E39 dependablity

I can't remember if the last year of the 528 was in 2000 or 2001. The 525 and 530 came around 2001 I recall. Either way, you're look at a 10+ year old BMW. I wouldn't recommend getting one as a daily driver. If you were looking at one for a weekend/fun car like an E39 M5, that would be a different story. The maintenance bills will add up imo.

I haven't look at prices of those cars, but I can't imagine them going for more than $8,000. Maybe you're looking at it as a disposable item???

 

there are low miles cars out there. the $8k number would be for a driver w/ 100k miles on it.

for a car w/ 35k miles i think you might be looking at double if for a 530 sport in as new condition. the cars age well and are really nice to drive and look soooooo much better that those udly e-60's!

the are solid and built like the rock of gibralter! find a 2003 if you can.

 

I worked with BMW for almost 10 years, the e39 is one of the most reliable cars BMW ever produced. The 528 will run forever. It should only need disposables... thats it. Buy it and enjoy

 

The 528 was gone after 2000, replaced by the 530 which began for 2001.

Anecdotally I have a friend who bought one used over the summer and has had some maintenance issues including the loss of all rear lighting. My biggest worry would not be reliability, it would be performance... these things are slow!

 

the 530i sport is approx 220 hp and does 0-60 in approx 6.7 seconds w/ steptronic tranny.

i find it plenty quick although not m5 quick. mileage is quite a bit better than the v8 540.

pcb

 

i agree w/ tecnom3. my 02 m5 has been good to me. the few things, however, that stick out are:

1. Front end bushings. replaced my 4x
2. the weak clutch on sticks (obviously)
3. the dash display screen pixels die early
4. the guibo (the large tire rubber like "washer" that sits b/w the tranny and the driveshaft).

personally I think the 530>528 as the increased torque helps move the heavy car.
Also, w/ the age/mileage of your car, i would consider replacing the shocks.
good luck

 

Make sure maintenance is up to date.

 

I own a 2000 528 touring with the 5spd bought it with 20,000 miles on it and it now has 80,000.00 miles. have only changed fluids, everything ie; P/S, brake fluid etc it has always ran perfect. The 6 cyl. cars need the cooling system looked after; water pump, thermostat etc, I do this as a preventive maintenance item at 70,000 miles also the front control arm bushings at around 70,000. Other than that they go forever.