To Change or Not To Change

[fastguy]

Hi All,

Need some light here,

We currently have a 98 528i, 261k on the clock still in good nick, no problems so far, was thinking of changing it for 02 745i f/h 160k on the clock.

The dealer is asking R150k and is willing trade the 5 in for about R50k.


Do your'll think the its a good idea or not?

 

[335i Lci]

Too old....

 

[andrewbuch]

Too old....

Not everyone can buy/finance new cars...

 

[fastguy]

Too old....

Not everyone can buy/finance new cars...

Hi Guys,

Age dont bother me.

I have never had a 7 series, so not too sure about them.

Anything I need to look out for?

 

[netercol]

not to pour water on your idea, but the thing with the 7 series is it immensly complicated electronics.. unless you are a bit of a diy man, and can handle niggles yourself, expect to get bent over when things go wrong.. other than that they are amazing cars..

 

[Twinz]

I would keep the 5...:thumbsup:

 

[Sith]

Tough choice. Your e39 is a great car and, as you say, in good nick, and giving you no hassles. It's also depreciated to a point where it won't lose much more. If you want a change, the Seven will have more bells and whistles, and greater presence. So no problem there. However, it is also much bigger, thirstier, more costly to maintain, and will still depreciate quite a lot further. Then, as netercol stated, there's those electronics to consider. It will also be much harder to shift the Seven come sale time. My advice? If you got the bucks, want the change, and willing to take the above into account, then go for it.

 

[335i Lci]

Whether you buy or finance it, the money has to come from some source, what's that got to do with anything.... Buy a newer 5 series. The 7 seven series probably has more features than our houses but the repairs will probably be cheaper for those features in our homes too!!!

 

[Cournal AB]

Honestly it depends on which car you prefer, but all in all I would take the 7.
Just my 2c but to me the 7 is an all round better car.:thumb:

 

[rick540]

Those early 02 7's have a little reputation with electronics issues, check that out before making a decision.

 

[Raybimmer]

IMHO get the dealer down to R130K and keep R20K for rainy day . Five years time 7 will also be worth R50K or so .

 

[XMAX]

It might be a better option to get the E60 5 series. Great car with plenty of electronics and other goodies to keep you happy for a long time.

The 7s are awesome. Ask Zaleonard. He will testify how awesome the car is.


IMHO, it the choice were mine, I'd take an e60 5 series.

 

[Hellas]

Those early 02 7's have a little reputation with electronics issues, check that out before making a decision.

Yup, 02 and 03's can be had for anything from R140k to R160k. Electrical probs as mentioned as well as some plumbing problems which will see you having to lift out the engine to swop out a hose.

 

[P1000]

Much better idea=>http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=15085&highlight=545

Stay well away of the early ('02/'03) 7's, they came riddled with electronic gremlins from the factory, so by now that should be a nightmare in most cases. Also the air suspension will cost you some serious cash to fix; and it will break at that age...

 

[Hellas]

Good call in the 545, P1000. Lotta car for not so much money.

 

[Sith]

Yes, good call on the 545, if he is willing to extend his budget a little further. As for the air suspension, damn, I forgot that one. A neighbour spent 15K on his a few years back, and that was on an old e32. Must be terrifying on an e65.

 

[fastguy]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the advice, only had a chance to read all the posts now, work got my drowning.

I took all the above into consideration and decided to stay away from the 7 series, but now, my cuzz has my hooked on the idea of a E39 M5...........


Sounds like a plan to me, what do you think?