FAO Fox: Buying a E39 530i Sport
- Thread starter nichorob
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![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
It doesn't have Xenons - or if it does they are not OEM fitted Xenons (Which is fine but it isnt an official fitted option).
Front and rear PDC was standard, yes.
If you are happy with the way the SE drives then holding out for a Sport might not be a good idea - who knows when a Sport in the condition of that SE will come along and lets face it, if you really want the Sport looks but are happy with the rest of the SE attributes then how much are a few bumpers and some new wheels? Not much these days.
Soldato
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I'll buy on age, condition & history. An immaculate, 1 owner Sport that's highly specced would command a considerable premium or at the very least take considerable time to source.
Soldato
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No rush however my ST220 will require its 75k service shortly, it has an advisory on the rear sub frame bushes so it will need some money throwing at it very shortly prior to its MOT due in Feb. Thats dead money as I'm unlikely to realise that value come resale time. And quite simply I fancy a change.
Soldato
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OK the seller has offered 2.8k PX on my ST220 which is £200 less than I paid for it to take the SE at 3.5k. So thats a £700 outlay for me. I'd be happier with a £500 outlay. I know its over the odds but it does mean I keep a decent maintenance fund. Plus I don't have the hassle of selling my ST220 privately. This is a big plus for me.
I'm thinking I'm going to arrange a test drive followed by a vehicle inspection at a local independent if I like it. Its a 350 mile round trip for me to view the car so I want to go into it fully informed but able to do the deal if the car checks out.
I'd welcome any critique of my rationale.
I'm thinking I'm going to arrange a test drive followed by a vehicle inspection at a local independent if I like it. Its a 350 mile round trip for me to view the car so I want to go into it fully informed but able to do the deal if the car checks out.
I'd welcome any critique of my rationale.
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What's the service history if it's BMW then you can phone them for info if not then start a list of common stuff and see if it's been replaced. If its s dealer they should be happy supplying all the information.
There's loads of information about go in knowing what you're talking about
There's loads of information about go in knowing what you're talking about
Soldato
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Service History
14000
26000
42000
58000
76000
92000
Inspection I: 02/11/2011
Brake fluid: 2003, 2005, 2007
Coolant 2005, 2007
4 main dealer stamps/3 independent
Wait, what?
Are you saying all its ever had is 1 Inspection 1, 3 brake fluids and coolant changes? Surely not.
It should be..
14000 Oil Service
26000 Inspection 1
42000 Oil Service
58000 Inspection 2
76000 Oil Service
92000 Inspection 1
Soldato
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Have more details now:
BMW 14,698 ON 15.5.03
OIL SERVICE
MICRO FILTER
BMW 26,453 ON 04.11.04
INSPECTION 1
+ MICRO FILTER
BMW 42,856 ON 18.07,06
OIL SERVICE
MICRO FILTER
BMW 58,964 ON 22.10.07
INSPECTION 2
+MICRO FILTER
LOCAL GARAGE 76,300 ON 19.06.09
OIL SERVICE
MICRO FILTER
LOCAL GARAGE 92,351 ON 02.11.11
INSPECTION 1
BRAKE FLUID SERVICE
BMW 14,698 ON 15.05.03
BMW 31,496 ON 23.06.07
LOCAL 58,964 ON 22.10.09
COOLANT
BMW 31,496 ON 23.06.05
LOCAL 58,964 ON 22.10.11
BMW 14,698 ON 15.5.03
OIL SERVICE
MICRO FILTER
BMW 26,453 ON 04.11.04
INSPECTION 1
+ MICRO FILTER
BMW 42,856 ON 18.07,06
OIL SERVICE
MICRO FILTER
BMW 58,964 ON 22.10.07
INSPECTION 2
+MICRO FILTER
LOCAL GARAGE 76,300 ON 19.06.09
OIL SERVICE
MICRO FILTER
LOCAL GARAGE 92,351 ON 02.11.11
INSPECTION 1
BRAKE FLUID SERVICE
BMW 14,698 ON 15.05.03
BMW 31,496 ON 23.06.07
LOCAL 58,964 ON 22.10.09
COOLANT
BMW 31,496 ON 23.06.05
LOCAL 58,964 ON 22.10.11
Anybody have any knowledge or experience on an oil leak from the rear of the engine?
I initially thought it was my sump gasket. I am now having doubts, the rear main seal perhaps?
I have been under the car all morning, cleaned everything up and then let the engine run until oil was visible. I have a tiny amount coming from around a sump bolt about 1/2 way along the sump, probably would never spot the drive as it's too little.
The main leak appears to be at the very back of the sump, where the engine meets the gearbox. It isn't ATF and the gearbox is nice and dry. It's not a huge leak, perhaps a spot on the drive every other night.
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Any update mike gunnz?
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I initially thought it was my sump gasket. I am now having doubts, the rear main seal perhaps?
I have been under the car all morning, cleaned everything up and then let the engine run until oil was visible. I have a tiny amount coming from around a sump bolt about 1/2 way along the sump, probably would never spot the drive as it's too little.
The main leak appears to be at the very back of the sump, where the engine meets the gearbox. It isn't ATF and the gearbox is nice and dry. It's not a huge leak, perhaps a spot on the drive every other night.
-----
Any update mike gunnz?
-----
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Soldato
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I drove down from Yorkshire to Chelmsford and bought it yesterday
Fortunately its overall condition was indeed almost as good at the pictures and description implied both inside and out.
Its not free of issues. Rear discs and pads will need replacing soon as will the front NS caliper so I have to replace both fronts. The rear metal brake lines showed some corrosion and the rear suspension lower rose joints showed a bit of play too. However PMW garage inspected it prior to buying and mechanically it appears to be a fundamentally sound and solid car. There was nothing that screamed avoid.
Its simply immense to drive and so far the suspension is what stands out for me. I went round the M25 to visit my parents in Surrey and despite the horrendous congestion I found driving it effortless. The auto box will take some getting used to and its not as involving an experience as a manual obviously, but I'm very much a laid back driver these days so I think an autobox will fit my driving style well. The brake lines are the priority so it'll be going into my local garage on Monday. Then I'll get going on the brakes.
I've priced up some Pagid rear discs, pad and front calipers on Euro Car Parts for £288. What's the consensus regarding the quality of Pagid brake parts? And can you also get the discounted price in store? I may pop in to the Croydon store today actually.
I know I paid a bit over the odds for it but its a proper 1 previous owner vehicle with FSH plus the trader took my ST220 in px for £200 less than I paid for it.
Everything came together nicely, it met my most important criteria: condition and history, so I shook hands on the deal.
Edit: Some breakfast and a shower and a pic or to follow.
Last edited:
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Look forward to seeing the photos.
Re the auto box I find it nicer to drive around town by knocking it over to S then knocking it back to D for everything else
Re the auto box I find it nicer to drive around town by knocking it over to S then knocking it back to D for everything else
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I'm always in a hurry