E39 530 i or d ?
Discussion
I only found old posts when doing a search on these cars.
They are getting old but I still find them attractive.
I gather there is some radiator issues with the 5-series from the period, but other than that, are they 'bulletproof'? Or do they have common faults? - I saw one poster who had his gearbox go quite early.
I assume the petrol is the one to go for since you don't have the potential faults on the turbo and intercooler as with the diesel , and that the petrol uses only marginally more fuel?
Thanks and looking forward to hearing from owners of the cars!
They are getting old but I still find them attractive.
I gather there is some radiator issues with the 5-series from the period, but other than that, are they 'bulletproof'? Or do they have common faults? - I saw one poster who had his gearbox go quite early.
I assume the petrol is the one to go for since you don't have the potential faults on the turbo and intercooler as with the diesel , and that the petrol uses only marginally more fuel?
Thanks and looking forward to hearing from owners of the cars!
Depends what you are looking for really.
Neither are bullet proof. Both have problems with the cooling system, which will need sorting at some point. The auto box on them needs fluid changes despite BMW saying they are 'sealed for life'. The 'hedgehog' can leave you with a flat battery, and the pixels on the dash can disappear. I think the D has potential issues with swirl flaps that can be catastrophic, but I have no idea how likely this is, or how expensive the (well documented) preventative fixes are.
You get better economy with a D (45mpg vs 30mpg), and the i is a bit smoother (though I don't think there is much in it).
I had my gearbox go recently, cost nearly £1400 to sort, but the car was cheap to buy, and I have done over 30k in it in a year, so I don't feel I have lost anything really, as depreciation in a newer car would have cost me more than the 5 has cost. I am on 110K now.
They are both really good motorway wafting cars. My 530i will pick it's heels up when asked to do so, but it's not a sports car. I have thought lots about swapping mine, but I honestly can't think of a better alternative so I am sticking with it.
Neither are bullet proof. Both have problems with the cooling system, which will need sorting at some point. The auto box on them needs fluid changes despite BMW saying they are 'sealed for life'. The 'hedgehog' can leave you with a flat battery, and the pixels on the dash can disappear. I think the D has potential issues with swirl flaps that can be catastrophic, but I have no idea how likely this is, or how expensive the (well documented) preventative fixes are.
You get better economy with a D (45mpg vs 30mpg), and the i is a bit smoother (though I don't think there is much in it).
I had my gearbox go recently, cost nearly £1400 to sort, but the car was cheap to buy, and I have done over 30k in it in a year, so I don't feel I have lost anything really, as depreciation in a newer car would have cost me more than the 5 has cost. I am on 110K now.
They are both really good motorway wafting cars. My 530i will pick it's heels up when asked to do so, but it's not a sports car. I have thought lots about swapping mine, but I honestly can't think of a better alternative so I am sticking with it.
Hi,
I was the one who posted about gearbox failure, but don't let that scare you! In the 6 years we've had it, parking sensors started playing up a couple of months ago, but everything else has worked fine, and the petrol engine is the way to go imo. We also have an E70 3.0sd X5 and as far as engine note and refinement under acceleration goes, I'd pick the 5 every time! I'd bet diesels from that era sound even worse!
Cheers
I was the one who posted about gearbox failure, but don't let that scare you! In the 6 years we've had it, parking sensors started playing up a couple of months ago, but everything else has worked fine, and the petrol engine is the way to go imo. We also have an E70 3.0sd X5 and as far as engine note and refinement under acceleration goes, I'd pick the 5 every time! I'd bet diesels from that era sound even worse!
Cheers
I've had my 530i for over 5 years now and it's without doubt the best all rounder I've owned. It's now done 135k. Aside from the normal consumables, it's had a new water pump (£30) a new final stage resistor aka hedgehog (£50ish) a new throttle pot housing (£170) and a replacement rear lamp cluster (£65)
There's loads of helpful info and a buyers guide over on the 5 series forum http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/
There's loads of helpful info and a buyers guide over on the 5 series forum http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/
Brilliant cars, which I've driven consistently over the last 14 years. I had one of the first 528 manuals in 1996 and replaced it with one of the last 530d autos in 2003, which I still have. It has now done 140,000 miles with ease and a lot of comfort and fun.
