Things to look out for on a 535
Discussion
Check for rust particularly around wheel arches.
The cooling system can be a pain on the V8s so worth asking if any work has been done on it...and check for leaks.
Check oil level and under the filler cap for mayo.
The CATs are expensive if/when they go so aski if/when they've been replaced.
Make sure you try the full range on the auto box....normal, sport and tip, should all be smooth.
Check acceleration, the earlier 235bhp 535s can feel a touch lethargic til you hit the powerband around 3k revs then it should be up and off.
With the car in normal auto mode and lowish revs put your foot right down hard, should feel like theres almost 2 kickdown spots....gears should drop accordingly and be off.
I had a 535 saloon and it was a good car...very similar performance to 530 but with 540 running costs...averaged 23mpg compared to my current 540 touring which averages 21mpg.
Check that everything electric works....gremlins can be a PITA/expensive to fix....also see if the pixels on the dash display are all there or dying off.
Hope that helps....above all check to see if its been loved and used or used and abused...I wouldnt get an E39 without FSH...dealer and specialist.
The cooling system can be a pain on the V8s so worth asking if any work has been done on it...and check for leaks.
Check oil level and under the filler cap for mayo.
The CATs are expensive if/when they go so aski if/when they've been replaced.
Make sure you try the full range on the auto box....normal, sport and tip, should all be smooth.
Check acceleration, the earlier 235bhp 535s can feel a touch lethargic til you hit the powerband around 3k revs then it should be up and off.
With the car in normal auto mode and lowish revs put your foot right down hard, should feel like theres almost 2 kickdown spots....gears should drop accordingly and be off.
I had a 535 saloon and it was a good car...very similar performance to 530 but with 540 running costs...averaged 23mpg compared to my current 540 touring which averages 21mpg.
Check that everything electric works....gremlins can be a PITA/expensive to fix....also see if the pixels on the dash display are all there or dying off.
Hope that helps....above all check to see if its been loved and used or used and abused...I wouldnt get an E39 without FSH...dealer and specialist.
stone-islandV8 said:
Check for rust particularly around wheel arches.
The cooling system can be a pain on the V8s so worth asking if any work has been done on it...and check for leaks.
Check oil level and under the filler cap for mayo.
The CATs are expensive if/when they go so aski if/when they've been replaced.
Make sure you try the full range on the auto box....normal, sport and tip, should all be smooth.
Check acceleration, the earlier 235bhp 535s can feel a touch lethargic til you hit the powerband around 3k revs then it should be up and off.
With the car in normal auto mode and lowish revs put your foot right down hard, should feel like theres almost 2 kickdown spots....gears should drop accordingly and be off.
I had a 535 saloon and it was a good car...very similar performance to 530 but with 540 running costs...averaged 23mpg compared to my current 540 touring which averages 21mpg.
Check that everything electric works....gremlins can be a PITA/expensive to fix....also see if the pixels on the dash display are all there or dying off.
Hope that helps....above all check to see if its been loved and used or used and abused...I wouldnt get an E39 without FSH...dealer and specialist.
The cooling system can be a pain on the V8s so worth asking if any work has been done on it...and check for leaks.
Check oil level and under the filler cap for mayo.
The CATs are expensive if/when they go so aski if/when they've been replaced.
Make sure you try the full range on the auto box....normal, sport and tip, should all be smooth.
Check acceleration, the earlier 235bhp 535s can feel a touch lethargic til you hit the powerband around 3k revs then it should be up and off.
With the car in normal auto mode and lowish revs put your foot right down hard, should feel like theres almost 2 kickdown spots....gears should drop accordingly and be off.
I had a 535 saloon and it was a good car...very similar performance to 530 but with 540 running costs...averaged 23mpg compared to my current 540 touring which averages 21mpg.
Check that everything electric works....gremlins can be a PITA/expensive to fix....also see if the pixels on the dash display are all there or dying off.
Hope that helps....above all check to see if its been loved and used or used and abused...I wouldnt get an E39 without FSH...dealer and specialist.
ThanksWell I bought it. 1998, 4 owners, 103k miles, FSH with a folder of receipts, 8 months MOT with all old ones, 6 months tax, HPI clear, all for £1150. I have had a 520 before, which I really liked but, felt it was a bit sluggish and I have had a C70 T5 before, which I used to think that was effortless but, this is just different class. What must the M5 be like? The only thing wrong with it is, the odd age related small paintwork mark and the brake light in the back windscreen is temperamental. So far I'm very happy
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