(E39) 530D Question

[BernardV]

Hey everyone, I have always been told that buying a second hand diesel is the worst idea you could have, but recently I became aware that a good friend of mine's dad has been wanting to sell his (E39) 530D.. now I have loved that car since I got to drive it a good couple of hundred km's a couple of years ago, now I am so tempted by this offer, yet as stated above I have been told it's a bad idea. I have a couple of questions for all you BMW gurus, but first let me tell you what I know.

1. The car has over 200 000 km's on the clock..
2. He seems to be looking for about R70 000
3. The car has never given major issues (and I trust the sellers completely)
4. Not sure what year model the car is but should be between 1998-2000 model
5. Never been in an accident, always been serviced at BMW.

Now as stated I just wanne know if, this is a bad buy, as I don't have R50 000 lying around to re do an engine / replace a turbo. Is this a horrible idea?

Can anybody tell me which engine (power output wise etc) we got in South Africa, around this time? (I have noted this: 1998–2000 530d - 3.0 L M57D30 diesel I6 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) ?)

Any replies will be appreciated.

 

[Kobus328i]

Hi Bernard

Is it a manual or automatic ?

 

[Philip Foglar]

Speak to P1000! If looked after, these things are pretty bulletproof as far as I know! :thumbs:

 

[BernardV]

Hi Bernard

Is it a manual or automatic ?

It is an auto box... which I don't mind at all, but I know this might add to the negative tick boxes.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Hi Bernard

Is it a manual or automatic ?

It is an auto box... which I don't mind at all, but I know this might add to the negative tick boxes.

I generally prefer manual gearboxes, but it is a well known fact that automatic gearboxes work really well with these diesels! But yes, they are unfortunately pretty vulnerable from the massive torque depending on how it has been treated over the years.

 

[Kobus328i]

Hi Bernard

Is it a manual or automatic ?

It is an auto box... which I don't mind at all, but I know this might add to the negative tick boxes.

I generally prefer manual gearboxes, but it is a well known fact that automatic gearboxes work really well with these diesels! But yes, they are unfortunately pretty vulnerable from the massive torque depending on how it has been treated over the years.

+1

 

[///MALCOLM325]

IIRC the 530d we got here were all facelift models so this would be a post 2000 model.

Try and get the full history from BMW, check what vital components were replaced and when? This should assist the diesel guys on the forum to help make your decision.

 

[P1000]

it will be a 2001 or later model. Mileage after 120000km only depends on how it has been cared for. I have seen cars with half of my cars mileage in much worse condition overall.

The engine is pretty bulletproof, as long as you replace the crankcase breather every 3rd service(which no one does), and remove the swirl flaps (google these items, they have been discussed ad infinitum on the interwebs).

The gearbox is a GM 5l40e which was also used in other models in america, you can google for all the trouble those give, so make sure you have ~R22k in the bank for when you need to rebuild it. It usually goes without warning, with no symptoms or preventative cures. The issue is with a too soft alloy used in the valve body, the torque has nothing to do with most of the failures.

Engine has been down-powered for the hot South-African climate after the many failures they experienced in the early 320d's (I know people who had 3 replacements inside motorplan on the 320d's). So we only got the 135kW/390Nm version, never the 142kW despite what anybody tells you.

Turbo could be due for replacement - but it is impossible to know, because many die of fatigue (metal fatigue to be exact), where it loses a turbine blade. Costs around R10k for an OEM from the Garrett importers. Don't waste your money on a rebuild - most rebuilders in SA will give it to you back in worse condition. They also almost always only replace the bearings, which is not the most common failure point on this car as I noted above.

And then there is the normal wear items - Suspension parts - it is most likely that the shock are gone and the previous owner did not realise it. Upper control arm bushes I can almost gualantee needs replacement - around R600 from imcomex. Brakes etc.

Al that said, I am still very happy with mine that has >290kkm on. But I do think your friend is aiming high in price, he should be able to get R55-65k in a private sale.

 

[Hellas]

Wlecom Bernard. I moved the thread to the 5 series section

As stated above by others, there is no reason to be afraid of diesels. The turbo on the 3.0d is as strong as anything,
Good luck with your decision and let us know what you did.

 

[P1000]

I moved the thread to the 5 series section

Thanks, I forgot I wanted to do that as well.

 

[BernardV]

Thanks for all the replies and help, appreciate it. Gonna have to ponder, on this, as a guy in the office told me it might be hard to get finance on a car of that age / year?

Thanks for the information on the asking price, as they are family friend I am sure around 60K would be a doable amount, I could even perhaps get a full service done as a bonus..

If I were to do this my plan would be to get finance, buy the car and then sell my current car and put that money away (probably about R35000) - as a safety net for any possible future issues - I will not need to use this money for anything else.

 

[BernardV]

Can anyone please tell where the best place would be to service the car, and much I how much
could expect to pay for a minor and major service?