E39 Recommendations - United Bimmer Community

**BDUNBAR** · 06-07-2006, 08:20 PM

Newbie here in need of some recommendations. Looking for a late model E39. Ultimately would like 540, but not sure if 528/530 would be more reliable/practical. Definately want the sport package and either auto or 6-speed. Any preferred years? Any common problems? Would like to be around $20K. BTW owned a '88 m5 and a '78 320 years ago.
Thanks
Brad

**xsperf** · 06-07-2006, 08:30 PM

haha good pick on that m5.. if you want a 540, especially if you are willing to settle for an auto, there are plenty of them that are ~ 15 - 20K, the ones that are more expensive are the 6 speed, they are more rare and generally have more of a demand in terms of BMW enthusiasts

**Yatti** · 06-07-2006, 10:42 PM

yeye...

**BMWLotAttendant** · 06-08-2006, 12:26 AM

Sports package is definately the way to go.

The last year is typically the best, 2003.

2001 or newer gets you halos (angel eyes).

1999 is a good year too.

If I were to buy a used e39s (which I know I'd probably get after I graduate college).....would be the following:

1. 2001-2003 M5 (specifically 2003)
2. 2001-2003 540i Sport (2003)
3. 2001-2003 530i Sport
4. 2001-2003 525i Sport
5. 1999-2001 540i
6. 1999-2001 530i
7. 1999-2001 525i

Remember, lower mileage....higher price. Latest year gets you a higher price too. So a combination of both....including packages....sports, premium, cold weather.....gets you the highest price.

Right now, we have a loaded 2003 M5 with 18K miles and it is going for $58K.

We have a loaded (all packages) 2003 540i Sport with 28,418 miles for $39K.

Coincidentally, we also have a loaded 2003 530i Sport with 48,220 miles for $32K.

And, I love the 525i Sports as well.....

But remember with the 540i you get a V8 engine.

Something to think about.

**Chris** · 06-08-2006, 02:47 AM

^^^ you sound like you're talking about wine. this was a god year, this was a good year, etc. lol

**cainchapman** · 06-08-2006, 05:30 AM

I don't think that the 540 is less reliable in general terms than the 6 cylinder versions. Statisically, yes, the motor must be. But mine has had no issues. The 528 is a good car and with a few mods, can be made to pull quite hard. On the manual front, only 5% of 5 series are manual globally. Hence the premium on them.