E39? Petrol? Diesel? or Merc W210?

[apsona]

Hi all,

Lots of questions in know. In short looking for a good reliable estate which will be high mileage (100k+), living in France so looking at buying in the german market via mobile.de. Just wondering if there are any recommendations for either petrol or diesel 5 series ? I was looking at the 523i and the 530d (e.g. E39 or 523i

There are also a number of good W210 E class estates (e.g. w210) that are looking good but are these really as bad as they say?

Any viewpoints? or additional information about the different versions would be greatly recieved.

Thanks,
Paul

[rassi]

Would definitely avoid the W210 as they are a rust bucket, and WILL rust even if the engines/transmissions are good. Would of course favour the E39, preferably a 528i or 530i or 530d if you plan to do huge mileage. Alternative to the MB would be an A6 Avant, beautifully built and WILL NOT rust, but a rather boring and staid driving experience.

[sparks_E39]

Don't bother with an E39 523 if you can find a decent 528, MPG figures and all other costs are exactly the same for the 520/523 and 528, the 528 being considerably quicker. £3k will get you a nice 1999 528 SE auto with around 100k. Around town my 528 does about 22-25 mpg and I have seen 40 mpg on a long journey, between 60-70 mph over around 180 miles.

[matt uk]

530i. Job done.

[Gallen]

530D, with an Auto box.

Great car to drive, loads of power when needes and of course great MPG.

if you're doing the miles it has to be a Diesel.

As above RE: Mercs - Rust buckets due to cheap factory paint cost cutting and poor rust prevention.

[apsona]

Thanks all for the advice ... i am now a happy owner of a fully loaded E39 530d estate and what a great car it is with v. impressive build quality.

cheers,
Paul

[Matt UK]

Good choice - hope you enjoy the car!

[sparks_E39]

Beautiful cars, enjoy.