E39 2002 530I Buying Advice Needed

[Den1]

Hello All.

This is my first post!

I don;t have a BMW yet, but I have seen a 2002 E39 530i auto with 136,000 miles on the clock!

Since i haven't a clue what they are like to own... what are they like for running costs MPG ( I don't thrash mt cars), repairs...( I read some where that the auto box is sealed and can't be repaired??) ..any likely faults?

Thanks Dennis.!

[Guest DazH]

Hello Dennis, and welcome

I had an E39 520i when I was 18 and I got rid as soon as I noticed Head Gasket Failure symptoms. I would imagine its because I pushed her to too far for a 2 litre in such a large car. Had a beautiful engine but I did have bad problems with my suspensions. Rattled like a skeleton touching itself in an empty biscuit tin. shocks went very quickly, one after the other. Bought the car when it was in perfect nick than the suspension started to deteriorate.

I think the 530i is a fantastic idea as its the engine I wanted back when I had my E39. I say buy, enjoy and if it knackers itself, come back here and have fun fixing it! =] Best of luck bud

Daz

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Agree with Daz, The standard shocks/srings have a tendency to fail prematurely on BMW's in general, usually a broken spring or top rubber !

I would have gone for the 525i or 528i (M52 engine) though !! ;)

As for the Auto box... "Maintenance-free" is a myth, consider a manufacture fault and they recall the model? Nothing is pure or bullt proof these days!

If the gearbox IS maintenance-free, why do they STILL have filler plugs ?