What to know about E39? New buyer.

[mikkhait]

Hello everyone.
This is my first post here. I'm thinking of buying 1997 528i with 80K miles on it. It seems pretty clean for its age and runs good.

However, it does not have any warranty and I would like to know what should I expect to fail on this car at around this age? Overall, should I expect a lot of $$ going in to it? Was a solid year for this model? Any advise is appreciated.

[exproject]

The cooling system is made out of plastic.:rolleyes

That's the number one problem with these cars.

Look for receipts of work done.

[jamesdc4]

Use the search feature and you will find many threads on this subject.
GL

[mikkhait]

Thanks, that's a good idea :).

Although, I did hear that auto tranny is a common falure. Is it true?

Use the search feature and you will find many threads on this subject.
GL

[exproject]

Gives you the oppurtunity to swap in a manual:stickoutt

[LAWDAWG79]

I havent done one yet, but I hear the cooling system repair for a DIY job isnt to hard, just time consuming

[zombie990]

wel mines a 2000 with 90k miles and it just developed a pinhole leak in the radiator. jb weld sealed it right up though

[zombie990]

and one of my window motors went out. dont know how common that is though

[Fiziks]

wel mines a 2000 with 90k miles and it just developed a pinhole leak in the radiator. jb weld sealed it right up though
That's probably not your best choice.

[dreadnotmusic]

I just bought a 97 528i with about 98k. I went ahead and replaced the cooling system after reading a million threads about it. Check the CARFAX report for sure. Mine had been serviced by the dealer every 4k miles.

If the deal is right (8k or less) then go for it. Be sure to pay a competent indy shop for a full inspection though. I need to replace the rear control arms and rotors.

[XCELMotorsports]

Whats an Indy shop? Indian?

[jamesdc4]

Whats an Indy shop? Indian?
Indy = Independent:)

[e39dream]

yes, Indian. You pull your car into a teepee and chief sitting bull fixes it. :rolleyes

Indy=independant.

the best thing you can do when getting into a 5 series is research before you buy. reSEARCH.

[zimmer99]

check consumer guide reviews. it has lots of info. just search it under either bmw 528 or 540i specs.

[ViolinARC]

Look here for real world data too: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=893732

[SPLITSENSETAM]

Thanks, that's a good idea :).

Although, I did hear that auto tranny is a common falure. Is it true?

Scan the system see if theres any codes hidden ..esp for p0740 tcc malfunction ...i bought a 97 528 about a year ago ...no check engine light ....stupid me didnt get it scaned ...there was somthing stored in the memory and that was a tranny problem ...it didnt completly die ...but shifting became very poor and had no lock up in 4th ....it coulda gone for a while before it died ..but i got her fixed ...big money !..just giving ya heads up

did the cooling system ...before anything happened

other than than brakes, tires.new bilsteins this week .....amazing car!!:buttrock

[dbruce]

http://edgemotorworks.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=55

[SportWagon540]

The upper side of the radiator will have a date sticker if it has been replaced.
Check there. On my other BMW I put in an aftermarket-Aluminum one. Never had a problem since. Full job cost me about $350.00 at an Indy.