5 Series (E39)

[AA3]

E39 is my altime best car !

I checked some forums on the net and got little bit of idea about it' s pros and cons. But those' re mostly in Europe or US. So I' ve no way of get correct picture of using it in here SL without asking from you guys. As this is kind of old car (1996 - 2003) would like to get real picture. And not all owners telling truth

I would like to hear experiences on reliability and maintenance cost of E39 (this could be more subjective as where you did repairs and service. Still could be a valuable information for me).

[VVTi]

I have a 1997 E39 523i manual.

I am the second owner and the first owner did all repairs and services at Prestige. Kept it in very good nick. Since I bought it I have changed the brake booster, one coolant hose and the FSU (in the blower). Booster was brought down from SGP agents for 1/3 the local agent price and 1/2 the Kelaniya price. Coolant hose was bought from Prestige for 1900 Rupees, and the FCU was bought from Milroy for 11k, That's about it. All work done at home.

Had a small accident with a motorcycle and the painting and a bent tie rod was done at Milroy's. He does excellent work and insurance paid the bill.

This is my second BMW and the the previous car E36 323i, had the same 2.5l engine, so the service cost will be more or less the same. Rs. 20-25k, roughly every 12000kms.

I use 95 fuel normally, but car can take from 91 to 98, runs well on 90 as well. Fuel consumption is not as bad as people would like to say. Does about 8 in the city and 10-11ish on long runs. Its a manual so averages are slightly better.

Reliability, as good as any car on the road. All depends on how you use it and look after it. So far has not broken down on me.

Maintenance costs, again, as both the known places in SL are more or less on par with their charges now. Parts a cheaper in Kelaniya and the VAT component not included, so there will be a slight advantage there.

It all depend on the person I suppose. But if you are a penny counting stingy fella, don't buy a BMW. You cannot cut corners and get away with a BMW.

[VWvortex]

I own a 2002 525i, steptronic. Its a fantastic drive with a good combination of handling and comfort. I get about 10 per litre long distances and 6 in city. Its my daily driver and no issues so far, just done the routine services and replaced some belts and bushes. I buy all parts from overseas as I travel to KL often. Any given original part is about 1/3 price of what prestige charges. So I would say if you can buy outside SL you will save a bundle over a few years. These are lovely cars but you need to give some extra care and attention.if you are a car enthusiast thats something you enjoy right? Thats my two cents

[AA3]

I have a 1997 E39 523i manual.

I am the second owner and the first owner did all repairs and services at Prestige. Kept it in very good nick. Since I bought it I have changed the brake booster, one coolant hose and the FSU (in the blower). Booster was brought down from SGP agents for 1/3 the local agent price and 1/2 the Kelaniya price. Coolant hose was bought from Prestige for 1900 Rupees, and the FCU was bought from Milroy for 11k, That's about it. All work done at home.

Had a small accident with a motorcycle and the painting and a bent tie rod was done at Milroy's. He does excellent work and insurance paid the bill.

This is my second BMW and the the previous car E36 323i, had the same 2.5l engine, so the service cost will be more or less the same. Rs. 20-25k, roughly every 12000kms.

I use 95 fuel normally, but car can take from 91 to 98, runs well on 90 as well. Fuel consumption is not as bad as people would like to say. Does about 8 in the city and 10-11ish on long runs. Its a manual so averages are slightly better.

Reliability, as good as any car on the road. All depends on how you use it and look after it. So far has not broken down on me.

Maintenance costs, again, as both the known places in SL are more or less on par with their charges now. Parts a cheaper in Kelaniya and the VAT component not included, so there will be a slight advantage there.

It all depend on the person I suppose. But if you are a penny counting stingy fella, don't buy a BMW. You cannot cut corners and get away with a BMW.

Thanks for the info.

Seems E39 not a money eater.

But can I ask how long you' ve been using that 523i ?

[VVTi]

Thanks for the info.

Seems E39 not a money eater.

But can I ask how long you' ve been using that 523i ?

Every car is a money 'eater' if you let it....

Using this for almost a year now.

Edited September 4, 2011 by VVTi

[Watchman]

I was just wondering.. I saw a E39 for sale on the AL classified for 2.0mil... Could that be for real?

[The Don]

I was just wondering.. I saw a E39 for sale on the AL classified for 2.0mil... Could that be for real?

Interesting ... looks like a UK import though. I think that car has been advertised before as well. Might be a problem box. The E39 tends to develop front suspension issues at fairly low mileage (around 40K miles) even in the UK, but without seeing the car can't really comment for sure....

[VWvortex]

Well its a 96 model and the seller seems to be in a hurry. Price should be in the range of 22-25

[The Don]

Every car is a money 'eater' if you let it....

Using this for almost a year now.

VVTi, I have a question, when you walk out of the door everyday, you have a fabulous E39 and an 164 smiling at you. How in the world do you decide which one to take out?

