E39 used car purchase?

[steelynorm]

1999 e39 528i
114k
Manual 5spd
Buying from a shop owner
Has receipts 3000 bucks
Seems tight
Anyone have first hand experience

[reelizmpro]

I have had a 98 528i manual for almost 10 years. It's been a great car but be prepared for the usual problems that plague the E39 like window regulators, Pre cat O2 sensors, Secondary air pump and Diverter valve, Cam position sensor, ABS module, Headlight adjusters, cooling system, clear coat failure etc. Most of which are straightforward for the DIY mechanic. As for the $3k asking price...you can find better deals so just make sure it's been maintained and it's what you are looking for because E39's have really bottomed out.

[Kershaw]

^ Yep. My rear driver window just broke. Luckily it stays up.

I love my 540i though.

[flyboyx]

At least there are tons of them in the junk yards to procure cheap parts from

[KI4UJO]

Any photos? Sport package or non? At 3K, you can get a lot of e39. With that being said, a manual isn't the most common, but they're out there. I would personally recommend getting a late model myself to gain additional features such as rain sensing wipers, dual VANOS (if you are set on a 6cyl), projector headlights, etc.

I DD a 2003 525it myself and am very happy with it - makes for an excellent DD. Having a manual definitely makes it more engaging - compared to my dad's 530i, I still have more fun with the 2.5.

[e30davie]

What sort of shop does he own? a candy shop? I'd never buy a car from a candy shop owner.

[flyboyx]

What sort of shop does he own? a candy shop? I'd never buy a car from a candy shop owner.

zoo animal porn shop? I would totally buy a car from a guy like that.

[sonomabimmers]

I have had 5 e39s 525i base , 530i sport package , 2 540i m package and a 2000 528i sport.

Imho only go for an e39 with sport suspension and the good wheels. Fantastic car when packaged right but the base models don't feel half as good. Also my favorite Bmw Chassis.

[Mike36]

Sounds like a good deal, just hit 200k with mine. Great car to daily, I've had it since 100k.

[Stanley Rockafella]

zoo animal porn shop? I would totally buy a car from a guy like that.

:nice:

[haaken675]

like others have said, window regulators are a completely common failure point. I recently picked up a '98 528i manual with 126k on the clock, staggered bbs lm's, AC Schnitzer body pieces, H&R springs and bill's for $2500...If it's in good shape I would consider it, just offer a lot less.

[agent]

only go for an e39 with sport suspension and the good wheels. Fantastic car when packaged right but the base models don't feel half as good. Also my favorite Bmw Chassis.

This.

I would personally recommend getting a late model myself to gain additional features such as rain sensing wipers, dual VANOS (if you are set on a 6cyl), projector headlights, etc.

And this, although 2000MY cars (maybe others?) had the M52TUB28, which is more or less an M54.

Before I sold it last year I put just under 100k on my E39 after buying it at 100k. Best car I've owned to date.

[euroshark]

My E39 540i was probably my favorite car I ever had. I bought it with broken timing chain guides, pulled the engine to address those and all of the cooling system and PCV things that the M62 usually needs. It was a fantastic car. So quiet and comfortable, but very quick and fun to drive when you wanted it to be. Sold to a friend and he's still enjoying it. I missed it so much I bought an M5 but in some ways I still prefer the 540i.

[Dagamus(NM)]

My E39 540i was probably my favorite car I ever had. I bought it with broken timing chain guides, pulled the engine to address those and all of the cooling system and PCV things that the M62 usually needs. It was a fantastic car. So quiet and comfortable, but very quick and fun to drive when you wanted it to be. Sold to a friend and he's still enjoying it. I missed it so much I bought an M5 but in some ways I still prefer the 540i.

What do you prefer about the 540i?

I ask as I currently have a 2001 540i/6 and am planning on selling it in a couple of months when I get my m5.

[hoveringuy]

I had two 530i's with Sport package. Awesome car! Still one of the best-looking cars, IMO.