Are 90's/2000's BMW's reliable? - What to look out for.

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Are BMW's from the late 90's or early 2000's reliable? Well, its not a simple answer. These are desirable cars now a days with depreciation hitting them, but maintenance costs can definitely scare a buyer away. Here's a few common things to consider, all while we answer the question of whether these cars are reliable.

[@Wipsplash]

Love my E39. It became reliable once I replaced everything twice.

[@sub222marathon]

Wipsplash That's what I'm worried about as I consider an 03 530i that appears to have been well cared for. I think.

[@Wipsplash]

I'll be honest with you. I spend a lot of time repairing things on mine. I am able to do all work myself which saves money, but it's still expensive. Unless you are a seasoned mechanic, I would stay away from it. They are awesome cars when they work properly.

[@Magicstockton]

Wipsplash 😂😂

[@wheatonna]

@@sub222marathon I have two of those, both 2003. Did you buy it? Has it treated you well?

[@ModeDJstiprintuvas]

got 530d in 1 years span only one time puked antifreze from thermostat biggest problem rust

[@jerolvilladolid]

Owning a used BMW is like a marriage. The key is compromise. I bought a used E39 and there are many issues obviously. But I learned to live with 3 windows not opening, 2 locks not working. One door not opening (the passenger), the high beam not working, the horn not working, the airbags not working. The one problem I did force to confront was the overheating issue. So I spent money on that. But everything else I allowed to be let be. And I couldnt be happier. The car is a dream.

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

Touché🤣🤣🤣👌

[@craig9843]

I want one but I’m afraid

[@niallcorcoran4437]

@@craig9843 you’ve gotta buy a reallu fucked up bmw to get the shit as bad as this guy. most problems will present themselves in person when you go to see one. had a few they’re not that bad. cooling/fuel pump/disa/ccv/control arms is all they need. if your ccv is shot when you buy it it may also need gaskets.

[@scottiepipppen8933]

I would have had to fix all that my boy

[@SadParting97]

You gotta drive this like you borrowed it from your boss's boss.

[@ajprice6595]

Great video. I own a 5 series e39 2.8L and can attest to the fact that they are well built machines, at least the inline 6 is. Here is a brief rundown of my expenses when I first bought mine followed by the next 4 years I've owned: Bought my 1998 5 series from a private owner with 189k mi. on the odometer. First thing off the bat the car needed new tires and brakes all around (a given with that amount of mileage. Since it was already in the shop I decided to have new rotors installed and new brake fluid. $1700 for parts and labor on just the tires and brakes. Next I had it taken to a technician for analysis on the engine. Car needed a new camshaft positioning sensor ($220), timing belt ($50), oil change ($100) and the intake manifold needed a new plastic fitting due to a vacuum leak ($100). Car ran fine at that point, engine felt healthy and responsive. 10,000mi. later car was due for another oil change, this time I did it myself to save cost... I managed to get a good deal on full synthetic oil at the time and got away with spending $60 on a DIY oil change. I swapped out the spark plugs which were $3 each. Car developed an overheating issue which was the result of a faulty thermostat which froze shut over the winter, which I managed to avoid replacing by giving the engine a couple quick revs in the high rpm range that opened the passageway once more, saved some $$$ by doing so. Car is now at 212kmi. and thankfully no serious problems mechanically, only now the electronics are starting to fail. One by one the module that operates the power windows failed on each door which cost $240 per window... a common issue with BMW is that they are notorious for having faulty electronics. My car is equipped with a ZF 5 speed manual gearbox which I've reported no issues. I have never raced or driven the car hard since I became the owner so hopefully nothing else goes wrong with the car in the meantime. Lately my engine started to make a puttering sound almost like a sewing machine... at first I thought I might have an exhaust leak but after reviewing some online forums I believe something more serious could be happening internally. I will most likely be looking at my next major expense within the next few months or so. I also have recently noticed a slight power steering leak which I am hoping only requires a new hose since the unit itself appears to be working fine. Just giving fair warning to others who are looking to buy a secondhand BMW, based on my personal experience this is what one may typically expect within their first few years of ownership. Good luck.

[@robertmyers7383]

Everything you said happened to my 2000 528i. Thank you for a very informative video. Take care.

[@alopez7636]

I have a 2001 530i autotrans. I love it but I had the tri-fecta ABS problem. Dealer wanted $2800 to fix. Side shop wanted $800 to fix. And I had it fixed for $120. I pulled it out and had a company in LA fix the PCB inside. I also had the flex plate and center shaft bearing replaced. All this at 110,000K miles. I now have 120k and all is good.

[@Armed-Forever]

Lol these shops are trying it

[@osamachaudhary1637]

The “simple”answer is yes and no

[@kredd9484]

LMAO

[@princet1863]

Great video, nothing fancy and straight to the point. Thanks for the info.

