New here and looking

Hi everyone.

After 5 years of reliable but oh so boring driving I've decided I have to return to having a 5 Series in the garage. After convincing the wife, my sights are set on an early 2000's 540i with Sport Package and I've been reading up for the past month or two.

I have c. $7k comfortable to play with, with enough in reserve for necessities. Is it unreasonable to expect to find a nice example in this range? 5-series are great, but I'm still surprised at the value these cars have maintained 10+ years on.

Right now I'm looking at two vehicles: a one owner w/ 100k, records, and radiator replaced but that's all in terms of major work, asking $8,000; and a two owner w/ 120k, fewer records, and new water pump, valve and intake gaskets, brakes, plugs and filters, rear main and transmission seals, and center bearing for $7500.

Would you run screaming from the second vehicle, or think that all that work's an investment to last for a long time to come? How could you tell?

This is a long post by a newbie, so thanks for your indulgence. Hopefully I'll have some good posts of my own to share soon.

Cheers,

Michael

The one owner would be nice, but will be needing a lot of work in the near future. Gaskets, seals, etc. The second one would be a great deal it he was asking like 6-6500. Its really up to you. I opted for a well maintained and well recorded higher mileage e39 over one with less miles, but not as many repairs done. It all up to you.

Thanks for your reply. I guess that's a good point about the lower mileage example... repairs will have to be done sooner or later anyway. Didn't think of it that way.

Have either (or both) mechanically inspected by a BMW indie before making an offer. The higher-mileage example has my vote. However, if there were fewer records, how did you find out about the extensive work that was done?

Are both automatics? That's a big repair cost.

What do KBB, NADA, and Edmunds say about local pricing?

Re holding value, the E39 has gotten a rep as the last great 5-series. The auto press has not been kind to subsequent models, so much so that I'm afraid that this will be my last BMW. I'm not sure it will outlive me.

Remember, the E39 was voted Motor Trend's Car of the Year in '97. E39 engines have made it into the top 10 list of great engines. The body design has won rave reviews.

BTW, still have the 533?

No, sad to say the 533 is gone. Wish I'd kept it but didn't have the space at the time. Loved that car. Got it at 80,000 and put 75k on it cross country and as a daily driver. Miss it to this day.

Thanks for tips. E39 seems like the one to have these days. I'll report back if I find out more.

neither price is terribly unreasonable. As other say, it is all about condition and needs at this age, and less about the miles. I bought mine with over 140k, but it was cleaner and better cared for than others I've seen with half the miles. Everybody is shocked when I tell them how many miles it has. So just keep looking for the right one. You'll know it when you see it.

Do a search for "E39 Buyers Guide" here. There have been a few shared as uploads, will contain much useful intell for you.

Are both automatics? That's a big repair cost.

As in, almost as much as the asking price of the car.

Here's a simplistic answer to your question, if the PPIs don't make the choice obvious. If one is a manual, buy it. If they are both autos, buy the one that has had its trans fluid changed. Sadly, very good chance neither has if the previous owners didn't push for it to be done.

I got a 2000 528i with 115,000 and it was a one owner as well and got it in Nov. of 2011 to this date spent about less than 350.00, only problem I had was abs module repair, turn rotor, new brake pad, getting ready to flush cooling system, put new speed sensor on right rear, then do an oil change this would be my 2nd time......I come here and learn alot about BMW diy repair. But over all just love driving this car it like no car I driven before, so yes this is my first BMW. The cost for this car I got was 5,000. best deal I find but had to travel 750 mile to get it and was worth the drive.

Originally Posted by edjack

Re holding value, the E39 has gotten a rep as the last great 5-series. The auto press has not been kind to subsequent models, so much so that I'm afraid that this will be my last BMW. I'm not sure it will outlive me.

I have thought the same thing. I think I will go up to a 2004 in the 3-series, if I can find a nicely preserved example when that day comes. After that, it seems they got bloated with features, and are not DIY friendly.

What do you think your next car will be?

Thanks for all the input. I would go manual (my old 533 was) but my dear wife insists that if I get a new one this time it be something she can enjoy as well (I'm sure I'll still be doing all the work)!

Took two out for a drive today and agreed with the seller on a ballpark range for a price with the better of the two. One owner, good records, fair bit of recent work. Felt good, though there'll be a learning curve on (for me) this 'newer' model.

Gonna sleep on it tonight, but this may be the one. Will keep you all posted.