bimmerholic
Club Guest
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2009
- Messages
- 2,475
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- 38
Guys,Recently i went for a test drive in this car.This is the condition and details of the vehicle.1997 Europe M52B25. I ran a check on the VIN. It didn't say if it's a TU version.1 ownerWell kept & maintained interior266,000KM on the clockFull service record history since Day1 from Cartrade and AB.Observations:-Engine/ Trans:The engine was smooth and the transmission shifts (in D and in Tiptronic) were seamless although it has a very high mileage on it. No clucking/ knocking or whatsoever. No sign of engine oil leaking but the power steering reservoir is leaking. There's trace of oil surrounding the reservoir and the connecting hose to the radiator. Any advise here? How do we check if the fan clutch is in proper working condition and that it doesn't draw to much of horses off the engine? Cause i felt that the A/C isn't as cold as other E39s i've sat in. Could it be gas (cheaper option)?Road test:Nothing was vibrating or rattling while on the road.I noticed that the steering wheel was heavy ( i later identified that the front wheels were under-inflated).I felt that the suspensions are somewhat soft. Electronics:When i increase the height of the front driver electric seat, both sides of the cushion rises SIMULTANEOUSLY (flat level) UP TO A POINT, when the left side of the cushion stops rising and the right side of the cushion continues to rise. In other words, the driver seat is now slanting towards the center console. Is this what it's supposed to do after a certain level (that it starts to tilt towards the center console)? If it's not, what could be the issue?Then there's the instrument cluster. Classic Broken Pixels. Read the thread on it in this forum. That should make me RM600 or so poorer.:frown:My concern is that since it's a 12year old car with 266K KM, I'm guessing if anything that should fail (wear & tear parts), it'll be anytime soon if the owner has not replaced these parts before. In the assumption that, an original BMW mechanical part should be able to last for some years before it starts to fail (then again it all depends on the driving style). So in order words, i may be bored down with one after another wear & tear issues if i were to purchase this unit.Comments, thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated.Thanks very much.