It has been amazingly low cost to run, with one major exception. The turbo blew at 100k and I was looking at a £3.5k bill at BMW or £1.5k at an indi. In the end BMW did it for £400, and to this day I have no idea why.
Anyway, to date, apart from that it has cost me nothing. It returns 35mpg knocking about and over 40 on a run, but does prefer more expensive Vpower Shell stuff. It was remapped at about 70k, which made it even smoother, faster (the torque is quite astonishing - every new passenger remarks on the "push in the back") and more economical.
So far I've had none of the cooling or suspension or pixel problems, though I think I may need a wheel bearing soon. I will also get her deflapped at the next service. The inside looks like new and is miles better quality than newer BMs.
I've thought about replacing her a few times, but with what? It still looks great (my car nut 14 year old son still thinks she's cool, which is pretty much the acid test), drives brilliantly and wafts along in silence at whatever speed your conscience allows, with plenty of grunt on tap ( once had a nice meeting with a CSL one evening on a deserted m40 where I wasn't completely outclassed at highish velocities, which surprised us both, I think). The only downside is the sound at idle (which isn't too bad inside - but it's no creamy inline 6), but once you're moving, it sounds a bit V8ish.
Current plan is to get her over 200k, touch wood. It will be a sad day when she goes.
It has been amazingly low cost to run, with one major exception. The turbo blew at 100k and I was looking at a £3.5k bill at BMW or £1.5k at an indi. In the end BMW did it for £400, and to this day I have no idea why.
Anyway, to date, apart from that it has cost me nothing. It returns 35mpg knocking about and over 40 on a run, but does prefer more expensive Vpower Shell stuff. It was remapped at about 70k, which made it even smoother, faster (the torque is quite astonishing - every new passenger remarks on the "push in the back") and more economical.
So far I've had none of the cooling or suspension or pixel problems, though I think I may need a wheel bearing soon. I will also get her deflapped at the next service. The inside looks like new and is miles better quality than newer BMs.
I've thought about replacing her a few times, but with what? It still looks great (my car nut 14 year old son still thinks she's cool, which is pretty much the acid test), drives brilliantly and wafts along in silence at whatever speed your conscience allows, with plenty of grunt on tap ( once had a nice meeting with a CSL one evening on a deserted m40 where I wasn't completely outclassed at highish velocities, which surprised us both, I think). The only downside is the sound at idle (which isn't too bad inside - but it's no creamy inline 6), but once you're moving, it sounds a bit V8ish.
Current plan is to get her over 200k, touch wood. It will be a sad day when she goes.
Edited by Hawmaws on Sunday 16th May 08:09
Edited by Hawmaws on Sunday 16th May 08:11
For my money I'd go for an 'i' (and did be it a 525 for both myself and father)
Based on Purchase price
His bought when it was 4yrs old would have been £2k more
Mine, well try finding a 9yr old D with 60-70k on it and would most likely have been £1-1.5k more
Both of which buys a fair bit of fuel! with an Auto I think the 'real world' mpg difference is circa 10mpg
Then factor in when a diesel goes wrong it gets expensive.... injectors, turbos etc far more parts to go pop.
So cost wise you can be soon on the loosing side with the diesel
Based on Purchase price
His bought when it was 4yrs old would have been £2k more
Mine, well try finding a 9yr old D with 60-70k on it and would most likely have been £1-1.5k more
Both of which buys a fair bit of fuel! with an Auto I think the 'real world' mpg difference is circa 10mpg
Then factor in when a diesel goes wrong it gets expensive.... injectors, turbos etc far more parts to go pop.
