i 6-Speed with a great fast-road spec:



along with probably 10 or so E36s.

An E39 or E38 was therefore the obvious choice. E38s unfortunately don't get through ULEZ, and I live in Zone 2 within a mile of the ULEZ so that was off the cards. For some reason, E39 Facelift 530i and 540is get through despite sharing the E38 powertrain.

I then set out what I wanted. Ideally a cheap auto 530i SE, with black or cream leather close to London.


The next week, I boarded a plane to Inverness from Gatwick ready to commence a 1200 mile round trip to pick up a sight-unseen gumtree-sourced 204k mile Topaz Blue 530i Sport Manual from Nairn, North-East Scotland. Mission creep and all that. Being an extremely intelligent and practical person, I went to collect my sight-unseen moon mileage 18yo BMW in the dark with no back-up plan whatsoever, having booked a BnB locally and planned a route through Cairngorms on the way back.



The seller was great, answering all my questions, sending photos, picking me up from the airport and generally being very patient with me. He'd had the car for a few years and had done loads to it, including the vanos, linkage bushings, LCA bushes, etc etc. The car was standard bar a s/s backbox which sounds very subtle, and an oil catch can that replaces the PCV system. A short test drive and a stressful bank transfer (or three) and I was on my way to the BnB.



Planned my route (with the help of the Highlands topic in the Roads section here) taking the road from Nairn down through Grantown, Cock Bridge, Glenshee and then on to Perth. I'd heard that these would be good and the E39 drove even better than I thought it would be. Made a playlist for the journey, went to sleep and got up at 7am to catch the crack of dawn.





Quick breakfast stop:



After which I commenced the best drive I have ever, ever done. I knew the roads would be good but I was blown away with just how good they were - I later discovered a Henry Catchpole video where he says the same about the route that I took!





I was tentative about a manual E39. I've had a whole load of fun, fast and small RWD cars; E36s, S13s and S14s, an R32 Skyline, MX5s, 350z's, etc. The two E39s I'd had were great to drive but suited the auto well and I never once wanted a manual when I had them. The E34 540i was great with the 6-speed, but had quite a serious fast road spec to back it up. I struggled to see how a manual box would suit a standard barge like the E39, especially after having had the cars that I've had. I expected to enjoy the drive, but wish that I was in something smaller.



Instead, I was blown away by just how good it was. The manual box suits the car down to a T, and the chassis came alive over those roads. Amazing balance, great steering, really progressive limit, compliant enough suspension to deal with UK roads - I couldn't think of anything better this side of 5k that I would have rather been in. The only thing it lacked was an LSD and maybe a lighter flywheel for rev-matching. I was genuinely shocked with how capable it was (and consequently wondering what an M5 would be like). The M54 lacks a bit of punch in 3rd and 4th but is more than enough to make decent progress with, and despite the weight and comfort of the thing, there was plenty of feel and feedback that lets you know where the limit is. I covered ground quicker than any 1600kg family-spec saloon has any right to do, and yet on the 7 hour motorway slog down it was faultless and hugely relaxing still.

The road to Glenshee was genuinely stunning, and made me sad that I didn't stay another night just to enjoy the roads another day.







Made a quick detour off the motorway slog to grab fuel in Kendal and have another excuse to explore some A and B roads:





And then eventually made it back to London by the evening:



The car now lives round the corner from my flat, on South London roads which couldn't be more different to how it's spent most of its life. It'll mainly get used to get out of London, and I hope that I can return back to the Highlands and spend some proper time up there - maybe next time with an LSD and some Bilsteins and PS4s.

I did originally have plans to ruin this like I do with most cars and dump it down on some coilovers with my set of Enkei NT03s. No doubt it would look great, but this is the first car I've ever driven where I genuinely love how it drives stock. Plan is just to get some 15mm spacers, maybe drop it 20mm, keep it OEM looking and OEM functioning, and get an Android headunit with some better speakers. Also ordering some standard chrome grills, normal numberplates to replace the pressed ones and getting rid of the tow bar. Other than that, I just want to take care of it and most importantly, use it. I've never had a car which could cover 600 miles in a day and leave me feeling that I could genuinely turn back around and do it again. What's also nice is that I now have an ideal two car garage with both cars doing very different and useful roles:




So anyway, turns out buying a 204k mile 17yo BMW sight unseen from Gumtree at the other end of the country and blasting back through 600 miles mountainous roads and stormy motorways isn't always a bad thing. In fact, I might even do it again - perhaps next time for something with an M badge on the back.

