E39 feeler

[Jandre]

I was informed by a friend about this.

2001 E39 525i AT. Car left the road, and visible damage is the front bumper and the one fender. Obviously some plastics as well.
Undercarriage damage is possible, not yet determined.

Guy wants to sell the car because of reasons.

I was asked if I would be interested.

Concerning factors are the mileage(315k). At that mileage one can expect to spend money on the motor, and most probably the gearbox. At that mileage the starter and coolant system has seen one hell of a lot of mileage as well.

Should I offer 15 to 20k, take the car and attend to the cosmetics?

Should I take my 20k and leave it in the bank.

I haven't seen the car yet, but is wondering if "better the devil (E36) you know" is not maybe the way to go for me.

From mms images, the car looks quite neat still.

(I am prepared to spend 20k, preferably less. Not to say he will accept the offer.)

 

[msm]

Check out the front suspension PROPERLY, as you never know what else could be damaged.

 

[Jandre]

The suspension is the deal breaker. If there is anything more that a control arm busted, it's a total no go.

I am more concerned about the mileage.

 

[zaleonardz]

So how long is a piece of string really....

Even if you spend 15 on the car, and another 20k in terms of plastics/respray ect getting the car back onthe road. your in for 35 to 40k there quite easily for a car with 315k on it...

It depends on the car, and the condition/damage, but if I was you, I would sell the E36 for 30 to 40k, take the other 20k, and heavy deposit down on a stunning E39 going for around 50 to 80k and be done with it...

I am usually all for cheap well maintaned BMW's... but 300+ and no clue of any other underlying damage, even at a bargain, is dodgy... IMO of course..

 

[Hellas]

Bumper and fender is R8k already. Any broken/warped suspension might ran up R15 or more.

But DEFINITELY worth a look. Is it in CT?

 

[msm]

If it were a 530i or 540i, then it would be something to consider. I would not bother with a 525i, but that's just me ...

 

[Hellas]

540's are even cheaper than 40k...

 

[Jandre]

We are thinking along the same lines z. To get it neat I will spend anything between 10 to 20k.

Then the engine/ gearbox/ electronics might still be lurking.

Hmm , tough one.

I guess it's worth a look for now, but nothing to get excited about just yet.

It is a Cape Town based car, so it will cost me nothing to go and look.

 

[MikeR]

has he had a repair quote yet...that might help a bit.

 

[Jandre]

Nope, he wants it gone. Personal reason is forcing him to turn the car into cash asap.

 

[Hellas]

Is it still driveable? Unless you do the trip to a panelbeater for him. (As well as one to the Dealers so that he should see that he should actually GIVE the car to you.)

 

[Jandre]

Oh yes, apparently he is still using the car. (or so I am told)

 

[msm]

Is it still driveable? Unless you do the trip to a panelbeater for him. (As well as one to the Dealers so that he should see that he should actually GIVE the car to you.)

Just get a quote from a BMW dealer - he WILL give you the car after that.

 

[clutchplate]

I wouldn't touch it, take that money and buy a neater E39 with much less mileage dude ... its gonna be a bitch I can smell it from here...