BMW 520i SE lifespan

[dayloon]

Hi All,

I've got £4k to buy a reliable car which is big enough for the family but also fulfills my gadget requirements and my need for speed. I've seen a couple of BMW 520's (98/99) around my price range and they look damn sexy tbh. But the mileage on them is around 80-100k. Realistically, how long do these cars last ? Do you think it'll get to 200k or even 150k before exploding ? I dont want car which is falling to pieces and needs repairs every month.

Cheers !

 

[[TW]Fox]

It depends entirely on how the car has been looked after. There is absolutely no reason why a 5 Series that has been well looked after and treated sympathetically by its previous owner cannot surpass 200-300,000 miles - they are exceptionally well built cars.

However, the early ones are also becoming rather cheap, and are over 10 years old now, so they've had their fair share of cheapskate, wideboy owners. These cars have the potential to give you a whole world of hassle.

Go for a well kept example with 1-2 previous owners thats in good condition with full history and you should be fine - but make sure you've got spare cash for repairs just in case as they are not cheap to fix. The cooling system is a particular weak point on the E39.

Also, a £4k 520i will be a prefacelift model. This will not be fulfilling ANYONES need for speed as it has the very dissapointing 2 litre engine with 150bhp.

 

[Neo4]

It depends entirely on how the car has been looked after. There is absolutely no reason why a 5 Series that has been well looked after and treated sympathetically by its previous owner cannot surpass 200-300,000 miles - they are exceptionally well built cars.

However, the early ones are also becoming rather cheap, and are over 10 years old now, so they've had their fair share of cheapskate, wideboy owners. These cars have the potential to give you a whole world of hassle.

Go for a well kept example with 1-2 previous owners thats in good condition with full history and you should be fine - but make sure you've got spare cash for repairs just in case as they are not cheap to fix. The cooling system is a particular weak point on the E39.

Also, a £4k 520i will be a prefacelift model. This will not be fulfilling ANYONES need for speed as it has the very dissapointing 2 litre engine with 150bhp.

My mate had a P reg 5281 if i remember correctly,that ran like a dream even with 170k on the clock. Looking at the exterior/interior you would never have guessed it had covered so many miles. As TW Fox has stated, if it has been well looked after then they are like Starfleet Battle Cruisers.

 

[[TW]Fox]

Condition is the most important thing when buying one of these - I have seen 70,000 mile cars which look like they've covered 200k as a Minicab, and I've seen (and indeed own) 140k mile examples which are virtually showroom fresh.

 

[Scania]

Forget the 520, a 523i or even better, the 528i would be far better and not cost a world of difference more to run.

My dads e39 528i is well over 200k and looks and drives like far newer car with less miles. (he's been its only keeper in its lifetime which helps!)

He had a brand new e60 530i for a weekend a few weeks back and thought his 528i was the better car despite its age & mileage.

Like Fox says, with TLC they will run for a very long time.

My 728i (same M52 engine) was purchased @98k miles and is now nearing 126k

It uses no oil between services, even at his mileage, my dad rarely has to top his up either.

 

[commited]

Ironically, the 523i and 528i models have higher spec for similar prices, whilst not being hugely less economical. My advice - go test drive a few cars and see how you feel

 

[Scania]

Ironically, the 523i and 528i models have higher spec for similar prices, whilst not being hugely less economical. My advice - go test drive a few cars and see how you feel

Absolutely - do NOT buy the first one you try - it will most likely impress even if its masking a dozen faults (I found this when looking at the e38 7 Series 2 years back - I tried many and eventually bought the car that stood out from both outside & behind the wheel.)

generally, like you say, 523i's & 528's are similar in spec (especially SE models) not a world apart from behind the wheel.

 

[MarkDavis]

Unless it has a cast iron service history and the suspension in top nick, you'll be getting acqainted very quicky with that fella known as Big Billz.