So you want to buy a 530i.
The 530i is a facelift-only model of the E39 5 Series, so you will find them generally on 2000X-2003/03 plates, and up to 04 plate if it is a touring. If its any older than this, it isn't a 530i. You get the M54 3.0 BiVanos Straight Six, which develops 231bhp and 300nm of torque, good for an electronically limited 155mph and 0-60 in approx 6.5 seconds.
Fuel economy can be suprisingly good - 20mpg around town, 30mpg in mixed country lane/dual carriageway style driving and 35mpg on the Motorway provided you don't nail it around at 100mph. Drive it hard all the time and obviously, this will drop, but for what it is I think the fuel economy is excellent. They are Group 17 insurance - so again, quite reasonable.
There are two models of 530i - the 530i SE and the 530i Sport. There are no other types - they didn't do a base 530i, so if you see one advertised as just 530i it's at least an SE. Performance of both models is identical.
The main specification of the 530i SE is as follows:
4xElectric Windows with one touch up/down all round and remote open/closure
Dual Zone Climate Controlled Air Conditioning with Automatic Recirculation
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incorporating ABS, Cornering Brake Control, etc.
Front and rear Park Distance Control
Auto dipping rear view mirror
Cruise Control
Multifunction steering wheel
16" Alloy Wheels
Electric mirrors, cupholders, etc etc blah blah loads of reading lights etc and loads of other minor things I can't recall but are quite nice.
There is also a 530i Sport. The Sport has the following differences:
M-Tec lowered/stiffened Sports suspension with uprated springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.
17" M-Tec alloy wheels
M-Tec Sport steering wheel
M-Tec bodystyling
M-Tec rear lip spoiler
M-Tec Door sills
Anthracite Headlining
Alcantara Sports Seats
Aluminium Interior trim
Interior and Exterior de-chrome
The Sports suspension is absolutely excellent - one of the best features. The ride is pliant enough to be comfortable but the handling is much improved over the already impressive SE. It just DOESNT feel like a 1600kg 4.7metre long car when you are throwing it around. It corners so well, bodyroll is minimal, and it's just great. Plus, the bodykit (Which is virtually identical to that on the M5) means they still look pretty damn awesome as well.
Now, you'll note a few important features are NOT standard on the 530i. This is includes both Leather, and shocking, a CD changer. Many owners specified these from new but there are some cars kicking around with neither - these tend to be bargains, becuase everyone wants leather (Although to be honest, the Leather, especially with the Sports seats is awesome and well worth the extra over the Alcantara which doesn't wear well).
There were a couple of special editions - notably 530i Champagne II edition which came in black, with cream leather and 18" Style 37 alloy wheels. These are all automatic, and were a limited edition runout model so almost all are on 03 plates. They are VERY expensive. They did a Sport Aegean Blue edition as well which also had 18's and a rather rare shade of Blue but I'm pretty sure this was a 530d only model.
There was a very comprehensive options list and you'll rarely find two cars the same as a result - and items from the Sport model were optional on the SE. The common options were the M-tech steering wheel and gearstick, which you will find many SE's with. They also did a Sport pack for the SE which adds the steering wheel, gearstick, lowered Sports suspension and Sports seats but not the sills, headlining or the bodykit.
Be careful of people advertising SE's as Sports. They do it ALL the time but they are easy to spot as genuine Sports have a bodykit.
So how much do you need to buy a 530i?
Depending on mileage and condition, 530i's start at £6000 for a shabby higher mileage 2000 SE and rise all the way to £18-£20k for a low mileage 03 plate Champagne II edition at a main dealer.
Buying a good E39 can prove difficult - there are not that many around to start with and there are plenty of misadvertised and abused examples you should avoid. The E39 interior is EXCEPTIONALLY hard wearing - ask anyone at the Southampton meet what they thought of the condition of mine, so if you are going to buy a high mileage one, insist on one with a mint interior or do not bother. There should be no super-smooth steering wheel, no horribly worn leather seats. Cars with these are cars which have spent most of their time in town, lots of short trips, lots of manevouring etc etc, I would be wary of buying a car of this type thats had lots of that sort of use - they are awesome cars but an abused one has a potential to bankrupt you.
Buying a high mileage one is a good idea if you wish to get a newer example or give yourself more choice (Becuase I would say the majority of them out there are higher mileage cars - most people buy these for their effortless long distance ability) but you must do it smartely. Buy one thats spent most of its life on the Motorway or don't bother - and luckily these cars are quite easy to identify. A Motorway-miler 530i should have a stonechipped front end, excellent condition exterior and interior and, more importantly, have service intervals in the service book in excess of 15,000 miles.
The 530i uses variable servicing - it depends on how the car is driven as to how often it is serviced. It is calculated based on a number of factors but what affects it the most is fuel economy. Thrash it everywhere at 130mph or cane it around town, and it'll need servicing far more often. Sit on the Motorway at 80, and you can get up to 18-20k between services. So check the book, the longer the intervals, the better. If a seller is trying to sell you a car he claims is 'All motorway mileage mate' and you can see service intervals of well under 15k, you know he's lying, or if he isnt, its had a hard life.
These cars are immesenly sensitive to mileage - a mint, low mileage 530i Sport is worth a considerable amount - even a 51 plate is about £13000 if its a low to average mileage example. They are NOT cheap cars, you would get a much newer Mondeo for your money, but they are very lovely..
Next problem. Clocking.
The E39's ability to hide mileage and wear exceptionally well coupled with how sensitive price is to mileage means they are a prime candidate for clockers. They'll buy a tired 150k+ example, tidy it up, clock it to, say, 90k so they can say 'well nearly 100k mate' when you ask why the interior is a mess, and sell it for thousands more. PLEASE be careful. DO NOT buy an E39 without checking its history first. BMW UK Customer Services will be happy to give you a list of dealership visits for any car, and you can then call the dealers to trace the mileage and the history. NEVER EVER buy one without a service history. If the seller seems dodgy, walk away.
If you take your time to find a good one, IMHO there are few better all-rounders this side of £20,000. Bold statement, but its my opinion. But if you get a bad one, or rush into it, they can be a big money pit. They were £32-£36k when new depending on spec, and you can't run a car like that for the same as your mate runs his Fiesta.
I took 3-4 months to find my 530i. It drove OcUK mad, but I've no question I did the right thing.
Would I recommend one to anyone? No. It's not like the Mondeo. There isnt one for every budget and every person, you need to realise it might not be a totally trouble free experience and it might throw up the odd big bill. It's not for everyone, but if its for you, you'll love it..
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
, update your sig man 
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