Hi all sifus,i'm new in the forum and need some advise on the E39 as considering to change car..especially to this UDM!!!May I know if the 525i was CKD model by and distibuted by AB or 523i model? As I'm thinking to own a CKD model so that can send for AB to maintain and can easily trace the record if compare to all the Japanese or UK reconds one..Also, what is the spec for 525i or 523i? I mean house power and the powertrain model?My intension is to get the 2002 model and above and the budget is around 130-150K..any idea if I could have this price?Last but not least..is it easy to maintain for E39? Any common problem that been rectifiied and whats the regular service charges and can i say the car is reliable to own as I afraid to own a UDM that always stay in the Workshop especially the used car..cause I have a very very bad experience to own a used Alfa Romeo last 5 years back..I didn't able to drive the Alfa out since I bought it from the Dealer beside the LDP higher after the tol from Puchong..Thus I hate the dealer coz they con me and I hate myself of owning the used car...Anyway, I think I fall in love with E39 since yearssss and I don't mind to get a quality used E39..Pls advise bro..Thanks in advanced!Regards,Ken
Newbie to E39
- Thread starter ken77
- Start date
-
Click here to become an Official Member of BMW Club Malaysia Download Form
funfer_fahrer
Club Guest
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 1,928
- Points
- 0
ken77 said:
The E39 is a beautiful car. Well balanced, well engineered. The 523i was produced between 1996 to 2000. In September 2001, the 525i was being introduced with some cosmetic changes such as round fog lights, wider grille and same colour body trim. With the new M54 engine the horsepower has been increased from 170hp to 192hp. Other changes include throttle by wire system replacing the traditional mechanical type. The transmission oil and also the oil for the final drive unit is maintenance free. No oil change required. The "youngest" E39 you can find was produced in 2003. Between 2003-2005 the E60 also use the same engine which is the M54. If you happen to love the E60, I suggest you buy the 2005 model onwards. Autobavaria used to sell the CKD E39. If you happen to purchase a recond unit, AB can still service the car provided you register with them. In terms of build quality, the recond unit is light years ahead. Being a high tech machine, the approach to maintaining an E39 needs a high tech mind set. The name of the game is to "take care of the electronics and it will in turn take good care of the car and its occupants". Change the sensors when it gave the first sign of failing. Otherwise, you might end up by the roadside waiting for the tow truck. Invest in a good Fault Code Reader. The weakness of the car is the cooling system, not because it is not acclimatised but because most of the materials were made of plastic. Pay special attention to this area. Thermostat can last up to 5 years and so does the radiator tank. Other than that, the E39 especially the 525 is a beautiful car to drive and to own.
Vanquish
Club Guest
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2004
- Messages
- 2,117
- Points
- 0
Abang Fahrer,
Budget RM 130-150K boleh dapat E60 ke ? Nak satu !!!
Ken,
The E39 is a fantastic mid size sport saloon and Fahrer has already covered the technical bits about the 523i and the 525i. The 523i with the M52B25TU engine from the E46 was sold locally (CKD) until 2001 as the 525i with the M54B25 was introduced gradually. If you're buying Jap spec 525i, beware of the 2000/1 manufactured cars and do a VIN check to ensure you are getting a real 525i and not merely a last batch 523i rebadged for export. A large number of 2000/1 523i models were exported out from Japan in such manner hence it pays to do a bit of homework before parting with your cash.
Between the 523i and 525i, I personally find the 525i to be more responsive and smoother to drive - both the electronic throttle butterfly and the 192 BHP/240 NM torque combo making the difference. Again, would suggest that you take the cars out for a spin and decide what works for you. Happy hunting!
Cheers,
VaN.
Budget RM 130-150K boleh dapat E60 ke ? Nak satu !!!
Ken,
The E39 is a fantastic mid size sport saloon and Fahrer has already covered the technical bits about the 523i and the 525i. The 523i with the M52B25TU engine from the E46 was sold locally (CKD) until 2001 as the 525i with the M54B25 was introduced gradually. If you're buying Jap spec 525i, beware of the 2000/1 manufactured cars and do a VIN check to ensure you are getting a real 525i and not merely a last batch 523i rebadged for export. A large number of 2000/1 523i models were exported out from Japan in such manner hence it pays to do a bit of homework before parting with your cash.
