Anyone own an e39? I might buy one

[MF DOOM]

Looking at a 99 528i touring with 156k on it. Cars an auto which doesnt bother me at all for a dd. I havent gone and driven it yet because ive been at work since thursday. Going to look at it tomorrow and wondered if theres anything in particular to look for? Its an aluminum block m52 and he says it "runs perfect and itll go as fast as you want it too" he did mention that the check engine light is on, mehh, and that theres a code for a "torque converter damper solenoid" but cant find out what that is. Ill be brining it home and putting it on a lift so i can check for anything and everything.


Any info on e39s would be much appreciated!

[naplesE30]

50-60 MPH shakes.. thrustarm bushings radiator/cooling system in general are its weak points.

I wouldn't buy one without maint records very important. Pretty solid cars though.

[agent]

I have one. Best car I've ever owned. I prefer the facelift/late models (2001+) to the early ones. Better options (sport package), better lighting (HID lights and angel eyes) and better engines (M54).

Torque Converter issues are more common with late cars (ZF transmissions) than early ones (GM). Just about every TC issue requires complete replacement; not a cheap job.

ABS modules are a common failure point, causing the "ABS light trifecta." BBA will refurbish it for under $200 with a lifetime warranty.

As mentioned, failed thrust arm bushings cause the shimmy.

Like most BMWs, the cooling system must be replaced about every 100k. Vanos units need to rebuilt at the same interval.

Maintenance history and a PPI are a must for these. Bimmerfest.com has the best E39 info/forum.

[shaferbm]

More on why it's the beast car you've owned, I've always like the later e39s

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[F34R]

My buddy Sean owns one, member Swanny here.

I'll get him

[MF DOOM]

Thank you for the very informative post! Ill watch for the shimmy. Do you have any idea what the torque converter damper solenoid is or could be? Ill get the code when i look at the car

[Swanny]

Anyone own an e39? I might buy one

My buddy Sean owns one, member Swanny here.

I'll get him

Dats me!

I have a 2000 wagon with full updated cooling system, mechanical fan deletion, and a rogue engineering power pulley to give the poor little m52TU a little more grunt. PO did some work on the suspension with springs and koni 7 way adjustables. It is WORLDS of different from the e30 but by the the BEST daily I've ever owned. Drove to and from Nashville with ease and no driving fatigue. For an auto the transmission is quite smooth and the kickdown button does it's job to get you moving in a pinch.

Keep and eye out for the notorious seat twist, self leveling suspension going to shit, and various electrical bugs. I have a few that I'm looking to sort out.

Very comfortable and VERY easy to facelift to get the HID and M bumpers.


Oh and my car has over 190k right now.....

[agent]

More on why it's the beast car you've owned, I've always like the later e39s

With the exception of installing tires, the ABS module rebuild and the TC replacement, I've been able to do all the work on it myself and with friends, including the Vanos rebuild.

It fits four full sized adults comfortably. Even though it's a two ton sedan, it still makes me feel like I'm driving a sports car. I always look forward to getting behind the wheel of it, whether it's for five minutes or five hours. Like Sean said, it's a fantastic road trip car. I've been back and forth to Virginia (8+ hours each way) a few times, and to Florida (~7) more times than I can count. I never get out of it feeling fatigued. It gets 28 mpg on the highway and 22ish in town.

Do you have any idea what the torque converter damper solenoid is or could be? Ill get the code when i look at the car

For the ZF 5HP19 transmissions in facelift cars, the code is P0741.

Here's a thread on it. Lots of useful links in the posts and in some of the Fest OG's sigs.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=537714

[Asbradley21]

I've got a 98 528i. I've had it for about 10 months now. Easily the best daily I've had. Big and comfortable, yet still seemingly light on its feet. Gets pretty good fuel economy, ~22 in town blasting the AC in the southern summer and closer to ~27 in the winter and consistent 29 on the highway AC or not.

I actually prefer the early ones in my case. I have a single vanos m52, so I avoid most m54 related issues like dual vanos and DISA.

As others have said, keep an eye out for suspension issues. On the other hand I had a shake at about 50-60 and it turned out to be an out of round tire.

Replace the cooling system unless you have receipts for it being done within the last 50k miles.

[reelizmpro]

I've had a couple over the last 7 years. I opted for the 98 528i sport package that I facelifted to look like the later models. I am just missing the ///M steering wheel. First I had the auto, then sold it for a 5 speed. The difference is night and day. The 5 speed performs way better and gets better gas mileage. So far, I've changed tires, brakes, 4 window regulators, 2 interior door handles and a secondary air pump in addition to regular maintenance which is easy with the M52. Didn't care to get the v8. Get an OBD II code reader if you don't already have one. It will make your life much easier. The E39 is a lot of car for the money right now, making it an excellent value.

98 528i sport package/winter package, 5 speed, wide grills, M5 rep bumper, Euro Hella Angel Eyes, Hella Celis LED rear tails, DICE ipod integration kit, subwoofer.

[shameson]

I have a '99 528i Touring with sport package. Wonderful car when it's not being the biggest pain in my ass. I've had it for a little over 2 months and have already replaced and window and regulator (regulator broke and put a huge scratch in the original window), camshaft and crankshaft sensor, fan shroud, oxygen sensors, and need to replace one of the water hoses.

I'm having an issue where it sputters during accelaration from a stop when's it cold, afraid it's a tranny issue. Really wish mine was a 5 speed. Overall love the car, just wish mine would cooperate

[Raxe]

Had a '00 528iA for around a year, drove really nice but something broke every couple months. The PO had a stack of repairs/maintenance as well. That being said I would consider another someday when I get tired of loud and stiff cars.

[Swanny]

Derp, forgot about the window regulators! Both my rears need replacement as the cable has frayed. Annoying to which regulator to get as they switch midyear in the 2000. Luckily the regulators are CHEAP. Picked a pair up for 50 new on ebay.

Biggest thing with these cars is to get the bentley or other well written service manual. Lots of extra sensors that I was clueless about until I was like "uhhhhh where'd that wire come from?"

[jaywood]

My bro has an 540i. Drinks gas but super solid/smooth. He had to replace the clutch when he bought it. It's got just over 100k on it now. PO had maint. receipts for everything so that was a plus. It does have the 50-60 mph shakes as well

[airkhin]

Perfect match for e30. Cant go wrong. Just enjoy it.