High Mileage E39s
Discussion
Afternoon gents,
Just been looking around at E39 5 series - circa 97-99. I think I've narrowed it down to a 523iSe Touring, with leather, cruise control, and would like to get an auto, but not essential. Down around my price range (sub-£3,500) there seems to be range from 100k to 200k on the clock, and I'm trying to work out whether saving money and going for a high miler is a good plan or not...
Any experience?
Just been looking around at E39 5 series - circa 97-99. I think I've narrowed it down to a 523iSe Touring, with leather, cruise control, and would like to get an auto, but not essential. Down around my price range (sub-£3,500) there seems to be range from 100k to 200k on the clock, and I'm trying to work out whether saving money and going for a high miler is a good plan or not...
Any experience?
I've been looking at these as well. I'd say at 100k thats fine, just run in. But 200k???? I dunno, not the kind of mileage I'd buy one at.
I really want this one
Dogs bollox spec 530 touring
But won't have the money for a few months
I really want this one
Dogs bollox spec 530 touring
But won't have the money for a few months
Tim,
Any modern BMW is not a car you should be mileage-phobic about, not least the E39.
I had an E34 525tds which had 200k when I bought it - was superb. My mate bought a '52 E39 530 with 160k - the car is (I kid you NOT) like a 40k miler.
Buy on condition and service history, not mileage.
Ignore the soothsayers who have a "bad feeling" about 200k - it is this paranoia (a motoring throwback when 200k used to be a lot of miles for cars) which drives down the prices of the high-milers and can mean you pocket a bargain on your driveway.
Yes, at 200k some things will have needed to have been replaced, and please make sure that they are, but the things that generally aren't replaced (engine, drivetrain, interior) will last well beyond 200k if they aren't abused (and who abuses E39s anyway?). In the case of the E39, I'd be looking at double that before I started to get really worried.
Any modern BMW is not a car you should be mileage-phobic about, not least the E39.
I had an E34 525tds which had 200k when I bought it - was superb. My mate bought a '52 E39 530 with 160k - the car is (I kid you NOT) like a 40k miler.
Buy on condition and service history, not mileage.
Ignore the soothsayers who have a "bad feeling" about 200k - it is this paranoia (a motoring throwback when 200k used to be a lot of miles for cars) which drives down the prices of the high-milers and can mean you pocket a bargain on your driveway.
Yes, at 200k some things will have needed to have been replaced, and please make sure that they are, but the things that generally aren't replaced (engine, drivetrain, interior) will last well beyond 200k if they aren't abused (and who abuses E39s anyway?). In the case of the E39, I'd be looking at double that before I started to get really worried.
Mines got 132k on the clock and quickly rising - I am expecting it to hit 160k at the end of the year (at which the wife can have it when I upgrade).
The car has plenty of mileage left in it and its fine. I have seen several 150k milers and they are also fine. Just check the usual things have been done - like regular servicing, brakes, suspension and bushes. Beyond that its a case of running it. They really dont rust and are hard wearing. So why not cope with 200k+ miles? Should not be an issue.....
But buy on condition - as usual.
The car has plenty of mileage left in it and its fine. I have seen several 150k milers and they are also fine. Just check the usual things have been done - like regular servicing, brakes, suspension and bushes. Beyond that its a case of running it. They really dont rust and are hard wearing. So why not cope with 200k+ miles? Should not be an issue.....
But buy on condition - as usual.
Well I bought on condition...
Picked up a 520iSE Touring yesterday. Beautiful condition, has had money lavished on it over its lifetime, and only came out of main dealer servicing (complete with invoices for work done) at 136,000 miles. Its now on 152,000, and I'm looking forward to adding to that over the next couple of years.
Not as quick as the 523s I'd been looking at, but at 80mph on the motorway with the cruise control on, it feels pretty perfect. Quite, stable, relaxing and comfy seats.
Pretty chuffed so far.
Picked up a 520iSE Touring yesterday. Beautiful condition, has had money lavished on it over its lifetime, and only came out of main dealer servicing (complete with invoices for work done) at 136,000 miles. Its now on 152,000, and I'm looking forward to adding to that over the next couple of years.
Not as quick as the 523s I'd been looking at, but at 80mph on the motorway with the cruise control on, it feels pretty perfect. Quite, stable, relaxing and comfy seats.
Pretty chuffed so far.
Yes indeed, they can cover mountainous mileage if needs be....As with all cars, service history is vital....
As egbert has said, I've had a few high milers, which have presented with no problems at all. (apart from one with a pinhole in the oil cooler which made a bit of a mess)
They are very good cars indeed.
As egbert has said, I've had a few high milers, which have presented with no problems at all. (apart from one with a pinhole in the oil cooler which made a bit of a mess)
They are very good cars indeed.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff