BMW’s finest…for a grand

I ran a 2001 E39 530i Sport Auto which I bought off my brother in law with 175,000 miles on it and a maintenance file as thick as the yellow pages for £4,000. Whilst it ran beautifully and the engine positively surged to the red line with a gorgeous howl and the gearbox snapped through the gears with the aftermarket SMG wheel and flippers I was in constant fear of the big bill. I was saved the elusive bill (which my brother was not!) in the 6,000 miles I used it for but the niggles where frequent. Most frustrating was the battery draining overnight, every night that was eventually traced to a faulty hedgehog (look it up). I sold it for what I paid to a colleague who kept it for another 6 months then sold on again for £3000 with 185,000K to a chap in an old A8 who was intent on exporting to to Lithuania!

So, if you've got the nerve, why not?

I've had 3 E39's, a 528i (the best of the lot), a 540i and a 530d. In my opinion, this was the best car BMW ever built, elegantly but muscularly styled, fantastic handling particularly on sports suspension but with a supple ride and with a range of engines that no other manufacturer got near at the time. I don't know why Mr Duff didn't mention it (maybe he's too young to remember) but Autocar published a seminal road test on the 528i and achieved an unbelievable 0-60mph time of around 6.8secs if I recall correctly and pronounced the 528i the best car in the real world. On the basis of that road test alone, I bought one and then 2 more. In my opinion, BMW have lost their way since the E39. Firstly, Bangle arrived to alienate many traditional BMW customers with his hideous flame surfaced styling and, second, BMW have espoused the run flat tyre which in conjunction with rock hard suspension on many models, has ruined BMW's previously finely judged ride and handling compromise of which the E39 was a superb example

There's a lovely E39 523i SE advertised on the club gti forum at the moment - a member's Dad's car with 79K on a P plate and regularly serviced and one owner from being ex-demonstrator. Looks great, well spec'd and history seems great - all for only £1900.

I was seriously tempted then remembered I'd have to shift my 328 and figured I don't really need a new car (plus I'd prefer a 528i or 535i for a bit more oomph in a big car).

My Dad really regrets selling on his old 523i E39 to get an X5.

So go for it, but be careful, it's a jungle out there.

Look for older owners and immaculate history, even if that means spending £1500-£1600.

I think you have to go for it Mike, if for no other reason let it be so that you can report back and let me know if it is worth spending my student pennies on as i dont want to buy a boring 1.2 hatch! Have been looking and have my heart set on a 2.8 capri but this could suade me!

Hmm, there's another 'interesting possibility' to add to the list of cars to get an insurance quote for...