Buying a 5 series 528i

[Zar 0]

Hi there i have been looking at buying a 5 series 528i 1996 single vanos. Its done about 129000kms.

Please is there anything i need to look for before buying?

Also are they expensive to maintain?

How much would a service cost me?

Also i read in a UK forum about crank sensors going and what not?

Any advise or help would be greatfull. I have seen one i just need some help in finding out a few things have always loved these cars.

Thank you.

[Driftit 1964]

Most people on here suggest to stay away from the 6 cyln E39's. They are quite gutless.

It is always best to get a pre inspection check done by a BMW specialist.

[martyyn 2]

Im sorry mate but thats rubbish.

The 528 has to be one of the better 6 cylinder engines BMW has ever produced. The 530 is possibly the best e39 you can buy.

The 520 will be gutless as hell, but the later 525i, the 528's and the 530's are superb.

Edited July 30, 2009 by Penry

[entscheidend 0]

A 528i has to best the best all round car for the E39s - power to weight ratio. (530i is best since 2000)

IMO maintanence is no issue - unlike the V8s your not prone to oil leaks, have 2 less O2 sensors and the M52 motor is very reliable.

Supension is aluminium - high mileage (1996 model - maybe) you will need to check bushings, control arms, sway bar links, ball joints - these can be picked up with a inspection. If you drive over a speed bump and hear a clunking noise - ball joints

Singapore models seem similar to NZ new (spec wise apart from TV etc)

Japs - seem to be mostly cloth inside and you cant put Euro plates on them unless you change the boot.

Plus cars from these markets have the IR keys which is a PITA - NZ modles have RF.

Engine -Cooling system - Replace the combo - Radiator/Water Pump/Thermostat. If they havent gone yet - they will.

Service History - good bonus

Crank sensor - rubbish - scanning can pick this up or if the car has trouble cranking. Walk awy if this happens

Overall - good car - similar to a 328i which are known for reliability

[Driftit 1964]

Each to their own then. I found the 528 gutless. But thats personal preference.

[hotwire 352]

Yep, sorry to disagree Dan but 6 cyls quite ok (agree the 520i is gutless though) IMO - our 525i (523i NZ badging) is a great car. Obviously power wise 28 & 30's better & 40 better again.

Each to their own though - "Gutless" is subjective:-

I like the 8's but if getting another E39 I would probably opt for a 530i

[Driftit 1964]

I would happily replace my 540 with the diesel. But they are expensive and rare.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-232415010.htm

[Subway 5]

I think we are looking at the same 528i, its very straight, but I haven't had it inspected yet. They seem to go very well, but was wondering, what is the fuel economy like? ive heard between 8L/100km and 10L/100km on long distance trips and 12L/100km or less around town?

[1rotty 40]

Those figures are what a 540 does.I would have thought the diesel would do much better than that.

Really nice car though & the price not bad really for a 2000.

Edited August 1, 2009 by 1rotty

[Driftit 1964]

Those are around the same figures I am getting in my 540. Around town I am a little more due to a heavy foot. 14-15L/100 around town.

[kiwi535 538]

I would happily replace my 540 with the diesel. But they are expensive and rare.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-232415010.htm

manual one even more rare....silly money tho

[kiwi535 538]

I think we are looking at the same 528i, its very straight, but I haven't had it inspected yet. They seem to go very well, but was wondering, what is the fuel economy like? ive heard between 8L/100km and 10L/100km on long distance trips and 12L/100km or less around town?

528 will be around 8-9 on a long trip i reckon...in town could be anything ,depends how much stop start you do

[allan 295]

Zarry hi!, Drive as many of them as you can find sort out the one you like and can afford then get a pre-purchase inspection done by Gray's in Plmy Nth. A full service history is another thing to look out for also, problems with the e39's that I have had to deal with are pixels in instrument cluster drop off. Cooling system, radiators, thermostat housings, water pumps, expansion tank these have plastic components and as they age become brittle and can brake.

Their are others items but like all car things wear out just take your time and one will stand out from the rest then click that's the one

Cheers good hunting

Allan

[Zar 0]

Zarry hi!, Drive as many of them as you can find sort out the one you like and can afford then get a pre-purchase inspection done by Gray's in Plmy Nth. A full service history is another thing to look out for also, problems with the e39's that I have had to deal with are pixels in instrument cluster drop off. Cooling system, radiators, thermostat housings, water pumps, expansion tank these have plastic components and as they age become brittle and can brake.

Their are others items but like all car things wear out just take your time and one will stand out from the rest then click that's the one

Cheers good hunting

Allan

Thanks very much for your help and feed back

[39KiwiTouring 2]

528i are awesome cars 147kw very tourquey tows better than my 01 AU Falcon, not overly fast but plenty of power if you need it, love it woudn't have any other car for now.

[JaydenNZ 0]

Me got a 1994 318i single cam automatic nothing can be as gutless as that. Dam its gutless