Which 5 series?
Discussion
Looking for an E39 5 series as a second car. must be auto, smooth and economical. Not bothered by performance (I have a 996) but don't want something stupidly slow.
I was thinking along the lines of a 523 as there are plenty about and at a very good price.
Is this the one to go for? What is a prefered spec on a 5 series?
Should I consider a 7 series?
I was thinking along the lines of a 523 as there are plenty about and at a very good price.
Is this the one to go for? What is a prefered spec on a 5 series?
Should I consider a 7 series?
Thunderfoot said:
Looking for an E39 5 series as a second car. must be auto,
smooth and economical. Not bothered by performance (I have a 996)
but don't want something stupidly slow.
I was thinking along the lines of a 523 as there are plenty about
and at a very good price.
Is this the one to go for?
You will only find out by trying them.
Try a 520 then a 525 then a 530.
In the E39, I think I'm right in saying the 523 was
the 2nd smallest engine.
Lots of folks reckon the 525 is the best balance of
performance and economy.
Thunderfoot said:
What is a prefered spec on a 5 series?
Depends a lot. Some folks like to spec them up to be
as loaded as a Lexus with all manner of electric seats,
sat nav, PDC etc etc, but a minority prefer a basic model.
Less to go wrong.
I can tell you from my personal experience
1. Avoid the Sport model. Too firm suspension.
2. Memory seats are a waste of time.
3. PDC next door to useless - way too sensitive
4. Sat nav - mostly a waste of time. I know how to get there.
5. Air conditioning - never bother switching it on.
6. Leather seats - worth avoiding.
Split/fold rear seats would be handy.
Thunderfoot said:
Should I consider a 7 series?
Not really, unless you have exceptional needs. The mid-range
5 series pretty much does it all.
7 series only slightly bigger on the inside, and boot
about the same size.
dcb said:
I can tell you from my personal experience
1. Avoid the Sport model. Too firm suspension.
2. Memory seats are a waste of time.
3. PDC next door to useless - way too sensitive
4. Sat nav - mostly a waste of time. I know how to get there.
5. Air conditioning - never bother switching it on.
6. Leather seats - worth avoiding.
Apart from point 3 that's all just your opinion. Get as many extras as you can, if you've got it then you can choose not to use it.
I seem to recall that Silverback Mike had a 523 (maybe a 528) that absolutely drank petrol, so pay attention to the MPG figures on the test drive.
523 is confusingly a 2.5. BMW facelifted the range in 2000 (Angel eye headlamps + other goodies) and then the 2.5 was badged 525 and also had more power.
I've had a 520 auto and it was gutless + rubbish economy of v.low 20's, driven 523 manual and its good but not sure about auto version. I know its not a 5 series but my parents have had a 728i auto and its a great all rounder its now done 160k now and it still does 35mpg on the motorway, 25mpg around town and the average per the computer is 27mpg which I think is exceptional for such a big car. Also its still on original engine/box and never goes wrong (until I've just said that of course!). Based on this I'd go 728 or 528 auto for balance of power/economy.
I've had a 520 auto and it was gutless + rubbish economy of v.low 20's, driven 523 manual and its good but not sure about auto version. I know its not a 5 series but my parents have had a 728i auto and its a great all rounder its now done 160k now and it still does 35mpg on the motorway, 25mpg around town and the average per the computer is 27mpg which I think is exceptional for such a big car. Also its still on original engine/box and never goes wrong (until I've just said that of course!). Based on this I'd go 728 or 528 auto for balance of power/economy.
The 6 pot BMWs are truly brilliant, I'm a massive fan.
A few years ago, I was tootling around in an (E36?) 323i ragtop and, although manual, it was one of the most sublimely smooth powerplants I have ever come across; not necessarily Lexus quiet just very turbiney, sort of old Jag 5.3 V12 swooshtastic.
In fact, driving a contemporary, original and somewhat gutless 2.5 Boxster, I much preferred the BMW!
A guy at work has a now pensioned off E34 525i which he simply cannot bring himself to sell, it has a stellar mileage but again, from driving it myself, there is simply no explaining the refinement at hand. It can still thrupp to nearly 150 and hold fast until the Polish border.
