Your .02 cents please.

HornyHornet

HornyHornet

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#1
So me and my wife decided on a bigger vehicle. Started planning for some little hornier hornitos (good tequila) [:D] . She, bless her heart, is absolutely against a miniv--can't even finish the word. Well, she has fallen in love with her current 325i, and will only agree on....a Hond/SIKE!! An Ultimate Driving Machine, of course!!
We have found a potential candidate: a 2001 E39 540i. This beaut is mint, but with 63K miles on it; pretty well used. Person is asking $27,800. It has SP,PP, Heated Seats, Xenon, oh and, 282 ponies of pure BMW Powerrrr. Im am sure I can get an even swap.

Is it a good buy and replacement for our beloved 2003 325i? Have no idea of reliability on the E39. Since its out of warranty, it is a concern (not CPO). Thanks.
 
Dinan55

Dinan55

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#2
HornyHornet said:
So me and my wife decided on a bigger vehicle. Started planning for some little hornier hornitos (good tequila) [:D] . She, bless her heart, is absolutely against a miniv--can't even finish the word. Well, she has fallen in love with her current 325i, and will only agree on....a Hond/SIKE!! An Ultimate Driving Machine, of course!!
We have found a potential candidate: a 2001 E39 540i. This beaut is mint, but with 63K miles on it; pretty well used. Person is asking $27,800. It has SP,PP, Heated Seats, Xenon, oh and, 282 ponies of pure BMW Powerrrr. Im am sure I can get an even swap.

Is it a good buy and replacement for our beloved 2003 325i? Have no idea of reliability on the E39. Since its out of warranty, it is a concern (not CPO). Thanks.
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The E39 is pretty reliable. I think it should be more reliable than the 3 because it's built in Germany vs. South Carolina. Go with the E39, just make sure it's in good condition.
 
Abdoman

Abdoman

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I don't believe that the E39 is more reliable than the E46. I have had several problems with mine. Don't get me wrong. I have a 528i and I love the car (I just want more power!), but there are several know issues with the E39. check out www.540i6.com.

The price is good.
 
HornyHornet

HornyHornet

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Abdoman said:
I don't believe that the E39 is more reliable than the E46. I have had several problems with mine. Don't get me wrong. I have a 528i and I love the car (I just want more power!), but there are several know issues with the E39. check out www.540i6.com.

The price is good.
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What kind of problems have you experienced? I am more concerned about the major parts like engine, drivetrain, electrical, and such. From the website that you referenced, it was all minor things and they had some fixes for most.
 
Ghost

Ghost

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The only problem I’ve had with mine is the radiator/reservoir replacement, which, from my understanding is common among the older E39’s. I think it’s a good purchase, just make sure you get what you pay for, the complete SP consists of suspension, seats, wheels and from my understanding for the 2001, the steering wheel. Each was given as an option, so it can have only one of the options and be labeled SP so as to get the maximum price for the vehicle.
 
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nbtstatic

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#7
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#7
Dinan55 said:
The E39 is pretty reliable. I think it should be more reliable than the 3 because it's built in Germany vs. South Carolina. Go with the E39, just make sure it's in good condition.
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3 series cars are NOT built in South Carolina, do you mean South Africa maybe?

Edit - I should also mention that, the S. Africa BMW Plant, in the year 2003, beat out all of the German factorys in defects per 100 vehicles. The German factorys were said to be gearing up to try to take this record back though. Just in case you were getting any ideas about the build quality of the S.A. cars...

Nb
 
HornyHornet

HornyHornet

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#9
Thanks guys...or girls, for all the replies. Yes, this puppy has all the SP equipment. Oh, and my 2003 325i was built in Munich. Was wondering, can someone make a used BMW a CPO. I thought that if you take the car to the dealer and have them give it their certification inspection, they will certify it; giving it passes the #? point inspection. They can always look up maintenace through the VIN and any bad stuff through CARFAX. What do ya'll think?
 
HornyHornet

HornyHornet

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#10
OK. I just got off the phone with the person. So far, we have agreed on 27,250 for both the 540i and my 325i. What do you guys think. Again, Im trying for a 2001 540i w/63000, SP,PP, Multi-Disc changer and trading in a 2003 325i w/7200 PP, Heated Seats, Bi-Xenon. Is this a good bargain or should I work it more.
 
Abdoman

Abdoman

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#11
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#11
The engine and drive train is very reliable. The cats in the 5 series very often need to be replaced and the valve cover gasket tend to leak in the V8. The seat creaking and popping is very common and a real pain in the ass.
 
HornyHornet

HornyHornet

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#12
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#12
Abdoman said:
The engine and drive train is very reliable. The cats in the 5 series very often need to be replaced and the valve cover gasket tend to leak in the V8. The seat creaking and popping is very common and a real pain in the ass.
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Got it. Thanks. Good to know that the major components are solid. Im am not sure if what you mentioned is serious (cats and gasket).I know that the little things are what piss people off the most. But Im a patient man, and just worried about repair cost; gonna save some cash to get a warranty. Any recommendations?
Now Im waiting on the reply from the selller. It seemed that we were at an agreement last night. I sure hope so bacause at the price Im am paying for it and breaking even with my trade, its a steal. I dont think I will find another like it.
 
HornyHornet

HornyHornet

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#13
Extatic!!

Unfortunately, the 540i deal fell through. Someone else made him a better offer. Since the dealer is in TX and Im in NE, I did not have a chance to compete. That sucked,....BUT, he let me in on another deal. His partner had just got in a 2003 530i, SP, PP, TiAg/Gray, 32,000 miles. After two hard minutes of intense business making, we agreed at $34,800 with trade. Well, what do you all think? Took care of business right away with my bank handling it pronto to avoid another loss. Here it is. I pick it up this weekend, WHAO!!!:
 

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#20
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#20
ditto Tom's post, that's a good price for a '03 530i.

How much are you getting on your trade-in? (Thats the kicker, you could get alot more just selling your car vs. trading, but that can take time)
 
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