Faults:

There are many areas of these cars that see continual failure of the same parts over and over, as a result of poor design and/or materials.

Window actuators, radiators and all other plastic components in the cooling system, various sensors, ABS sensors, fuel senders, MID and cluster LEDs, etc., etc. I don't mind too much fixing things that break, but it gets tiresome replacing the same parts over again, and in multiple cars across model years, with parts that you can see have not been modified to correct the source of the problem.

General Comments:

I've had 3 E39s of various model years, and they've all been the same. Talk to long-time owners and we'll all say the same thing - Great cars, but be prepared to pay the price in continual problems and expense that come with the territory.

Faults:

I've had a few problems with the car since I bought it a year and a half ago. About 3 months after I got it, the car failed to start and needed to be towed to the local BMW dealership. The total cost was $450 to have the car repaired. About 6 months later, I began having an issue where the car would shake suddenly. Once again, I dropped the car off at my local BMW dealership where I spent $600 on repairs. I've also replaced the tires for a total cost of $500 (they are 18")

General Comments:

General comments:

More than anything. I absolutely love the look of this car. My car is a dark silver that looks almost purple under the light. It has numerous subtle areodynamic aftermarket parts from AC Schnitzer that make the car look absolutely spectacular. The most worthwhile, in my opinion, is the add-on to the front air-dam. This lowers the front of the car (which, in my mind, looks a bit soft without it) and gives it a much more aggressive edge. The lights on my car are all updated to 2002+ spec, which also helps out a lot.

The performance is nice. Unlike some reviews of this car, however, I feel that the performance is simply in-line with the weight of the car. It feels "right" for average driving. Powerful enough to be fun. GREAT acceleration from 50+ miles an hour upwards. It feels strong, not quick, if that makes any sense. From a performance standpoint, I think I would like my next car to be a bit faster. I've started looking at used Ferarris online for when I turn 30 in a few years!

The car is very comfortable and luxurious. I almost felt like the car was "too nice" for the first couple weeks I drove it. However, that feeling soon passed. Controls are easy to use and the overall experience for the passengers is great. True understated luxury.

I would recommend this car. I would definitely put money aside for repairs, however.

Faults:

Needs a drivers window regulator.

Did fist oil change myself.

Changed air filter.

General Comments:

This is THE Ultimate Driving Machine! It handles incredible for any car, but absolutely amazing for 153600 miles! The materials are all quality, and I would have no reservations about taking this car anywhere. Mine is Aubergine (dark plumb, which is a very rare colour) over Sand beige heated leather. I have Digital Sound Processing 12 speaker factory unit with a 6 disc changer in the trunk. Overall it has held up amazingly for being ten years old. SO, SO happy that I traded the SAAB for this beauty.