The BMW E39 5 Series Buyers Guide

In this E39 BMW Buyers Guide I show you how to search for an E39 5 series sedan, quite possibly the finest model BMW ever made. I share with you some of the things I look for when evaluating what E39 to buy 525i, 528i, 530i, 540i or M5 and the tips and tricks to identifying what options the car came with from the factory. Using a BMW VIN decoder to determine the options, production date, color combination and other details is free and easy to do as long as you can get the VIN number provided to you by the seller.

I'll also do a walk-around of the car, checking out all of the spots to check for rust and corrosion that are common for the E39. I also demonstrate the infamous E39 seat twist which my 530i currently suffers from, as do many other five series sedans of this vintage. To repair the seat twist cables can be replaced for around $100 USD or simply trimmed at no cost other than a few hours time per side.

Finally, I outline what other areas to test and check, along with testing the electronics, windows and sunroof. You'll see a hidden feature on the E39 that allows you to roll all four windows up and down at once along with the sunroof. The test drive portion will allow you to inspect for any vibrations the car may have, noises, rattles, shimmy under braking and clunking from the ball joints or front suspension.

My CAMERA GEAR;

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of BIMMERZEIT, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. BIMMERZEIT assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. BIMMERZEIT recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of BIMMERZEIT no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not BIMMERZEIT. Video and Content is owned by BIMMERZEIT © 2019

[BIMMERZEITT]

VIDEO Shortcuts:
1:14 Craigslist Initial Search and Evaluation
4:25 Research with BMW VIN Decoding
8:00 Basic Ground Rules
9:43 Initial Inspection
18:22 E39 Seat Twist
20:50 Under the Hood
24:27 E39 Hidden Feature
28:02 The Test Drive

[danarbuckle]

That was the best E39 buyer's guide I have ever seen! I have owned a 2003 530I sport for several years and you were spot on. Here are a few minor points I would add:

1.) Not all the tools are included with every car model. For example, your reflectors looked like they were missing but they may have never been included when new.
2.) Check for dropped pixels on your radio and on your dash. It looked like yours was missing a couple. These can be repaired for not too much money. I have done both my dash and my radio.
3.) Your cup holders are probably broken. They all are.
4.) Check the manifold guards for oil stains which are a clue that your valve cover may have leaked.
5.) Check for oil leaks. If its a BMW it probably has some. Notorious are the valve cover and the power steering system. Also watch for the oil filter housing.
6.) Suspect the cooling system. White powder on any of the components is a warning. BTW, they should have blue BMW coolant. Blue coolant is a sign that the previous owner cared enough to buy the good stuff.
7.) Look for tire wear on the inside of the rear tires. This is common and partially due to the negative camber BMW puts into these cars. The idea was to make the tires flatten out on hard turns. Reality is that most cars are probably not driven that hard for the most part.

Thanks again for posting.
Dan A, Rochester, NY

[BirdogEd]

“An expert in wasting time looking for BMW’s” ...lol, count me in! 😎🇩🇪🚙

[technik]

Very comprehensive overview of the common issues with E39, probably worthwhile to mention to check for any oil leaks - especially around the rocker cover gaskets, power steering hose, oil pan, rear main seal etc, go underneath the car and check for any oil dripping - a very common issue for all older BMW! Other stuff like faulty window regulators, broken cupholders, dead pixel on the dash etc.

[samellio]

Thanks for this video, I’ve been buying cars for over 20 years and learnt a lot from you, viewed an E39 over the weekend and found some issues I probably would’ve missed had I not watched this.

[Paris.Kalachnikov]

On seat twist. I wholeheartedly agree as I have a 2003 M Sport 530 that I have had the pleasure of spending some 14 hours refurbishing the two front seats with drive cable issues.
The car is a labour of love for this chassis and all its foibles.

