to buy or not to buy E39????

[wingman]

Hi guys/gals,

I just got a promotion at work and with all this spare cash I'm being tempted (big time) to buy an E39 (most probably 528i sport). Why should I stay with my beloved E34 and not buy an E39 with air bags everywhere, multi-function steering wheel, aluminium suspension bits, better aerodynamics/power, fuel economy...?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[Zeuk in Oz]

Hi guys/gals,

I just got a promotion at work and with all this spare cash I'm being tempted (big time) to buy an E39 (most probably 528i sport). Why should I stay with my beloved E34 and not buy an E39 with air bags everywhere, multi-function steering wheel, aluminium suspension bits, better aerodynamics/power, fuel economy...?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Great minds ? Especially at the prices they go for ! :)

Only collected mine today, but so far I am seriously impressed.

Prepares for flaming ! :D

I'm not planning on selling the E 34 though. :)

[Derek A.]

1. All the modules need to be coded - so if you blow an abs control module you have to instill the help of a dealer/indy to repair it.
2. Rear suspension bits wear out a bit quicker and are somwehat expensive to replace.
3.No real aftermarket audio solutions

Those are the downsides. at least all the ones I can think of.

D.-

[Qube]

Well, profile says your 39. If you were 18-19, I'd think differently. At this point, you should make your decision based on your economical capability and your desire. In this game of life, if you don't jump at the opportunity, you'll regret it. For example, once I move on to my new job, I will be highly considering grabbing a Z4 (used) but keeping the e34.

The only other tidbit of info I can suggest is not to go hunting for for an e39 but to keep an eye out for the one of a kind prize... if you feel guilty of leaving us behind :)

[wingman]

Thanks so far. Zeuk has some good things to say from his (short) ownership. The main issue with me is that anything that breaks will take a specialist to put right. I bought the E34 as an affordable update to my dearly departed E12. I'm now financial enough to go for the E39 but I may wait 'til my father updates to the latest M3 in which case I can buy his E46 330i. The E39 is just really doing it for me at the moment. The E39 is nowhere near as pretty as the E34 though.

[weiss_535is]

Thanks so far. Zeuk has some good things to say from his (short) ownership. The main issue with me is that anything that breaks will take a specialist to put right. I bought the E34 as an affordable update to my dearly departed E12. I'm now financial enough to go for the E39 but I may wait 'til my father updates to the latest M3 in which case I can buy his E46 330i. The E39 is just really doing it for me at the moment. The E39 is nowhere near as pretty as the E34 though.

A good friend of mine sold his e34 and purchased an e39 last year and has ha no problems at all and really loves the car. About the only thing he says is that when he comes over he parks next to mine and has occassional teary moments at the loss of the e34 :( . But we all have to move on!! good luck with whattever you decide!!:)

[Kamil]

Stick to inline-6 engines, and try to get an '01 or newer 530i. The 3.0 is torque-y and smooth, and 3 and 5 series had a lot of little changes from '00 to '01... ASC to DSC, new steering wheels, keys, etc, details. All pre-'02 models headlights and taillights are easily upgradable too '02 and newer.

The guys that says that your radio options are limited does not know what he is taking about. Unlike E34/E36, the head unit is not the weak point.

Things to look for:
- broken display pixels
- broken cup holders
- LCAs
- idle issues (mostly 525 models)
- water pumps (plastic propeller, you want to replace it at 80k/4 years)
- cat converters on 540i's.

If you're thinking 528i, the sport package model got minor upgrades for '00, but the 530 is much better car overall IMO.
In '03 the 530 came with a 6-spd transmission. LSD was only available on the M5.

These are great cars - good luck.

[Bill R.]

abs module, bosch 5.7 and or 5.9. Extremely high failure rate on the 97 through 99's about 1200 USD for everything from the dealer here in the US. Fortunately there are a couple of rebuilders here who can repair and modify them for around 3 to 4 hundred.






Hi guys/gals,

I just got a promotion at work and with all this spare cash I'm being tempted (big time) to buy an E39 (most probably 528i sport). Why should I stay with my beloved E34 and not buy an E39 with air bags everywhere, multi-function steering wheel, aluminium suspension bits, better aerodynamics/power, fuel economy...?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[Paul in NZ]

So a later model than 99 is the go?

[Ross]

A good friend has a '99 528i. Last time in my E34 he noticed some features his car does not have, I don't recall what but we agreed his car seemed "decontented".
His car has about one third the miles of my E34 and I prefer the E34's manners.
My opinion is a better move up would be a pre I-drive 7.

[filip00]

i wouldn't buy a 528i if i could afford a 530i. but switching to an e39 from an e34 is not a bad idea at all. the only thing which would be a MUST is M optic :)

[Hallmark]

I replace one of my E34s with a '98 528i about a year and a half ago. The engine is an update of the same one in my '95 525. Basic matenance is almost identical, except that the microfilters are located in the engine compartment and are a snap to change out. Even the reset of the oil and inspection lights on the dash is the same.

The only negatives I have encountered so far are the fuel filter is much harder to access for routine maintenance and there are three O2 sensors to replace.

My E34 is gradually demanding more time and budget to keep up, which is my only long term negative for it. But, of course, its several years older. Overall, I thing the E39 is the perfect step up.

[e39dream]

My car is a 1998 528i sport package automatic. It has been the most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned, hands down. The car won't strand you and will look damn good being reliable.

It's got its share of little things that break though, cup holders, rear window regulators(watch them repair this and make sure they properly install the weather barrier or your rear doors will leak in the rain, the pixels should not even be mentioned if you know your e39 as BMWNA will replace every defective display in the cabin for the cost of 1 hours labor. The front bushings in the suspension seem to go after a few years, the radiator, fan clutch and water pump should be changed every 60-80k miles as they just plain suck in design. Others have mentioned some of the woes of the ABS module, mine is original and functional. There are some indy/dealer only operations that unfortunately you have to open the wallet for. My car has not set foot in any garage but mine in almost a full years ownership, and I have no check engine lights, etc on the dash- it's a great car for the money, I can't say that enough.

I agree to get a 01+ 530i sport if you can swing the $, otherwise you can make a 528i look identical to an 01-03 with lighting upgrades as mentioned.
The 528i is a great car, especially if you already know your way around the M52 or similar BMW motor. My car has 134K miles and is not driven as if I worry about the drivetrain failing- it's solid and accelerates briskly. I have conforti software in mine as well- little freebie from the previous owner.

As far as options, you need to do a little homework. sign up at bimmerforums to post in the e39 section. You have many things to consider and the last thing you want is a strippo model BMW- right? I have the sport package which gets you shadowline trim, lower, stiffer and better suspension, 17x8" style 5 wheels and dependant on model year a 3 spoke steering wheel. I also have the cold weather package which consists of heated leather seats and steering wheel, as well as a nifty "rest" function that circulates warm air thru the cabin after the engine has been stopped. then I have the memory seating/mirrors and steeing wheel.

Get a 1998 sport 528i! they came with a "technical" grapite looking trim that is rare (98 sport only or order from dealer for over a grand)and sought after- I could sell my cars trim for 300-500 bucks + buyers wood trim all day long if I wanted to.

All that said I want an e34 535iM for a daily car to fix up and add to the stables- the 5 er envy goes both ways. It's that damn e60 that I can't like enough to really want one, even if I had the $- call me crazy.

motivational pics:

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/marxalbums/afalldaytriptosrun101.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/marxalbums/afalldaytriptosrun035-1.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/marxalbums/afalldaytriptosrun029.jpg

[Evan]

I'm looking for an 03 330i with Performance Package and Alcantara interior...