need advice r3v e39 525it or e36 m3?

[mcr_driver]

525 is underpowered.

Agreed, even on a 325 that poor engine needs more omph. Since this would be a daily driver the 530 fits the bill better than the 540. enough omph better gas mileage and "slightly" more reliable cooling system :rofl:

Beautiful. Negotiating points. Only thing that has me worried though is the trans issue.

If it goes time for a 5/6 speed swap :D

From what I understand some cars never experience it, even if they have the transmission model that's prone to having it happen. It wasn't an issue when I bought my car, and there weren't any signs that it was about to happen. I just got the check light one day. We have emissions testing here so I had to get it fixed. I've read where some folks who experience the issue drive the car for months like that, though I wasn't willing to try.

My preferred resource for the E39 is the section for it on bimmerfest.com.

+1 on bimmerfest for e39 info, I was looking at some tourings myself not too long ago and was researching a lot on there.

[Twomato]

I've had both, get the e39 and sort out the codes. You'll get so much more use out of the e39. I'm at 128K on my '03 525i and have no trans issues.
60521

[whterice]

I love my e39 touring. I was in the same boat as you when I sold my xterra. I was looking at both e36 m3's and e39 sedan. I previously owned a e39 sedan before and when I stumbled across a touring for sale I didn't even look any further.

[straight6pwr]

the m3 would be a fine DD, but the fact that you are even considering a 5 series touring leads me to believe you have enough fun with your e30 already. no need for two hotrods. the touring is very functional.

[markseven]

My old car ;)

[ColdAccord]

I dunno, I don't think I'd purchase a non-m e39. It's a large vehicle, underpowered (esp 525i) and they tend to have a lot of small problems pop up.

e36 interior isn't much better (I actually like the late model e36 m interior) but will be much more responsive, fun to drive, etc.

Sorry I didn't go into much detail, too much to type. I've had both though, wasn't impressed by non-m e39

[rob-redm]

loved my 1995 525it, I say go with the Touring but I have 03 325it right now ! Love it !

[agent]

Update?

[agile30]

I went in to get the car and the dealership instantly became super shady with me. Pressuring ridiculously, stated that it was sold 2 weeks ago but that they lied on the finance application(fishy), he started getting attitude with me, then I was planning on financing it and he was stating that I would have to put down 3k. My credit is at a 762 so I dont see how that would make any sense dropping almost 30 percent down payment. Then he wouldnt give me the finance rate just telling me to sign. There were no numbers at all on the paper just blank lines and where he told me to sign saying "I certify that I now own the vehicle." As much as I fell in love with the vehicle there were too many red flags within the last 30 min that just told me to walk away. Time to look for another touring, might not be as perfect as this one seemed but at least I wont question if I made the right choice.

[agent]

Wow, shady indeed. Props for being able to walk away from it - that's never an easy thing to do.

[agile30]

Yea, very hard. Everything happens for a reason though so on to the next wagon.

[Vtec?lol]

damn. Yeah look for another touring. I prey on ones with the ABS issue. Sometimes they are an easy fix, sometimes they aren't. My last two 540i's had the exact same issue with the abs module. I just hooked it up to the DIS and Carsoft and cleared the codes. I then removed the abs and flushed it with fresh fluid then started the car with the abs un-attatched. Cleared the code again and when I hooked the module back up I had perfectly working ABS. I drove both cars about 3000+ miles and no issues.

I would look for a 530i. a little more ower and all the features of the 540. unless you'd like to stick with a touring. Seems like all the 540it's are beat to shit or have 200k+ miles.

Good luck and great choice on walking out on that dealer.

[Asbradley21]

Wow that sucks. Shady dealers are never good, and that was super-shady. I can't believe anyone would expect you to sign on to something that hasn't even been put on the paper yet, jesus.

I definitely suggest looking for a private sale e39. It took ages to find mine, it was halfway across the country and it wasn't a touring like I wanted, but it was a 5-speed so no worries about trans issues. And it came with 20k in maintance records.

I love it. Definitely worth the wait and hassle.

[agent]

I would look for a 530i. a little more power and all the features of the 540. unless you'd like to stick with a touring.

I approve of this advice.

[reelizmpro]

I love my E39 528i 5 speed with sport package. It's a good size, airbags all over, I got the fold down rear seats and heated front seats. I chose the 97-98 because they were cheaper, don't have the ASC issue and can easily be facelifted to look like the later model. Now you can make it look like an M5 for around $500. I paid $8600 with 124k miles in MINT condition about 5 years ago. You can get one now for $3-5K.