To buy or not to buy?

[Henry330i]

Hey all I'm busy looking at buying a E39 530i Auto Sport.
Its in real good nic, 2 owners Full service history. New front tires, new front disk and pads.How is it to live with these cars day to day. Now I know its not the cheapest to maintain. And I handle it.

But this car had a water leak and the dealer said he will get it sorted. How would I be able to see if they too short cuts. And airbag light came on intermittently.
<a href="http://s1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff389/Henry330i/?action=view&amp;current=BMW530iSport.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff389/Henry330i/BMW530iSport.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[Hellas]

How much?

And if you don't take it...I might :mmm:

 

[moranor@axis]

i would tell the dealer you dont want him to fix it and rather get a discount...

 

[Henry330i]

How much?

And if you don't take it...I might :mmm:

Don't you dare :=): I've been looking for one for a while now.

They want R99000

 

[Hellas]

Neat. Good luck with the car. I'd also say see if you can negotiate some discount, but only if you are sure that the leak is not serious.

 

[WyKiD]

That looks super sweet, if they can get it sorted. Go for it!

What's the mileage?

 

[Henry330i]

I think I just might hope its no lemon. One thing for sure its better than my Peugeot that is parked next to my 330i.:rollsmile:

 

[Sankekur]

That look pretty good, nice car and nice colour. The airbag light coming on intermittently might be due to a faulty passenger occupancy sensor.

 

[Henry330i]

Might be. Strange how a airbag is a feature we all are willing to pay for and then hope we never have to use it.

 

[Sankekur]

Another thing about airbags is, how reliable are they as they get older? How safe do you feel sitting with you face close to a 10+ years old explosive device everyday?

 

[Henry330i]

Just hope it doesn't premature ejacu... I mean detonate.

Airbag..., I doesn't feel like that when you get hit by one. Take my word for it.

 

[Sankekur]

Luckily I have never had to experience it, and I hope that I never have to.

 

[Henry330i]

Me too never again. Put your hand over your face and then it it as hard as you can with the other hand. Its about the same.

 

[Sith]

Guys, stop talking about ejaculating airbags, lol. Seriously Henry, where have you been all these years? Besides the usual bargaining, get this car checked out, and if all is ok, buy it. The e39 is really one of BMW's very best creations, a massively capable allrounder in all respects. And you know, a well maintained example is not such a horror to run. The fact that you are looking at this car means you like it, and I really don't think you can go wrong. I don't know the mileage, but if it's not starship, the history sounds good. I agree with Sank about that occupancy sensor, I had that exact experience with a 528i I had a few years ago, and it is by no means a deal breaker. I might be wrong on this, but the front spoiler appears to be the M5 version, and not the sport version that should be there. Correct me if I am wrong, but that may indicate a front fender bender in the car's past. Even so, that should not put you off unless it was major. I am no mechanic, but these cars have an extremely good reputation. The key is to make sure it is ship shape, and if it is, I doubt you will regret buying it, and have many happy journeys. Imho, they really are fantastic cars. Also just remember, it won't be as brisk as your 330i, or sound as good, as it has a bigger body to carry around. Good luck with your decision. :=):

 

[Dogland]

Seriously nice car...but maybe save up a bit more and go for a 540i or M5

 

[///MALCOLM325]

The car looks good, I think R99K is slightly steep, seeing that E60's are going for a song these days - so negotiate as much as possible.

Just be very weary of that water leak, just get someone to check exactly where the water leak is coming from.

 

[andrewbuch]

If this car has 150K km or there abouts then its a semi decent car. Great color & awesome Kit on it. the engine is a bit rough at idle when it first starts up & is cold..De@nO went to look at it this last weekend...

 

[De@nO]

Yeah, almost did a trade deal on this car, unfortunately I think the dealer wants a bit too much for what the car is realy worth. It actually has 173k km and the service history is nonexistent from 110km. Motor is a bit rough on idle but smooothes out once warm.

 

[Fordkoppie]

Since you are dealing with a cardealer, i would say let them fix it.
I would assume that if you repair it yourself, you will void the "warranty" cover of the new CPA should there be something seriously wrong.

 

[Henry330i]

Thanks guys, spoke to dealer today they replaced the water pump and belts. He also said waiting for other invoices from owner for other services. But I know, I know seeing is believing.

As for a 540i would love one but its going to be a daily driver to fuel usage springs to mind.