In the days of my lovely 740i (an original 4.0 V8 - I wanted a V8!), the salesman at the time was adamant the 728i 6 cyl model more suited the character of the car with a negligible performance deficit and I now suspect he was right.
I'd humbly suggest a 528i auto, with wings.
You cannot go wrong.
A few years ago, I was tootling around in an (E36?) 323i ragtop and, although manual, it was one of the most sublimely smooth powerplants I have ever come across; not necessarily Lexus quiet just very turbiney, sort of old Jag 5.3 V12 swooshtastic.
In fact, driving a contemporary, original and somewhat gutless 2.5 Boxster, I much preferred the BMW!
A guy at work has a now pensioned off E34 525i which he simply cannot bring himself to sell, it has a stellar mileage but again, from driving it myself, there is simply no explaining the refinement at hand. It can still thrupp to nearly 150 and hold fast until the Polish border.
In the days of my lovely 740i (an original 4.0 V8 - I wanted a V8!), the salesman at the time was adamant the 728i 6 cyl model more suited the character of the car with a negligible performance deficit and I now suspect he was right.
I'd humbly suggest a 528i auto, with wings.
You cannot go wrong.
church said:
I've had a 520 auto and it was gutless + rubbish economy of
v.low 20's,
Crikey - I have a 530 auto and get 27 mpg and drive "like my
trousers are on fire" to quote at least three passengers.
church said:
driven 523 manual and its good but not sure about auto version.
Personally, I'd take the auto every time. The machine is
smoother and faster at changing gear than I am and with 230 BHP
on tap, overtaking is just a stamp of the foot away.
church said:
I know its not a 5 series but my parents have had a 728i
auto and its a great all rounder its now done 160k now and
it still does 35mpg on the motorway, 25mpg around town and the
average per the computer is 27mpg which I think is
exceptional for such a big car.
Sounds about right for a 728 - I'd expect a 528 to get about
30 mpg.
church said:
Also its still on original engine/box and never goes wrong
(until I've just said that of course!).
I am pleased with the build quality of mine. Bit of a rattle
from the front passenger seat when it's empty and some
dodgy door lock mechanisms and some dodgy ABS sensors,
but nothing serious.
Nothing wrong with my lovely leather sports seats, same goes for my PDC which works fine. Sport suspension isn't too hard, I'm running 18's. As for air con, it's a godsend.
With regards to engine size though, I owned a 523i auto and thought it was a little under powered with only 170bhp. I
With regards to engine size though, I owned a 523i auto and thought it was a little under powered with only 170bhp. I
DCB - the reason the economy on my 520 was terrible was because it was underpowered. Common mis-conception is that the smaller engined version will be more economical when in fact normally the mid-size engine gives best real life economy as you don't have to thrash them to get it to move.
I think I'll try a 523 and 528. Not looking for anything sporty. My 996 has sports pack which gives it a fairly harsh ride and all the performance you could wish for. I'm looking for something completely removed from this. I'd be annoyed with something so guttless as a 520, but wouldn't see the need for a 540.
I'd like leather and multi function steering wheel (is this a good option?). It must also be auto. looking at spending 3-4k.
My considerations are, in order of importance.
Fuel consumption
Insurance
Cant be guttless, but don't need any kind of serious performance.
I'd like leather and multi function steering wheel (is this a good option?). It must also be auto. looking at spending 3-4k.
My considerations are, in order of importance.
