E39 for my dad?

[Cliche Guevara]

My dad is beginning a search for a new car and I'm wondering what the general consensus on an E39 would be for him. The biggest things he wants in a car are that it's relatively comfortable, gets around 25 mpg, isn't a boring econobox, and, above all else, is reliable. He's great with keeping up on maintenance and can easily fix just about anything on a car, but he really, really doesn't want to have to be fixing something every few months. If he were to get one he would probably be looking at a basic 525 or 528, possible an estate, with an auto and 15 or 16 inch wheels with a budget of under $10,000.

So, to you E39 owners: what kind of mileage do you get? How reliable are they? Any issues with electronics? Can he get one that's been well maintained within his budget? And what are the trouble areas we should keep an eye out for?

[Jean]

best one to get is 530i/5speed imho.

[Cliche Guevara]

best one to get is 530i/5speed imho.

If I were buying it that's what I would go for, but gas mileage is something he's concerned about and he's content with a slushbox. He's 57, after all. I'm just trying to get him a car that'll fill his needs without being a boring econobox, you know? From what I know of E39s they seem perfect for him, but I don't know too much about the reliability or what to expect for fuel economy.

[Jean]

Plastic shit everywhere..... but they ride nice and comfy.

[Jonny Cash]

I have a 525i with a 5 speed, and its great on gas. Im getting about 450-480 miles per tank.
I had a few issues with it early on- replaced cam sensors, and other basic maintenence. But other than that i enjoy driving it.
Only gripe- SLOW as balls.. drives big.. And i fear of the aluminum block and my wife overheating it one day.

Mines clean, i got a great deal, because not many people want a manual. SO if you can find one, always keep that in the back of your mind.

[Cliche Guevara]

I have a 525i with a 5 speed, and its great on gas. Im getting about 450-480 miles per tank.
I had a few issues with it early on- replaced cam sensors, and other basic maintenence. But other than that i enjoy driving it.
Only gripe- SLOW as balls.. drives big.. And i fear of the aluminum block and my wife overheating it one day.

What does that translate to for mpg? He drives a Caravan now, so slow is relative.

[Jean]

Cluster/MID pixel issues
Thrust arms
Cooling systems
Water leaking issues.

This list is dedicated to 540i but many of the issues are obviously not 540I specific.

Go through it

http://www.540i6.com/probsfixes.html

[Cyrix2k]

Get a 530iA. The mileage difference won't be much unless he drives all city. I have a 540i/6 and it's been a great car. The common issues are really just the normal BMW stuff.. cooling system & suspension. That said, I have hoses on mine that are original at 192k and my radiator is almost a decade and a half old so I think a lot of the stories are overblown.

[Stanley Rockafella]

a late model Oldsmobile Aurora. Easily cheaper to maintain than a BMW, more powerful than a 530, and soooo much more reliable than the finniky Germans.

After owning several 4 cyl, 5 speed RWD Volvo's thru the 80's and 90's, my dad who's about the same age cannot even fathom the idea of going back to a Euro car when the North Americans can build some awesome machines like the Aurora.

See what other owners are saying:

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/oldsmobile/aurora/2002/single-page/

[cferb]

They're great. My dad had a 528i sport for a while until someone crashed into him and totaled it. I'm pretty sure it was his favorite car since I've been alive. Seemed pretty reliable, I don't remember anything ever being wrong with it, on the other hand my brother's 328i with the same engine has problems all the time.

[Robotin]

1997 540i/6

[Cliche Guevara]

Get a 530iA. The mileage difference won't be much unless he drives all city. I have a 540i/6 and it's been a great car. The common issues are really just the normal BMW stuff.. cooling system & suspension. That said, I have hoses on mine that are original at 192k and my radiator is almost a decade and a half old so I think a lot of the stories are overblown.

Almost all of his driving will be through country roads. He lives in the country and works at the airport, which is just outside city limits. He would be happy with 25 mpg and up in those conditions. He drives pretty conservatively btw (not that he can't haul ass when he wants to).

[bastianshaw]

+ on the 530

[stamar]

Take a look for this model

525 e34 1990 and above with the m50.

That gets the best gas mileage and it still has similar look to the e30. exterior and interior.

The problem with that model is the same as the e39 its finding one with a manual. But in general it should be cheaper.

Thats what Im looking for once I sell one of my cars I think thats the best DD and it exceeds your gas mileage.

I dont think that model is a secret exactly it might end up actually being harder to find.

[Cliche Guevara]

Cluster/MID pixel issues
Thrust arms
Cooling systems
Water leaking issues.

This list is dedicated to 540i but many of the issues are obviously not 540I specific.

Go through it

http://www.540i6.com/probsfixes.html

That's a depressingly long list, kinda makes it seem like an E39 wouldn't be desirable for him as far as reliability goes. He's right now looking at mid-2000s Fords, Nissans, and Hyundais. Would and E39 be a step down in reliability from those choices? A theme I noticed in that list was that earlier E39s have fewer problems than newer ones. Is that assessment correct?

Still wanting a specific mpg estimate, if anyone has one.

Stamar an E34 would be a bit older than what he wants.