Help me pick the right e39

[kimf]

Hello,

I'm currently looking for a 530i or 540i e39.

I'm perfectly happy with either a saloon or touring, and also don't really have a preference for an auto or manual (both have their advantages).

I have a short list of potential candidates and would really like some feedback on these. Of course, what would be really wonderful, is if someone knew the vehicles in question.

So, candidate number one...

2001 530i M-Sport Manual 95k miles £3,995



http://pistonheads.com/sales/2394088.htm

2001 530i M-Sport Manual 87k miles £4,595



http://pistonheads.com/sales/2399841.htm

2002 540it Manual 107k miles £3,295



http://pistonheads.com/sales/2380101.htm

2000 540it Auto 89k miles £4,950



http://pistonheads.com/sales/2385064.htm

2003 540i M-Sport Auto 99k miles £5,250



http://pistonheads.com/sales/2366483.htm

2002 540i M-Sport 65k miles £6,295



http://pistonheads.com/sales/2288520.htm

Would be really grateful for any helpful advice or suggestions.

Many thanks in advance.

Kim


Edited to *try* and get the hyperlinks to work...

Edited by kimf on Monday 17th January 00:43

[W7NNS]

Have you considered an E39 Alpina? For £6k, if you shop around you can pick up a facelift 3.3 or a pre-facelift 4.6 V8. I've had both a 540i Sport and a B10 V8 in the past and the Alpina just felt special. Not to mention it'll hold it's value better. Just throwing the suggestion out there

[kimf]

Hi W7NNS,

Thanks for the suggestions. I have considered an Alpina, but I really want a facelifted model, and that ususally means slightly more money than I really want to spend at this point.

Also, if I'm perfectly honest, I'm generally not a big fan of some of the trim that comes on the Alpinas...

Kim

[W7NNS]

Fair enough - just thought it was worth mentionning. I know what you mean - some of the interiors are garish to say the least. Mine was more subtle (Techno Violet with off white leather), still miss that car!

Anyway, can't give any specific advice on the cars you've listed but my vote goes to candidiate 2. Nice colour combo, sensible mileage and priced about right IMO.

[Mr Dave]

In the family we have two E39s, one manual and one auto. Ive driven both a good bit.

I cannot pick which one I like better so thats no help to you whatever.

Make sure you get a sport though, they are just nicer and the 4.4 is a lovely engine but the 3.0 isnt a bad engine by any stretch although for day to day use the 530i would be more sensible.

For not too much more you could afford an early M5 although running costs will be higher they may not be that much higher than a 540.

[fluffnik]

You want my old car:



I only sold it because he had one of the 14 RHD B10 V8 Tourings for sale. I had been fully intending to keep it another 5 years, having enjoyed the first 5, so I'd treated it to shocks, springs, water-pump, rad, ATF, PS2 tyres, etc, etc, in the year before I traded it...

Nick, the dealer, is a nice guy too.