FAO Fox: Buying a E39 530i Sport

Non stop? :) Wow that's a trip.

Just spent all afternoon cleaning mine - looks awesome. Plus I've actually used my saloon boot 12V socket install :o
 
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Update on the OP.

I'm still searching for a decent manual example. I have thought of buckling and going for the auto but staying strong at the moment. Been searching nationwide and have found very little that I find acceptable.
 
Meh - autos are awesome :). I went over to the dark side with my previous car and haven't looked back. Never want a manual again other than for the toy car. For an everyday road car the steptronic is all the manual-ness I'd ever want. I never use it.

Well since we're posting pics. Wife's gone to Iceland so I spent some quality time all afternoon with the E39 and most of Autoglym's product range :)...
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Dont worry nichorob - you'll find a nice one soon :)
 
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More interior pics? My initial thoughts were to source and fit a mint condition leather interior as it looks and feels more premium but the alcantara has grown on me.

I was told using the handbrake alleviates strain on the gearbox?
 
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Not yet, I'll get some up. The seat bases and back are not alcantara but black material with a fine pinstripe, this is also on the door cards. I think it looks nice. I have a glass sun roof and high obd too. Unsure if alcantara is standard and leather an upgrade or alcantara was a cost option?

Also, what are the details on those chrome gauge rings? Is there one make/supplier who offer a superior product?
 
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Phoned hunter, no Road Force balancing machines in my area (Bristol). Closest sounds like it's in Swindon! Will have to detour there when on another journey.
 
You could call the dealer and ask ..?

Ask the bodyshop how much it is for balancing, not the service department.

Doing it at BMW should be ok seeing as they do it quite often on big alloys.
 
Unless someone knows better, I can't see why an E39 would be any more 'sensitive to wheel balance' than any other car, and personally I'd just get it done at any decent tyre/wheel place.
 
I'm still in the mindset of settling nothing short of a manual still for some reason.

I have another car so in no rush to buy so keep thinking just keep on waiting for the perfect example.

Edit: there were no manual champagne editions produced right?
 
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Liampope said:
Unless someone knows better, I can't see why an E39 would be any more 'sensitive to wheel balance' than any other car, and personally I'd just get it done at any decent tyre/wheel place.
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I think its related to the fact it was the first car to use a fully aluminium front suspension setup. I had my front wheels balanced at several places about 5 years ago thinking my suspension was broken or something until it was eventuallly done properly using a Hunter machine and it fixed it.
 
nichorob said:
Edit: there were no manual champagne editions produced right?
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Correct.

There were 453 manual 530i Sport's registered in the UK.

It took me ages to find a nice one when they were 3-5 year old cars, I can only imagine the job is now 10 times harder given the newest are 9 years old and the overwhelming majority now appear to be in the hands of, err, people you wouldnt want to buy a car from :p
 
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