[k9master]

VVTi, I have a question, when you walk out of the door everyday, you have a fabulous E39 and an 164 smiling at you. How in the world do you decide which one to take out?

Well it used to be much harder...

Let me rephrase Dons question:

"VVTi, I have a question, few months back, when you walked out of the door everyday, you had a fabulous E39, an awesome E36 and an 164 smiling at you. How in the world did you decide which one to take out?"

[PatrolWeli]

Interesting ... looks like a UK import though. I think that car has been advertised before as well. Might be a problem box. The E39 tends to develop front suspension issues at fairly low mileage (around 40K miles) even in the UK, but without seeing the car can't really comment for sure....

Hi Don... What should I look out for if I'm interested in this car... Don't have any experience in Beemers... Love the looks of the Beemer but i'm put off by the comments i get regarding BMW's in general...

[The Don]

Hi Don... What should I look out for if I'm interested in this car... Don't have any experience in Beemers... Love the looks of the Beemer but i'm put off by the comments i get regarding BMW's in general...

PatrolWeli, the first thing you need to do is to go and drive a BMW and make sure its one in decent nick. If you are inspired to buy one for more than it's look then come and report back. It's gotta be more than for its looks.

What you need to keep an eye out for with any car but particular important in European cars is

#1 That it was imported brand new and was made for the tropical market

#2 That it has a traceable history and maintenance records are available

#3 Check that it was maintained by a specialist (ring the specialist and verify this).

#4 That is is checked by a specialist and certified as being in good condition. I think you can pay Prestige to inspect the car and Milroy will do the same.

[VVTi]

VVTi, I have a question, when you walk out of the door everyday, you have a fabulous E39 and an 164 smiling at you. How in the world do you decide which one to take out?

very easily... :-)  the one closet to the gate. ha ha ha.Actually, I take the 164 for all my long distance trips. Take the E39 to work as that is the only car that has the vehicle pass for my office car park. But to be really honest, the 164 is the pick of the litter anytime, any day... The best since the P11. Jeremy Clarkson is right, when everything works in an Alfa, and you have a nice road like the E01 or even any clear windy road..... bliss. Edited February 7, 2012 by VVTi

[VVTi]

PatrolWeli, the first thing you need to do is to go and drive a BMW and make sure its one in decent nick. If you are inspired to buy one for more than it's look then come and report back. It's gotta be more than for its looks.

What you need to keep an eye out for with any car but particular important in European cars is

#1 That it was imported brand new and was made for the tropical market

#2 That it has a traceable history and maintenance records are available

#3 Check that it was maintained by a specialist (ring the specialist and verify this).

#4 That is is checked by a specialist and certified as being in good condition. I think you can pay Prestige to inspect the car and Milroy will do the same.

and to add to this, make sure you buy from either the registered owner or ensure you can verify the history. Lot of pennypinching types buy these due to initial low price in the second hand market and mess up the car.

[bavarian]

hey VVTi,

Did you sold your 323i ? when did this happened?

[VVTi]

This was sold to Bugatti on AL... almost 2 years ago.

[The Don]

very easily... :-) the one closet to the gate. ha ha ha.Actually, I take the 164 for all my long distance trips. Take the E39 to work as that is the only car that has the vehicle pass for my office car park. But to be really honest, the 164 is the pick of the litter anytime, any day... The best since the P11. Jeremy Clarkson is right, when everything works in an Alfa, and you have a nice road like the E01 or even any clear windy road..... bliss.

So you rate the 164 a better driver than the RWD E39? In what ways? Incidentally did you experience any issues with the front suspension of the E39 or with the electronic climate control system?

[VVTi]

So you rate the 164 a better driver than the RWD E39? In what ways? Incidentally did you experience any issues with the front suspension of the E39 or with the electronic climate control system?

I actually do rate the AR better. Both have their idiosynchrasies. But the AR is far more responsive in all departments. Throttle especially. The inline 6 takes some spooling up where as the V6 is ready from the moment the foot touches the pedal. Also the steering rack is a high ratio steering, so a small flick of the wheel is all you need to do a direction change. The AR however has a very large turning circle to the right due to the left wheel having a limited turn limitation due to the GB sticking out. It has a better turning radius to the left...

All in all, the E39 was the poster child for the best all around car, but the AR164 must be the most underrated sports sedan ever.

So far no issues with the suspension on the E39. A Tie Rod was replaced due to an idiot on a KDX slamming in to the right hand wheel. I replaced the fan resistor of the AC Blower myself, thats about it.

So far so good.

[PatrolWeli]

Thanks a lot for the pointers... will keep an eye out for them... As for the vehicle in question it was sold when i checked with the owner this morning...

[SeanD]

Just wondering about all the 2011 BMWs that seem to be on sale on this site.

http://autolanka.com/Buy.asp?FormName=Search&FormAction=search&ad_type_id=&ad_category_id=7&search=

What's the deal with these? People just buying it to sell it at a loss? Or are they chalking up the price?