Fuel consumption
Insurance
Cant be guttless, but don't need any kind of serious performance.
dcb said:
1. Avoid the Sport model. Too firm suspension.
Actually the sport model has a very good ride. Its a touch stiffer than the standard model. But you have to consider the tyres, wheel size as well as suspension setup before writing it off completely. Mines got the M-tech with the 16" which is a good compromise. Though a friend has a full 18"ed sport model and the ride isnt that far off mine.... Personal choice, but the handling is very good.
dcb said:
2. Memory seats are a waste of time.
Would love to have memory seats. If significant other might drive it then its a simple thing to have. But if the car does have it there is no reason to not buy it. If it doesnt have it then dont worry. Dont pay extra though.
dcb said:
3. PDC next door to useless - way too sensitive
PDC was standard on all V8's so I didnt have a choice. But its actually pretty good and accurate. Never had a problem with it and if its really annoying then just disconnect it. Its a simple job and it need never annoy you again. However, its pretty useful though.
dcb said:
4. Sat nav - mostly a waste of time. I know how to get there.
Dont know, dont have it. BUT, judging by the number of owners who are retro-fitting satnav at a cost of £1000+ its got to be pretty good! The latest version (which you can upgrade to) has support for prett much everything you might like and has the latest maps. As manufacturer fitted satnav its one of the best, though I am lead to believe the Jag one is better....
dcb said:
5. Air conditioning - never bother switching it on.
Do what? Would you seriously consider buying a car without aircon at least? Climate may not be worth paying for, but aircon? You would be lucky to find a 5 without aircon - if in fact you can find one at all.....
dcb said:
6. Leather seats - worth avoiding.
Nah, the E39 seats are good and the leather they used is good quality and hard wearing. Not quite as good as the last of the line E34's, but better than the ones later (unless you paid for the really expensive leather!). Good seats and good leather - always worth a couple of quid.
dcb said:
Split/fold rear seats would be handy.
I have to agree on that one - mine doesnt and its a real drag....
But above all - its a second hand motor - get as many extras as you can for as little as you can. That way you can look to retain as much value as possible come sale time. As all of the used car buying guides say - dont buy the one with the least optional extras on it - it will be a nightmare to sell on.
Oh, and combination of power / MPG - I would go for a 528i. Sounds daft but the engine is nearly as economical as a 523i but with a better power to weight ratio. So should be lighter on fuel if you can keep it sensible. The 520i is a bit of a non-starter. Fuel economy is virtually the same as the 523i since its lower on power and just as heavy. Though later revisions and the 2.2 resolved this by quite a lot. There is virtually nothing in it for the weight of a 2.5 or a 2.8..... (though they get lighter with the later 3.0's!).
Though, check the Onboard computer - its pretty accurate and any seriously crap MPG is usually the MAF sensor which is pretty simple to replace.
eldudereno said:
Nothing wrong with my lovely leather sports seats, same goes for my PDC which works fine. Sport suspension isn't too hard, I'm running 18's. As for air con, it's a godsend.
With regards to engine size though, I owned a 523i auto and thought it was a little under powered with only 170bhp. I
It's all very subjective though isn't it?
Sports suspension is firmer than normal. (fact)
18" wheels and lower profile tyres do give a harder and noisier ride than the standard 16" wheels. (fact)
Sports seats are firmer than standard seats (fact)
Whether or not it's too hard is a purely a matter of opinion not fact.
That opinion will be depend on the individual drivers circumstances. A young fit man who drives enthusiastically along reasonably well maintained A roads and motorways will for instance have a very different opinion to that of an older driver who travels ill maintained, pot-holed roads and suffers a from bit of back trouble or the occasional flare up of chalfonts.
In any event, the BMW E39 5 series in standard guise was for a number of years voted by motoring journalists best handling car in its class.
>> Edited by sparkythecat on Sunday 28th May 00:35
I drive an E39 523i Steptronic as a daily driver. Like you I didn't need anything overtly 'sporting' as I've got other cars to do that. However, the particular car I bought fitted my needs very well and came up at a good price.
My thoughts? Well, you may as well get as many options as you can but not at the expense of condition and history. Given the choice between a 523i and a 528i I'd probably opt for the 528i. As someone else said the 523i is 'potentially' better on fuel but the reality is you'll probably drive it a little harder thus negating this potential saving. I would describe the performance of my 523i as wholly 'adequate' for daily driving. Under most driving circumstances it's by no means slow...but when really 'questioned' with your right foot you may find it struggling for answers. However, for me the price, condition and spec of the car all made sense.
