BMW E39 5 series

117

117

117

Associate
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
191
Location
Starcross, Near Exeter
hi lads,
Test drove one of these yesterday and was very impressed, I am looking to buy a 523i (budget 6k max) and was wondering if anyone could advise me what to look out for, also just of interest what are the differences between pre facelift and 2001- facelift models apart from the engine, cheers.
 
Issues with the E39 that you should look for:

On the early ones, the door seals will squeak unless you lubricate them every now and then.
Dashboard LCDs can fail (look for blank lines on the display) this requires an entire new binnacle to fix.
Aircon system can fail. Manifests itself as the inability to do anything other than blow full hot, or full cold.
Heater blower can fail. Will only work on MAX.
Make sure it's never been towed by it's front wishbones (when being recovered by the AA). They are made of alloy and will bend if load is applied in that direction.
Radiators can and will fail. Make sure there are no leaks.
Check all electrics are working. They can be costly to fix.

The main differences between the pre and post facelift cars are the following:

New engines
Better door seals
Halo side lights
LED tail lights
PDC now fitted as standard on all SE cars front and rear
Rain sensing wipers now fitted as standard on all SE cars
General quipment upgrades.
 
Form his profile he was born in November 1987. This makes him 18? The choice of a 523 may be down to insurance more than anything else.
 
Personally if he's born in 87 I'd suggest something a little less.... like a big RWD saloon. I know people will disagree and I'm not for one minute suggesting he goes and gets a Corsa 1.2 but you should work up to something like a 5..
 
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