[d_a_n1979]

Very nice car and write up; great road trip back too, those roads are stunning

We frequent Dunkeld every Dec and Feb, so know the area well. I do a lot of stone lifting, so there are a lot scattered up that way, between Portarch and Perth really and everywhere in between Some hairy roads, more so in winter and that's why I always have separate winter alloys & tyres for my E39's

With it being at those miles, how's the car for overall rust?

Also; if not already; get yourself over to the 5 forums

[njw1]

Well done OP, that looks a nice one, e39's seem to have a knack of being able to hide their mileage very well and a sport on style 37's just looks 'right' (not that I'm biased.... ).And what a drive back! I can't think of anything better to drive on roads like that than a manual e39, I would have had the traction control switched off too.

Edited by njw1 on Monday 23 December 18:19

[stevep944]

Great write up and pics, can't beat a Topaz Blue 530i Sport!

[24valve]

Nice car and nice write up.

I've been a long term bmw fan and owned a few - but only one e39, a 528i in biaritz blue.

I've now got a bmw powered 4.4v8 range rover as a bit of a toy, and have really been wanting to find a black over cream e39 540i sport. The only thing that concerns me is that what impressed me more than anything on the e39 was its chassis control and steering feel. Many report that the 540 has a different feel due to having a different steering box and the heavier engine - this concerns me as I don't want to be too disappointed. my use would be exactly as you've done - a bit of touring on decent roads to enjoy it with.

Would you know if this steering/chassis feel would be different, or would I not be feeling wanting "more" if I settled for a 530i sport instead?

[Mr Tidy]

Fantastic write up, great car and some stunning roads.

A proper "Brave Pill" purchase in terms of a Gumtree sale and buying blind with a one-way flight and a 600 mile drive home!

I'm sure I've read somewhere that 6 cylinder E39s reportedly steer better than the V8s.

And as another serial BMW owner (not as many as you though) I hope it treats you well.

You had a much better drive home than I did last week from Leicestershire to Berkshire, but that was on the A1(M) then the M25 in the rush hour.

[d_a_n1979]

Mr Tidy said:

Fantastic write up, great car and some stunning roads.

A proper "Brave Pill" purchase in terms of a Gumtree sale and buying blind with a one-way flight and a 600 mile drive home!

I'm sure I've read somewhere that 6 cylinder E39s reportedly steer better than the V8s.

And as another serial BMW owner (not as many as you though) I hope it treats you well.

You had a much better drive home than I did last week from Leicestershire to Berkshire, but that was on the A1(M) then the M25 in the rush hour.

Yup, the steering rack vs steering box is well documented. Having driven both 530i & 540i E39s (but only owned 530i cars) I’d personally stick with them; they do drive better & handle better IMO

All personal preference though

[njw1]

I've had several V8 e39's and whilst they don't feel as 'pointy' as the e46's and e90's I've driven (I've never driven a 6 pot e39!) they're not bad, there's quite a lot of initial turn in before the wheels do anything but the steering is very nicely weighted and has plenty of feedback, it's much nicer than the electric steering fitted to nearly all modern cars. The only time I notice the extra weight of the engine up front is on very tight mini roundabouts as the front end sometimes wants to run wide.
The extra power, torque and noise from the V8 will always outweigh any steering and handling disadvantage for me anyway.

[Gooly]

d_a_n1979 said:

Very nice car and write up; great road trip back too, those roads are stunning

We frequent Dunkeld every Dec and Feb, so know the area well. I do a lot of stone lifting, so there are a lot scattered up that way, between Portarch and Perth really and everywhere in between Some hairy roads, more so in winter and that's why I always have separate winter alloys & tyres for my E39's

With it being at those miles, how's the car for overall rust?

Also; if not already; get yourself over to the 5 forums

Rust wise its useably good but has some minor cosmetic bits - the usual around the rear numberplate lights on the boot, the boot keyhole and one front corner of the sills. The jacking points and sills are very solid and it has been re-undersealed previously, and the arches are shockingly clean. For a Scotland car its remarkably good, and it's ideal for me as it's not so mint that it would put me off using it!

njw1 said:

Well done OP, that looks a nice one, e39's seem to have a knack of being able to hide their mileage very well and a sport on style 37's just looks 'right' (not that I'm biased.... ).And what a drive back! I can't think of anything better to drive on roads like that than a manual e39, I would have had the traction control switched off too.

They really do! Shocked in particular at how hard wearing the leather is, the interior looks fresh as. ASC is so intrusive and always my instinct to switch it off, compared to other stuff I've had I struggle to see how a 230bhp 1600kg car needs it haha. It would massively benefit from an LSD though, both for traction and for the fact that the chassis is too good to not have a play in sometimes.

stevep944 said:

Great write up and pics, can't beat a Topaz Blue 530i Sport!

Defo can't, used to always want one in this colour, or Avus, or Technoviolet. Surreal to finally have one, when I first got my licence in 2012 E39 and E38 Sports were still scattered about a fair bit over London and I used to love seeing them. Yours must drive very nicely on the Style 66s!

24valve said:

Nice car and nice write up.

I've been a long term bmw fan and owned a few - but only one e39, a 528i in biaritz blue.

I've now got a bmw powered 4.4v8 range rover as a bit of a toy, and have really been wanting to find a black over cream e39 540i sport. The only thing that concerns me is that what impressed me more than anything on the e39 was its chassis control and steering feel. Many report that the 540 has a different feel due to having a different steering box and the heavier engine - this concerns me as I don't want to be too disappointed. my use would be exactly as you've done - a bit of touring on decent roads to enjoy it with.

Would you know if this steering/chassis feel would be different, or would I not be feeling wanting "more" if I settled for a 530i sport instead?

The 530i steering does feel better - but it doesn't actually affect the driveability. I would be surprised if the 4.4 is a massively heavier engine - it's an ally block V8 and is shorter than the 3.0. The 540 is 150-200kg heavier overall for various other reasons though, has the large case diff / prop etc and other bits like that. The steering box on the V8 cars is still nice to use imo, and it weights up in the same way as the rack and pinion on the I6 cars. The main thing you notice is that they tend to have a bit of play in them, and they aren't as communicative but compared to modern cars, and compared to a Range, they are still good. I love V8s and the steering box wouldn't put me off, and having had an E38 740i and E34 540i IMO the M60/2 is a cracking engine. The only reason why I didn't get a 540i is the timing chain guide issue - E39s have enough maintenance issues to deal with, adding plastic chain guides and potential timing chain replacement is not something I wanted to contend with (plus other things like the watercooled alternators etc)

In short, don't let the steering put you off, but do go in with your eyes open when it comes to maintenance!

Mr Tidy said:

Fantastic write up, great car and some stunning roads.

A proper "Brave Pill" purchase in terms of a Gumtree sale and buying blind with a one-way flight and a 600 mile drive home!

I'm sure I've read somewhere that 6 cylinder E39s reportedly steer better than the V8s.

And as another serial BMW owner (not as many as you though) I hope it treats you well.

You had a much better drive home than I did last week from Leicestershire to Berkshire, but that was on the A1(M) then the M25 in the rush hour.

Thank you! The amount of detail the seller put in terms of answering my questions (and also the very decent price) gave me some confidence, but beyond anything I just really wanted it haha.

njw1 said:

I've had several V8 e39's and whilst they don't feel as 'pointy' as the e46's and e90's I've driven (I've never driven a 6 pot e39!) they're not bad, there's quite a lot of initial turn in before the wheels do anything but the steering is very nicely weighted and has plenty of feedback, it's much nicer than the electric steering fitted to nearly all modern cars. The only time I notice the extra weight of the engine up front is on very tight mini roundabouts as the front end sometimes wants to run wide.
The extra power, torque and noise from the V8 will always outweigh any steering and handling disadvantage for me anyway.

