My new bargain barge - E39 5-Series

[D4MJT]

I accidentally bought a BMW.

I hated the MX5 I bought with a passion, and I needed something a bit more bargey and suited to doing loads of miles. I had a look at some XJ's, and even vauxhall omega's and the like, but didn't really find anything that I was really happy with. I basically wanted 30mpg, which ruled the XJ out, comfort, test, tax, and hopefully a few toys. Even looked at an Audi A6 2.8 Quattro, but after a quick look at owners reviews, dodged out of that one.

Then this BMW turned up locally, so I went and had a look, and ended up buying it. I've never been a massive BMW fan tbh, I always fancied an E38 7 series, and I'd love an E39 M5, but that's about the size of it. I really really like the E39 Sport's, but this isn't one lol.

So, my new commuter weapon as of thursday last week:



Poverty spec rims, poverty spec car tbh. It's a 520i SE, shhhhh.

However, it's the newest car I've had, December 2000 registered X plate, and it's probably one of the lowest mileage, at 84k. It's got 12 months MOT, 6 months Tax, FBMWSH and a silky smooth 2.0 6 cylinder petrol engine. It drives beautifully, that's what sold it to me tbh, it's on a par with a Jag, I suspect thanks to it's non-sport suspension. It's got a few upgrades, it's had full black leather interior and walnut specified, as well as parking sensors, cruise control, Business Stereo uprgade with 6CD changer, Dual zone climate and air-con, multi-function steering wheel, heated screens, electric windows, electric heated auto dimming mirrors, full BMW toolkit is still intact, as is the little rechargeable torch in the glove box. All in all, it's a nice little wafty thing. It's never going to set the world on fire, but it's really comfy for the mileage I'm doing.

So, gave it a clean, and pulled the hideous 16's off. I managed to find a set of Genuine BBS RS740 2-piece split rims locally, with new 235/45 Dunlop Sports, in 17" x 8J. They're not in perfect nick, but they were cheap and I'll get them refurbed after the winter, cos' I really like the look of them. Gave it a wash yesterday and it's come up pretty nice











Madly, as it's a manual, I'm averaging 35-37mpg on my commute as well, which I'm stupidly impressed with for such a heavy barge with a 6 pot petrol lump in it. I know the ride height is 4x4 spec, but to be honest, it's that comfy I reckon I'll leave it as is.

So there we go, my new bargain barge.

[Hawmaws]

Nice car. Look after it and it will go on forever.

Would have kept it on the original wheels myself.

[D4MJT]

Hawmaws said:

Nice car. Look after it and it will go on forever.

Would have kept it on the original wheels myself.

Cheers chap

Out of interest, why keep the originals? Is it an asthetic choice, or are they not brilliant with bigger wheels?

I've not noticed a difference in ride quality to be honest, and I was expecting to, but I really like the look of the BBS, and the tyres were in far better nick lol.

[NavSat]

The new wheels certainly make it look more modern, plus i've always prefered SEs over Sports (in the minority i know!) they're more understated. You were lucky to get leather too, most have poverty-spec cloth!
Enjoy.

[D4MJT]

NavSat said:

The new wheels certainly make it look more modern, plus i've always prefered SEs over Sports (in the minority i know!) they're more understated. You were lucky to get leather too, most have poverty-spec cloth!
Enjoy.

Cheers

I'm pretty sure the leather has been retro-fitted, I've got the original hire-purchase bill of sale with the car, and it states charcoal cloth on the spec sheet. Either way, it's a nice job, it's lovely.

[grenpayne]

Looks very clean

What did you pay for it if you don't mind me asking?

[D4MJT]

grenpayne said:

Looks very clean

What did you pay for it if you don't mind me asking?

I got plenty of change from £1000

[CypherP]

D4MJT said:

grenpayne said:

Looks very clean

What did you pay for it if you don't mind me asking?

I got plenty of change from £1000

Seriously? I'm looking at selling my 325 after christmas and looking at something cheap and easy for around £1k. If you managed to get one of these for that kind of price then I really need to start looking more!

[D4MJT]

Seriously.

They're out there, just take some searching out. I looked at all kinds before I landed myself with this. I really like it though, and for the money it's exceptional, can't go wrong really?

[BoRED S2upid]

D4MJT said:

grenpayne said:

Looks very clean

What did you pay for it if you don't mind me asking?

I got plenty of change from £1000

Good buy that looks nice and a cracking price. I too would have kept with the original rims.

[fourfoldroot]

Put some winter tyres on the old 16 in wheels and you'll be sorted for the snow.

[Hawmaws]

D4MJT said:

Cheers chap

Out of interest, why keep the originals? Is it an asthetic choice, or are they not brilliant with bigger wheels?

I've not noticed a difference in ride quality to be honest, and I was expecting to, but I really like the look of the BBS, and the tyres were in far better nick lol.

Aesthetically I struggle with "sporty wheels" on an SE. I'm also a bit of a purist when it comes to original kit..

I'm not surprised that the ride quality is fine..I've got a sport running on 17s and the ride quality is great.

Anyway, enjoy the car. I've had e39s as my main car for 15 years now and can't escape!

[D4MJT]

Hawmaws said:

Aesthetically I struggle with "sporty wheels" on an SE. I'm also a bit of a purist when it comes to original kit..

I'm not surprised that the ride quality is fine..I've got a sport running on 17s and the ride quality is great.

Anyway, enjoy the car. I've had e39s as my main car for 15 years now and can't escape!

That's fair enough! I think I get on with them because I don't really see them as sporty, just nice. I love the look of the M Parallel's, but I think they look wrong on anything other than a sport, so I get you there.

[philmots]

Seems a bargain to me. IIRC the 520 of that era is a 2.2 straight 6.

[NavSat]

philmots said:

Seems a bargain to me. IIRC the 520 of that era is a 2.2 straight 6.

No i think this one is the cut-off 2.0 (straight 6) post 01 cars are 2.2




/nerd

[Max M4X WW]

Looks nice, someone has fitted 'Celis' rear lights too

[sparks_E39]

Nice car, bargain for the money. I was put off by a 520 as they drink as much as a 528.

Edited by sparks_E39 on Wednesday 7th December 18:56

Just be warned, you must replace the cooling system if it hasn't been already- they all break and every E39 suffers.

Edited by sparks_E39 on Wednesday 7th December 18:57

Edited by sparks_E39 on Wednesday 7th December 19:12

[bmthnick1981]

Nice, do like a well sorted E39. would have preferred an auto with bigger engine myself but yours still looks good. Get over here for lots of barge chat;

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f...

[Lippy Kid]

Seems in good nick, OP. I'm also enjoying a new E39 as of a couple of days ago - I must admit, they're very nice things.

Your looks tidy, and is surely a bargain at under a bag.

[Max M4X WW]

Lippy Kid said:

I'm also enjoying a new E39 as of a couple of days ago

Ooh, another 540i