525 E39 Hard to find in Penang?

[fredphua]

I've been searching for used E39 520/525 above 2000 but really hard to come across one. Wondering anyone got any info on bimmer who like to upgrade and selling their E39 in Penang?Been following this forum and looks like MSport version is really a rare unit to get. I think chances are even slimmer in Penang.

 

[Herbert]

I've been searching for used E39 520/525 above 2000 but really hard to come across one. Wondering anyone got any info on bimmer who like to upgrade and selling their E39 in Penang?

Been following this forum and looks like MSport version is really a rare unit to get. I think chances are even slimmer in Penang.

A few good e39s in KL/PJ from used car dealers. Plan a trip to KL and test out the cars.

 

[ah_Keng]

A few good e39s in KL/PJ from used car dealers. Plan a trip to KL and test out the cars.

Herbert,
You screen through those? Can give contact?

 

[Herbert]

Herbert,
You screen through those? Can give contact?

I only screened through the black e39 525i 2002/2003 at Jaya Mersa, Taman Megah, PJ. You have to decide what you want first i.e. 520i, 525i or 530i and what is your budget. No point going to look see look see only. Once you see a car that is within your budget and condition is reasonable, do the necessary relevant checks with workshop and then nego the price. Otherwise you can wait for the cows to come home.

 

[deep3102]

Bare in mind you might also want to know some good mech's around here if your looking to get a car from dealers in KL/PJ areas, maybe could look at the list of workshops n keep in mind..

 

[fredphua]

Thanks for all the input. Appreciate it and for sure heading down to KL if needed.

Hope some Penang people can share some info related to E39 523/525 used car selling in Penang.

 

[ah_Keng]

I only screened through the black e39 525i 2002/2003 at Jaya Mersa, Taman Megah, PJ. You have to decide what you want first i.e. 520i, 525i or 530i and what is your budget. No point going to look see look see only. Once you see a car that is within your budget and condition is reasonable, do the necessary relevant checks with workshop and then nego the price. Otherwise you can wait for the cows to come home.

I am looking at either 523i (50k) or 525i (70k) depend on condition and price, allocated 10k for repair... is the budget reasonable?

 

[fredphua]

Found one in Penang from direct owner however is 99 double vanos model asking for RM58,800
http://www.mudah.my/BMW+523i-7119622.htm

What is your view all sifus? Is the price too high? 99 model should be M52 or M52TU engine model? How to check?

 

[Herbert]

I am looking at either 523i (50k) or 525i (70k) depend on condition and price, allocated 10k for repair... is the budget reasonable?

Hard to come by for a 525i for RM70k, perhaps you have to wait for 2 or 3 years. All the e39 525i are from year 2000 onwards. 523i or 528i should be around 45k to 60k depending on the year of production. Budget of RM10k for repair seems ok to get the car up to reasonable specifications.

 

[Herbert]

Found one in Penang from direct owner however is 99 double vanos model asking for RM58,800
http://www.mudah.my/BMW+523i-7119622.htm

What is your view all sifus? Is the price too high? 99 model should be M52 or M52TU engine model? How to check?

From the pictures, car seems to be physically in good condition. However looks can be deceiving and hence you need to take it to a reliable BMW workshop to do a computer scan and relevant mechanical checks.

To check year of production, single or double vanos, engine model M52 or M52 TU, go to
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do. and enter VIN number. For example my e39 525i is BR69100.

 

[viewfinder]

I've been searching for used E39 520/525 above 2000 but really hard to come across one. Wondering anyone got any info on bimmer who like to upgrade and selling their E39 in Penang?

Been following this forum and looks like MSport version is really a rare unit to get. I think chances are even slimmer in Penang.

Fred,
You missed a very good unit by a few months as a friend sold off his earlier this year to some lucky guy. Good luck in your E39 shopping, given time I am sure you will find one.

Hope to see you joining next Penang TT.

 

[bimmerholic]

Found one in Penang from direct owner however is 99 double vanos model asking for RM58,800
http://www.mudah.my/BMW+523i-7119622.htm

What is your view all sifus? Is the price too high? 99 model should be M52 or M52TU engine model? How to check?

simple! ...M54 (double vanos) is not produced yet in 1999. M52TU (double vanos) is produced in 1998/1999. M52 is a single vanos. Having said that, if you see a single bulge on the front end of the engine cover (nearer to the radiotor), it's a single vanos M52. If you don't see any bulge but rather a smooth even square edge, it's a M52TU.

Some one have asked this before, and there are pictures of engine posted to guide them. If you are keen enough to do a search, you'll find it and can SEE the difference.

 

[fredphua]

thanks for all the sharing.

Test drive 2 cars just now and below is the report:
1. 523i 99/99 as posted on http://www.mudah.my/BMW+523i-7119622.htm (direct owner)
- checked the VIN number and it is 99 model local AB, engine running smoothly. As claimed in the ad above it has angel light, new tyres, mileage 220K km asking for RM58800. Price tempting but exterior need a lot of touch up.