Between the 523i and 525i, I personally find the 525i to be more responsive and smoother to drive - both the electronic throttle butterfly and the 192 BHP/240 NM torque combo making the difference. Again, would suggest that you take the cars out for a spin and decide what works for you. Happy hunting!
Cheers,
VaN.
funfer_fahrer
Club Guest
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 1,928
- Points
- 0
Vanquish said:
Vanguish is right. Be extra careful when it comes to 2001 model Japan spec. If I am not mistaken for the year 1997, the E39 from Japan uses Nissan Cefiro transmission but it lasted only for a year. The Japs finally could not outsmart Jerman engineering.
Adik Vanguish,
Yes, you can get one with that kind of price but you got to wait until the year 2010. He he ..
Jerman
Active Member
- Joined
- May 18, 2006
- Messages
- 1,584
- Points
- 38
Poisoned "kaw kaw"
ken77 said:DEar all sifus,
really appreciate all ur advise and courage..will start hunting sooon...by the way, others sifus advise are wellcome...so that i poisoned kaw kaw..
ken77,
In order to push you "off the cliff", here goes.....fully understand your "situation" as for the same amount of $$$, you could get a brand new Accord/Cefiro/Camry with almost "maintenance free" and no heartaches/headaches for at least 2-3 years! Some of your family/friends may even asked you why bother to buy a used 3-4 years old vehicle?
Even a 4-5 years old E39 520i 2.2, (M54 engine with 170bhp and 210Nm), on paper, the output superseded the previous M52 523i. Putting these numbers aside, the power is adequate for most occassions. At start-stop traffic, it felt a little 'draggy' but once on the move, it's effortless and the overall competency of this car and its driving dynamics are quite unsurpassed. Sheer driving pleasure!
Daredevil
Founding Member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2004
- Messages
- 4,007
- Points
- 0
I noticed the 523 feels a little sluggish initially. But once it hits 3,500rpm, the power kicks in. Then the fun begins....
It's true most major wear and tear problems usually hit after 4-5 years. So be prepared to fork out RM8-10k for replacements. Then you'll have a problem-free ride for years to come. I was lucky because the seller of my ride agreed to a replacement bill of almost RM8k before I signed on the dotted line.
Jerman is right. Power is sufficient for most occasions. Unless you plan to outsprint EVOs or STIs. Hahahaha.....
It's true most major wear and tear problems usually hit after 4-5 years. So be prepared to fork out RM8-10k for replacements. Then you'll have a problem-free ride for years to come. I was lucky because the seller of my ride agreed to a replacement bill of almost RM8k before I signed on the dotted line.
Jerman is right. Power is sufficient for most occasions. Unless you plan to outsprint EVOs or STIs. Hahahaha.....
dear all,
in Bangkok now and seen many e39 OTR..blood pressure going up....
By the way, I think i will prefer to get a CKD model of 525 as afraid of the recon car condition..the condition really look nice from the shell but not sure about the insight...At least CKD can trace back the history from AB right??
Wish to hear more from you guys..
Regards,ken
in Bangkok now and seen many e39 OTR..blood pressure going up....
By the way, I think i will prefer to get a CKD model of 525 as afraid of the recon car condition..the condition really look nice from the shell but not sure about the insight...At least CKD can trace back the history from AB right??
Wish to hear more from you guys..
Regards,ken
dumeort
Club Guest
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2006
- Messages
- 425
- Points
- 0
i think it's almost the same whether u buy a 2nd hand or recond. You must check the car carefully no matter what. For instance, you must dare to ask the salesman to borrow you the car drive here and there and go to your favourite workshop and test the whole BMW. If no problem, sign the paper.
I kena con also from this cheras car dealer. Bought e46 328i and whatever they say is all no problem no problem. I spend around 10k to fix most of the things. So, it's good to hear alot comment here and no more next time. Stupid once is enough.
I kena con also from this cheras car dealer. Bought e46 328i and whatever they say is all no problem no problem. I spend around 10k to fix most of the things. So, it's good to hear alot comment here and no more next time. Stupid once is enough.
AstroCreep
Club Guest
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2006
- Messages
- 115
- Points
- 0
Ken,
Do not trust the dealers completely... listen to Dumeort.
Most importantly, check the history of the car. You can find some good condition 'looking' CKD e39 515i 2002, but in my opinion it worths nothing if you do not know the service history of the car, or previous owner, or at least which workshop he goes to if not AB... challenge the dealer.
