96 or 99 E39 523i?

[JCKL]

A friend of mine paid a used car in Shamelin a RM 2k deposit for a used CKD E39 523i registered in Jan 99 , for a sale price of RM 144,400.00 . The mileage was about 120k km on the clock, 2 owners.The car was brought to a BMW specialist to check was subsequently discovered that the car was manufactured in late 96 or early 97, but probably registered by AB in Jan 99. He now wanted to renegotiate the price with the used car dealer.Does he have a ground and if he does, what's the appropriate price?

 

[PenangMari]

Lesson to learn, check the VIN for details of the car especially year of manufacturer and engine model before commiting any money. No rush as there is plenty of such model around on sale. If the dealer con your friend by saying that car is 99 model and he has the proof, perhaps he can complain at the Consumer Tribunal. Basic model of 96 or 97 is selling around RM120k. It is a single VANOS model with M52 engine if I'm not mistaken. 99 model should come with multifunction steering and M54 engine with double VANOS. It uses something like 'fly by wire' throttle that makes the response quicker compare to the older M52 model. Dreaming of having the 99 onwards model for my next upgrade. I've got to have it.

 

[JCKL]

PenangMari

Thanks for the reply. It was confirmed that the car was assembled in late Dec/early Jan 99, although the parts were manufactured in 96/97. This was verified by the date on the tag of the battery cables.

My friend had since tested a late 99 523i with double vanos and immediately decided to let go the Jan 99 523i for which the deposit he had paid. The difference in performance is just too apparent & he rather let go the Rm2,000.00 deposit. He'll be getting the car this week.

 

[Alvin]

bmFive

Better to get the double vanos from 1999 onwards