I very much agree with this. Defo wouldn't let the steering box chat put anyone off a V8 one. After all the E39 M5 had the same setup and no one complained about that! My E34 V8 had the steering box and the steering felt lovely still, just had a little bit of play.

The 530i is usefully quick - but it is far from fast, and to be honest I think the 280bhp or so from the V8 would be ideal for what it is.

Edited by Gooly on Tuesday 24th December 11:23

[M3333]

This brings back fond memories of my 2002 525d sport manual in Topaz Blue. Had been mapped with the usual mods and i absolutely loved it. Totally standard looking. Bought with 180k on it for 2500 and i ran it to 220k and sold it for £1800. Only thing i did were tyres, oil change and a wheel bearing. I spotted it on eBay not long after i had sold it with 140k miles on it and it is now showing as exported so no doubt went to eastern europe somewhere!

[stevep944]

stevep944 said:

Great write up and pics, can't beat a Topaz Blue 530i Sport!

Defo can't, used to always want one in this colour, or Avus, or Technoviolet. Surreal to finally have one, when I first got my licence in 2012 E39 and E38 Sports were still scattered about a fair bit over London and I used to love seeing them. Yours must drive very nicely on the Style 66s!

I bought mine a couple of months ago, having never owned one, as a stopgap to a nice 540i that I knew would be available next Easter. However I've decided I will hang on to it and use the cash that I would have spent to attend to a few minor cosmetic jobs and keep it well maintained, it is such a great driving car. As much as I'd love the V8 it's hard to justify the extra running costs and potential maintenance bills compared to the 530 which seems to me to be the perfect compromise, if it can be such a thing.
Unless I man up and get an M5 of course!
Style 66s are growing on me too, I was looking at 37s but now going to just get mine refurbed and keep them.

[d_a_n1979]

stevep944 said:

I bought mine a couple of months ago, having never owned one, as a stopgap to a nice 540i that I knew would be available next Easter. However I've decided I will hang on to it and use the cash that I would have spent to attend to a few minor cosmetic jobs and keep it well maintained, it is such a great driving car. As much as I'd love the V8 it's hard to justify the extra running costs and potential maintenance bills compared to the 530 which seems to me to be the perfect compromise, if it can be such a thing.
Unless I man up and get an M5 of course!
Style 66s are growing on me too, I was looking at 37s but now going to just get mine refurbed and keep them.

That's been my thoughts Steve, as you'll have seen on the 5 forums

Really would like a V8, but I find the 530i is more than capable, so the extra expense of a V8, for me, would be for the sound really... But getting an M5 would make more sense as it's the right 'next step'... Unless I go really bonkers and look to do a S62 M5 engine conversion into my immaculate import touring

Like you; I really like the 66s too; just a shame they never did them in 18" flavour. But, they're superb wheels and really suit the car and I sold my Style 37s as I just never settled/gelled with them.

I have sourced some other 18" OEM E39 alloys though and will update more on them on my projects thead once they've landed with me

[M5YAA]

Beautiful car & a great buy
I bet that drive home was absolutely epic!

Owning both a 6 cylinder (525i sport) with rack & pinion & an M5 with the steering box, I will agree that the steering is a touch more precise on the 6 cylinder cars & gives a little more feedback but don't let that put you off a V8 - they are absolutely awesome cars.

Go for the 540 rather than the 535 if you can afford to, or stick with a 530, as the 535 has the same power as the 530 but the fuel economy of the 540.

Be sure to check out Southerne39ers on Facebook if you own an e39 - they are a very active group, full of advice & tips for all e39 owners & have a great buy & sell page for helping keep these fantastic cars on the road. (Oh & despite the name, you don't have to be in the South to be a member, as it welcomes members worldwide)

[toastload]

Hello mate, your old Touring ( London Motorshow stand car year 2000 ) made the reverse journey from London to near John O Groats, where it's got plenty company 😉 I saw the saloon you bought on gumtree, looked a good purchase.

[alistair267]

I also live in south London and happened to drive past this today. Noticed the E39 as I think it has aged very well. Then saw the E36 and remembered seeing your initial post yesterday.

