So, I've grown up and bought a 5 series..

WernerV

New member
Hi guys, I got tired of my 2002 E46 320i and bought a 1999 523i manual (M52 single vanos) which were very well taken cared of and has only done 140 000km. I always wondered about these cars till I got into it and test drove it! I immediately fell in love with it, the first thing that impressed me was the build quality of the interior and the silky smooth gear action.

Also, it pulls like a train compared to the 320i I've had. I don't understand how they can have the same kw and almost the same torque..it feels way different to me and although it's a big car, it doesnt feel like it at all.

Things that I have noticed that needs attention:

Slight vibration from engine on cold start idle
Vibration and shudder on clutch. Clutch and dual mass flywheel needs to be replaced I guess.. (don't know if it's the flywheel that causes the vibration at idle?)
Slight hesitation between 1000-2000rpms

Things that I have done already:

Changed oil + oil filter
Changed air filter
Cleaned the MAF
Changed fuel filter and fuel pump
Removed the CDV
Fitted rear mud flaps, still waiting for the front one's to arrive from dealer.

I have noticed this car has got a cast iron block and not aluminium like the other 6 cyl's I've had. '96 328i and '02 320i. Can someone please explain why? Also, it doesnt appear to have a catalytic converter or a post lambda sensor, only the 2 pre lambda's on the exhaust manifolds..So, if I fit a performance exhaust in the future this won't throw any codes?

Here's some pics of the old girl








 

Hugo_za

Well-known member
Nice car. I agree with the build quality. Was very impressed with the interior of the 540i. They age gracefully :)

Many happy miles bud! :thumbs:
 

WernerV

New member
Thanks a lot guys! I hope it will serve me well without emptying my bank account.. I'm planning on keeping it for a looong time. It's just the clutch and flywheel that's needs urgent replacing now, expensive stuff..ouch! R6-R7k?:cry: Guess I'd have to go with the LUK clutch and flywheel kit, they are the cheapest so far. Are they any good?
 

prado

Active member
Well done! Congratulations! :thumbs:

I love my E39 more and more each day! Hope to get mine on top condition this Spring!
 

ChefDJ

///Member
Welcome to the forum, very nice E39 you have there :thumbs:
Those Garden Route shots... Where are you based?
 

WernerV

New member
ChefDJ said:
Welcome to the forum, very nice E39 you have there :thumbs:
Those Garden Route shots... Where are you based?

I'm staying in George. That photos were taken at Nature's valley and Wilderness:=):
 

ChefDJ

///Member
WernerV said:
ChefDJ said:
Welcome to the forum, very nice E39 you have there :thumbs:
Those Garden Route shots... Where are you based?

I'm staying in George. That photos were taken at Nature's valley and Wilderness:=):

My parents stay in Great Brak. So I'll be in that neck of the woods for a short holiday around new years :joy:
 

WernerV

New member
ChefDJ said:
WernerV said:
ChefDJ said:
Welcome to the forum, very nice E39 you have there :thumbs:
Those Garden Route shots... Where are you based?

I'm staying in George. That photos were taken at Nature's valley and Wilderness:=):

My parents stay in Great Brak. So I'll be in that neck of the woods for a short holiday around new years :joy:

It certainly is a beautiful place this. I'm planning on moving back to wilderness or sedgefield soon. Things are very chilled out and a lot slower here, so you can't help but to turn a bit hippie-ish after living here for 11 years! :rollsmile:
 
Top