E39 Advise

[kcmwinga]

Hi All

I have seen an E39 525i that I am considering buying if I can get the guy to the right price and also confirm a few items on the vehicles history.

I wanted to get an idea of how reliable these cars are and any thing to look out for?

It is a 2002 model with 173k km on the clock.

TIA

 

[Benji]

An E39 is now a 20 year old BMW, so it is super reliable if one takes into account the maintenance that an old BMW requires...

Having said that, it is better to spend more money on a well maintained car than trying to save 10k on a vehicle that will require 50k on a suspension refresh (because that's how much that will cost).

As far as I know, the main problem areas with 525s are the cooling system and the auto gearboxes. Otherwise pretty solid cars that provide an amazing ownership experience.

 

[kcmwinga]

Thanks for the update.
I will drive it today and see.
It is an auto so that is something I was weary off. Visually the car looks in pretty nick.

 

[rodga]

Definitely the cooling system. I just replaced my radiator this weekend after it sprung a leak. Expansion tank and other stuff were replaced in 2022. And in 2010 if going on the sticker of the radiator that I removed.
Autobox on mine is fine, I did have an oil/filter change at around that mileage as a precaution. I am on 209k kms currently.
I need to start with suspension as I can feel its getting tired. But thats a problem for another day.

 

[individj]

would be great if you could get the gearbox checked before purchasing...i know of a few that needed rebuilding...luckily not me but friends and family.