Where to find an E39 530i/525i Sport?

[LC23]

Guys, I've decided I need an every day car to stop the miles going on the Aston. Always loved my BMWs and haven't had an E39 yet. I've been trawling all the usual places and it seems it's quite difficult to find a good one.

Preference is for a manual 530i Sport with Sat Nav (Mk IV ideally) but I realise these are rare. That's the reason I am also looking at the 525i Sport as well. Full service history a must - too many out there with "FSH" and haven't been serviced in 30,000 miles etc. If the right auto came along I wouldn't say no.

Mod note: Let's not make this a wanted ad, ta.

Edited by Bill on Monday 10th September 13:57

[LC23]

Thanks for the reply Ross. I know the Nav isn't seen as the best of units but I've always been happy with it in my previous bmws. A fair number of 530s do come with it anyway but the right manual car could persuade me to do without.Budget is up to 5k but looking to spend closer to 4k.

Although I do like the E38 I'm not looking to go that big so will be sticking to the E39.

[LC23]

I hadn't considered the 540i. I just assumed it would be quite a bit worse on fuel and I already have a thirsty v8. Did they do the manual box in the 540i?

[LC23]

sparks_E39 said:

I would hold out for a 530 personally... good luck, awesome car to complement the Aston.

Good advice and I really do want a manual 530i Sport. I would go for the 525i only if it was spot on (ie good history, manual and nav)

[LC23]

I'm now thinking that it would be best to not get hung up on the nav (although I actually quite like the way it operates - you should try the Volvo unit in the Aston) as finding a decent manual 530i Sport is hard enough in the first place.

[LC23]

I had already enquired after this car before it was highlighted on this thread. Trader masquerading as private seller from what I can tell. Even called me a c*ck for asking some perfectly reasonable questions! Seems he knows me personally.