Should I get an E39 without Service Maintenance records?

[dzeisen]

Hi most esteemed forummers,I'm intending to purchase an 520i E39 AB 2002. However, the owner doesn't have the service maintenance records. Is this a big risk? I wouldn't then be able to tell how much has been changed or what has / hasn't been done to the car. Overall, the car looked like it's maintained well but looks can be quite deceiving.I would like to know if it's a risky purchase or is there any other way to know the history of the car.Thanks everyone for your input!

 

[Lionel_Koh]

Go for 525 instead ...................

 

[dzeisen]

Go for 525 instead ...................

Thanks for the input but since this is my first bimmer & also based on what I can afford, 520i should be sufficient for now. However, my concern is more on the risk of getting a used unit without the service records.

 

[king82]

oh...so you are the one who booked the E39 520i so quickly... =)

erm...if there's no service records, then I would suggest that you take the car to a reputable and trusted mechanic and pay him to do some diagnostics and checks. Let him advise you the condition of the car e.g. bushes, mountings, gearbox, engine...

this is what i can think of...

 

[king82]

Thanks for the input but since this is my first bimmer & also based on what I can afford, 520i should be sufficient for now. However, my concern is more on the risk of getting a used unit without the service records.

This is a 2200cc car...so if you're not a speed demon, this should be a good enough ride...previously, i saw one E39 520i year 2002 (if not mistaken) selling price was RM95K...if the one you booked is in good condition + nego a bit...this should be a good deal...

 

[deep3102]

i second king82's suggestion, get it checked, thoroughly, n then decide.

 

[king82]

i second king82's suggestion, get it checked, thoroughly, n then decide.

haha...if he takes too long...i may get it for myself (if i could afford one...sigh)

 

[deep3102]

dun sigh sigh my friend, year of tiger dis one....must GROWLL~!!!!!hehehe (sorry, hijack post)

 

[king82]

haha...i would GROWL if my company had GROWLING pay and bonus...=(

anyway dzeisen, take the car for a check up...then you'll know what you need to know...but the mechanic MUST be trustworthy and know his stuff...

 

[dzeisen]

oh...so you are the one who booked the E39 520i so quickly... =)

erm...if there's no service records, then I would suggest that you take the car to a reputable and trusted mechanic and pay him to do some diagnostics and checks. Let him advise you the condition of the car e.g. bushes, mountings, gearbox, engine...

this is what i can think of...

Hahaha.. yeah... that's me! I have already sent it for inspection once but I'm not quite satisfied with the entire check. The mechanic did a system scan and found the fuel gauge to be damaged one side and hence, the mileage information may not be accurate. I also found out from the owner that the airconditioner sensor may not be working so well. Besides that, everything else seems to be okay. However, I'm still quite skeptical.

Therefore, I intend to take it to another reputable service center to get it checked.

Since Electronics are okay, what are major/minor components that should be in tip top condition? From what I have read and heard from my friend:
1. Water Pump
2. Fan Clutch
3. Hoses?
Anything else?

 

[king82]

Hahaha.. yeah... that's me! I have already sent it for inspection once but I'm not quite satisfied with the entire check. The mechanic did a system scan and found the fuel gauge to be damaged one side and hence, the mileage information may not be accurate. I also found out from the owner that the airconditioner sensor may not be working so well. Besides that, everything else seems to be okay. However, I'm still quite skeptical.

Therefore, I intend to take it to another reputable service center to get it checked.

i see...then get a few more opinions as well as the estimated costs for repair...if you think it's worthwhile, then go for it...good luck!

 

[mizhan]

better yet, invite/bribe one of our resident E39 sifus to accompany you during the diagnostic session. mechanics don't tell everything, especially if you hardly know them.

 

[dzeisen]

better yet, invite/bribe one of our resident E39 sifus to accompany you during the diagnostic session. mechanics don't tell everything, especially if you hardly know them.

I agree that mechanics don't tell everything. Hence, I'm quite skeptical as there are no service records. Tough decision man...

 

[dzeisen]

i see...then get a few more opinions as well as the estimated costs for repair...if you think it's worthwhile, then go for it...good luck!

Thanks king82! Tough decision for people like me that happened to just being able to afford some cars like this & wants to ensure that it is a right decision. The interior of the car is well kept and in good condition. However, it will be useless if the car keep giving problem and incur exorbitant maintenance $$$.

 

[mizhan]

i sincerely hope you find somebody here to take you to a reputable workshop, where both sifu & mechanic can jointly inspect the car. that's the best you can hope for.

 

[king82]

Thanks king82! Tough decision for people like me that happened to just being able to afford some cars like this & wants to ensure that it is a right decision. The interior of the car is well kept and in good condition. However, it will be useless if the car keep giving problem and incur exorbitant maintenance $$$.

true...from the pics, there's not much mods that you need to do on the car. i'm also thinking of getting one, but seems, it's still stuck at the "thinking" stage for now as my finances do not allow currently...

hope that this deal is good for you... cheers

 

[king82]

i sincerely hope you find somebody here to take you to a reputable workshop, where both sifu & mechanic can jointly inspect the car. that's the best you can hope for.

true...more eyes, more opinions (or scrutinization)...

 

[Hellraiser]

dzeisen, have you tried asking the owner where he sends his car for service. mechanics also have track record of the vehicles they service, so you could try to get some info there. do spare some cash for repairs. good luck!

 

[dzeisen]

i sincerely hope you find somebody here to take you to a reputable workshop, where both sifu & mechanic can jointly inspect the car. that's the best you can hope for.

I am quite new to the forum even though I have joined quite some time ago & therefore I don't know anyone in here (except for the car seller ). I've always wanted to own a Bimmer & I am quite close to being there although I'm feeling a lot of insecurities. This is a no turning back decision once I made it...

 

[ICEMAN 68]

if you want a headache free car ...then just spare 10K and get every wear and tear changed ...buying from a direct owner may give you a little peace of mind rather then those used car yard ...

get a 2.5 ....