Would you buy it?

[shiftbmw]

I am currently looking at an E39 for daily driving duty. It's very clean, cleaner than the one I have. In fact, the engine is spotless, doesn't leak a drop, and overall it's one of the nicest shape E39's I've seen. Price is 6900.

My only worry is that the car is missing vin tags on both front fenders, the hood, and trunk lid. The car has also obviously had a repaint, that appears to be a quality job. To my eye, I see no visible body damage, the radiator support looks straight, and the body gaps seem to line up pretty decently.

I'm not worried about the car being stolen or anything, as I'm confident it is not, but I am worried that it may have been in an accident. Carfax was clean, and again I couldn't find any sign of past damage. The paint job was done before the current owner owned the car, and he is unsure about the details or reason.

Also, the car doesn't come with records, although appears and drives like it was well cared for.

Would you do it or keep looking?

[woodisgood]

How old are the tires? If they are brand new I would stay away. If they have some miles and you can tell they are wearing evenly the frame is probably okay. Check the headlight alignment to make sure front end is properly repaired if you think it has been in an accident.

[Jaxx_]

bring some string and measure each side. look for inconsistent gaps in the body

[Cha Ching]

Carfax sucks Sasquatch balls...My R32 was hit by a dumb neighbor and suffered about $11K in body work. Sold the car a year later and the Carfax was clean. (yes, I disclosed the accident to the new owner)

[MR 325]

I'd stay away. It's had definitely body damage. If a car needs both fenders and a hood, that's not a good thing.

[shiftbmw]

So I learned something today...E39's don't have VIN tags on every panel. I now believe the car has been buffed and that the panels are indeed still original.

[fsf1o1]

hmmmm If your not feeling good about it i wouldnt buy it go with your gut and i can tell from youposting this question your uncertain

[deLeon]

When in doubt, chicken out

[shiftbmw]

I agree that you should not buy when in doubt. I'm going to reinspect the car tomorrow to look again for paintwork and bodywork. The lack of VIN stickers on the panels were my reason for suspecting these things but since no vin stickers is normal for an e39, I'm going to reevaluate.