Low miles E39
- Thread starter gb-gta
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lifes2short
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e39's are superb motors with excellent chassis, I've got a 2002 525i m sport as a run about with 105k on the clock and drives like a new motor
hashluck
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Indeed, if offered with full service history with invoices and no paint/wheels/tyre work required then a different figure can be discussed. Though keeping in mind it is a 520 and in SE spec which will always hold it back. Auction is a good shout for a car like this, just make sure the write up emphasises what is on offer so it is considered differently to the usual auction fodder. I would be interested though, if you can pass on details or put me in touch. Reg. No. via message would be very useful.
makeshiftUK
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That is a nice colour... looks very similar to my E39 (sterling grey).
outrun
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But he's saving your life by taxing you, show some appreciation.
Guy
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not if they come from Japan!
midlifecrisis
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A useful resource for all things E30, this page shows the engine specs many shared with the E39.
www.e30zone.net
Engines - E30 Zone Wiki
zagatoes30
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E39 is a peach of a car but with M Sports and Touring being the most desirable, that said a low mileage 520i will do well and as above I think a few dealers would be interested as they have the customers who want low mileage cars. I was bidding on a E39 540i M Sport saloon with 54k on the clock, I pulled out at £9200 and it went for £9500. I would have thought between £5-7k for the 520i but as always down to the buyer with the money.
Dean (Rockits) follows E39 prices pretty carefully but like me he really wants a 540 M Sport Touring
Dean (Rockits) follows E39 prices pretty carefully but like me he really wants a 540 M Sport Touring
drellis
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I swapped my e39 525msport touring as an everyday car for an i3. As a everyday car just needed too much fettling, but as has been said many times on here an e39 msport strikes the perfect balance of comfort and handling, ans if feels "proper" in the build department flimsy
makeshiftUK
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An E39 540i M Sport Touring came up recently on Autotrader (I have search alerts set!) - initially up for £8k, reduced to £7k and shortly disappeared from sale. I've not driven a 540i yet, but have often had it described to me that they're 90% of an E39 M5 for 50% of the price. The M54B30 6 cylinder which powers our 530i Tourer is a well regarded engine, oil leaks are fairly common (as is with most BMs!) and whilst 231bhp seems deficient it's plenty enough to have fun allowing the car to be revved to the upper limits without getting you into trouble.
For anyone seriously considering an E39 rust is a TOTAL killer on these, and it is killing mine albeit slowly over the years - rear arches, jacking points, around the side skirts/door sills, petrol filler cap, tailgate... whilst it affects only the bodywork for now, when it gets structural it'll be time to move on. It's hard to conceive of an example that's lived in the the UK that isn't suffering from it in some shape or form, unless it's already been treated or sheltered from the elements.
For anyone seriously considering an E39 rust is a TOTAL killer on these, and it is killing mine albeit slowly over the years - rear arches, jacking points, around the side skirts/door sills, petrol filler cap, tailgate... whilst it affects only the bodywork for now, when it gets structural it'll be time to move on. It's hard to conceive of an example that's lived in the the UK that isn't suffering from it in some shape or form, unless it's already been treated or sheltered from the elements.
Guy
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Dan, that is the main reason to buy one from Japan. They are completely rust free (based on the dozens I have seen imported by my friend at Valley Cars - well over 300 to date). When my late father took his 03 5 series for an mot 4 years ago they were convinced it had everything replaced as they had never seen anything like it. The 20 year old sat nav doesn't work here but I use Waze even if I rent a brand new car. Other than that, the six I have had are good news. Pic below is of a 525 from '08 picked up this month;
makeshiftUK
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Good advice. The imports I've seen also tend to be better specified... entry level/mid-range models being specified with electric seats, which IIRC were standard in the 540i/M5. A good friend of mine had a Japanese 540i import, it came with an emergency flare kit...Dan, that is the main reason to buy one from Japan. They are completely rust free (based on the dozens I have seen imported by my friend at Valley Cars - well over 300 to date). When my late father took his 03 5 series for an mot 4 years ago they were convinced it had everything replaced as they had never seen anything like it. The 20 year old sat nav doesn't work here but I use Waze even if I rent a brand new car. Other than that, the six I have had are good news. Pic below is of a 525 from '08 picked up this month;
Guy
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The flare is not uncommon. They seem to use them instead of triangles. Certainly more noticeable and perhaps an indication their rescue services arrive more quickly. I suspect you would need a lot of flares over here whilst waiting for the low loader!
midlifecrisis
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If you ever run out of plates....Dan, that is the main reason to buy one from Japan. They are completely rust free (based on the dozens I have seen imported by my friend at Valley Cars - well over 300 to date). When my late father took his 03 5 series for an mot 4 years ago they were convinced it had everything replaced as they had never seen anything like it. The 20 year old sat nav doesn't work here but I use Waze even if I rent a brand new car. Other than that, the six I have had are good news. Pic below is of a 525 from '08 picked up this month;
midlifecrisis
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Just in case they come back in fashion?