E39 hard to keep ?

[ramsing]

yay...another cyberjaya member. there's a few of us working here. used to be higher numbers, and we usually meet up for a drink or two after work. then some left, and the kingpin member 535i left for SG becoz they legalised services in Geylang.

i drive from PJ to CBJ everyday, so far not much issues. although im' driving an e34, so older car model. there's a few others here with e39s/46 etc.

maybe d few of us can get together for a TT after work. will be nice.

Thanks ! got the idea now

Due to the distance that I need to drive everyday from my house near sri hartamas to cyberjaya (about 45Km 1 way) , I really need a car which is reliable enough to not breakdown without any prior indication.. Also, I cannot afford to leave the car in the workshop for days because that is my primary means of transport. So, relaibility is my main concern here. I used to own a Fiat years back, nice car, conti, but relaibility is not there thus endded selling it off at a huge loss and I really hope that the next conti that I am getting will not have the same faith

So, with the above, do you think that it is still advisable to get a BMW ?

 

[saupin]

yay...another cyberjaya member. there's a few of us working here. used to be higher numbers, and we usually meet up for a drink or two after work. then some left, and the kingpin member 535i left for SG becoz they legalised services in Geylang.

i drive from PJ to CBJ everyday, so far not much issues. although im' driving an e34, so older car model. there's a few others here with e39s/46 etc.

maybe d few of us can get together for a TT after work. will be nice.

Excellent idea ! let me know when and where. My h/p is 016-3221328. Good to know that some of you are around so when I am stranded somewhere in cyber, I will know who to call

 

[Jerman]

Due to the distance that I need to drive everyday from my house near sri hartamas to cyberjaya (about 45Km 1 way) , I really need a car which is reliable enough to not breakdown without any prior indication.. Also, I cannot afford to leave the car in the workshop for days because that is my primary means of transport. So, relaibility is my main concern here.
So, with the above, do you think that it is still advisable to get a BMW?

bro,
Actually, it all depends on what you want or need? You last question posted here will attract bias or obvious answers since this is a BMW Club forum. Personally, E39 is an excellent car ie. build quality, smooth engine, superb NVH, high comfort level & good handling and overall, its driving dynamics. Plus reasonable fuel consumption. Power wise (depending of which engine capacity/model) will not take off like the Volvo T5 but adequate for most occasions! Cost of service & maintenance, 20-30% higher as compared to other Japanese models.

If you really want a vehicle which is trouble free for that budget you have indicated, you could actually get a brand new Jap model. How wrong can you go with a new car?

So, saupin.........are you following your Heart or Head? Anyway, good luck in your search

 

[wc9922]

Excellent idea ! let me know when and where. My h/p is 016-3221328. Good to know that some of you are around so when I am stranded somewhere in cyber, I will know who to call

If you get stranded call a tow-truck man. Keep the number of a decent tow truck and if you like, a flat-bed one. That is gaya when u tow back to your workshop.

What do you want to hear from us, the E39 is without any troubles? I beg to differ.Ask any one owner if they did not need to spend money.

All BMW models have inherient maintenance requirements which can't run away from. Question is are u planning to buy a car or specifically an E39?

If you are the kind that don't like to worry, don't care what's under the engine, don't want to touch a dip stick or the technical details, buy a new car be it a Japanese marque or a new BMW ( but this brings to another subject matter) and u will be happy. Only think you need to think about is the tinted film to install, V-kool or what not.

On the other hand if you really want to own an E39, spending money is one of the pre-requisites to upkeep it's normal performance. If you like to DIY you can save a bit here and there. Join the BMW Club Malaysia and we will help whenever we can. We expect the same from you one day.

Do the following when u get it irrespective of the condition of the E39 and u will not be stranded:

1) Cooling system: Radiator, hoses, expansion tank, thermostat, pump coolant.

2) Check head gasket and valve cover gasket condition. replace if not good. Bloody important if (1) was not taken care of.

3) Autotransmission fluid change. If more than 100k kms, do not flush. Also damm important.

4) Ignitional coils and spark plugs.

4) Brake disc and pads. Life and Death issue

5) Fuel filter , Purge valve canister and inlet outlet hoses.

