Reliabilty and service for e39's

[stealth71]

As some may know, I am new to the board. I have been considering a new/used car and have looked at the BMW e39 530i or 540i. I like the appearance, power, interior, etc. I do have some concerns and I hope you all may be able to share your opinions. My concerns center around the reliability factor and the service. I have read many horror stories from people who have continual problems with their rides, with the majority of the problems involving electrical or quality control issues, radiator necks, cam sensors or plastic water pump impellers. The other issue is the opinions towards BMW's lacadaisical attitude involving these problems, not honoring warranties, etc. I've heard of cars being in for repairs for 2 months time in the first year of ownership. It is not my intention to impose a negative attitude towards BMW's, however I need a reliable car and don't have a budget that will support continual repairs. This is a concern that I will need to weigh before deciding to buy one. My hope is that these complaints are the exception and not the norm.

I would love to own one, but I don't want to be held hostage by the $tealers or repairmen either. I've been fortunate the last several years with my 2000 Grand Prix in that after 50,000 miles, I have not had one maintenence issue aside from regular oil changes and new tires. Please feel free to give your opinions about your e39's, problems, repair service, etc.

 

[CosmosBlack]

I've had my share of the common faults, when I first bought my 540i, everything seemed to come at me all at once! I acquired mine lower than market price, so I had set aside a budget for repairs or service to bring it up to immaculate.

After replacing and fixing what needed to be done (it was about 70k miles, so you can say it's wear and tear and time for new replacements anyway!) I have not had a repeat problem. At one time I asked myself if it will ever stop haunting me...I survived and today, it IS a Reliable car!

GO FOR IT!!!

 

[epj3]

BMW rated much higher than GM in overall reliability (problems per 100 vehicles). But; You do need a budget for certain repairs. I've had my 1989 535i for 6 months now (It's at 130,000 miles), and have had to replace absolutely nothing necessary except the subframe bushings which cost me $120 total (Doing it myself though).

 

[stealth71]

That's encouraging. Those 540i's are NICE. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and can do the usual repair and replacement items, such as brakes, belts, etc., but it those electrical issues that worry me.

 

[DRWWE]

2002 530ia, no problems (yet) since I bought it new. So far I have replaced the tires and that is it. 38000+ miles. Great car. Wish the mileage were better, but then I knew it wasn't an economy car when I bought it.

[driving2]

 

[bangibimmer]

hi

i'm a new owner as well. To me it is a reliable car as agreed by a lot of people. Again we must remember we are buying a used car already a few years on the road (god knows what kind of rough roads). After a few year parts will be replaced. even if you buy a new one. The great thing about bmw is the riding comfort, to me something the other brand will find hard to catch up. Its ability to stop safely despite the speed we put into it. Again get somebody with experience (with bmw cars) to accompany you while checking the cars offered. It does not guarantee problem free but you can minimise it. This advise is applicable to any brand of car you purchase. For this bmw it is very useful for you to have you own gadget to diagnose the car i.e. Peake etc. You must know this car before you can really appreciate it.

Good luck

Halim

 

[DRWWE]

If you are looking to buy an E39, I'd suggest reading Bimmer magazine, Aug, 2005 issuue. There is a very nice article about the E39 describing all of the models and discussing the more common problems people have experienced with the car.

[driving2]

 

[stealth71]

Decisions. Definitely like the looks of the 330i Sport as well.