kvmvl 6 Report post Posted April 13, 2020 Greetings I have my eye on this E39 touring - 525i 2001 Its pretty damn tidy, done 170,000kms I've heard that these engines can go a long way What should I look out for? My vision is to stance it out and chuck a straight pipe on it See below for reference Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sammo 2544 Report post Posted April 14, 2020 For an E39 touring I think a 530i would be much better and doubt it would use any more gas. Cooling system Vacuum leaks Oil leaks Vanos seals Spend some money on preventative maintenance before you start dropping cash on stancing it out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kvmvl 6 Report post Posted April 14, 2020 (edited) 25 minutes ago, Sammo said: For an E39 touring I think a 530i would be much better and doubt it would use any more gas. Cooling system Vacuum leaks Oil leaks Vanos seals Spend some money on preventative maintenance before you start dropping cash on stancing it out. Thanks for your response man I'm honestly just looking for something reliable for running around once or twice a month (I don't drive very far because everything is so close to me) Totally will tackle the basics first before I spend anything on stancing it out, gotta have the priorities right! Edited April 14, 2020 by kvmvl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sammo 2544 Report post Posted April 14, 2020 53 minutes ago, kvmvl said: Thanks for your response man I'm honestly just looking for something reliable for running around once or twice a month (I don't drive very far because everything is so close to me) Totally will tackle the basics first before I spend anything on stancing it out, gotta have the priorities right! Both are reliable engines, cooling system being the achilles heel ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ctho 53 Report post Posted April 14, 2020 One big thing I’d look out for is if the air suspension on the rear has been replaced. Goes around 150-200kms and is about a $1,000 job (600 if you DIY). Usually the airbags that go but can be a leak in the air line or compressor that can be more expensive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aja540i 1906 Report post Posted April 14, 2020 These can suffer from BMWs famous tailgate wiring loom failure, just check things like the rear wiper/washer, and split tailgate switches work properly, also check the tailgate struts, they are a bit of a pain to do and new ones are not cheap. Rear subframe bushes will be shot or nearly shot at that mileage, causes crashy, harsh ride in the back end, Otherwise they are great wagons. If you are happy with the 525i go for that, but don't expect great performance, and the economy won't be fantastic, they are nearly 2 tonnes! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hqstu 780 Report post Posted April 15, 2020 As with any BMW of this age or type, expect to drop the same amount of coin into it initially, as you spent buying it, to catch up on maintenance and fixing a few sub-optimal aspects - unless you get lucky... i.e. treat a $4k purchase as an $8k outlay over the first few months. Going into it in this regard is less eye-watering in the long run... 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qube 3570 Report post Posted April 15, 2020 @BreakMyWindow 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael. 2313 Report post Posted April 15, 2020 A 530i is definitely more optimal than a 525i Big car, you need the extra torque. Also don't straight pipe it, with the auto and being straight six, they are notorious for being obnoxiously loud. Could put a smaller rear muffler on but leave the rest of the system as it is. Cheaper in the long run too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kvmvl 6 Report post Posted May 26, 2020 Thanks everyone I ended up buying it, lowering it on einbachs and putting some 18" bbs reps on it only thing I don't like is the way the back sits - I still feel like theres way too much space in the arch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cammsport 390 Report post Posted June 26, 2020 On 5/27/2020 at 10:12 AM, kvmvl said: Thanks everyone I ended up buying it, lowering it on einbachs and putting some 18" bbs reps on it only thing I don't like is the way the back sits - I still feel like theres way too much space in the arch Do you mind if I ask how much you ended up buying this for? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kvmvl 6 Report post Posted August 20, 2020 On 6/27/2020 at 6:39 AM, Cammsport said: Do you mind if I ask how much you ended up buying this for? kia ora bro ended up paying $3500 I've spent about an additional $2500 on rear suspension, hoses and engine (coils and spark plugs etc) plus tints and lowering springs, probably spent about $7500 all up 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Young Thrash Driver 1020 Report post Posted August 21, 2020 I think, but I'm not sure (stance not being something I ever cared for) the rear ride height can be modified via coding- basically you program it to have a new "normal" height to operate at. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kvmvl 6 Report post Posted August 26, 2020 On 8/21/2020 at 7:30 PM, Young Thrash Driver said: I think, but I'm not sure (stance not being something I ever cared for) the rear ride height can be modified via coding- basically you program it to have a new "normal" height to operate at. Hey man My version has static all around But I dropped it on some Einbachs and it looks pretty good Back could be a bit lower 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sammo 2544 Report post Posted August 26, 2020 @kvmvl Where did you get the reps? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Young Thrash Driver 1020 Report post Posted August 26, 2020 What do you mean by static, if you chuck 500kg in the boot doesn't it do the self levelling trick? Can check by turning the ignition on and jumping in the boot, one person is enough weight to activate the system. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qube 3570 Report post Posted August 26, 2020 probably removed the sls for standard shocks and springs? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BreakMyWindow 1874 Report post Posted August 26, 2020 Sls although quite common was an option in tourings. Op i think means to say he has conventional coil springs in the rear. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kvmvl 6 Report post Posted September 8, 2020 On 8/26/2020 at 3:30 PM, Sammo said: @kvmvl Where did you get the reps? my friend owns "The Mod Shop" he gave me a really good deal, hit him uphttps://www.instagram.com/themodshop.co.nz/ 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kvmvl 6 Report post Posted September 8, 2020 On 8/26/2020 at 7:57 PM, BreakMyWindow said: Sls although quite common was an option in tourings. Op i think means to say he has conventional coil springs in the rear. This car did not come with SLS at all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