6) Vanos oil supply hose.

7) Suspension bushes and arms.

8) Power steering hoses.

9) MAF and 02 sensors.

9) 4 new tires and an alignment.

10) check your a/c gas and final control element but that's not important.

11) ABS sensors

Hope you are now clearer on what to expect.

 

[Kubica]

my experience with a 99' E39 shows that in every 3-4 months period, you need to spend about RM 1-1.5K for maintenance (inlcuding servicing). be prepared for this. I guess, all in all, it's reasonably justified & OK lah.

The ride afterthat, I tell you, fulamak !! nothing can challenge..... You will immediately forget what you spend..

I drive Seremban KL almost daily. My greatest koyak was chaging the ABS module (about RM2.8K) last year.

 

[alpina b5]

its a lot easier to keep than any toyota

 

[Jerman]

its a lot easier to keep than any toyota

Easier to keep than any Toyota? bro, care to elaborate?

 

[ramsing]

Excellent idea ! let me know when and where. My h/p is 016-3221328. Good to know that some of you are around so when I am stranded somewhere in cyber, I will know who to call

no problem. once puasa is over, i'll try to org a TT session or lunch. either way just to get together for some drinks n makan.

 

[alpina b5]

Easier to keep than any Toyota? bro, care to elaborate?

my toyota only lasted me 4 years, my bmw is already 8 years and still running good, better than that stupid merc will only lasted 2 years

 

[tkm]

Hi

Hi guys,

I am new here. Just intro myself in newbie section. Hope to know more about this e39. As i have browse through the postings, i have gained many knowledge about this car and before i commit into it, i would like all of the brothers/sisters advise here. I am soon getting this model, i spotted one in selayang e39 (520i) year 2000 d/vanos i guess. As i saw it last month before the price have drop further, asking price to me is RM96k and i would like to know what is the current price now that i can tell the salesman?? I really have no idea on the pricing and worried i will get cheated. Hopefully i can get a reply soonest possible.....Thanks alot....Cheers

tkm

 

[Jerman]

Hi guys,

I am new here. Just intro myself in newbie section. Hope to know more about this e39. As i have browse through the postings, i have gained many knowledge about this car and before i commit into it, i would like all of the brothers/sisters advise here. I am soon getting this model, i spotted one in selayang e39 (520i) year 2000 d/vanos i guess. As i saw it last month before the price have drop further, asking price to me is RM96k and i would like to know what is the current price now that i can tell the salesman?? I really have no idea on the pricing and worried i will get cheated. Hopefully i can get a reply soonest possible.....Thanks alot....Cheers

tkm

Is this the CKD 2.2 litre model? If I remember correctly, this model only appeared after year 2001. A few pointers to note,

• try to push below RM90k as a starting point
• besides the price, how's the condition? Any leak? How's the overall handling ie absorbers...etc
• believe me, you will encounter a few things to change or repair. So, be prepare to put aside $$$ for that. Never listen to statements "no repair needed"
• It's best to have a mechanic to check it out or a friend who drive similar model to do a test-drive.

Anyway, it's better to be safe than sorry, bro!

Good luck

p/s Just to share a few informative E39 websites

http://www.bmwtips.com/

http://www.official-auto.net/oa2/77/Bmw%20E39.html

http://www.e38.org/e39/

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/5series.html

http://bmwheaven.bmwsport.net/compon...page/Itemid,1/

Service checklist
http://edgemotorworks.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemi d=5


If you need the Owner Manual, look under E39, the Manual at the bottom of the page.

http://www.e38.org/e39/

 

[tkm]

Hi bro,

Thanks for the pointers. It was a 2.5 model. I can't really recall because i just glance through the car. When the salesman open up the hood, the whole things have been cleaned....all i know the mileage is somewhere 120k...Btw have anyone saw the model at the selayang autocity? White colour. The no plate is registered in year 2005. So that means if it is 520i then it'll start at year 2001 right? Do they really allow us to take a mechanic to go and check the car? Yeah...like what did bro mentioned, they do stated no need repair, tip top condition..all these words...Nowadays really hard to find a good car plus me myself not really familiar in bimmers...

Thanks bro. Will definitely update you all once i really confirmed getting it.:wink:

 

[Jerman]

Hi bro,

Thanks for the pointers. It was a 2.5 model. I can't really recall because i just glance through the car. When the salesman open up the hood, the whole things have been cleaned....all i know the mileage is somewhere 120k...Btw have anyone saw the model at the selayang autocity? White colour. The no plate is registered in year 2005. So that means if it is 520i then it'll start at year 2001 right? Do they really allow us to take a mechanic to go and check the car? Yeah...like what did bro mentioned, they do stated no need repair, tip top condition..all these words...Nowadays really hard to find a good car plus me myself not really familiar in bimmers...

Thanks bro. Will definitely update you all once i really confirmed getting it.:wink:

If it's 2.5 litre, then it's a 523i not 520i. Bring your mechanic there just to be sure. PM your contact number and we'll talk, OK?

 

[tkm]

Hi Bro Jerman,

Thanks for all the pointers you have given to me earlier. I have check through all the car details, unfortunately it is not easy to find a good BMW cars in town. Some i went, they said it is that year but once i ask them when is the manufactured year, then it is different answer and the dealer that gave me the price of the car was really high....Like they really want to catch a "Water Fish" wanted to earn big profits from me, because i was not really familiar with the car. Neway, i guess i just have to source it slowly and see when i will be able to get a good deal and reasonable quality car....Wish me all the best yah....Cheers:wink:

 

[anaksarawak]

The fastest way is to go drive your mech to the showroom and let him review the car. Buy him lunch!

 

[Jerman]

Hi Bro Jerman,

Thanks for all the pointers you have given to me earlier. I have check through all the car details, unfortunately it is not easy to find a good BMW cars in town. Some i went, they said it is that year but once i ask them when is the manufactured year, then it is different answer and the dealer that gave me the price of the car was really high....Like they really want to catch a "Water Fish" wanted to earn big profits from me, because i was not really familiar with the car. Neway, i guess i just have to source it slowly and see when i will be able to get a good deal and reasonable quality car....Wish me all the best yah....Cheers:wink:

bro,
Try The Star classified. There are a number of 520i 2.2 litre and 525i for sale. If your budget permits, go for the M54 engine. Good luck.

 

[pussy]

bro TKM, there is one 523i for sale.. apparently traded in... ask Redhotivan and Chilie30.. they know some thing about the car..

PM them

 

[Egon-E39]

TKM,

Nike says "Just Do It".......so just get a BMW but be careful anyway. Dont really trust used car salesman. out to make RM only, they dont care about what happens after that. $$$ is top priority to them. Once car is rolled out then it is your baby to take care, any defects wont be acknowledged by salesman.

I got mine direct from owner (Aussie) 520 double vanos year 99 at RM70k. Mileage was at 113k (not tampered) no leakage at all as the owner took care of the car well. Anything kaput only send to mechanic. So car is in tip-top condition. Got the car in Nov 07 until now no repairs done except normal maintenance and slight modification (facelift). Get a BMW, wont regret.

 

[tkm]

Hi,

Thanks to all brother here. Yah, the salesman really pushing their cars like they don't care. They just want to make a profits out of it. 70k can buy a 520i year 1999? That was a great deal you got. So far i have checked around and most of the dealers are giving me the price like 80 and above. How nice it was if i got some deals like RM70k.

Just wanna ask, if let say i have gotten a e39, what is the first things i must change?

Thanks again bro.

 

[Jerman]

Hi,

Thanks to all brother here. Yah, the salesman really pushing their cars like they don't care. They just want to make a profits out of it. 70k can buy a 520i year 1999? That was a great deal you got. So far i have checked around and most of the dealers are giving me the price like 80 and above. How nice it was if i got some deals like RM70k.

Just wanna ask, if let say i have gotten a e39, what is the first things i must change?

Thanks again bro.

bro,
Why not join us for a TT and you could get live-info-plus-discussions on the questions which are bothering you. Look under Members Meet Up forum.

There are no fix rules as to what to change first. Based on personal experience, I would change the engine oil & oil filter and ATF oil. The rest can be checked and then decide.