Buying an older E39 530d - good or moneypit?
Discussion
Hello
Have been looking for an old family barge. Was considering an XJ6 or a petrol 5 series then I noticed that the 530d of around 1999/2000 vintage looks quite affordable, have seen some advertised in good nick for 2000ish.
I do travel on business from time to time so a diesel would be more sensible, I would probably get a touring for the space.
Auto or manual? Am not really bothered but doesn't the manual NOT have the troublesome swirl flaps.
Having read other opinions they seem well regarded, but is an ageing diesel a time bomb of potential expense?
Does it have self leveling suspension, does this break?
Should I get the simpler but thirstier petrol? It'll spend 75% of its time on the motorway.
Have been looking for an old family barge. Was considering an XJ6 or a petrol 5 series then I noticed that the 530d of around 1999/2000 vintage looks quite affordable, have seen some advertised in good nick for 2000ish.
I do travel on business from time to time so a diesel would be more sensible, I would probably get a touring for the space.
Auto or manual? Am not really bothered but doesn't the manual NOT have the troublesome swirl flaps.
Having read other opinions they seem well regarded, but is an ageing diesel a time bomb of potential expense?
Does it have self leveling suspension, does this break?
Should I get the simpler but thirstier petrol? It'll spend 75% of its time on the motorway.
You'll find a helpful E39 buying guide and loads of other useful info over on the 5 Series forums
http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/forum/64-e39-1996-2004/
http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/forum/64-e39-1996-2004/
Petrol if you are doing smaller miles - diesel if more.
I looked closely at the 530 vs 530d and whilst people claim there is a small difference - the reality will depend on the type of driving you do. I found the upper end of the petrol MPG quoted and lower end for the diesel being quoted when people compare.
The petrol is less likely to pop a big bill, but even the 530 needs money spent on the cooling system (if not done already) - if it's already done then looks like a solid car and I would love to do a mileage where I could get into one.
From what I read - the 530d has a few areas to be careful of, the turbo, fuel pumps seem common replacement item and injectors do crop up.
Having said that if you can find one with some of that already done then it's going to lessen the risks of having to reach into the pocket!
Auto vs manual is another question - both cars can be found with either. Autos can go pop at high miles or be fine, a clutch with higher miles is likely to need replacement at some point etc.
I couldnt find a 530d in time and ended up in a E90 320d. Being honest, I still lust after a good E39 and have seriously considered putting the E90 up for sale to get into one (market is saturated with E90s now though so looks like im staying put!).
I looked closely at the 530 vs 530d and whilst people claim there is a small difference - the reality will depend on the type of driving you do. I found the upper end of the petrol MPG quoted and lower end for the diesel being quoted when people compare.
The petrol is less likely to pop a big bill, but even the 530 needs money spent on the cooling system (if not done already) - if it's already done then looks like a solid car and I would love to do a mileage where I could get into one.
From what I read - the 530d has a few areas to be careful of, the turbo, fuel pumps seem common replacement item and injectors do crop up.
Having said that if you can find one with some of that already done then it's going to lessen the risks of having to reach into the pocket!
Auto vs manual is another question - both cars can be found with either. Autos can go pop at high miles or be fine, a clutch with higher miles is likely to need replacement at some point etc.
I couldnt find a 530d in time and ended up in a E90 320d. Being honest, I still lust after a good E39 and have seriously considered putting the E90 up for sale to get into one (market is saturated with E90s now though so looks like im staying put!).
For the first 4 years I had it my 530i shared the driveway with a 530d which I often drove. Aside from the fact mine was a Sport and it was an SE they were otherwise identical - same age and transmission.
My findings were that across the same usage profile the 530d was always about 7mpg better than the 530i. If I was on an economy-run on the Motorway at the speed limit the 530d would do 45mpg, the 530i 38mpg. If I was in a hurry the 530d would do 40 and the 530i 33. If I was around town the 530i would do 21 but the 530d about 28.
I think this 7mpg difference is a really useful figure to use when comparing the relative merits of both cars.
My findings were that across the same usage profile the 530d was always about 7mpg better than the 530i. If I was on an economy-run on the Motorway at the speed limit the 530d would do 45mpg, the 530i 38mpg. If I was in a hurry the 530d would do 40 and the 530i 33. If I was around town the 530i would do 21 but the 530d about 28.
I think this 7mpg difference is a really useful figure to use when comparing the relative merits of both cars.
Fox- said:
For the first 4 years I had it my 530i shared the driveway with a 530d which I often drove. Aside from the fact mine was a Sport and it was an SE they were otherwise identical - same age and transmission.
My findings were that across the same usage profile the 530d was always about 7mpg better than the 530i. If I was on an economy-run on the Motorway at the speed limit the 530d would do 45mpg, the 530i 38mpg. If I was in a hurry the 530d would do 40 and the 530i 33. If I was around town the 530i would do 21 but the 530d about 28.
I think this 7mpg difference is a really useful figure to use when comparing the relative merits of both cars.
Seems fair figure to use in that case - by time you factor in fuel difference in terms of price it's probably less of a difference in the real world.My findings were that across the same usage profile the 530d was always about 7mpg better than the 530i. If I was on an economy-run on the Motorway at the speed limit the 530d would do 45mpg, the 530i 38mpg. If I was in a hurry the 530d would do 40 and the 530i 33. If I was around town the 530i would do 21 but the 530d about 28.
I think this 7mpg difference is a really useful figure to use when comparing the relative merits of both cars.
Being a saddo I just worked out the difference over 400 miles, if my maths is right its about 8 difference. 400 miles is about 20k PA so it's roughly 30/40 a month difference if doing that kind of mileage - a blown turbo then wipes out that saving across 3 yrs!
That was using petrol at 5p less than diesel - which is the case in my local filling station.
That doesn't take into account variables like road tax, insurance etc etc.
So if doing less than 20k and you can achieve that 7 mpg difference then petrol does seem a reasonable alternative in this case.
(I used the economy figures Fox- provided BTW and my maths may be wonky)
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