Hey guys!

Thinking about picking up a 97-2002 BMW 5 series. Most of what I'm looking at has high miles but the bmw community is really active and these (E39's) are regarded as some of the best BMWs. There are 7 or 8 of them available in my area for 4- 7K.

I have read many times how dependable these cars can be. There are some known issues that will effect all of them eventually, but often that stuff has been handled in this mileage range. There are tons of well put together pictorial tuts on how to fix or upgrade the most common issues. Lots of used and aftermarket parts are available, and they are beautiful cars to drive.

Any experiences good or bad would be great!! I'm really trying hard not to buy just another jap car or an impala... even though I probably should! In my price range most everything is going to be over 100k miles unless it is a sub compact or a gas guzzler. The 5 series is a good size for me and with the 6 they can get close to 30 on the highway and that is my goal. I go for about 20K miles per year mostly on the highways and I typically buy a used car every 2-3 years once they start to give me fits.

[StellarP]

Great car, disappointed I sold mine....540i 6spd......great looks..quick...highway mileage in 20's..city not so much. I would suggest the 530 model as it has the "bullet proof" 6 cyl. with the best handling system(wouldnt fit with V8).

As noted most common issues are simple DIY if so inclined. Well maintained will run forever. Good luck in your search.

Cheers
StellarP

double post

Thanks Stellar! I would love the 540, but trying to save on gas so looking at the 528,525's mostly. They seem to handle the 28-30 range on the highway and that will help me out a lot as gas prices creep up. Haven't come across a 530 yet, but I will look around. I'm trying to find one with a manual trans but so far I am just seeing automatics. 3 series and 540's I see lots of manual trans. The 99 528i I just looked at a couple days ago was having some rather typical transmission issues and it is a shame since every other flaw has been recently handled like the radiator, water pump, ball joints, etc... the guy sunk a lot of money into it and it shows, but the transmission failsafe is coming on and that could mean a lot of things and most likely a lot of head scratching before it is fixed with the possible result being a new transmission. Not sure I want to go there! That one also has only 125K miles which is pretty low.

I'm looking at a 2000 528i tonight that has 165K on it, but it is owned by an older woman who has been driving it daily since 2003 and she has every bit of maintenance records. That one is supposed to be 100% perfect except the cup holders. I think those are destined to be transformed into a stealth rolling tray. Ha! Can't say that on most forums!!! That one even comes with a 2nd set of wheels and snow tires which is nice. Nothing like fresh rubber when the snow starts falling.

Just found some 530's... seems they go for a couple grand more than the 528's I've been looking at. Maybe something will come up this week though. Seems to be a busy market for used bmw's all the sudden. Good for me!!

[Bobby Stainless]

IMO, I would look at a Japanese car.

For example a GS300 or I30. They will outlast the Bimmer, and for less money.

[Aerohead]

I worked as a BMW master tech for 10 years so I can give you some input on these cars.. They are by far the most car for the money in the price range you are shopping, very nice cars indeed.

That said, stay away from 528, 525, and 540's in that milage range. It's well worth the extra cash to get the 530. The 525, and especially the 528's develope head gasket problems in that age/milage range and for some reason the 530's don't seem to have the same issues. As for the 540's the V8 isn't near as reliable as the 530 I6..

The 530 may cost more initially but you will spend less to keep it on the road, seen many past 300k without any major engine repairs..

Originally Posted by Aerohead

I worked as a BMW master tech for 10 years so I can give you some input on these cars.. They are by far the most car for the money in the price range you are shopping, very nice cars indeed.

That said, stay away from 528, 525, and 540's in that milage range. It's well worth the extra cash to get the 530. The 525, and especially the 528's develope head gasket problems in that age/milage range and for some reason the 530's don't seem to have the same issues. As for the 540's the V8 isn't near as reliable as the 530 I6..

The 530 may cost more initially but you will spend less to keep it on the road, seen many past 300k without any major engine repairs..

Ha ha! Well I guess that is why they are affordable to me!!! I don't think I will be able to find a 530 that I can afford. I just don't have another couple grand to pay.

Can you tell me about the vanos issues? There is a lot of info on that online, but I would love to hear the view from a tech.

thanks for all the help guys! And yes I may still end up with a toyota or a honda, but really just trying to be a little less of a sheeple.

Just drove a 97 528i and then a 2000 528i. Both were nice and both had more power than the first one I looked at, so that one is out... there is something going on with that one!

The 2000 was mint. I saw a pencil point sized hole in the rear seat, a crack in 2 of the little wood trim pieces, cupholders were naturally broken, and the engine had dust on it. Otherwise mint. Ran and drove perfectly. Looked showroom new and even the rock chips in the hood were recently taken care of There was a folder with a 1/2" stack of receipts going back to 2004. Mostly maintenance other than the water heater and some sensors and whatnot. She has really been almost problem free with the car. So at 176K miles does that mean it will continue to be that way or it is fixin to implode. Literally showroom new in most respects. She is asking only $5k, but I bet I could get her closer to 4K. A lot of miles but man is that a nice car! Also comes with a set of 4 unmounted snow tires, and the reg tires are nice kellys with a good 75% tread. I think I have to buy this one! Especially if I can get it for 4K

[StellarP]

Auto or manual? Should be able to get another 176k miles no problem if well maintained. Most of the annoying problems come from age, ie:window regulators, maf sensor. (Happens with all 10 yr. old cars).

Definitely a fun car to "drive". Good luck with the purchase.

Cheers
StellarP

Unfortunately that is an auto but it has the triptronic so I can still have some, albeit clutchless, manual shifting fun. I'm going to sleep on it, but I think I will be buying this car tomorrow. I wish I could afford a 530, but it isn't going to happen. I'm rolling the dice no matter what I buy