E39 523i or E38 728i??

[tyusoff]

Hi Guys and Gurus,I am totally new with BMW stuff and now really interested to buy either of these two models, ie E39 523i or E38 728i (very affordable these days). I read few threads here and now really confused on how to choose them. Basically I am worried on cost of maintenance and failure rate of these models considering their age ie from year 96-97. Which of these two models are known to be more reliable, difference on parts price and fuel economy. I will be using the car only to commute long distances and occasional weekend shopping as my main transport to office is a scooter. Also I need some recommendation of some reliable used car dealer (if they exist ) so I can start surveying (also on Mudah, but I need to be extra cautious).These are main points that I need advices on and if I left any important points please highlight it to me . Hope to hear from all the sifus here Thanks

 

[Iqlima]

if you worry about cost of maintenance and failure rate , both car not suitable for you ..........

 

[shiva73]

if you worry about cost of maintenance and failure rate , both car not suitable for you ..........

Well said

 

[paultantk]

E39 528i lah

 

[tyusoff]

if you worry about cost of maintenance and failure rate , both car not suitable for you ..........

ermm.. ok ..thanks for your advice. However I am looking into more elaborate answer. Btw, if I actually follow your advice to the dots, no car is suitable for me. I would rather want to know more, so that I can do informed decision. I would appreciate very much is someone can actually advice me what to expect if I decided to own any of these models.

Well said

ok ..

E39 528i lah

thanks for the recommendation. Any special reason for 528i?

 

[bmw7833]

If u consider e39, initialM' unit is not a bad piece to look for.

 

[tyusoff]

If u consider e39, initialM' unit is not a bad piece to look for.

With your recommendation, I had a look at his unit and I have to say his unit is truly a great one :love:. However, it might not fit for me and it is over my budget :banghead:

 

[bmw7833]

With your recommendation, I had a look at his unit and I have to say his unit is truly a great one :love:. However, it might not fit for me and it is over my budget :banghead:

He is open for nego now..:listen:

 

[initialM]

With your recommendation, I had a look at his unit and I have to say his unit is truly a great one :love:. However, it might not fit for me and it is over my budget :banghead:

You saw my car? When?

 

[Alex5522]

In terms of FC for long distance drive and comfort i encourage u to buy.
When come to maintenance wise and involve of parts changing i will said it will be on the expensive side compare with japanese or korian car.
Any how the decision to buy or not still your own. Good luck to u dude

 

[tyusoff]

You saw my car? When?

Dear sir initialM, please dont misunderstood me. Obviously I have not seen it with my very own eyes. But I have spent the whole day looking at your numerous thread. From there I actually deduced that I am not worthy of your priced ride. I'm just a simple guy and I'm afraid that I wont be able to give the same level of care you are giving it now (plus it exceed my calculated budget hehe)

In terms of FC for long distance drive and comfort i encourage u to buy.
When come to maintenance wise and involve of parts changing i will said it will be on the expensive side compare with japanese or korian car.
Any how the decision to buy or not still your own. Good luck to u dude

Thanks Alex, I am still contemplating the pros and cons. Need to do lots of research before deciding to pursue or not

 

[initialM]

NO worry bro. Good luck in your search of UDM.
My car is just a piece of cheap junk metal:love:

 

[JFT63]

hi tyusoff, i'm using 523i...in terms of f.consumption, 523i is not that thirsty, cheaper roadtax and quite easy to maintain.plus, it has quite a good demand in the market..528 is more powerful but the roadtax is way too high,about 1.6k per year..its up to you to decide..but to me, 523 or 525 shud be okay lah...

 

[mizhan]

for long distances, the E38 will be more relaxing to drive. difference between maintenance costs is negligible.

 

[Bedok]

My advise, get the E39. Even if you get the pre-facelift one, you can update the look quite easily and with the angel eyes (IMO E39 have the best Angel eyes setup ever) and red/clear rear light, the car will look like a million dollar. E38 look is not that bad but it looks old to me. Besides, E39 is curvier hence it is sexier :top:

If you are getting pre-98 cars, look out for nikasil lined engine, I doubt any survived until now without engine transplant already.

 

[YaZmEeN]

IMHO, both car looks good with plenty of thing to play around. Yes, i do agreed with u about the E39 angle eye but for sure E38 will only look old if u leave it standard setup. Among the E38 owners here, i can see that their cars are much more better looking than the one that we see daily on the road.

About the nikasil issue, please refer to the link below :

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/Nikasil.htm

Happy hunting :top:

My advise, get the E39. Even if you get the pre-facelift one, you can update the look quite easily and with the angel eyes (IMO E39 have the best Angel eyes setup ever) and red/clear rear light, the car will look like a million dollar. E38 look is not that bad but it looks old to me. Besides, E39 is curvier hence it is sexier :top:

If you are getting pre-98 cars, look out for nikasil lined engine, I doubt any survived until now without engine transplant already.

 

[tyusoff]

NO worry bro. Good luck in your search of UDM.
My car is just a piece of cheap junk metal:love:

Bro, definitely your car is not cheap. It is a priceless one from endless TLC. And it is far from a junk

hi tyusoff, i'm using 523i...in terms of f.consumption, 523i is not that thirsty, cheaper roadtax and quite easy to maintain.plus, it has quite a good demand in the market..528 is more powerful but the roadtax is way too high,about 1.6k per year..its up to you to decide..but to me, 523 or 525 shud be okay lah...

Thanks for the tips. Definitely a very useful one. So among 5 series, I will focus on 523i :d

for long distances, the E38 will be more relaxing to drive. difference between maintenance costs is negligible.

Now we are talking. Finally about E38 :d. Comfort is really a main concern especially during 8 hours driving back to Kelantan to meet my parents

My advise, get the E39. Even if you get the pre-facelift one, you can update the look quite easily and with the angel eyes (IMO E39 have the best Angel eyes setup ever) and red/clear rear light, the car will look like a million dollar. E38 look is not that bad but it looks old to me. Besides, E39 is curvier hence it is sexier :top:

If you are getting pre-98 cars, look out for nikasil lined engine, I doubt any survived until now without engine transplant already.

Hehe definitely E39 is hotter. Even my dad like it better than E38. But for me, I'm quite neutral.

IMHO, both car looks good with plenty of thing to play around. Yes, i do agreed with u about the E39 angle eye but for sure E38 will only look old if u leave it standard setup. Among the E38 owners here, i can see that their cars are much more better looking than the one that we see daily on the road.

About the nikasil issue, please refer to the link below :

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/Nikasil.htm

Happy hunting :top:

Thanks for the tips I will look into this nikalis issue. Yeah E38 is surely hot if properly done

 

[gregcwho]

Hi tyusoff,

If you can why don't you come own to one of the many TTs and you can meet up with members who have E39 and also E38.Definitely can talk more with regards to the pros & cons of owning either model..& kena the racun as well..

E38 is a cruiser..if travelling to Kelantan fr KL it would definitely be the best..akin to travelling 1st class..
E39 is sportier & sexier with more engine choices so can be better tailored to your budget..

Good luck in your search..

Cheers

 

[ssmann]

Bro Tyusoff,

Pls buy a E38 728i and keep it stock standard, maybe with a new fresh quote of desired paint and interior upholstery, if needed. You will never ever regret your purchase. You will find a whole host of info on 38's to give you a well informed base to make a decision in this forum. All else fails, come to our next TT and I guarantee you, you will buy a 38 :love:

All the best in your hunt for YOUR UDM.

Cheerio - S

 

[bmw7833]

Buy e39 first, there still have a room to upgrade to e38..If u buy e38 now, then that is your last car..:4: