Returning to BMW ownership
Discussion
I am contemplating returning to BMW ownership and was thinking about getting an E39 525D Sport. Does anyone own one of these, what are they like, what should you look out for when buying one?
Do the 2.5 6 cylinder engines suffer from the same turbo/swirl flap issues that the 2.0 4 cylinder engines in the 320d suffer from?
It’s the 525 in particular I was looking into, are these ok in terms of power or are they really gutless? Ideally I would go for the 530D sports but unfortunately at the moment not looking to spend enough to get me into a decent 530 so need to settle for the 525.
I’ve not driven one yet, need to try it to see what the power delivery is like, im hoping it is reasonably good as I don’t want anything really gutless, especially considering I will be replacing my current every day car (4.3 litre V8) with the 525d.
I have seen a 2002, 525D sport, 80k, in Avus Blue at a local dealer that I am hoping to go and look at this weekend, It’s an auto, would have preferred a manual but it seems like the manual is pretty rare. What sort of fuel economy do they return, what are they like on the motorway, as thats where i spend most of my time. Do they all come with cruise?
The one i am going to have a look at does not come with the widescreen display with Sat Nav etc, how easy is it to buy and fit a genuine BMW screen and have sat nav fitted? What are rough costs?
Do the 2.5 6 cylinder engines suffer from the same turbo/swirl flap issues that the 2.0 4 cylinder engines in the 320d suffer from?
It’s the 525 in particular I was looking into, are these ok in terms of power or are they really gutless? Ideally I would go for the 530D sports but unfortunately at the moment not looking to spend enough to get me into a decent 530 so need to settle for the 525.
I’ve not driven one yet, need to try it to see what the power delivery is like, im hoping it is reasonably good as I don’t want anything really gutless, especially considering I will be replacing my current every day car (4.3 litre V8) with the 525d.
I have seen a 2002, 525D sport, 80k, in Avus Blue at a local dealer that I am hoping to go and look at this weekend, It’s an auto, would have preferred a manual but it seems like the manual is pretty rare. What sort of fuel economy do they return, what are they like on the motorway, as thats where i spend most of my time. Do they all come with cruise?
The one i am going to have a look at does not come with the widescreen display with Sat Nav etc, how easy is it to buy and fit a genuine BMW screen and have sat nav fitted? What are rough costs?
R360 said:
The one i am going to have a look at does not come with the widescreen display with Sat Nav etc, how easy is it to buy and fit a genuine BMW screen and have sat nav fitted? What are rough costs?
To have a Sat Nav retro fitted would cost around £900, plus the Sat Nav monitor approx £300, and if you went for the MK4 DVD computer, that would be approx £380.Both items sourced from Ebay
I had this system fitted to my E46 330d, and I would imagine the price would be the same for a E39.
Hi R360,
Overall, for the E39 it is actually the 530d which is the one to go for vs the 525d. That's not to say the 25d is not good, it is, it's just the 3.0d was/is a sublime engine for the chassis and this is the reason why they still hold excellent residuals and are sought after. Most people will say try to go for the 3 over the 2.5 as theres not much difference in the economy stakes, and the 3.0 will also have more power.
The E39 is still a fantastic car to drive, one of the very best produced by BMW, although it'll be a step down from your current larger car, you should find that you'll get used to it fairly quickly and enjoy what it does offer. If you need that little bit extra poke, you can always have it re-mapped.
Retro fit of the SatNav unit is indeed possible, and as already said it's very expensive to do. Budget £350 for the Mk4 DVD unit, £250-350 for the actual screen, £175-250 for the BM54 radio unit and around £150-200 or so for the wiring loom. If you can fit it all yourself you'll save yourself another £3-400 on fitting costs. If the car you get already has SatNav but perhaps the 4:3 screen version, you just need the screen unit for that £250-350. You'll probably acheive £75 plus for the older screen on ebay as no one really wants them.
I don't think cruise was a standard option, if it's there, it was probably optioned when new. Have a good look through forum5.co.uk for a specialised forum for 5 series and theres a big section for E39's! you might spot some familiar screen names too!
Hope this helps a bit! cheers Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
Overall, for the E39 it is actually the 530d which is the one to go for vs the 525d. That's not to say the 25d is not good, it is, it's just the 3.0d was/is a sublime engine for the chassis and this is the reason why they still hold excellent residuals and are sought after. Most people will say try to go for the 3 over the 2.5 as theres not much difference in the economy stakes, and the 3.0 will also have more power.
The E39 is still a fantastic car to drive, one of the very best produced by BMW, although it'll be a step down from your current larger car, you should find that you'll get used to it fairly quickly and enjoy what it does offer. If you need that little bit extra poke, you can always have it re-mapped.
Retro fit of the SatNav unit is indeed possible, and as already said it's very expensive to do. Budget £350 for the Mk4 DVD unit, £250-350 for the actual screen, £175-250 for the BM54 radio unit and around £150-200 or so for the wiring loom. If you can fit it all yourself you'll save yourself another £3-400 on fitting costs. If the car you get already has SatNav but perhaps the 4:3 screen version, you just need the screen unit for that £250-350. You'll probably acheive £75 plus for the older screen on ebay as no one really wants them.
I don't think cruise was a standard option, if it's there, it was probably optioned when new. Have a good look through forum5.co.uk for a specialised forum for 5 series and theres a big section for E39's! you might spot some familiar screen names too!
Hope this helps a bit! cheers Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
Hi Dennis. First of all thanks for all the really useful info. Ideally I would go for the 530 but all the ones I have seen are more then what I want to spend.
I think I will leave the retro fit of the sat nav, never expected it to be that much, was pretty shocked to see it would be nearly a grand.
Other then here and autotrader where else is a good place to try to find cars for sale? Is there a specialist 5 series sport website with a classifieds section?
Also seem to be seeing a lot ofcars advertised as sports but are not actually sports just have domeof the kit/ alloys. What's a sure fire way to tell a real sport from a fake one?
Edited to add I'm just down the road from you near Amersham.
I think I will leave the retro fit of the sat nav, never expected it to be that much, was pretty shocked to see it would be nearly a grand.
Other then here and autotrader where else is a good place to try to find cars for sale? Is there a specialist 5 series sport website with a classifieds section?
Also seem to be seeing a lot ofcars advertised as sports but are not actually sports just have domeof the kit/ alloys. What's a sure fire way to tell a real sport from a fake one?
Edited to add I'm just down the road from you near Amersham.
Edited by R360 on Tuesday 16th February 23:45
Hi R360
You live in the nicer area !!!
There are indeed quite a few 'dressed' up E39's around, mine being one of them! however, done well, and with good quality upgrades there's nothing wrong with that at all. If you are around, you're welcome to have a look at mine etc.
In terms of where to look, usual suspects apply - here on PH, autotrader for the national view in hunting one. Also, check other forums and their cars for sale section - one i'm on is forum5.co.uk - you'll find everything you need to know here. Every car and type has common issues, the E39 is no exception, however find a good one and you'll be laughing!
The whole fascination with potential buyers and owners with the 16:9 widescreen satnav to me, is a bit of a white elephant - the only reason some of these now at best 7 year old electronics are so pricey is becuase they're in demand and apparently people are buying them. Nothing wrong with it as such, but the main reason is simply that 'it looks nice' - so form over function type for those guys. I prefer a mixture of both, and the aftermarket stuff as it's 2010 technology albeit at the expense of sacrificing 20% of the looks.
have a go at the 2.5d, and keep aside about £275 and have it re-mapped to 'put the performance' back whilst increasing driveability and a modest bettering of MPG. If you do, just nip over to A-L Tuning and Advanced Auto Technik in Langley and tell them I sent you. You can also independantly verify their reputation by checking the BMW magazines each month as well as some of the feedback on forums by owners of the serious machinery they fettle!
Good luck with finding a suitable car !
Cheers, Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
You live in the nicer area !!!
There are indeed quite a few 'dressed' up E39's around, mine being one of them!
however, done well, and with good quality upgrades there's nothing wrong with that at all. If you are around, you're welcome to have a look at mine etc.In terms of where to look, usual suspects apply - here on PH, autotrader for the national view in hunting one. Also, check other forums and their cars for sale section - one i'm on is forum5.co.uk - you'll find everything you need to know here. Every car and type has common issues, the E39 is no exception, however find a good one and you'll be laughing!
The whole fascination with potential buyers and owners with the 16:9 widescreen satnav to me, is a bit of a white elephant - the only reason some of these now at best 7 year old electronics are so pricey is becuase they're in demand and apparently people are buying them. Nothing wrong with it as such, but the main reason is simply that 'it looks nice' - so form over function type for those guys. I prefer a mixture of both, and the aftermarket stuff as it's 2010 technology albeit at the expense of sacrificing 20% of the looks.
have a go at the 2.5d, and keep aside about £275 and have it re-mapped to 'put the performance' back whilst increasing driveability and a modest bettering of MPG. If you do, just nip over to A-L Tuning and Advanced Auto Technik in Langley and tell them I sent you. You can also independantly verify their reputation by checking the BMW magazines each month as well as some of the feedback on forums by owners of the serious machinery they fettle!
Good luck with finding a suitable car !
Cheers, Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
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