Faults:

These cars are notorious for having weak cooling systems, and mine is no exception. Made of plastic, the expansion tank often cracks and needs to be welded together or preferably replaced.

Then I replaced the water pump.

Then the front headlight went out.

Then the reversing light went.

After having the radiator replaced, it now tells me to check the coolant quite often, and is a bit annoying.

Then it had a rough idle one morning, and I suspect it needs a new coil pack. Hmmm.

I've had it for a year, and at the current mileage you would expect it to need a few things doing. Frankly, it makes me nervous.

Oh, sorry forgot! The fan blower resistor is also in need of replacement as it's now blowing on full the whole time.

These are not big items, but when they come all at once, you start to question the logic of buying a 10 year old luxury car...

General Comments:

Well, it's an e39. That's almost all that needs to be said. The most awarded and favourite 5 series of all time. Many described this model as "the best car in the world", and still do. Journalists and owner reviews are close to unanimous in their praise for this car, and I find it difficult to argue with them.

I bought the car with 77,000kms on it, and in pristine condition. It has now done 86,000kms and I have loved every minute in it. It's comfortable, secure on the road, quiet and has a good turn of speed. Oh, and everyone thinks it's worth 5 times what I paid if that matters to you.

So, in summary I've loved this car. I turn to look at it when I walk away, it does not have one rattle or squeak, has never failed me, is so serene and comfortable to drive long distances in, and most importantly, makes me feel great about heading off somewhere (anywhere) in it. My advice is to proceed with caution on these cars. Buy the best you can get, with a great history, and preferably one that has had the above issues sorted.

Enjoy!

Faults:

Alternator died, which also killed the battery.

Door actuator stopped working.

Rocker cover gasket leaked.

General Comments:

I have had a few E39s now. The 530i M is the best by far.

Much better than a 540i, and get the M Sport, it is worth the extra dollars.

The wagon is great, but it is not a big wagon. The side trims make the boot a little narrow.

Great comfort. I am yet to find a better car that I can do 500kms per day - and still feel like I could do another 500kms.

Faults:

Nothing serious has gone wrong. There is a persistent, yet quiet squeak from the sports seats (I suspect it's the passenger's side) when driving on rough roads and the windscreen washer reservoir warning light flashes on occasionally when it shouldn't, probably a dud sensor which I'll get the dealership to look at, as I have a warranty through the BMW dealer network.

General Comments:

After surviving an accident where a speeding Nissan T-Boned and wrote off my '99 528i Executive earlier this year, I was certain I'd get another e39, but something with a bit more oomph and without going to a 535i/540i, which usually seem to be '97 models. So it had to be a 530i and the M Sport pack is just so hot. The Executive, in comparison, while one of the most comfortable cars around, just looks a bit average.

The one I ended up with has a few more Ks on it than I'd like and didn't come with the Harman/Kardon HiFi system or TV screen. Not too worried about the TV, but would've liked the HiFi. But it's the right colour inside and out and has the silver inserts instead of the wood ones. And check out those wheels and the subtly aggressive bodykit. I've had blokes in old VN Commodores pass me by with their jaws hanging out the window dragging on the ground. And I thought everyone else hated BMWs...

I've driven it further in 6 months than I drove my 528i in 15 months! Obviously it's even more of a joy to drive than my old 528i Executive. Compared to the slightly gutless 528i, the 530i really does have some grunt. This motor, for its relatively modest size really does shove along this heavy beast of a car and makes a glorious noise from 4000rpm. Boy does it sing. That drainpipe exhaust probably helps.

The M-Sport suspension and Dunlop SP Sport tyres (wider at the back) transform what was already a competent, if slightly soft sedan car into an all-out sports car, with pin-sharp reflexes. While firmly damped, the suspension is still very supple, yet roll is virtually non-existent. The sports seats are amazing (if not silent) and are about the most comfortable seats.

It is this car's finely honed chassis, comfortable seats and extreme over-engineering which make it one of the only big sedan car choices for those who really love driving, yet need a sensible car and they're great value used. I mean, you could buy a Nissan Maxima (or whatever) for about the same money and it'll drop most of it's value in the next 3 years, while a 5 year old BMW's depreciation is beginning to plateau. I know which one I'd rather drive.