[dstewart3ss]

I'm considering an '01 530i automatic with stupid low miles......like less than 20k low. I owned an '03 330i in the past but sold because it was too small when my first kid came along. Fast forward to today and I still miss that car. So this would be my daily driver (which isn't all that much driving) and for carrying kids around town (baby and 7 yr old). Maybe short trips to the beach every now and then.

What's intriguing to me is this '01 530 is literally in brand new condition, color combo I like, low mileage. I'm SUPER particular about cleanliness of my cars and everything being original and like new condition - this one definitely fits that bill. I know it'll need work over time due to its age but I'd honestly rather put money into maintaining this over a much higher payment on a new model. The e39 is EXACTLY the style 5-series I prefer.

TBH, the fact that it has so few miles is a bit concerning given the cars age. So.......y'all help this over analytical engineer decide if buying this car as my daily driver is a good idea or if I'm insane.

My gut/head says to go for it and don't look back. The realist in me says to keep driving the '07 MB E350 w/ 95k miles that's clean, rides smooth and is paid for. The struggle is REAL!

 

[u.nanimous]

You came to the wrong place if you're looking for someone to talk you out of it. You've had a BMW before and it had the same engine and with a 7yo kid your obviously far enough into adulthood to know what you're getting in to.

 

[Goblinski]

You'll only be stupid if it turns out not t be a less than 20k miles car, in which case we'll only plead you're stupid to hide our sigh of jealous relief (and not because you're actually stupid).

Now find the VIN, go to carfax, create a free account, enter the car's VIN into "My cars", shamelessly say "yes, it's mine" when asked, and look for any menu related to Maintenance. If any maintenance was reported through any serious chanels - it will likely show there.

 

[E39Hoon]

if you dont buy it, post the link because one of us will

 

[JimLev]

A car fax would be a good idea just to make sure it wasn’t a car recovered from a flooded state.
Is the car located in one of the rust belt states?
If the 4 jack points aren’t rusted out buy it.
What‘s the owner asking for it?

 

[aber57]

If the car has been garaged and is preserved then that should be a great car, especially if doing some age related expiration work (I'm talking radiator, coolant tank, hoses, and any plastic anything in the cooling system) is something you can do. The trim, inside and out, that ages out if it spent lots of time outside can break the bank. The cooling system stuff is not too expensive if you are up to the task.

 

[BimmurBrothor]

Hey! That's my line...
"My gut/head says to go for it and don't look back."
Enjoy your new car my friend.
Cheers!

Sent from my TMAF035G using Tapatalk

 

[ctcarbonari]

No, you're definitely not stupid!
You have dozens upon dozens of BF Members literally salivating at the thought of this purchase!

I'd be very curious as to WHY such extremely low miles (less than 100 miles per month). Did it sit garaged for 10 years?
and then I'd be prepared to exchange out all fluids, replace plastic components, etc.

I'd most definitely be riding that ride with a smile tho!!!

Good Luck!

 

[dstewart3ss]

Appreciate all of the feedback - I hope it works out and I'm able to start contributing to the forums here.

I'm pretty handy but typically don't have time to do my own maintenance if it's very involved. Sounds like general recommendation is to change out the radiator, coolant tank, hoses, and fluids simply due to age. I think that makes sense, just wondering if it's reasonable to inspect the radiator, plastic components, hoses to ensure they are pliable/flexible/not brittle/etc. and leave them alone for now since it is such low mileage and has been garage kept (maybe even climate controlled). And any value in checking/testing fluids before simply replacing due to age?

 

[BimmurBrothor]

Do what your common sense and wallet will...but forget about beautification and hi performance mod stuff until you get to know the car.
Cheers!

Sent from my TMAF035G using Tapatalk

 

[ctcarbonari]

Engines "don't like" to sit dormid for long, extended periods of time. Gaskets & o-rings can dry out from lack of lubrication.
I'd take a close look for oil leaks/weaping at seals at a minimum. For me, none of these would be a "deal breaker", but I'd most definitely want to know.

The best bet, as with ANY used car purchase, would be to have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic (in this case, one who knows BMWs).
It would be the best $200 spent and most shops will absorb that cost should you bring the car back to them for work.

 

[cn90]

Make sure you look for the tamper dot in the odometer.

 

[smokeyyy]

Make sure you look for the tamper dot in the odometer.

Look around the interior, engine etc. Cars with 20k miles should have very little dirt/grease in the engine compartment. Look for scuff marks on the driver's seat for example.

 

[cn90]

The driver seal upholstery is a good indicator for odometer reading...
Unless we are dealing a P.O. with big butt...

 

[crazy4trains]

Where is this car???

 

[Goblinski]

And how worn the rubber on the pedals is. At 20k it should be close to brand new.

 

[cn90]

Actually, if you go to Carfax website and search, there are a few E39s for sale with only 44K etc.

 

[F33B58M]

My interpretation of what people are saying here....."buy it, then drive it like you stole it, cause it was indeed a steal"

 

[BimmurBrothor]

Where is this car???

 

[Bimmer3er]

If the car is honest (you will know after doing all of the above), then it's probably a great car but I'd be wary with a car with that mileage as it just doesn't seem right...