My new E39

hummaia9 · 25 Oct 2006 at 10:13

I am waiting to get my camera back ... so you have to hang on for pics a little bit. I bought a E39 523i SE after much searching and coming close to buying a Alfa 156 V6. Its a Red 2000 (W reg), Manual and grey leather and done 80K. Its a clean car, smooth engine and nice alloys. I have just had the car checked by BMTEC specialist in Manchester and they gave it a clean bill of health.

The car had 5 green lights when I picked it up and done 3k since last inspection I. Its now got 4 light although I did not entirely like the look of the engine oil as it did not feel viscous enough. A call to the BMW dealer that done the inspection 1 gave me some assurances. Car currently has a budget set of 235/45/17 Merit tyre

My current annoyance:

- Steering wheel feels a bit vague and not poised, I expected more from this car

- Wood trim, not sure to paint or replace

- The gear box can be a real b***h to engage at times, specially 1st gear, BMTEC thought that was fine

I have covered over 250 miles on the car now and I don't commute ! generally good, refined,comfortable and can be spirited when pushed. The gear box is giving me grief engaging 1st and 2nd particularly when cold. Its ok If I keep a look out for it and make sure I guide the engaging. I sometime get 2nd not slotting properly and popping and get the inevitable crunch. My first thoughts where clutch was going but I am not sure now as it no other issues on other gears. Been reading on E39 forums and I get the impression that E39 gear box is a bit notchy, which is such a shame.

merlin · 25 Oct 2006 at 10:18

hummaia9 said:
- Steering wheel feels a bit vague and not poised, I expected more from this car

That's most likely the clown tyres you have on it.

Dup · 25 Oct 2006 at 10:21

merlin said:
That's most likely the clown tyres you have on it.

That or needs the pressures bumping up to correct spec.

D4VE · 25 Oct 2006 at 10:43

Gearbox should be pretty smooth when warm, although it may be notchy when cold. Is it notchy when the car is warm?

hummaia9 · 25 Oct 2006 at 11:01

merlin said:
That's most likely the clown tyres you have on it.

possible, I dont like them either. Need £500 for a full set

.

Dup said:
That or needs the pressures bumping up to correct spec

I topped up the pressure to the minimum 2.1/2.3, which helped the ride. I think I will try upping that more , the E39 feels very synsetive to tyre pressure/weel alingnment

D4VE said:
Gearbox should be pretty smooth when warm, although it may be notchy when cold. Is it notchy when the car is warm?

Seems better when warm, I think I can live with it but did expct more

Dave85 · 25 Oct 2006 at 12:13

same as mine m8 and at same millage if its cold 1st and 2nd are a bit notchy but thats the way it is on the e39. once its warm its soo smooth though.

[TW]Fox · 25 Oct 2006 at 16:11

Hmmm my gearbox isn't notchy and my steering isn't remotely vague and my car has done quite a few more miles than both of yours :confused:

Pinter75 · 25 Oct 2006 at 17:16

My steptronic autobox keeps the car in 1st when it is cold to warm up before engaging other gears.

Dunno about the manuals though.

Get rid of the nasty wood trim :-)

Spraying it is easy and it looks sweet.

Welcome to the club.

Get yourself over to http://forum.bmw5.co.uk - I recently re-designed the look and feel of it BTW. You can see the ass end of my car in one of the banners at the top :-)