Thinking of getting an E39 530i/540i

[Contrails 316]

As title states, I am thinking of getting an E39 530i or 540i, facelift Msport. The car will be used mostly for daily commute but it would be a great addition to have next to an E28 M535i. I have been reading online about coolant issues and pixels dying on the dash.

Things I am interested in are, what are the usual rust locations, oil leak issues, electrical stuff, usual service and maintenance costs. Most of the cars I am seeing have clocked around the 170,000 - 220,000km mark. What things break down at this point that need replacing?

I appreciate the responses.

[Young Thrash Driver 1020]

V8's will have issues regarding cam chain guides etc at these km if the issue hasn't already been fixed. If you are daily driving around the city, you will probably find the inline 6 a much nicer steer.

When buying my 530i, I considered the expected lower maintenance and fuel bills, and the nicer steering, more important than the grunt and noise of the V8.

I'd advise you to test drive both, decide on V8 or I6, and then choose a car on it's own merits. Plenty of 200,000km plus cars about (with either engine) are giving reliable service.

[Young Thrash Driver 1020]

Should probably add- whatever you buy, be prepared to spend another 1K or thereabouts on a cooling system refresh. There are plenty of these cars about with old pipes etc just waiting to fail. Case in point, within a month of buying, my current 530 required a new top coolant hose and a new radiator cap.

[Contrails 316]

When buying my 530i, I considered the expected lower maintenance and fuel bills, and the nicer steering, more important than the grunt and noise of the V8.

Thanks for your response. I have taken a 530i Non M sport for a test drive and it felt very nice in regards to the steering but throttle response was a bit sluggish at low RPM. But once it got going, definitely put a smile on my face.

The noise and acceleration of the 540i on the other hand... Would you say it would be fair enough to put $1500-$2000 aside to fix issues up to keep it hassle free for a year/two? And how prone are these cars to rust?

[allan 295]

This is a subject much debated on this forum 540 or 530 personnel I feel the 530 is a better all round package. Had a 530 for 5 and half years despite the faults it was a nice vehicle to drive in more so the open road than in the city. Look for a late 03 model with these being near the end of the series they had all the options fitted as standard. As for looks the vote for me is M sport it has a firm ride though so if not your thing go standard. The e39 has a number of faults these are some I can remember

Oil leaks, sump, cam cover, "O" rings cam sensors, oil filter housing these are the common ones. The hose connections on the power steering reservoir and the crushed "o" ring on the dip stick lid

Main drive belt system, mechanical type can chatter hydraulic a better option bearing noise on these pulleys also

Crankcase vent system hoses can collapse and other issues.

The normal weak cooling system, electrical connections to the thermostat and the thermostat itself, viscous fan, expansion tanks internally cracking

Electrical the wiring in the flexible connector between boot and body wear through and brake coursing all sorts of funny things

The common problem dropped out pixels in the cluster

Rear tail light sealing gaskets these prevent water entering the boot as the drain channel from the boot pass over them. Battery located not to far away

Rear door window switch's sometimes the guts in them fall apart

Wet carpet apart from the very obverse sometimes a damaged,missing of miss fitted plastic door membrane

Headlights if the rubber vent holes in these get blocked they can make the headlights start to fog up and once condensation is present it is very hard to remove.

The only place I can thing of rust could be a problem is around the petrol tank filler neck it always had water their on the 530 I owned

The pedal shimmy this is either wrapped discs or worn control arms or thrust arm bushes.

[*Glenn* 854]

I will say...if it looks good... feels good... drives well and the price is within your budget... organise a PPI with a specialist before you commit ..... end of story. You could debate your OP and end up with 15 pages of info which will completely confuse you

[aja540i 1906]

shouldnt be any rust worth mentioning on an e39, especially a facelift, unless its had a dodgy repair or been parked in the ocean!! Test drive plenty, buy the best one for you, v8 or 6, both have good and bad points. If you plan to spend 1500 - 2000 on it within 6 months of getting it you should cover most of the common issues, but it might be worth looking at a higher mileage car that has had the work done already (like my 540i wagon !) good luck.

[Contrails 316]

Cheers everyone. PPI is definitely on the list Glenn. At the moment, I am test driving as many as I can to get a feel for them and then take the best one for the PPI.

Aja540i, your wagon is tempting especially being a manual but I really love the sedan shape and has to be black (not being racist). I test drove a 330ci and it wasn't my cup of tea. Then test drove a 530i and knew right away I wanted an E39.

Edited May 13, 2016 by Contrails

[isis 16]

I just picked picked up an 03 540i and can't stop driving it! The power and that sound just makes me smile..

I had it inspected and a only raised 2 common wear and tear issues. It's all getting done next week inc a full service. Happy hunting..

[Contrails 316]

Isis, if you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost for the 03' 540i?

[isis 16]

9k. It's nz new if it makes any difference..

[Contrails 316]

Nice work Isis.

[Driftit 2069]

I'm looking at buying another E39 in the US at the moment. They are stupid cheap. $2k USD for a 540i. Or $5K USD for a 6 speed manual.

There should be plenty in NZ that have already had the work you need done.

Mine was a High Mileage Hong Kong import. Only issues I had were worn control arm bushes in the rear from towing the race car, a failed fuel pump. And the stupid heater control valve issues.

I wouldn't touch a modified one.

Get the PPI done through Glenn and the boys at Botany Motor Worx.

[Contrails 316]

There should be plenty in NZ that have already had the work you need done

Thanks mate. Pics or receipts or this never happened.

It's a beautiful day today for some test drives and I just got back from one and the poor thing looked like it was abused and never cleaned. Both front tires were completely worn out, wheel alignment was off, dents galore, oil was leaking in two spots and no service records. Body had scratches all over, paint was peeling off in numerous places, interior had bits missing... The Engine still purred and the gearbox was shifting smoothly. But the rest of the car needed a lot of work.

The search continues.