Buying a E39...help needed...::)

[smilindevil]

Checked out this particular car in mudah and went to see the car yesterday. The condition was average. But I noticed the abs light was on and during test drive the whole front part felt loose. The owner said its the lower arm and it will only cost less than 400 to replace both side. I'm not sure about that though. About the abs light he said its the sensor and will cost 250 to get it fixed. The car was recently painted red. While the exterior paint looks perfect, there were some imperfections on the engine bay side. Anyone knows the history of this car? Should i go for it? Need sifu's advise before i put my hard earned money on it. Thank you...cheers..http://www.mudah.my/Bmw+523+e39-8076140.htm

 

[Herbert]

A couple of advice before you put your hard earned money on it.

1. check the VIN number with http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do to confirm year of production & etc
2. send the car to a reliable BMW workshop and do a complete computer diagnosis & mechanical checks
3. get an estimate for repair charges

 

[rpmnut]

Nice bodykit, but this car looks like a base-spec 523. Lacks the multi-function steering wheel.

The ABS warning light could be the speed sensor or the ABS module. The latter will cost far more than RM250 to fix.

Get the car inspected by a specialist before committing. If the owner doesn't let you, then walk away. These cars are not to be messed around with. Buy a lemon and it'll quickly become a moneypit.

 

[smilindevil]

A couple of advice before you put your hard earned money on it.

1. check the VIN number with http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do to confirm year of production & etc
2. send the car to a reliable BMW workshop and do a complete computer diagnosis & mechanical checks
3. get an estimate for repair charges

how to get the VIN number Herbert? i remembered about th VIN number i wasn't sure how to get the number.

 

[smilindevil]

Nice bodykit, but this car looks like a base-spec 523. Lacks the multi-function steering wheel.

The ABS warning light could be the speed sensor or the ABS module. The latter will cost far more than RM250 to fix.

Get the car inspected by a specialist before committing. If the owner doesn't let you, then walk away. These cars are not to be messed around with. Buy a lemon and it'll quickly become a moneypit.

Thanks bro. The owner said he dont mind if i wanna bring mech to inspect the car but must be at his place. He also said he is willing to carry out all the repair before handing in the car to me.. Dont know wether i should trust his words.

 

[Herbert]

Thanks bro. The owner said he dont mind if i wanna bring mech to inspect the car but must be at his place. He also said he is willing to carry out all the repair before handing in the car to me.. Dont know wether i should trust his words.

1.The best solution is deduct the estimated repair bill from the selling price and hence avoid mistrust from either parties.

2. VIN number is located on top of front suspension mount inside the engine compartment.

3. Bring the seller along to the workshop specialist as car need to be hoisted up for mechanical, leak inspection and etc.

 

[rpmnut]

Thanks bro. The owner said he dont mind if i wanna bring mech to inspect the car but must be at his place. He also said he is willing to carry out all the repair before handing in the car to me.. Dont know wether i should trust his words.

If I were you I'd nego so that you'll handle the repairs at your BMW specialist of choice - you can then offset the estimated costs of repair from the purchase price. At least then you know the repairs will be good. leave it to the owner and he could resort to using cheap parts to fix the problems temporarily.

 

[rpmnut]

BTW, bro. Check the specs of the car. Looking at the car's interior pics, the car is lacking the BC controls for the trip computers (suggesting it lacks the on-board computer) and it doesn't have the ASC/DSC switch (usually located above the cupholders). If this is true, this is a very very very basic spec 5 series.

 

[adros1420]

thx fo highlight this thread.
for my case, my sons do the survey via 'mudah.com' for various number of 5s. then we all went down KV to each dealer & 'verify' each car. out of that 6 candidates, we then finalized the one i just have last mid of dec-10 - 523, Y2K, 94.3K km mileage. once bought-up, then only i join this club... no chance to ask Q b4 buy!

 

[adros1420]

correction: 94.3K miles instead...

 

[Alex5522]

Tis wan seem not bad : http://www.mudah.my/Bmw+E39+MSPORT+CBU+97-8184411.htm

 

[bmw23]

I bought my E39 last 3 month. Enjoying My Ride now with minor wear and tear :listen:need to be replace. I presumed my ride has been kind to me....so far..../Do not believe the Seller. Get the service record...then you know how well the car have been taken care...then you decide Else there are too many gud buy around...

 

[bmw23]

Worth looking at Alex posting above...

 

[insomniac]

Tis wan seem not bad : http://www.mudah.my/Bmw+E39+MSPORT+CBU+97-8184411.htm

Looks exactly similar in specs with my car when i got it.
Don't think this is an MSport, but correct me if i'm wrong. My car came with the exact same steering and wheels as well.

 

[bimmerholic]

Tis wan seem not bad : http://www.mudah.my/Bmw+E39+MSPORT+CBU+97-8184411.htm

I know the owner of this car. Well maintained car!

 

[haywire]

Tis wan seem not bad : http://www.mudah.my/Bmw+E39+MSPORT+CBU+97-8184411.htm

This one is obviously not an M-Sport..despite the blatant claim by the salesman. the only thing msport in that car is its steering. doesnt even have the m bumpers and wheels for it to fool anyone.

 

[Alex5522]

Tis too not bad : http://www.mudah.my/Bmw+e39+cbu-8196485.htm

 

[ELnino]

cup holder below that aircond controller only can be found at 523 n above?

 

[bimmerholic]

cup holder below that aircond controller only can be found at 523 n above?

Nope! 520 also have those cuppy holders.

 

[haywire]

cup holder below that aircond controller only can be found at 523 n above?

Can be easily retroffited, 2 screws only to fit. Bought mine in UK for £32. One piece of advice, if you wanna retrofit please buy only new, as a used one is brittle and easily broken and a faulty design. Buy new and its a slightly improved version.