[davidparkin]

Black interior is the best. Manual transmission is available, as is navigation, back up camera, black trim, sport package included one inch lower, firmer suspension, three spoke steering wheel, sport bumpers, four corners of the car are frequent places for scuffs and dents. Its Stainless steel exhaust and aluminum suspension sets it apart from modern cars pretending to be of quality. Each door has a light on the bottom side. LED is an easy upgrade. Driver's seat shows wear and tear first. Interior headliner, A, B, C pillar fabric looses its glue after ten plus years. Manual from seats is a rear bonus. Twisted seat requires no parts to repair but two or three hours of labor on each side. Cooling systems have five or six years of life before repair is needed. The list goes on but worth it if you plan to keep it long term.

[mickeydee]

I had one of these about 10 years ago. (525is 2002)
Pretty much spot on with everything.
Vapour barriers failed creating an indoor koi pool in the rear footwells.
Abs module failure
Constant coolant system failures and rebuilds
constantly chasing oil leaks.
Fan speed resistor for the HVAC failed
Pixels slowly dying on the instrument cluster

It was a massive headache but in all honesty they are beautiful cars (best designed BMW if you ask me) and such a joy to drive.

[ShiftedPerspective]

I wish I watched this before I bought my M5. I would have noticed the rear vapor barrier issue, seat twist, and a few other things

[chadbaptiste]

For what it's worth, I legitimately never knew that BMW date stamped their parts like that, it's a sure fire way to inform yourself of what you're buying and knowing exactly what you're getting! Gotta give em credit!

[RU]

Great video! Btw. you have a really beautiful E39 there. That blue combined with those grey leather seats and the style 82 rims just looks absolutely stunning.

[terrythorn]

What he left out is VERY important. - i.e. If you're looking at a 540i and the seller has tried to make it an M5 clone, walk away. It has most likely been "ridden hard and put away wet". - Look for non factory M badging, loud exhaust, little tread on the rear tires, wearing cap on backwards ( boy racer alert) and lack of legit maintenance receipts. - it is now a parts car and you'll spend almost twice the purchase price just to drive it for a year.

[kirataylor]

Seat twist - it's caused by the black plastic cable housing expanding and pulling the steel cable flex shaft out of it's socket at the motor by mm. Simply find the offending cable (There's a few in there, you're best removing the seat entirely), and cut of 1/4 inch of housing (don't cut too much), reassemble - fixed permanently and for nix.

[mattwarren]

i have a 2003 E39 530i agean edition, I've owned for about 7years . I normally get bored and sell cars , move on to another quickly however not the case with these cars.
They are excellent all rounders . BMW manage to tick almost every box for customer satisfaction at least with these e39, s

[marknelson]

Excellent review of buying one of these great cars – WELL DONE. At the end of the day and this applies to any old car – buy the E39 that has Documented SERVICE HISTORY. Don't be fooled by the owners talk about yes its all been done etc but they've lost the history...but look at the great paint he says – while you stare at the lovely alloy wheels which make the car look fantastic – which makes you buy it! As soon as you get it home your world will fall apart with issues. Service history with any old car is paramount – there are still one owner E39s out there and they are the ones to go for due to in most cases the original owners care! Enjoy – they are great cars.

[corkscrewlifestyle]

hahaha brings me back when I bought my steel blue E46 325i with 94k miles in 2017. I love that car even though she had issues like any other car that is 10 years and older. Only thing I would add is finding a good reptuable independent BMW specialist for a PPI. Wish I did when I was looking for mine. Glad I did find one right after I got mine.

[damiensanchez]

Just bought one with new spark plugs, fuel pump, thermostat and I live in FL so little to almost no rust. Got a 01 525i with 170k miles for just $1, 100

[bostonaudi]

It’s a great idea to scan - for MY 2000 or earlier make sure to bring an adaptor for the round diagnostic port under the hood, the regular OBD2 plug under the dash doesn’t provide any real data on the older cars.

[chrisstrazzulla]

Fantastic and comprehensive video. Great tips for researching and inspecting an E39.

[neckreth]

props for the tips on personal safety. Very important