I'm interested in this, would it be a money pit?
NEEDS WORK WILL NEED A TOW this car need new struts, control arms, pcv valves, oxygen sensors, and an oil filter. GREAT project car i just do not have the time. PRICE DROP to 1150!!!!!
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/858528441529203/
Not on FB, so I can't see the ad, but there's no E39 535i. It's either a 530i (M54 straight 6) or 540i (M62 V8). Great platform, but if maintenance has been deferred, you'll be looking at several times the purchase price to make it right.
VIN of wbadt434x3g023714
Comes up on Carfax as a 2003 535i. Its a straight six though
Trunk pic shows 525i
VIN decoder shows M54: https://bimmer.work/vin/gad8f4ac3bd22d4d1cd0fd7f5693817b5/
If it's a straight six, it's either a 525i or 530i. I had the former - not a lot of power, but otherwise a really good platform. The 530i adds about 40hp but is otherwise the same car. They're relatively easy cars to work on, and parts aren't terrible, but they will add up.
Ad says 525i and trunk label says 525i.
What terrifies me is (a) 230k mile on this car means any purchase price is rounding error and you'll spend a lot to keep it nice, and (b) needs ... oil filter? What is it currently running without one or has it been removed or something? That's a very odd way to say it's due for an oil change so it makes me even more suspicious than that phrase usually makes me. (People putting that in an ad usually haven't changed the oil, ever, imho)
It probably needs an oil filter housing gasket. It's a common failure point on these engines.
Having owned a lot of these cars...yes, it's a money pit.
for a grand? I mean, sure it's a 230k mile German teenager, of course it's gonna be a money pit. But for such short money, I'd be hard-pressed to not pull the trigger.
The E39 platform is a wonderful tourer. The I6 is so damn prevalent that parts are cheap and plentiful. If you have moderate mechanical skills, it's still old enough to be garage-maintained... I'd do it.
I should work on my phrasing.
I know all used german vehicles are money pits. How deep and wide the pit are is what is important.
hard to tell from the potato pictures, but the engine compartment looks like it experienced a coolant system blowout recently (or not so recent but never cleaned) based on the white film on the expansion tank & valve cover. That in itself isn't a huge issue (the cooling system on BMW's is a wear item), but if not shut off right away can cause blown head gaskets and/or warped heads. "Otherwise the powertrains are stout, if a bit complex & fidgety (no experience w/ autos, that might be nearing the end of its service life).
based on my limited BMW experience (E46 330i) the mechanicals while complex are manageable, but old german car in hot climate = degrading plastics, leather, & glue. Those cosmetic things can really be a pain to sort and sour an experience. 6 cyl. E39's are cheap enough that the old adage "buy the best one" applies. 5k should buy a very clean example with significantly less miles and less headache. That car does not look well taken care of and isn't exactly rare, I would pass, personally.
I found out the hard way about the cost of door weatherstripping when I bought an e46, not sure if it's the same on the e39's but wow! Stuff like what was crazy expensive and rare! I would agree with the comments above that it's a great platform but that just might not be the one.
In reply to Fupdiggity (Forum Supporter) :
Oh yeah, if there's any signs of overheating, run like the wind. The M54 is not tolerant of overheating at all. Seriously.
On the plus side, if you find one that hasn't overheated, the whole cooling system can be replaced in an afternoon for about $600 in OE parts.
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