Sluggishness between 523i and 525i? Well, even in my 528i, I could feel the sluggishness, moving from standstill (i.e. at traffic lights)... but is that really... because when I checked my rear view mirror, others are far behind...
Do not trust the dealers completely... listen to Dumeort.
Most importantly, check the history of the car. You can find some good condition 'looking' CKD e39 515i 2002, but in my opinion it worths nothing if you do not know the service history of the car, or previous owner, or at least which workshop he goes to if not AB... challenge the dealer.
Sluggishness between 523i and 525i? Well, even in my 528i, I could feel the sluggishness, moving from standstill (i.e. at traffic lights)... but is that really... because when I checked my rear view mirror, others are far behind...
AstroCreep
Club Guest
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2006
- Messages
- 115
- Points
- 0
..that shud hv been 525i, of course, not 515i ... typo error at 3 AM...
JoeYazid
Founding Member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2004
- Messages
- 1,507
- Points
- 38
funfer_fahrer said:
After years of driving 35,000 feet above sea level ....... now this guy becoming sifu for the ground vehicle pulak ....
It mean that this friend of mine really studied about BMW esp e39 before he recently bought it and he never regret owning it. Even after some mishap which cost him around 1K in JB recently. (Roland, Van & Vlad this abang puji giler all of you la ....' walau pun tak kenal tapi these gentlement is helping me till the end. ')
Ken77 .... moral of the story is. 'you won't regret to own a BMW, after driving it you might not changing to other brand esp. after driving 5 series '.
So .... still need more advise or assisting to get a e39 ? PM any one of us or joint our Fri night TT at Bkt Jelutong or participate in our events - 5 Series satay break this evening our Annual Dinner mid September.
YAzid
..heart beating even faster now after all ur wordsss...
ya ya..I learned from mistake and never hear what the dealers said until we find out ourself..will PM anyone of the sifu here once confirm my choice and make up the budget...thanks AGAIN!!
ya ya..I learned from mistake and never hear what the dealers said until we find out ourself..will PM anyone of the sifu here once confirm my choice and make up the budget...thanks AGAIN!!
funfer_fahrer
Club Guest
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 1,928
- Points
- 0
ken77 said:
PM me when you are ready to visit the car dealer. I'll perform the on-site-diagnostic for you FOC.
if this is goin to be your first udm..i suggest u start off with the 3 series 325i or 318i..a lot of people got off first with the 5 series and couldnt handle the maintenance cost of owning a Five series. The Five seires commands a higher maintenance cost as compared to the 3 series since the car was build with extreme high quality to achieve its ride quality..hence most of its wear and tear items apart from the engine parts are extremely expensive. For example the suspension parts are easily twice the cost of the e36 and e46..even the bearing and brake pads are not spared. Please do more research or speak to those who has one and compare notes. Check out the parts prices and labour cost before indulging in the e39..A used e39 will require inspecting the power steering pump..abs pumps..absorbers (these goes for RM400-500 a piece for the front)..control arm and bush ( control arm is RM1k a piece)..gearbox..radiator and expansion tank for leaks..exhaust cat converter(this goes for RM3500..for the mid section)..o2 sensors ( RM700 a piece this car has 4 of them)..and the list goes on...
AstroCreep
Club Guest
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2006
- Messages
- 115
- Points
- 0
aisey dvng, don't scare him laa... racun has gone deep into his veins already!
E
elwine30
Guest
well, i m now in the midst of helping a friend to repair his e39. I check with the part price, it's not THAT expensive. Yes, it's definitely higher than the 3. But the comfort leve, the luxury and the feel of the car is way different from the 3.
Some price of parts
absorber Bilstein = RM 370 per piece
power steering hose from tank = RM 150 for 2 piece
air filter original = rm 95
wheel bearing front = rm 300
micro filter = RM 118
rocker cover seal = rm 75
o ring for seals = 70
Yes, it's more expensive but it's not that expensive. but most important is to buy a good base car to work on. Whether it's a 3, 5 or 7
my 2 cents
Some price of parts
absorber Bilstein = RM 370 per piece
power steering hose from tank = RM 150 for 2 piece
air filter original = rm 95
wheel bearing front = rm 300
micro filter = RM 118
rocker cover seal = rm 75
o ring for seals = 70
Yes, it's more expensive but it's not that expensive. but most important is to buy a good base car to work on. Whether it's a 3, 5 or 7
my 2 cents
