E39 528i Touring
Discussion
Lots of electrics to potentially go wrong. Check the steering wheel controls / cruise work ok, they often fail due to the coil connection between the wheel and the steering column failing. If the battery has been replaced recently, it could be because the "hedgehog" (final stage resistor) is dead so if this hasn't been fixed (£25, 5 minute job) then it will keep draining batteries. If it runs cool (<1/2 on the temp gauge) it is probably the thermostat - £40 job to fix. If its a Touring, the airbags on the rear suspension get worn out with higher miles, worth checking if they have been changed. Make sure it shifts gear smoothly and that the steptronic function works properly. There are loads of little niggles that are less severe than the immediate symptoms indicate - e.g. airbag light on might just need a reset or a cheap passenger occupancy sensor, not necessarily expensive ECU fixes etc.
If you can get it to near M4 J17 on your test drive, I will gladly plug it into diagnostics for you and see if there are any faults stored.
If you can get it to near M4 J17 on your test drive, I will gladly plug it into diagnostics for you and see if there are any faults stored.
Post a link to the ad.
Check the rear wheels are eqaul distance to the wheel arch, and not sagging very low. The self leveling rear suspension does tend to be a comman problem.
Ive got a very clean 530d SE Touring Auto coming in PX tomorrow. Its got big miles(so it might be closer to you budget than you thought), but very good history, and all the 2 most comman problems have been sorted(self leveling suspension, and a new Turbo).
Basic details on my website via my PH Profile. (might be a couple of hours, I've only just put it on)
Check the rear wheels are eqaul distance to the wheel arch, and not sagging very low. The self leveling rear suspension does tend to be a comman problem.
Ive got a very clean 530d SE Touring Auto coming in PX tomorrow. Its got big miles(so it might be closer to you budget than you thought), but very good history, and all the 2 most comman problems have been sorted(self leveling suspension, and a new Turbo).
Basic details on my website via my PH Profile. (might be a couple of hours, I've only just put it on)
It's advertised in the local rag so can't post it up...
W-reg, 120k, up for £3k.
Should be taking my laptop with me to check for fault codes. Will check out the rear suspension (air bags, right?) and rust around the tailgate, although I'm not that bothered really. It's going to be a hack, so as long as it is reliable, I'm happy!
W-reg, 120k, up for £3k.
Should be taking my laptop with me to check for fault codes. Will check out the rear suspension (air bags, right?) and rust around the tailgate, although I'm not that bothered really. It's going to be a hack, so as long as it is reliable, I'm happy!
dan101smith said:
It's advertised in the local rag so can't post it up...
W-reg, 120k, up for £3k.
Should be taking my laptop with me to check for fault codes. Will check out the rear suspension (air bags, right?) and rust around the tailgate, although I'm not that bothered really. It's going to be a hack, so as long as it is reliable, I'm happy!
Beat them down, I reckon that's high money for that car. £2k would be a better price IMHO. W-reg, 120k, up for £3k.
Should be taking my laptop with me to check for fault codes. Will check out the rear suspension (air bags, right?) and rust around the tailgate, although I'm not that bothered really. It's going to be a hack, so as long as it is reliable, I'm happy!
Rear axle carrier bushes will need replacing if not done already I'd reckon. Mine were shot by 60k. About 400 notes worth of work and can be identified by what sounds like the exhaust banging off the floor when you go over any bumps. It's not the exhaust though, it's the sub frame!
Edited by Crombers on Friday 30th January 19:02
miniman said:
dan101smith said:
It's advertised in the local rag so can't post it up...
W-reg, 120k, up for £3k.
Should be taking my laptop with me to check for fault codes. Will check out the rear suspension (air bags, right?) and rust around the tailgate, although I'm not that bothered really. It's going to be a hack, so as long as it is reliable, I'm happy!
Beat them down, I reckon that's high money for that car. £2k would be a better price IMHO. W-reg, 120k, up for £3k.
Should be taking my laptop with me to check for fault codes. Will check out the rear suspension (air bags, right?) and rust around the tailgate, although I'm not that bothered really. It's going to be a hack, so as long as it is reliable, I'm happy!
kentmotorcompany said:
Ive got a very clean 530d SE Touring Auto coming in PX tomorrow. Its got big miles(so it might be closer to you budget than you thought), but very good history, and all the 2 most comman problems have been sorted(self leveling suspension, and a new Turbo).
Basic details on my website via my PH Profile. (might be a couple of hours, I've only just put it on)
Big miles? It's only got 130k on it! With a recent new turbo and decent condition it looks like an excellent car. It'll be a facelift if its got the 193bhp engine as well. If its a nice one owner car I reckon it's better than most others for similar money.Basic details on my website via my PH Profile. (might be a couple of hours, I've only just put it on)
dan101smith said:
Really? There are a couple of £2k cars around, but they're older, higher mileage and lower spec. If you can find an automatic 528i Touring >2000 with leather and less than 120k miles then please point me at it!!
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/863718.htmhttp://www.pistonheads.com/sales/874333.htm
I would say you could own either of those for £2k or thereabouts in the current market.
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