Potential 530d Owner

[RAArmstrong]

Hello Everyone!

My first post on the forums, been a long time lurker!

I currently drive an '05 Golf 2.0TDI which has been very kind to me over the past 2 years, however mileage is getting a little high and I'd like to swap it for an E39 530d! The E39 being a car I've had a love affair with ever since my dad got his '98 540 many years ago!! I recon I have good taste :rollsmile:

I've spied myself an '01 530d with 190000km on the clock, full BMW service history, front and rear PDC. No NAV/TV which is fine by me!

I'm considering popping down to have a look at it, a bit of a drive, but by the looks it might well be worth it! Was wanting some advice with regards to what I should be on the lookout for when taking a look at it?

Many thanks in advance,
Rob

 

[Ralf*]

I also have a 2001 E39 530d-"facelift", bought in 2007 with also about 190000km, the previous owner told me that it was on its 3rd turbo already.

now it has about 227000km on the clock

problems so far in owning it.
1)new set of tyres
2)2 batteries, keep on going flat do to little usage
3)Cam shaft sensor replaced 3 years ago
4)Thermostat for EGR replaced 2 months ago

otherwise its a start and go anywhere type of car, and lovely smooth overtaking power, and economical on the open road....+ it looks beautiful

 

[ChefDJ]

I have one :bravo: mine is a 2002 530d sportpack

Just do it. Get it. Don't think about nothing, just TAKE IT!!!!

Bought mine in January this year. Spent a pretty penny getting it to where I wanted it to be:

Brake pads and new discs, front and rear
New water reservoir (mine was leaking)
New battery
Did a major service right after I bought it, so I know everything is tip top

Haven't looked back. Enjoying every second :rollsmile:

Do eeeeeet! :thumbs:

 

[RAArmstrong]

Thanks for the input so far guys!! Must say I'm really tempted, hopefully with the sale of the Golf I'll have some money to put aside for any maintenance that needs to be done on the car. Going to have a look on Friday!! :rollsmile:

 

[spawn616]

electric seats twist.its common dont worry about it,
ac unit thingy under the dash looks like a pin puncher might fail,mine did after 6months only agents have it,angel headlights,the mech that moves them might break,they plastic fantastic and heat makes them brittle,

auto boxes have issues and its hard to detect slip so be weary,put car into reverse,if it struggles then u have an issue

and turbos might fail might not also 50 50,check that rear blind works and has the shade visor,its a handy thing as iv recently discovered

suspension bits might need replacing at that mileage if they havnt been done already,and if u drive like me..........

well rear tyres get expensive haha,change the 16's as soon as money allows,stupid moronic size of a tyre

 

[RAArmstrong]

Thanks spawn! I'm not so sure about the wheels... My dad has 16's on his E Class, they give a good ride, but then again, the gap is about 10 meters!

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Is it an M-Sport 530d? Either way they are great cars.

 

[ChefDJ]

Is it an M-Sport 530d? Either way they are great cars.

They are :inlove:

 

[Solo Man]

And do not forget to remove the swirl flaps in the inlet manifold as they could let go and damage the engine! Removed mine the day i bought it 30 moons ago. Removed cats, blocked off egr vacuum and replaced the loo type oil seperator with the later swirl type and Bob's your uncle! This is still my favourite car! Gives me up to 16,5km/l on the run from Johburg to Durbs.

 

[RAArmstrong]

Thanks Solo Man, If I find the right 530d I'd have it straight into the garage for a little bit of weight loss! (Swirl Flaps!)

The car I was looking at had unfortunately been sold before I could take a look at her, so the search continues!

Frankly, I'd rather be patient and find the perfect car instead of settling for a compromise!

 

[OppositeLockMT]

How flexible are you with your budget?

There's a clean looking 2003 530d with 170k kilometers for sale at Zambesi Auto for 140k. Sounds a bit steep.

 

[RAArmstrong]

How flexible are you with your budget?

There's a clean looking 2003 530d with 170k kilometers for sale at Zambesi Auto for 140k. Sounds a bit steep.

That does sound a bit steep... Ideally I'd like to keep it to around 100k...

 

[ChefDJ]

I looked at a lot before deciding on the one I took. Was love at first sight :inlove: All the others always had something broken inside, like the ashtray or the small sliding compartment cover behind the handbrake... But the one I took was just perfect inside

 

[Solo Man]

I have a 2003 E39 530d auto with 240k on the clock. Excellent condition, long distance km's, brand new turbo at 226k km (old one had slight whistle) No known issues. Not really in the market but if i get offered R100k i might consider it? I use this car for my trips to Upington and it has been very reliable with 14km/l (up to 16,5km/l on some trips Joburg to Durbs)

 

[spawn616]

soloman ur car is so pretty in that colour ,well looked afterraise:

i get sad wen i see dilapidated pos 5ers on the road

 

[RAArmstrong]

Soloman, I do agree with spawn!! BEAUTIFUL car!! raise:

However I think I may have found my car! In George!! Have been in touch with the dealer today, hoping for some more indepth photo's tomorrow! :rollsmile:

 

[OppositeLockMT]

I would buy from a Fanatic :thumbs:

 

[Ralf*]

I have a 2003 E39 530d auto with 240k on the clock. Excellent condition, long distance km's, brand new turbo at 226k km (old one had slight whistle) No known issues. Not really in the market but if i get offered R100k i might consider it? I use this car for my trips to Upington and it has been very reliable with 14km/l (up to 16,5km/l on some trips Joburg to Durbs)

very nice example of the E39.....and at 100K I would buy it...sorry I already have one similar to yours, but should mine be "lifted" tonight by affirmative shoppers.....your would be the first one I'd call upon

PS ..I paid R125K for mine in 2007 with 180K on the clock (2001 model)

soory for the "HIJACK" of this thread

 

[RAArmstrong]

Ah I love your car Romeo!!

Car I've spotted is on sale for 100k with 175k km's on the clock, I'm going to attempt to see if I can get it for 90

 

[spawn616]

i waited 8months(1month premature:biglol
but paid 80k for my 2002 with fsh ,one owner and 154k km in 2011,sometimes u gta wait for the right one