older BMW cars

[KLR04]

My 2000 540 broke (camchain tensioner failure, $$$ repair) I'm considering a replacement, found a very clean 2001 530, but also a 1999 740, any advice?

[Ragin Rabbi]

My only experience with "older" BMWs was a '71 2002..

I thought that's what you meant by older!!!

[Ursa Major]

A 2001 530 is the ultimate expression of the E39, the best 5 series ever made (I know E28 fans will disagree), and arguably the best practical, daily use BMW ever made. If I could find a 2003 530 with a stick, Premium and Sport packages with low miles I would buy it; that's the car I thought about ordering in 2003 to replace my E34 when the ugly next-gen was announced, but never got around to doing.

A '99 740 (E38), on the other hand, will put your mechanic's kids through private school. I know two people who loved the cars, but the bills started coming fast and furious after about 90k miles. The price of admission is only the beginning on that one.

In both cars, beware of BMW automatics of that era that seem to grenade themselves at around 100k miles, and the usual cooling issues, i.e. if the water pump and thermostat haven't been replaced approaching or beyond 100k miles, I'd probably replace them on a proactive basis and negotiate to subtract it from the purchase price.

[Howler]

Just curious, how many miles did you get on the 540i before the tensioner failed? I've got a 1997 540i that I love driving, just hit 60,000 miles on it. Wondering how many more miles I can get out of it.

[KLR04]

Thanks for the input Ursa, much appreciated, I guess it's time to stop dreaming...

Don't worry Howler, the chain tensioner failed at 235,000 km, or roughly 147,000 miles, apparently it's not a common issue.

I guess the 530 is a nice car 9dark blue and cream interior), but it's not as nice as the 540, mine was an M-Pack, so the 530 does not have the same steering wheel, OBC display in the dash, more basic console, the regular electric seats, higher supension, regular mags, etc. yep, the 540 will be missed :(

[Anorak]

Originally Posted by Ursa Major

A 2001 530 is the ultimate expression of the E39, the best 5 series ever made (I know E28 fans will disagree), and arguably the best practical, daily use BMW ever made. If I could find a 2003 530 with a stick, Premium and Sport packages with low miles I would buy it; that's the car I thought about ordering in 2003 to replace my E34 when the ugly next-gen was announced, but never got around to doing.

A '99 740 (E38), on the other hand, will put your mechanic's kids through private school. I know two people who loved the cars, but the bills started coming fast and furious after about 90k miles. The price of admission is only the beginning on that one.

In both cars, beware of BMW automatics of that era that seem to grenade themselves at around 100k miles, and the usual cooling issues, i.e. if the water pump and thermostat haven't been replaced approaching or beyond 100k miles, I'd probably replace them on a proactive basis and negotiate to subtract it from the purchase price.

Very well said. The only thing better than the six cylinder E39 is the M5 E39.

[Howler]

Yes, maybe you need to look for an e39 M5!

Have you considered working on the car yourself to fix it? I'm no mechanic but have enjoyed fixing a few things on mine using the great online write ups available. If it's already toast what do you have to lose? Here's one on replacing the timing chain tensioner and they have some write ups on replacing the plastic guide rails that go out. Although since yours already failed it may have caused other issues.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1233696

[CA_Strom]

Had a 1997 740il, was a great car. Quite easy to work on, and parts were no more expensive than any other car. E38.org has everything you need to know. If you're not handy with a wrench and bentley manual, steer clear of the e38 or it'll eat you alive. Mine ran great with 140k on the clock.

[A-Bone]

Originally Posted by Anorak

Very well said. The only thing better than the six cylinder E39 is the M5 E39.

Really???

I thought the 3.0L M54 engine in the E39/E46 was the pinnacle of function and durability for BMW...

[Anorak]

Originally Posted by A-Bone

Really???

I thought the 3.0L M54 engine in the E39/E46 was the pinnacle of function and durability for BMW...

I don't mean so far as reliability, I mean performance. But, the 530 is a really well balanced car. My favorite is silver with a black interior and tinted windows.

[mb90535im]

Originally Posted by Ursa Major

A 2001 530 is the ultimate expression of the E39, the best 5 series ever made (I know E28 fans will disagree).... .

Yes, the E28 is at the top of the heap and that is coming from an E34 owner.

I wonder if this car's owner could use some eye teeth?

[kfsinc]

+1 "....from what I can see in the photos, and proper maintenance is everything to the lifespan of these cars. I absolutely would not buy one without a complete verifiable maintenance history, but if you can find one that has been well cared for, then I'd jump on it in a heartbeat."

As i mentioned before, I've had several BMW's. Buying a 'certified' used one or one that's been owned by rich/anal previous owner, but may have ~100K miles on it, is the best way to go. If the previous owner can't document in detail that the big items have been taken care of, these things can be a huge money pit.

[Greg MacD]

I have an E46, a 330I with the sport package. not really an older car, but it is 10 years old,,,,,,,anyway, I have ran across a few M5 cars they were around a 2000 model year, they were in the low 20K range. Thank is an great deal considering that sold new in the 80K range. I am not a fan of the 7 series as I like the sporty BMW's.

[RocketJohn]

In my mind older BMW means older than 1989...

Ten year old BMW is not old, those are fancy preowned! :)

[crazydrummerdude]

Originally Posted by RocketJohn

In my mind older BMW means older than 1989...

Ten year old BMW is not old, those are fancy preowned!

Yup, my '85 318i is starting to become "older."