I hope you enjoy the 530

[Gooly]

M3333 said:

This brings back fond memories of my 2002 525d sport manual in Topaz Blue. Had been mapped with the usual mods and i absolutely loved it. Totally standard looking. Bought with 180k on it for 2500 and i ran it to 220k and sold it for £1800. Only thing i did were tyres, oil change and a wheel bearing. I spotted it on eBay not long after i had sold it with 140k miles on it and it is now showing as exported so no doubt went to eastern europe somewhere!

I drove my friend's 525d manual last night, actually really liked it - I love petrol but was surprised with how much the diesel torque suited the e39! His gearbox felt slicker than mine as well, not sure why. My old 530d got exported to Eastern Europe too, apparently a big market for nice german stuff out there even despite the RHD issue.

M5YAA said:

Beautiful car & a great buy
I bet that drive home was absolutely epic!

Owning both a 6 cylinder (525i sport) with rack & pinion & an M5 with the steering box, I will agree that the steering is a touch more precise on the 6 cylinder cars & gives a little more feedback but don't let that put you off a V8 - they are absolutely awesome cars.

Go for the 540 rather than the 535 if you can afford to, or stick with a 530, as the 535 has the same power as the 530 but the fuel economy of the 540.

Be sure to check out Southerne39ers on Facebook if you own an e39 - they are a very active group, full of advice & tips for all e39 owners & have a great buy & sell page for helping keep these fantastic cars on the road. (Oh & despite the name, you don't have to be in the South to be a member, as it welcomes members worldwide)

Thanks, the drive home was so worth it - normally going far to get a car feels like a chore but I enjoyed the whole thing, even the motorway slog wasn't too bad. I'll join up next time I'm on FB, I'm after a few bits so will be handy to know a few more owners in the south

toastload said:

Hello mate, your old Touring ( London Motorshow stand car year 2000 ) made the reverse journey from London to near John O Groats, where it's got plenty company ?? I saw the saloon you bought on gumtree, looked a good purchase.

Ahh mate its good to hear from you, I was wondering how that touring was getting along! Loved that car, wish I had the space to keep it at the time as was the perfect spec for what I wanted. I had no idea about it being a stand car, I knew it was a very early 530i Touring and the spec was great with it being oxford green and having a few other nice rare bits but thats crazy to think it was at the London motorshow! Looks nice on the new wheels, hope it treats you well

alistair267 said:

I also live in south London and happened to drive past this today. Noticed the E39 as I think it has aged very well. Then saw the E36 and remembered seeing your initial post yesterday.

I hope you enjoy the 530

Thanks bud, been using it lots and very much enjoying it!

[Mr Tidy]

Gooly said:

Mr Tidy said:

Fantastic write up, great car and some stunning roads.

A proper "Brave Pill" purchase in terms of a Gumtree sale and buying blind with a one-way flight and a 600 mile drive home!

I'm sure I've read somewhere that 6 cylinder E39s reportedly steer better than the V8s.

And as another serial BMW owner (not as many as you though) I hope it treats you well.

You had a much better drive home than I did last week from Leicestershire to Berkshire, but that was on the A1(M) then the M25 in the rush hour.

Thank you! The amount of detail the seller put in terms of answering my questions (and also the very decent price) gave me some confidence, but beyond anything I just really wanted it haha.

I know that feeling, but as the Z4 I really wanted was "just" 140 miles away I viewed it on a Tuesday, then went back on the Thursday to collect it - because I just had to have it!

I just hope you are a pleased as I am.

[env]

I had my suspicions but if you walk up the hill on your street I am the house with the e39 B10 parked outside!

[Gooly]

env said:

I had my suspicions but if you walk up the hill on your street I am the house with the e39 B10 parked outside!

I knew I'd find you on here at some point! Admire the B10 every time I walk past, you also have the S6 estate and Cerbera right? Lots of nice metal on that street but yours definitely take the cake for me

Edited by Gooly on Saturday 28th December 17:59

[205pat]

What a great car and fair play to you for putting the effort in on the purchase trip! I love the idea of some sort of long weekend trip to collect a new car but the one time I travelled 4 hrs for an unseen purchase I arrived to find a car that had quite clearly had a monster shunt in its life and really should not have been on the road!

Enjoy!