[rangerover]

These cars were around 5.8 mill for the permit. Most of them are trying to cash in on the benefit obtained. The fully duty paid 320d touches the 15 mill lkr mark. However, given the significant amount of vehicles up for sale and limited number of buyers willing to spend 7 mill + on a non transferable, stripped down (optionwise) BMW has resulted in a lot of non moving stocks

[NEW BEEMER FIVE MEMBER]

I own a 2002 525i, steptronic. Its a fantastic drive with a good combination of handling and comfort. I get about 10 per litre long distances and 6 in city. Its my daily driver and no issues so far, just done the routine services and replaced some belts and bushes. I buy all parts from overseas as I travel to KL often. Any given original part is about 1/3 price of what prestige charges. So I would say if you can buy outside SL you will save a bundle over a few years. These are lovely cars but you need to give some extra care and attention.if you are a car enthusiast thats something you enjoy right? Thats my two cents

Hi I bought my 525i 2001yom car from a very carefully used lady driver who had done only 23k for the last 6 years (with a total mileage of 46k......... In kilometers :-). Yeah good deal).it's a steptronic and enjoying every moment of driving. Replaced the rear view mirrors by paying 45k to prestige. Yes I should have bought it from singapore or KL but, I needed them to be replaced soon as the existing one with the gel had gone pretty bad due to climate. The car does around 6.5 to 7 in colombo. Didn't check long distance yet. Downloaded the manual and learning all functions and features. Coming from Honda Accord family, I would say prestige automobiles need a long way to go to compete with the likes of stafford motors when it comes to customer comfort and service. I don't know about milroys. He is anyway too far for me who is from Kottawa.

Will some one tell me the common areas of concerns on a 525i? Thanks so much.

[NEW BEEMER FIVE MEMBER]

I own a 2002 525i, steptronic. Its a fantastic drive with a good combination of handling and comfort. I get about 10 per litre long distances and 6 in city. Its my daily driver and no issues so far, just done the routine services and replaced some belts and bushes. I buy all parts from overseas as I travel to KL often. Any given original part is about 1/3 price of what prestige charges. So I would say if you can buy outside SL you will save a bundle over a few years. These are lovely cars but you need to give some extra care and attention.if you are a car enthusiast thats something you enjoy right? Thats my two cents

Hi I bought my 525i 2001yom car from a very carefully used lady driver who had done only 23k for the last 6 years (with a total mileage of 46k......... In kilometers :-). Yeah good deal).it's a steptronic and enjoying every moment of driving. Replaced the rear view mirrors by paying 45k to prestige. Yes I should have bought it from singapore or KL but, I needed them to be replaced soon as the existing one with the gel had gone pretty bad due to climate. The car does around 6.5 to 7 in colombo. Didn't check long distance yet. Downloaded the manual and learning all functions and features. Coming from Honda Accord family, I would say prestige automobiles need a long way to go to compete with the likes of stafford motors when it comes to customer comfort and service. I don't know about milroys. He is anyway too far for me who is from Kottawa.

Will some one tell me the common areas of concerns on a 525i? Thanks so much.

[VVTi]

Welcome to the club. I have a 523i, manual, myself. That's a nice machine that you got there. If the car was maintained throughout by Prestige, it should be ok. Not much goes wrong with them. However the Steptronic GB with its lifetime oil will need to be looked after. If the oil has not been changed its high time you change it as failure to do so will cost you a packet. I am talking 6 figures, close upon 7...

I had a older E36 with a ZF Auto GB and the previous owner has not run it much but the oil aged anyway and the car ended up getting the GB overhauled. Prestige and Milroy both refused to undertake it. The story is here in AL, Do a search. Suspension parts are very expensive though, unless you get them down yourself.

Apart from that, nothing much. Enjoy the car.

BTW, if no one responds to your post, do not repost it. Welcome to AL.

Edited February 25, 2012 by VVTi

[VWvortex]

Congrats on your purchase! With beemers the general understanding is that its better to run these cars than keep them for occasional use. 23k over six years is quite low. check the history of all the fluid changes i.e brakes, power steering, diff,coolant etc and if it has not been changed recently attend to these. Also coolent hoses & pipes, P/S hoses & radiator hoses tend to deteriorate. If budget permits you can do some preventive maintenance on these.

BMW calls the ATF a lifetime fluid & its very likely it has never been changed in the car. There are two schools of thought on changing the ATF. Just go on until the GB fails or change the oil at regular intervals like any other automatic car. BMW themselves have gone back on the 'lifetime' stance and recommend a change every 8 years or around 100k (Not 100% sure on the stated mileage). if you plan to change the ATF please remember its a specialists job and you need to know what you are doing. Lot of material on the web about how to re-fill properly etc.. DO NOT use regular ATF oil like MOBIL or your GB will go kaput.

Generally its a very solid car and will give you immense driving pleasure. Finding a replacement would be very tough once you get used to her! Please post some pictures when you have the time.