So cost wise you can be soon on the loosing side with the diesel
I have a 530i and my dad has a 530d. They are both exactly the same age and have manual transmission, though his is an SE and mine is a Sport. I drive both on a regular basis.
The 530i is the better car. It is quicker and sounds better and it's only about 6-7mpg less economical than the diesel in any given circumstance.
The 530i is the better car. It is quicker and sounds better and it's only about 6-7mpg less economical than the diesel in any given circumstance.
Christoffer said:
Lots of great answers. Thank you.
It sounds like the petrol is the best one all things considered.
Is there a lot of difference in terms of handling of the sedan / touring ?
I've never really noticed but the first time my father ('02 525iA SE Touring)drove mine ('01 525iA SE Saloon) he did comment on the body feeling stiffer (and hes no racer!)It sounds like the petrol is the best one all things considered.
Is there a lot of difference in terms of handling of the sedan / touring ?
But at the end of the day I'd go with best suits your needs
Christoffer said:
Lots of great answers. Thank you.
It sounds like the petrol is the best one all things considered.
Is there a lot of difference in terms of handling of the sedan / touring ?
There is a noticeable difference in the handling between SE and Sport but I've not driven a Touring. The Touring does have rear air suspension though which might affect handling?It sounds like the petrol is the best one all things considered.
Is there a lot of difference in terms of handling of the sedan / touring ?
My 530iA is a touring. I must admit I do find it a bit more wallowy than the various saloons that I test-drove, though they were far from being 'taught' in the sports-car sense, and there wasn't really that much in it.
I haven't driven one with sport suspension, so I can't comment on that, though I think the point of these cars is more comfort than outright performance.
A lot of it is context though, my 5 rarely sees a corner, so on the limit handling is largely irrelevant. The motorway is the natural habitat of the 5, and whilst being ok on a twisty section of b-road, it's not what it is best at.
One other thing to think about is that they are very sensitive to wheel balancing / tyres / suspension condition, and you will likely be subject to the '5-series shimmy' at some point which spoils the drive quite a bit. Easy to fix though.
I haven't driven one with sport suspension, so I can't comment on that, though I think the point of these cars is more comfort than outright performance.
A lot of it is context though, my 5 rarely sees a corner, so on the limit handling is largely irrelevant. The motorway is the natural habitat of the 5, and whilst being ok on a twisty section of b-road, it's not what it is best at.
One other thing to think about is that they are very sensitive to wheel balancing / tyres / suspension condition, and you will likely be subject to the '5-series shimmy' at some point which spoils the drive quite a bit. Easy to fix though.
I'll add!
I have a 2003 530d Ex Police Touring - a few pictures in the 'show me your BMW thread'. Without a shadow of doubt, when looked after these cars will go on and on. My mileage is showing as 201K, but it's done 203 probably - I just haven't got around to changing the ABS sensor yet! parts are here, just waiting for a slot to do that and a few other normal maintenance jobs and niggly fixes.
Although mine is probably regarded as substantially modified, the underlying mechanical changes only amount to H&R lowering springs, a re-map, K&N air filter, EGR bypass valve.
My only major expense was the auto gearbox rebuild I needed at 172K miles and the car has been fine ever since. I was lucky that the low spec Euro Touring E39's used by the UK Police had springs at the rear and not those troublesome airbags - so my car handled and performs absolutley fantastically indeed, H&R are amongst one of the very best aftermarket manufacturers and their products are better than OEM.
I have no doubt this car will go on for another 100K with good looking after - which is what I want to do. If I do need another car, I'll probably keep this as it'll be worth a very low amount in potential buyers eyes becuase of the miles.
Petrol or Diesel, that choice is up to you really, each will have potential issues that could costly to fix, however it does seem that the Diesels get a little more 'watch outs' than the petrol - turbo, swirl flaps etc.
For me, the practicality, the performance, the chassis, the driveability and the enjoyment I get out of this car means theres no need to change at all!