I've had mine for 8 months now...put 8K miles on the clock and (touch wood!) it hasn't missed a beat. Basically, these cars do "exactly what it says on the tin"! My wife drives an E34 525i Touring. A great car but (some E34 fans will no doubt disagree with me) but in my opinion the E39 is quantum leap ahead of the E34.
At the sort of money we're talking about make condition your priority...528i or 523i, spec etc as secondary considerations. Go for it! You won't regret it.
My thoughts? Well, you may as well get as many options as you can but not at the expense of condition and history. Given the choice between a 523i and a 528i I'd probably opt for the 528i. As someone else said the 523i is 'potentially' better on fuel but the reality is you'll probably drive it a little harder thus negating this potential saving. I would describe the performance of my 523i as wholly 'adequate' for daily driving. Under most driving circumstances it's by no means slow...but when really 'questioned' with your right foot you may find it struggling for answers. However, for me the price, condition and spec of the car all made sense.
I've had mine for 8 months now...put 8K miles on the clock and (touch wood!) it hasn't missed a beat. Basically, these cars do "exactly what it says on the tin"! My wife drives an E34 525i Touring. A great car but (some E34 fans will no doubt disagree with me) but in my opinion the E39 is quantum leap ahead of the E34.
At the sort of money we're talking about make condition your priority...528i or 523i, spec etc as secondary considerations. Go for it! You won't regret it.
agent006 said:
[quote=dcb]I seem to recall that Silverback Mike had a 523 (maybe a 528) that absolutely drank petrol, so pay attention to the MPG figures on the test drive.
I think you will find that Mike was referring to his 540 when he mentioned heavy fuel consumption.
I bought(one of)Mikes 528's from him in Jan 05. Its a manual and regularly achieves an mpg of early to mid 30's. Its record is 39 mpg average for a run to the Nurburgring and back.
As regards suspension, I find ordinary 16" wheels with mtec seem to be the best compromise of ride / handling. I have found the standard suspension a bit too wallowy and sport/mtec with 18" wheels too firm.
As for 523/528 - if you have a choice get a 528, but don't overlook a first class 523 - they are good cars.
Do beware of the Nikasil (bore wear) problem on these though. If you are looking at a car with a build date before week 10 of 98 - it might be wise to ensure it has had a documented engine change with BMW - or get it tested.
Thunderfoot said:
multi function steering wheel (is this a good option?).
Seems quite useful to me. Radio buttons and cruise control
on the wheel is handy.
The other variable I thought of is the colour of the car.
5 series, being a middle range motor, are produced in a range
of subtle and discreet colours only just up from Jaguar in
the dullness stakes.
My car is basically accountant's grey and so is practically
invisible to about 90 % of road users.
I would recommend getting one in the brightest colour
you can or consider driving around with your lights on
all the time.
dcb said:
multi function steering wheel (is this a good option?).
Seems quite useful to me. Radio buttons and cruise control
on the wheel is handy.
The other variable I thought of is the colour of the car.
5 series, being a middle range motor, are produced in a range
of subtle and discreet colours only just up from Jaguar in
the dullness stakes.
My car is basically accountant's grey and so is practically
invisible to about 90 % of road users.
I would recommend getting one in the brightest colour
you can or consider driving around with your lights on
all the time.
I'm looking for dull as ditchwater! My 996 is special order metalic viola with GT3 bodykit, it gets a LOT of attention. I'm looking to get as far away from my 911 as possible with the 5 series and just blend in.
I do like the look of the 5 series in dark metalic red with beige leather. I'll consider anything that isn't green!
And what pray is wrong with green?!?
Mine's green:
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/DSCN0828.JPG
VERY GREEN!!!
:
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/DSCN0844.JPG
Mine's green:
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/DSCN0828.JPG
VERY GREEN!!!
: www.bmwclassics.co.uk/DSCN0844.JPG
derin100 said:
And what pray is wrong with green?!?
Mine's green:
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/DSCN0828.JPG
VERY GREEN!!!
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/DSCN0844.JPG
I must say, yours does look rather nice in green. My crazy mother deems green to be somewhat unlucky (an understatement), so in the interest of maintaining family relations, green is out of the question.
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