2. 525i 2000 (dealer - claimed as his sister car)
- exterior superb condition. Dealer claim it is Japan import but thanks for all info shared by sifus here, I've checked the VIN number and it is Europe model. I guessed is UK spec and comes with 3 spoke M3 steering. Dealer claims all service record can be found in ChuSeng Penang, no problem to send over to ChuSeng for double check. Angel light, 6 CD changer. Mileage 122K km for 10 years old car BUT ASKING for RM90K! Wondering 122K for 10 years car consider low? Really wonder the current market value for it still worth RM90K? Hope to get some comment here on this car and I might arrange for test drive.

 

[fredphua]

Just to add on from my previous finding:

For 523i tested above has airbag icon always appear problem. The owner told me he has diagnosed that there is airbag faulty in passenger seat.

For 525 I still like to get some opinion on the fair market value

 

[Herbert]

Just to add on from my previous finding:

For 523i tested above has airbag icon always appear problem. The owner told me he has diagnosed that there is airbag faulty in passenger seat.

For 525 I still like to get some opinion on the fair market value

I would suggest you go for the 525i. Before Raya, a fellow OM bought a 525i local CKD model year 2001. Comes with M5 front & rear and M sport steering. Price RM93k.

Another black e39 525i, CKD production 2002, registered 2003. Very good condition. Dealer asking price RM97k nego.

So there you are, you can sort of nego the price for the e39 525i UK specs.

 

[fredphua]

Thanks Herbert for the price sharing.

Just test drive the 525 and overall in good condition. The only thing is vibration on the steering when you brake. Dealer says he will fix it. Also notice some wear and tear especially the rubber around the door. Small matter. Open the car boot and found out that the spare tyre having a much better rim than the one used currently. The dealer says when they import the car 'someone' has take out the good rim and exchange it with local BMW rim.

Check the garan and it shows "kereta import terpakai". So confirmed is recon car. Manufactured on 2000 and imported on 2005. If I take this car, I'll be the 3rd owner.

Final price he gave is 89K. However I've search thru web especially mudah.com.my and motortrader magazine, similar condition/spec 525 only ask for 78K-80K. Just worried that I kena con by this dealer on the price.

 

[Herbert]

Fredphua,

I guess based on the prices from mudah.com, some of the e39 525i (Japan specs) maybe a 523i re-badged as 525i. Both 525i and 523i share the same engine (either M52TU or M54) and the only difference is the hp. Best is to use REALOEM.com and check details with the VIN number.

Have you checked the VIN details of the car?? Is it a M52TU or M54 engine?? If it is a M54 engine, that's the latest engine for e39. M52TU (technical upgrade) is the version prior to M54 and both are double vanos.

1. Steering vibration when brake is usually worn disc rotors. Ask the dealer to replace 2 x front original disc rotor & brake pads.

2. Take the car to ChuSeng and ask for a complete computer scan (check for any error codes) and mechanical checks (suspension - absorbers, upper & lower arms), check for oil leakages (steering rack, oil pan, auto trans, power steering), water cooling system (radiator, expansion tank, all hoses).

3. After check by ChuSeng, ask for an estimate quotation for the repairs.


http://www.mudah.my/BMW+525i+E39+SHIFTRONIC+04-7091830.htm ( RM 79,800 registered in 2004 but don't know year of production)

http://www.mudah.my/BMW+525i+Auto+Shiftronic+Japan+Spec-6048208.htm (RM68,900 registered 2005, production 2000 Japan specs. Again it could be a 523i but re-badged as 525i).

http://www.mudah.my/BMW+525i+E39+FACELIFT+MILE+70K+02+07-7084204.htm (RM91k registered 2002)

 

[Alex5522]

I only screened through the black e39 525i 2002/2003 at Jaya Mersa, Taman Megah, PJ. You have to decide what you want first i.e. 520i, 525i or 530i and what is your budget. No point going to look see look see only. Once you see a car that is within your budget and condition is reasonable, do the necessary relevant checks with workshop and then nego the price. Otherwise you can wait for the cows to come home.

Ha..ha..ha..most of the cow was come home...(VANOS COW)

 

[C K A]

Hi..

I'm C K A, newbie to this world of high maintenance car.. (I'm using honda City 1999...that's why). I've been learning that i will have to set apart RM10K for initial repair / service...plus RM500 every month to this baby..Hmmm, interesting... But I think now it's time to search for E39, but my wife likes S60 (not T5)... all sifus are welcomed to give tips and advices...

Yesterday i've been looking for E39 525i, year 2003 , around RM95K... any comments?

Last but not least... thank you for BMWCM and all members for such informative and helpful web... and not forgetting the positive attitude....

 

[Alex5522]

Thanks Herbert for the price sharing.

Just test drive the 525 and overall in good condition. The only thing is vibration on the steering when you brake. Dealer says he will fix it. Also notice some wear and tear especially the rubber around the door. Small matter. Open the car boot and found out that the spare tyre having a much better rim than the one used currently. The dealer says when they import the car 'someone' has take out the good rim and exchange it with local BMW rim.

Check the garan and it shows "kereta import terpakai". So confirmed is recon car. Manufactured on 2000 and imported on 2005. If I take this car, I'll be the 3rd owner.

Final price he gave is 89K. However I've search thru web especially mudah.com.my and motortrader magazine, similar condition/spec 525 only ask for 78K-80K. Just worried that I kena con by this dealer on the price.

Bro read through your recent E46 323i post if not mistaken your budget was rm70k, so i think u will not kena con la.. he..he..