1999 e39 5 series

[cort1977]

Considering an e39 540 as a new daily, anything to watch out for? Presumably any nikasil issues would have shown by now? Any advice from the autoshite collective much appreciated.

[EssDeeWon]

Had an E39 523 once, Great car loads of miles and very little grief. I always buy on condition and service history.

 

I am sure some folk will be able to fill you in on all the things that 'could possibly maybe perhaps' go wrong on these but the main issues like water pump impellors and nikasil issues would of come to light and be sorted long ago by now if the car is still knocking about in 2014.

 

(Although I think the Nikasil issue was resolved by mid 1998 so a 1999 example should be fine anyway)

 

IF serviced and well maintained these are excellent cars, I am sure there are some gems out there to be had.

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

Very heavy on fuel!

 

Cooling systems run hot and at high pressure so plenty of scope for issues eith the expansion tank, hoses etc. Well known now for timing chain tensioner failure, starts with a light rattle at around 1500/2000 rpm. DSC ECU's fail are are a fortune. A great car but expensive to run. A 99-2000 528i is a much better idea.

[spike60]

I think the Nikasil issue was on the M60 4.0 V8 as fitted to the E34, not the M62 4.4 E39. I owned a M60 engined one for most of 10 years with no major issues though you need deep pockets to use as a daily. Not just fuel, tyres, front struts, pads and discs etc, if it's a consumable, it'll consume it! Seen a few E39 540i's for sale with overheating, told it's HGF. Check exhaust carefully, get one with a S/S system if you can.

[spike60]

I don't know relevant E34 540i consumption is but mine did 18 mpg local, about 24 mpg on long runs. By comparison my 5.7 Corvette did 17 local, 27 on a run. Worst thing is the endless inane remarks from diesel drivers....

 

Edit.   Just seen your location, disregard fuel remarks, hurt you less than most of us!

[Bren]

I would imagine a 5 series with a six pot is the sensible choice.

 

However, this is autoshite....

[DaveAspley]

Aha! I purchased an e39 535 v8 a couple of months ago for £600 off the 'bay. Mot'd until October and initial investigations have shown it needs a couple of front arms and maybe a little tickle with the mig to get another ticket. Not bad for 173000 miles! Pulls like a train and sounds awesome , worth every penny of the 22mpg! Done 2000 miles in it and have only had to spend out on a full service (£69 for all the filters, plugs and oil)

[DaveAspley]

Stainless exhaust is a definate bonus. Chopped it off and weighed it in. 15kg pays well ha ha!

[cort1977]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

I don't do many miles and fuel here is not expensive compared to uk.

 

Cars are not cheap though 99 5 series 87k with history and they want $9000!

 

I will go for a tyre kick today.

[EssDeeWon]

Cars are not cheap though 99 5 series 87k with history and they want $9000!

 

 

 

Flippen 'eck!! By my rough workings that is about £5000!!

[cort1977]

Yep, very salty by UK standards but about the going rate here.   Actually about $1500 over the going rate but it is manual and only 87k.   Went to see it today, despite me calling in advance it was stuck in the back of the lot and they couldn't get it started so looks like I will stick with my current wheels for the time being...

 

Once cars reach a certain value and state down here they tend to get shipped off to Mexico in some epic towing arrangements that would give a VOSA inspector a heart attack.   Think a pick up pulling at least two other cars in a little road train, must try to get some pictures next time I see one.

[gordonbennet]

 

 

.   Went to see it today, despite me calling in advance it was stuck in the back of the lot and they couldn't get it started

 

 That surely had to be an ex pat Brit dealership, in other words fuckin useless, i thought Americans did things differently, customer service that sort of thing?