Thinking about a '01 530i 5 speed - thoughts?

[wfc7]

Hey everyone, I found a black 2001 BMW 530i (5 speed) with 66,000 miles on it. Asking price is $10,900 firm. I drove it today and it feels and looks good (black leather interior). I'm checking with the local BMW dealer where it was service tomorrow morning to make sure nothing is needed on it; to see if it has had regular maintenance (receipt seem to show it has).

Anyone on here have any experience with 2001 530i's? Any thoughts/concerns? Items to check before buying? I'd be getting rid of my 1999 540iT w Sport Package (135k) to get the 530i.

Thanks.

[4500 RPM]

Wow that's a deal! Damn, prices must really be falling...

[RabidChimp]

E39s are great cars

[BimmerAddict530]

hey whatsup man. I've heard 540s are not as reliable and don't handle as well as the 530s. I own an 01 530i and its freaken awesome. As long as you keep it maintained properly, you should have no trouble with it. It really is a great car. Very stable, agile, and the sound of the engine is really smoothe. I love my car. The handling is amazing! But yea, I'd highly recommend it. It's a really spacious, sporty, and reliable car. Just keep up with the maintenance, and dont feel bad about changing out parts that are worn. Its a bimmer! its worth the time. You'll appreciate it as time comes. For the price you're getting that one for, make sure you bring it to a reliable mechanic. 10,800 is a little cheap in my opinion, but if the tech says it has no major problems and the maintenance and parts needed can be changed for a pretty good price, go ahead and grab it. Make sure if doesnt have loads of problems (maybe check basic stuff like air filter, engine oil, coolant level, radiator for heat cracks, suspension, brakes, etc. And check the car with the computer for thermostat, cam sensor, and other computer components.). Good luck!

[E39Chris525i]

Hey everyone, I found a black 2001 BMW 530i (5 speed) with 66,000 miles on it. Asking price is $10,900 firm. I drove it today and it feels and looks good (black leather interior). I'm checking with the local BMW dealer where it was service tomorrow morning to make sure nothing is needed on it; to see if it has had regular maintenance (receipt seem to show it has).

Anyone on here have any experience with 2001 530i's? Any thoughts/concerns? Items to check before buying? I'd be getting rid of my 1999 540iT w Sport Package (135k) to get the 530i.

Thanks.

IMO, the E39 530i with the stick is the best E39 in terms of reliability, maintenence costs, etc... At that mileage, the cooling system should be changed (water pump, thermostat, hoses and have the belts changed). Since you say it was regular maintained (meaning dealer service=no service), have the differential and the manual trans fluids changed at once. A tune-up will help. I wish I had those extra horses on my 525 :(. Anyway, that is a great deal and please post pics.

[apollo322]

That sounds like a really good price to me too. A friend of mine had one for about 170,000 miles, they may be the most reliable BMW from that era.

[NMMR]

You can be proud to own one of the smallest V8's in history

[Locolizards]

You can be proud to own one of the smallest V8's in history


It's an inline-6, M54.

[E39Chris525i]

You can be proud to own one of the smallest V8's in history

I think you are referring to the E34 530i.

[Alkasquawlik]

You can be proud to own one of the smallest V8's in history


i think he was just trying to say that the 530i is a very powerful inline-6 :dunno

[NMMR]

oh hehe woops, thought u were talkin about e34

[TopasBlau46]

That's an excellent deal if everything checks out properly! Let us know how it goes.

[AndrewH]

hey whatsup man. I've heard 540s are not as reliable and don't handle as well as the 530s. I own an 01 530i and its freaken awesome. As long as you keep it maintained properly, you should have no trouble with it. It really is a great car. Very stable, agile, and the sound of the engine is really smoothe. I love my car. The handling is amazing! But yea, I'd highly recommend it. It's a really spacious, sporty, and reliable car. Just keep up with the maintenance, and dont feel bad about changing out parts that are worn. Its a bimmer! its worth the time. You'll appreciate it as time comes. For the price you're getting that one for, make sure you bring it to a reliable mechanic. 10,800 is a little cheap in my opinion, but if the tech says it has no major problems and the maintenance and parts needed can be changed for a pretty good price, go ahead and grab it. Make sure if doesnt have loads of problems (maybe check basic stuff like air filter, engine oil, coolant level, radiator for heat cracks, suspension, brakes, etc. And check the car with the computer for thermostat, cam sensor, and other computer components.). Good luck!

:rofl wtf??

[wfc7]

Thanks to everyone for the helpful info. I'll keep you updated and post pics if I buy it on Monday!

[GR330ZHP]

wow great price!!!

Oh if it checks out fine, it will be an awesome car!!!!