It had to happen eventually.
A recent trawl through the classifieds confirms that early examples of the ‘E39’ generation BMW 5-series have dropped below the magic £1200 mark at which one can reasonably anticipate bagging one after waving a grand in cash under the owner’s nose.
Dirt-cheap E39s have been around for a couple of years, early versions are approaching their 13th birthdays after all, but until recently they tended to be the dodgiest of the dodgy – cars with visible damage, starship mileages or with the strong possibility of being stolen non-recovered.
Suddenly there are seemingly dozens of decent-looking ones out there for a ‘trader’s thousand’, with some even boasting full service history, a respectable number of owners and mileages in the low 100,000s.
Most of the cheapies are 520is, meaning the smooth-but-gutless 150bhp 2.0-litre straight six, but even that brings the upside of mid-30s mpg when used with appropriate respect. And, after digging a bit deeper, I found a promising-looking ’97 528i SE saloon for £1250 for anyone prepared to take a bet on its 205,000 miles.
Of course, after my recent experience with the £1000 Mercedes W124 that I ran for a story, I should really know better than to be seriously considering ploughing my hard-earned into another cheapo German exec – with these cars, the initial purchase tends to be just where the spending starts. But I’ve always regarded the E39 as the ultimate exemplar of the pre-Bangle BMW, and with prices like these I’m seriously tempted.
Join the debate
PeteT
re: BMW’s finest…for a grand
Sorry, without meaning to hog the post, back to my leggy 530i sport. The build had a feeling of solidity no Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, and other late BMW's for that matter I've ever had (and there have been a few) could match. Even the leather on the drivers seat remained taught, fairly crack free and as pungent as it should. No doubt its a seminal car.
PeteT
re: 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?
Raveon
re: BMW’s finest…for a grand
I purchased the gutless one 3 months back but could not be happier as it still goes pretty well, although it is my first BMW so can't compare with others. Spent a bit more than £1,000 but it was from the trade with a full service history, pristine inside and out and with rather natty alloys.
Had to do it on a bit of a budget so the 520 made sense and getting 32-33 MPG, plus cheaper insurance. It really is a fantastic family car, hopefully will not cost to much to run and a joy to have on the driveway.
mikef2
re: BMW’s finest…for a grand
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
ColinS
re: BMW’s finest…for a grand
Link to the car mentioned above in case anyone's interested!!
http://www.clubgti.com/forum/showthread.php?t=183717
ColinS
re: BMW’s finest…for a grand
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.
RobotBoogie
re: BMW’s finest…for a grand
I can feel a GS300 undercurrent building on this forum, so thought I'd investigate. My results - They are cheap. They are well built. They do look and feel like an overgrown Carina E, though.
Bluewater Monster
re: BMW’s finest…for a grand
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!
W124
re: BMW’s finest…for a grand
All GS300's have the heated seats and all the toys - bit of a trade secret I reckon.
Bring back steel wheels.
NiallOswald
re: BMW’s finest…for a grand
Hmm, there's another 'interesting possibility' to add to the list of cars to get an insurance quote for...
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