E39's, some Gum and pricing.

[Sol]

Good eve, fellow forumites.

I have lately been perusing a plethora of online ads (meaning Gumtree Western Cape) for any sign of my favourites: the E39 and the E34. In particular I've been checking out E39s, mostly the 528i autos which are the most common.

The E 39 is a hawt car. :inlove: I want one. But I don't want to spend R40k on a car that is going to cost me another R 20k soon after. I've seen the 528's and 540's going for between R 45000 to R 50 000 on the gum.

http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree...ars-BMW-528i-e39-AUTOMATIC-W0QQAdIdZ417130055

http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree...i-FOR-FULL-HOUSE-price-neg-W0QQAdIdZ417108116

http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-cars-BMW-528I-E39-AUTO-W0QQAdIdZ366798406

http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree...7-NEW-SHAPE-E39-STEPTRONIC-W0QQAdIdZ414140692

This leads me to my pressing question.

What am I going to get on a place like the Gum for R 45k spent on a 528i (or any model) E 39? And then also: what SHOULD I get for that price?

Has anyone ever gotten a decent E 39 that hasn't been around the planet 10 times for, say, R30k? Or should I rather go back to the E34 shelf?

 

[Solo Man]

I had a 1998 E39 528i auto with the Jatco box (Japanese auto with which it came out with) and it had on about 206k km when i traded it in on my brother's X5. He still has the car and it is in excellent condition as he has scarcely driven it since the trade last year in March. He has two cars plus the BM and never seems to get around to driving the BM. The car is as i have traded it. It is a very nice car and i did about 100k km with it when i had it. It is one of the most comfortable cars on the road and virtually drives itself as you only sit and correct slightly to keep it going where you want to go, especially on the speed control. It has a sunroof as well and the 6cd shuttle in the boot (i swapped my shuttle for his and i think he mentioned that his also had a slight problem - cannot remember what it was), but Combined Electronics here in Cape Town can easily and quickly fix it.
The car is in Upington and when in my possession practically never went on a gravel road. He lives in town so the same applies there.
I know he wanted R60k for it then but am sure that he will consider an offer. Colour is maroon with beige leather upholstery and looks very nice.

 

[ashley]

Hi
This one would be my pick
http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co.z...Z417108116
Diplomatic Black - looks good
The mileage seems to be good
The rubber trim on top of the windscreen looks worn – maybe a good sign, not been replaced
When test driving
Check the front suspension rubbers

What I’ve read the 528i is the better handling and fuel mileage than the 540i

Personally:
I drive a 1999 e39 540i and an e34 540i and pay big time at the pumps, but the V8 sound and power rush is soooooooooooo addictive!
E34 vs. e39, the e39 is bigger and more of a cruiser

The E34 540i I paid 35k with 300k on the clock and service history. I’ve spent another 15k on it getting it to my standard plus another 10k on tyres and shocks, brakes etc. just after I bought it – but I do that as a matter of cause on every purchase I do for my own safety. Still need to get it sprayed.
I did buy the 540i as a weekend toy and holiday drive, but ended up driving it every day
My ex e34 525 M50, is still a good car as well, only a “little” slower than the V8,but happy to cruise at just “above” the speed limits and return 8.7 l/100km and 12 l/100 in town
Very comfortable and easy to drive! Was my every day drive, until the 540 arrived and loaned it to Dad.
Bought it for 25k with RWC - spent 10k on tyres, shocks, brakes, maybe another 7k over 3 years and sold it for 20k with 400k on the clocks

The E39 540i – I’ve not started messing around with it yet. Got my list to get it to my level, but I know it’s history etc., but I did buy it as a weekend toy, hmm I think it is going to become the daily drive soon, lighter on fuel than the E34

You can buy a car for 65k and few months later it starts costing you anyway!
Whatever you chose buy it for yourself.
I work on 60% heart and 40% brain formula
If I let my brain rule I’d be driving a boring eco box
But keep 10k in the bank for any little surprises
Drive a few cars and see if any of them “talks” to you. Check their history etc.
NB: Check electronic bits
Take down the VIN Number and check with BMW for its service history.
Whatever you chose – good luck and hope it brings you many happy miles.

 

[badaz87]

I just bought a 96 e39 528i Auto... old spec 'box (non-steptronic) with full service history, in Maroon with grey leather interior and 292 000Km on the clock... the only problems I have are: a faulty passenger's side windscreen wiper, a faulty rear drivers side window winder, and a noisy driveshaft... all of these should cost no more than 3 to 5k to repair, and I only paid R29K:

e39 528i

 

[Roundal]

I have a 528i manual and love it to bits. 323 000km and still going strong everything works and it is in immaculate condition.

 

[Sol]

thanks for the responses so far! It really has shed some light. It never ceases to amaze me that a car like one of these can be bought in reasonable condition at such a price. Is there a catch to it that I'm missing? What should I budget for off the bat expenses that should technically be added to the purchase price?

Unless I find an E 39 528i at a great bargain, I'm probably going to go for an early 90s E 34 525i manual with the M50 engine. I've heard they can be chipped quite cheaply for better fuel economy and a bhp boost. But that is something I have zero experience in or knowledge of so I'll have to ponder a bit first.

Now to find an E 34 like that in black or midnight blue....:inlove:

 

[Truvalu]

My E39 is my pride and joy!

Daily drive and I love the fact that most people think it cost you an arm and a leg to drive and maintain it.
This car has put me in a mindset where I just cannot make sense why one should buy a new car....

Buy one that you have checked out properly, don't take it to the stealers for anything, keep an eye on the oil and water levels and have it serviced on time and you will have many, many miles of happy luxury.

I would love to one day go for the early 2000, 530d models.

Good luck

 

[Sith]

The E34 was a very handsome and well built car. One kept in good condition is still a joy to see. However, the E39 moved the game on in a massive way, and being newer, and so damn cheap now, you would have to pick an E34 over an E39 only if it is in true original condition. I love them both, but would go for the E39. The 528i is practically bullet proof, and spares are more plentiful.