FAO Fox: Buying a E39 530i Sport

Double-post from the BMW thread but appreciate not all E39 fans read that one.

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Fixed my e39 530i Touring this weekend. Cam cover gasket had totally plasticised, I had to snap it out of the cam cover in pieces. So, not surprised it had a small leak. Took a while for the previously leaked oil to burn off of the exhaust manifold.

As I was already in there I stripped the VANOS off and replaced the seals in that. Takes a few hundred miles to bed in but then should be good for the life of the car.

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I ran the car with the fan shroud removed and engine covers out of the way and coudn't find any sign of a coolant leak. The top of the expansion tank was definitely damp before though. I replaced the bleed screw and o-ring on top of the tank but will continue to keep an eye on it.

Also, I ripped out the old CCV valve, pipework and dipstick tube and replaced. The CCV actually wasn't blocked and appeared to be functioning fine, hoses a bit brittle but not anywhere near as bad as my Saloon's CCV system was. I didn't know that until I was in there though and already had all the parts.

Also took the opportunity to vacuum out the alternator ducting as it was rammed full of leaves, something I noticed when I stripped the Saloon down.

Engine wise it's now in tip-top condition. Approaching 100k miles though so I think the suspension is going to start needing some attention over the coming year.
 
What's the going rate for a 530i auto these days? Potentially looking at a 2003 530i Sport auto 87k, very good interior in individual spec, cooling system has been replaced 1 year ago.

Mot history reveals nothing unto wards, passed this year no advisories, previous year tires nearly worn, 2013 no advisories, 2012 anti roll bar bushes play in ball joint (must have since been rectified as has not been picked up).

It's on for £4195 which I think is too high:
-Doesnt have satnav or heated seats, there are some pixels (not many)missing off the odometer, style 66 wheels and not the classic 37 (cheaper tires!)

-On the plus side the interior is (without sitting in it) appears to be in very good condition, low mileage backed up by Mot certs, no visible rust around boot lid or arches/sills (not sure about filler cap without viewing) , no dash lights of course, recently serviced (not sure on which type), retro fit of 16:9 radio could be possible.

Here's the link to the ad:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...usedcars&model=5_series&radius=1500&logcode=p

What sort of price should I be entering at? £3500?
 
i have one and i like them, but i dont think they are worth anything near 4k. that one looks well worn for 87k i know its 12 years old but the interior has a lot gashes and scrapes.

few issues which you have mentioned and no 18" mpars.
i would keep looking.
 
Agreed. Also, the front wheel arch covers (black plastic chin bits on the bottom of the front bumper) are smashed in. They're not cheap (~£150 a pair of genuine ones, cheaper knock-offs are crap).

Needs style 37s really, then it might've been worth a look. I imagine 66s are worth about 20p, so funding the purchase of a set of desirable 37s by selling the 66s probably doesn't make sense.
 
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staggered help.

i have the clubsport wheels that can have 235 45 17 on front and 255 40 17 on the rear.
now all have 235 45 17 at the moment but i am looking at putting 255 40 17 on the rears, now are all the alloy wheel the same size or are the rears a bigger size for the 255 tyres ?
 
The rear wheels are wider.

Are you sure it has wider rears, they are not the Clubsport wheels they are a different smaller wheel of the same style.
 
Thought I would do a little 12 month update.
Had the E39 for 12 months and it's been an absolute pleasure to own and drive.
I know it's 14 years old but you have to drive this to appreciate how solid and good it still is.

In the 12 months this is what I have paid out for:

Spark plugs £30
Raised the coil overs a lot. £0
Alternator £15
2 tyres, pirellis off eBay 6mm won one for £4.80 and the other for £15 :)
Radio went caput, fitted a standard pioneer with fascia £30
Rear pads £55
MOT pass no advisories £40
Passenger wing rusted, replacement bought £35
Rocker cover gasket leak from 2 bolt washers £3

And that is basically it.
Goes to show you can run one of these without getting big bills or I have just been lucky touch wood.

Oh it does like to burn a lot of oil but purrs along fine.
No warning lights on the dash and no faults anywhere.

I really want an E60 but can't part with this one just yet.

She really does still clean up well.

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