Need advice on E39

[Bishop]

Hi everybody,Need your advice. Been following this forum for quite some time(since before it moved), now I'm finally financially ready to get a UDM.I'm looking for a E39 523i around 97/98. I need some advice before I go calling at numbers. What is the first thing that I should look for when I see the car?Are there any known problems with the make of these years?What are the difference between the CKD and CBU models?Where is a good place to get it checked? What is the yearly maintenence cost like?Any other thing I should know?Any advice on this is greatly apreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[dvng]

why r u goin for the 97/98 models, if i am not wrong these car comes with single vanos and not double vanos. U should seek out the 99/00 model rather.

 

[JoeYazid]

Bishop,

seem that yr question is too long ...... better talk thru a phone. I own a 523 and willing to share some knowledge ... call me at 012 2815525

 

[chaiks]

Bishop, congrats. Its nice to know u can afford to own a BMW. But, sadly, buying a BMW is easier than maintaining a BMW. Especially true, if its pre-owned.

Do further research here & watch out that for one man affordability can mean the worth of my entire car. Example, a complete set of original AC kit with rims+tyres.

Cheers.
P.S. Sorry for the negative response, cos my mechanic always remind me not to upgrade my e34. One of the main reason, was latetly there's a lot of business men lurking here to racun all to buy, buy, buy. So be careful. But if you can afford it, what the heck!

 

[Bishop]

why r u goin for the 97/98 models, if i am not wrong these car comes with single vanos and not double vanos. U should seek out the 99/00 model rather.

Well my budget only allows for the 97/98 models. the 99/00 model is bout 40k more.

From what I read in the forum, there is just minor difference between the single and double VANOS. Can anyone clarify this??

 

[shiva73]

Bro..

i am driving a 97 523 e39...so far no problem ( touch wood ) . U want more power ? slam the pedal harder.. there u go . Again ..maintanance wise, it depends how much care and love u shower to u ride. The better u take care the lesser u visit the mech. Some parts are expensive and some are reasonable - appoint a personal mech then.

p/s ; Contact Bro Yazid... he is the man:top:.:top:

 

[cadmus]

i have a file with all my e39 (97 523i) repair bills in it. totals up to RM37k!. had the car for only 3 years.

 

[bmw7833]

It much depends on what was the condition when u bought it.

 

[wc9922]

Take care of the following things:

1) Condition of radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat, water spare tank and rad cap. It's important they are in top condition

2) Then look at the car for overheating issues. May require top overhaul.

3) Suspension: change all the major bushes, arms and anti-roll bar end links.

4) Check the air cond. Can your a/c maintain cold air at 22~23 degc. Or is it only cold at 16~17 dec C.

5) Lastly for performance, ensure you have a good MAF and O2 sensors are working in range. Also make sure your DME is loaded with the lastest software version.

6) If you kaki-tekan, the condition of Auto Trans oil and Gearbox condition.

I think that about covers the major issues on this car.

 

[br_w_b_y]

I'm also looking for an e39, maybe 99/00 if i want a double vanos version. But, i'll take a 97/98 e39 if it's in tip top condition. Any nice e39 for sale?

 

[engku]

Bishop ..
I am driving a 96 528 e39.. lucky me coz no prob so far.. just minor chgs like absober and maintaining minyak hitam only.. wc9922 is correct.. as long as u take care the following things it ok already..

but what i know is if u kaki pecut.. better get 528 bro.. coz year 99 below.. 528 got single vanos.. but 520/523/525 got no vanos.. if i'm not wrong la..

if u take good care of your ride, your ride will take good car of u 2.. hehe..

 

[bmw7833]

I'm also looking for an e39, maybe 99/00 if i want a double vanos version. But, i'll take a 97/98 e39 if it's in tip top condition. Any nice e39 for sale?

Why not?? Just do a quick search in the forum and u'll know few e39 are waiting for new owners.

 

[wc9922]

U will find the M54 engined E39's to be more livelier to the throttle inputs. Earlier versions are heavier feel on the gas. This may be due to the double vanos configuration and gearbox revision.

But nothing can replace CC. U got to have CC to get the torque to haul the car's ass up the hill fast. Buy the biggest engine you can find.

 

[JoeYazid]

Bishop opened this thread in 2005 la .... he has bought and driven the e39 for few years already ...........

 

[wc9922]

Thanks Yazid. Wasted time. Ahhhhhggg................

 

[rash]

uhh just the thread im looking for, dear sifu's i just sold my e36 318 (1998) and now thinking of upgrading to a e39 523 double vanos yr 2000. theres one for sale going for 95 grand with a full ms bodykit, 17inch msport rims. but i was just wondering how would the fuel consumption be on a 523 ?

till this day my first choice will always be a yr 1999++ e38 but sadly i can never find one for sale. so due to that im going for a E39 or even a e46 318/320 ci

 

[ssgill]

Rims for sale

It much depends on what was the condition when u bought it.

what abt the rims are they still for sale the 16in ones

 

[James Chun]

So?? Everyone Blur Blur?? Haha!

 

[bmw7833]

what abt the rims are they still for sale the 16in ones

Check ur PM!!