Cheers, Dennis!
I have a 2003 530d Ex Police Touring - a few pictures in the 'show me your BMW thread'. Without a shadow of doubt, when looked after these cars will go on and on. My mileage is showing as 201K, but it's done 203 probably - I just haven't got around to changing the ABS sensor yet! parts are here, just waiting for a slot to do that and a few other normal maintenance jobs and niggly fixes.
Although mine is probably regarded as substantially modified, the underlying mechanical changes only amount to H&R lowering springs, a re-map, K&N air filter, EGR bypass valve.
My only major expense was the auto gearbox rebuild I needed at 172K miles and the car has been fine ever since. I was lucky that the low spec Euro Touring E39's used by the UK Police had springs at the rear and not those troublesome airbags - so my car handled and performs absolutley fantastically indeed, H&R are amongst one of the very best aftermarket manufacturers and their products are better than OEM.
I have no doubt this car will go on for another 100K with good looking after - which is what I want to do. If I do need another car, I'll probably keep this as it'll be worth a very low amount in potential buyers eyes becuase of the miles.
Petrol or Diesel, that choice is up to you really, each will have potential issues that could costly to fix, however it does seem that the Diesels get a little more 'watch outs' than the petrol - turbo, swirl flaps etc.
For me, the practicality, the performance, the chassis, the driveability and the enjoyment I get out of this car means theres no need to change at all!
Cheers, Dennis!
Digger said:
Hawmaws. I'd be very interested in a brief comparison with and synopsis of your B10 V8S ownership experience as am toying with E39 530i/d B3s B10 options?
I only owned the Alpina for about 6 weeks. The original intention was to trade in the 530 for it. The v8s was a pampered 20k miles rich man's toy. It was immaculate, lovely metallic blue, all available extras and fastidiously maintained.But I changed ny mind every time I thought about letting the 530 go. In the end I decided to go ahead, but pay cash and keep my car, which was a real "gut feel" decision, but turned out to be right.
The problem was that the Alpina was not much better than the 530 in any particular area, but was much worse in 2 critical areas: steering and fuel consumption. MPG you expect : I never had the V8s over 20 mpg, about half of the BM. And the crucial aspect of this was I didn't feel as if I was going anywhere any faster. The Alpina was very sluggish off the line, as if it needed to get all its cylinders in order. At 80/90 on the motorway, you couldn't tell the cars apart, but one of them was costing twice as much to run.
But the killer for me was the steering. The V8s has recirculating ball steering, like the 540. I hated it. It was like driving a barge, turn wheel and then about half a second later something happened. I was told I would "get used to it" and that it was part of the character of the car. But why get used to an inferior system? I decided to sell it on again after 4 weeks and it sold the following week.
Bought a boxster S on the rebound, kept the 530 and I've never been happier motoring-wise than the last 16 months.
Hi again,
Thanks very much for they very sound advice.
To be honest I'm a little disappointed if the motorway is the natural habitat of the 5 ??
I've only driven a couple on short occasions - and that was a while ago so can't remember, but I hoped it was kind of 'sporty' to drive. The reason I'm asking is I might need to drive a bit for my work after uni., and always thought the E39 was just 'the best' looking of all in that class.
So I'm still interested in a 530i, preferably touring, but I hoped it was a bit sporty - since it has won so many tests and all ?
Would an E46 330i touring drive better / be more fun ?
Thanks very much for they very sound advice.
To be honest I'm a little disappointed if the motorway is the natural habitat of the 5 ??
I've only driven a couple on short occasions - and that was a while ago so can't remember, but I hoped it was kind of 'sporty' to drive. The reason I'm asking is I might need to drive a bit for my work after uni., and always thought the E39 was just 'the best' looking of all in that class.
So I'm still interested in a 530i, preferably touring, but I hoped it was a bit sporty - since it has won so many tests and all ?
Would an E46 330i touring drive better / be more fun ?
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