To buy or not to buy - 530i

[528iE39]

I have been casually shopping for a newer E39 than my '99 528i for a while. I just found a silver 2003 530i that might just be what I was looking for all along. 133k km's on the clock, M Parallel wheels, for R120k. Auto Steptronic, but unfortunately without the M/Sport body kit (which I adore) and no mention of Xenons in the ad (which I also think are awesome). Thoughts? It looks like a good deal to me, minor omissions from my wish list aside. On the plus side, it's out in the sticks, so I assume that most of the mileage was long distance.

On a practical note, I could just swing picking this one up whilst I fix up my 528i for resale - would probably aim to get R60k for it (175k km's on the clock) - does that sound like a reasonable price?

 

[Raybimmer]

IMHO keep looking but get your E39 in good shape , put it through roadworthy ready to sell then look for later model in earnest , what about 2001/2 540 i for R75-85 K and up .

 

[528iE39]

Thanks Ray - you've given me something to think about there... I go through this exercise every couple of months, but generally come to the conclusion that I will keep the 528i, as it does most things I need it to. I see there are some bargains to had on 540i's if you look around - closest I ever came to driving something similar was an X5 4.4. That was one of my best driving experiences.

 

[Budleigh]

Have a look on Bimmerforums/BMW5.co.uk etc for the never-ending debate about used E39 530i vs 540i. Horses for courses, I guess ,but there's nothing wrong with a 530i - powerful enough, not thirsty in the least, and should be completely reliable if well-looked after. Would want xenons, though.

 

[528iE39]

Decided to give it a miss - if anybody in Cape Town or surrounds is interested, here's the link:

http://capetown.gumtree.co.za/c-Car...ts-cars-R35K-BMW-530i-2003-W0QQAdIdZ204308858

Looks like a rare specimen.

 

[rick540]

Just go for a E39 540i

In good condition it uses less fuel than many engines half it's size. I average 11L/100Km

540i owners please chip in here and back me up.

Look inside the fender liner on that 530i it's brown, seen some serious dirt roads there, that would put me off, dirt roads kill luxury cars, I keep mine away from dirt roads no matter what.

 

[brimes]

Just go for a E39 540i

In good condition it uses less fuel than many engines half it's size. I average 11L/100Km

540i owners please chip in here and back me up.

Look inside the fender liner on that 530i it's brown, seen some serious dirt roads there, that would put me off, dirt roads kill luxury cars, I keep mine away from dirt roads no matter what.

i agree with rick, the 8s are not thirsty for their engine size.
however if you are doing more town driving, then go with the 6.
the 530i won global coty in 2001. however gotta backup my '8' buddies that the 8s outlast the 6s.

good luck:thumbsup:

 

[528iE39]

I've got to say that a nice 540i is starting to become more attractive... I got stuck on the idea of another straight 6 after enjoying my 528i so much, but have spotted a couple of beautiful 540i's in my shopping around - for whatever reason, I just never thought of pursuing the matter.

I'll extend my search to '02/'03 540's and see how it goes. Going to take my time about it, because I need to get wheels for wifey first - she runs a small catering business and needs a runabout + I need something I can chuck my MTB into the back of for weekend adventures. An X5 would be great, but slightly beyond the budget for this particular exercise - can't afford to run two "fancy" cars, so a station wagon of some sort will need to suffice. Once that + the 528i are nicely sorted, I will see what I can find.

 

[guyp]

I got to tell you I have a 2002 540i with 135000 kms. It has the sports kit, M badges and 17" BMW sport wheels. I love this car - the power is awesome - a little thirsty in town driving though. They didn't too many of them with the sports kit I think as I have never seen another one. I also had a choice between the 530i and 540i - no contest!

 

[E39 Ian]

I'm with Rick and guyp on this one, the 540 is only choice!!

The V8 is really something special, BMW have used amazing technology to make this car light on fuel. I drove a 400km round trip about a month ago and returned a figure of 9.9L/100km, and thats with a broken CPS, oxygen sensors disconnected and a smile!!! :thumbsup:

I can only imagine how much better it would have been if my camshaft position sensor and oxygen sensors were working correctly and connected!!!!

 

[Solo Man]

I totally agree with all the V8 comments above. I have both a 528i and 540i and must admit that when it comes to performance, there is no contest. Consumption wise, doing a round trip via Upington, Bloem, Jo'burg, Durban and back to the Western Cape under "similar" conditions (one up, travelling at exactly the speed limit, aircon not on all of the time) and yes, i know, it is a sin to travel at 120 in one of these, I got 11,73km/l with the 528i auto and 9.9km/l with the 540i auto. But the pleasure when having to pass an interlink/extra long vehicle with the 540 is something to remember. By the way, the 540 is for sale having bought a 2003 530d E39 recently.

 

[mbouwer]

Ahoi!

Ja I must agree also with the guys here - 540i is the way to go.. If "fuel consumption" is a real issue then you should probably not be looking at a 5 series 6/8.. They are BIG cars and they are NOT going to render the consumption of a Uno or a Polo. The figures that Solo is giving here is spot on for the long road. But in town you are looking at 6.5km/litre for a 540 and about 7.5/8 for a 530..

Someone once gave me this to chew on and this is probably the BIG MESSAGE to ANYONE who is considering a 5 series and is considering a 530 or a 540...

Here goes! YOU ARE BUYING A BIG CAR ANYWAY!!! YOU ARE GONNA SPEND A BIT ON FUEL ANYWAY!!! Just go FULL ON and get the V8!! In a 530 you are ALWAYS going to wonder "Hmmm... the 540 would be more exhiliratiing" (and it IS!!) and say to yourself "Jus man... I COULD'VE had the V8!"