[crazy4trains]

What, I'm just askin'!!!???

 

[ButchNeedsCoffee]

Let me know if it doesn’t work out. Selling my 2003 530i. Don’t have permissions to put it in the classifieds but have it on Autotrader.

 

[bernardoomar]

I have a 2000 528i, and I got it 6 years ago with 35K miles. I was also surprised by the low miles and did check on it and no issues. When I got it, I changed the cooling system, radiator, and all fluids including the transmission oil (it is not lifetime) put in a new vanos system, and over time I have changed suspension components, oil filter housing gasket, etc, etc,...Still looks like new with 75 K after 23 years. Yes, I don't use it often, and it is garaged. Will never sell it.

 

[SammyJo]

I look for 3-4 year BMW's like this one...I recommend get a CARFAX, and see service history before purchasing and after purchase have a $1,000 parts contingency fund or as much as you can save for DYI projects...for anything plastic or rubber that might fail prematurely due to age and normal use. Everything else should be fine with normal maintenance. I found a similar scenario 4-years ago. A 2013 328i Convertible with a M-package (E93) with 18,900 miles, garaged and was traded for a Benz convertible in Santa Clarita, CA. It now has 34,200 miles with only normal oil changes, brake fluid change, cold air intake and new plugs...the dealer had to put on new matched set of Bridgestone RF's due to cracked sidewalls from being parked for so long and is illegal in Cali for a dealer to sell a car with cracked sidewalls.

 

[ppointer]

I bought two e92's in 2022 with less than 20k miles each. Loving them both. I would jump all over this one if I needed another car.

 

[crazy4trains]

OP, if you buy the car post some pics.

 

[xrayjuan]

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!

don't buy it, send me the link to the car . Go for it, and enjoy.

 

[jsholtesiv]

I wish to repeat what cn90 has suggested, learn what the odometer tamper dot is, and definitely look for it.
If the miles are legit, then you are one lucky son of a gun!

 

[BennTomm17]

What is the asking price?

 

[naftaturbo]

Don’t buy it. Your questions and feelings indicate you don’t have the maturity or acumen for this type of purchase. You’ll be doomed to years of buyer’s remorse.
Leave it for someone better suited. Buy yourself an appropriate size newer Japanese car at CarMax (or equivalent) with an extended warranty.

 

[dstewart3ss]

such good feedback, thank you.

 

[blakpantha007]

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

Are there any pics of this car?

 

[dstewart3ss]

Well bummed to say that I didn't get the car. It was on auction and got too rich for my blood! FWIW, it sold for $29k

 

[beesixtyone]

Well bummed to say that I didn't get the car. It was on auction and got too rich for my blood! FWIW, it sold for $29k

So you were watching that BaT auction too. 16k-Mile 2001 BMW 530i

Sorry you didn't get it. I can see you were very serious and excited about the car.

 

[ctcarbonari]

So you were watching that BaT auction too. 16k-Mile 2001 BMW 530i

Reading the comments made during the bidding was fun. Thank you for posting that link!

"Don’t see many cars command half their original msrp 22 years later. These cars are, imho, the best value luxury sports sedans ever made. "

 

[cn90]

While I understand ppl paid $27K for a low mileage car with 16K, I personally think it is fine as long you don't have a car accident to worry about bc at 16K miles, the car is worth that much.

However, in the world of insurance, NADA or KBB probably lists it at $5K-6K USD. So if the car is totaled (crushed by tree, hails or car accident) the owner would lose ~$20K.

If you want a low-mileage car, best is to get an E39 with 60-80K miles for $6000-$8000. It is a better compromise IMHO...

 

[dstewart3ss]

I’d be OK with something in that mileage range. Let me know if anyone is selling!

 

[cn90]

Search Carfax etc websites, search nationally and not just local, there are some E39s with very low miles on sale now.

 

[BennTomm17]

You can always get agreed value insurance through Haggerty and others. Insure your car whatever amount you want. You will of course pay a correspondingly higher premium for such insurance.

 

[dstewart3ss]

I did some research into insurance options prior to the auction. Here's what I found.....Haggerty and other classic car insurance provides adequate coverage but they typically require less than 5k miles per year driven. So if you plan to actually drive it regularly, like I was, that doesn't work.

Regular auto coverage can sometimes be OK if you keep good documentation about comparable sale prices at the time you by the car. Then make the case with your insurance if it ever gets totaled. Helps that my current policy is with my uncle, though.

Last, and IMO, best option I found was getting a stated value policy from State Farm. I was quoted around $50 a month for a stated value of $20k. Seemed like a great price to me and no mileage limitations.