530D Touring 2000 -What to watch out for ?
Discussion
E39 suspension / ride can be easily disturbed by worn bushes / shocks or even a tyre being slightly out of round.
Test drive it at speed and look out/listen for a shimmy / drumming between 50 and 80 mph, normally from the rear sometimes accompanied by rear steer.
It is more common on older tourings (but not exclusive to them) and is a combination of wear in the rear carrier mountings and the shocks on the rear suspension - if its the carrier mounts, fixing requires a special tool that few independents have got.
If the shimmy can be felt through the steering then its probably front bushes or discs.
Cooling systems can be troublematic in older cars, with plastic impellors in the waterpumps breaking, viscous couplings failing and radiators leaking.
If its a manual, then once warm, rev the engine whilst in neutral with the clutch up and if you hear a rattle that goes when the clutch is depressed then it could be the dual mass flywheel springs wearing - these are not cheap (£450) and replacement often warrants a new clutch as well !
If your buying outside a BMW Franchise it could be worth getting a specialist to give it the once over - at least you would then know where you stand.
They are very good cars but can occasionally hit you with an expensive surprise !
>> Edited by Egbert Nobacon on Tuesday 7th February 16:03
Test drive it at speed and look out/listen for a shimmy / drumming between 50 and 80 mph, normally from the rear sometimes accompanied by rear steer.
It is more common on older tourings (but not exclusive to them) and is a combination of wear in the rear carrier mountings and the shocks on the rear suspension - if its the carrier mounts, fixing requires a special tool that few independents have got.
If the shimmy can be felt through the steering then its probably front bushes or discs.
Cooling systems can be troublematic in older cars, with plastic impellors in the waterpumps breaking, viscous couplings failing and radiators leaking.
If its a manual, then once warm, rev the engine whilst in neutral with the clutch up and if you hear a rattle that goes when the clutch is depressed then it could be the dual mass flywheel springs wearing - these are not cheap (£450) and replacement often warrants a new clutch as well !
If your buying outside a BMW Franchise it could be worth getting a specialist to give it the once over - at least you would then know where you stand.
They are very good cars but can occasionally hit you with an expensive surprise !
>> Edited by Egbert Nobacon on Tuesday 7th February 16:03
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