E39 Advice

[Sabretooth tiger]

morning everyone

I sold my E90 323i Exclusive and my beloved Sabre as I want to free up cash to dump into my house, to do improvements on the house, without borrowing against the house.

Now I want to add more money into it as everything I want to do is taking to long, also in the process of purchasing a flat.

Now all this needs money, so busy selling the Mazda 3 as well as I cannot justify the R5000 per month premium on it, and it is not exactly easy on the fuel bill.

I am looking at buying a E39 and want to spend about R100 000 on it. Preferably a 525i as I don't want to save on installments and use the very saving on the petrol bill on a 4.4. It needs to be reliably and I know it will l be comfortable as I do a lot of long distance driving. What are the common things to look out for and is my budget big enough , and what can I expect to spend on maintenance? Will not using it every day cause seals and rubbers to wear quicker? How is maintenance on these cars as well as resale value?

Thanks

 

[P1000]

I would just buy ajm's 330d if I had the option...

 

[msm]

Instead of the 525i, rather go for a 530i as it's actually lighter on fuel. 530d is the better option though. Just my R0.02 until the V8 blokes get here :rollsmile:

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

@ P1000, the E39 especially in M-sport trim is just simply :drool: and more exclusive than the E46, no offense to anyone, its just my view.
@ msm, I have thought about it, its just the 525i has a sort of legacy behind its motor.

 

[msm]

@ msm, I have thought about it, its just the 525i has a sort of legacy behind its motor.

I owned a 525i and all I can say is that it's performance is leisurely. Coming from a E90 323i, you might find it a bit lacking ...

 

[Sankekur]

You might have trouble finding an e39 with the m-tech trimmings, not a lot of them around.

I would have to agree with msm, rather go for the 530i, you will just enjoy it more.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Thanks, will look for a 530i then, what should I look out for, can I get a decent one for my budget, and how is running costs should to do preventive maintenance upfront.

 

[Nic_s]

Thanks, will look for a 530i then, what should I look out for, can I get a decent one for my budget, and how is running costs should to do preventive maintenance upfront.

You could get a descent 540 for less than R80k, so I'm sure you can find a great 530 in your budget and you might even have some change left. Don't think you can go wrong with a E39. Rick540 has E39 and could give you more details on what to look out for. He should check in :thumb:

 

[moranor@axis]

Sabretooth for what you want i think a 530 will be perfect...

 

[rick540]

My average fuel consumption on the 4.4 is 11L/100km, drive them nice and they will reward you with the same consumption as a 328 or 525.

Just something to consider

 

[whattingh]

if possible get some with laptop and obd cable to check codes.

Depending on the kms check for suspension where. Special front lower control arms bush.

my 525 is now in need for most rear suspension parts. importing what I want in OEM brands i'm looking at R11k+ (about 12 parts). But once done it would be good for many more kms

check that the fan clutch is ok.