[@tahamonther3316]

Im about to buy one thanks for that bro 👍

[@issamalamary4997]

Plz more videos on e39 thanks again

[@peterbankov4975]

Great video, it's very helpful.

[@Magina1989]

this is one of the less videos about e39 that i found informative! Thanks

[@Brisco1]

You mean one of the FEW?

[@c.s.c.]

Nice video. E39's are amazingly well-built. Next to the E46, they're one of the last diy BMW's. The best combo for a dd is an i6 model. I have a 2002 530i. It has been extremely reliable (meaning I have never been stranded). Another thing I've tended to notice, is that like any other car, it's easy to know when something's wrong (hear/feel it). It's also well thought out when it comes to repairs and maintenance, meaning things are relatively easy to fix.

[@romedrahcus1676]

VERY informative.. great help and an awesome video. much thanks

[@donxnik]

Thank you very much for that various Considerable information.

[@wasimrealtors3722]

I am buying a 2002, 528i clean and stock one. Your review helped me a lot thanks buddy.

[@cinemagun]

Thanks mate, I have a very clean titanium silver 2003 E39 530i Sport, auto as can't find manual trans in Aus other than M. Owned it for a year now. It had 125,000 kms. Decided to change belts, tensioner, pulleys etc for the occasion screeching friction noise. Changed oil including transmission (was filthy). Changed all other fluids and filters. New pilot sports all round and wheel alignment. Apart from dead pixels everything has been sweet. Very nice ride. First service coming up, fingers crossed. Thanks for the tips!

[@WestVanGarage]

awesome car, enjoy it!

[@wheatonna]

Manuals are hard to find in the USA as well. I drove manual cars for 30 years, and finally went back to automatic when I got my 528i. And I don't mind. Great in traffic jams too.

[@itsmrlonewolf]

I used to own an e39 540i, had a 4.4L V8 with a 6 speed manual and honestly it was ridiculously bullet proof! Personally nothing went wrong all over the car, the only “problem” it ever had was the passenger seat airbag sensor was apparently faulty But after looking into it, apparently the air bags would work just fine anyway, it was just a sensor that could tell if no one was in the passenger seat and apparently not detonate the passenger side airbags in a crash if so but yeah it was like that when I got it and I never bothered changing it but other than that it was solid, it needed a small oil breather filter at the back of the engine but it cost about £100 including labour and it is a filter, I had it about 3 years and put about 60,000 miles on it and it got driven fairly hard so 1 filter in 60,000 miles was amazing! (I did change 2 lightbulbs I think and had it serviced but the filter was the only thing that caused a sloppy running engine and was needed rather than just for peace of mind) I genuinely would recommend them! In fact I miss the one I had and would buy it back in a second! It had nappa leather and full alpina kit including the full exhaust etc and all for £3,000!! Absolute bargain! The only reason I got rid of it was because I bought an E60 M5! And I have an E30 325is m-tech 1 and didn’t really have the room or money left to keep it around but honestly it was an amazing car! Particularly for the money! The M5 is a different league but so is the price and the fuel lol! I thought the 4.4 V8 was thirsty but it was economical compared to the M5 lol and it wasn’t that bad, could easily get 20-25mpg maybe heading to 30mpg on a long motorway cruise! I’d urge anyone to get one, you’d be better off with an e39 540i than getting a new eco piece of crap on finance and you’d end up much better off, basically no depreciation left to happen and as I said the fuel isn’t that bad! A lot less than what a new car loses each year anyway! In fact, that’s why I got the E60 M5! I got it on finance for £17,000! I could have got something like a Ford Focus 1.2L for the same money on finance, and 3 years on, my car is valued at £18,000 as it only has about 64k miles on it, whereas 3 year old fords are going for about £7,000 so I would have lost £10,000 in depreciation but saved maybe £2,000 in fuel! And after 5 years so 2 to go, when the finance is over, my car will be worth roughly around £17,000 so what I paid for it, and there’s a chance being an M car that it will go up, the low mile well kept E39 M5’s are going for £15-£20k and all M’s seem to slowly go up, whereas a 5 year old Ford Focus would be worth about £4,000 if it was well kept so I’d have lost £13,000 over 5 years, and in another 5 odd years it will be worth £500 or something, whereas in another 5 years my M5 will probably be nearer £20k, particularly with the low miles it has so it’s actually the more sensible choice than getting a brand new eco boring piece of crap! And for those 5 years, instead of some cheap plastic Ford Focus, I’ve got merino leather made by some posh cows, it can be 400bhp or 500bhp in M mode, adjustable suspension and it feels planted like it’s on rails even at 100-150mph etc, the sound system is crystal clear, it goes like shit off a stick, and it’s just really nice to drive, and the naturally aspirated V10 sounds insanely nice! And I’m getting an average of 13mpg but I reckon 18-20mpg is possible! And touch wood I’ve not had to change anything except tyres so far!

[@snivek1036]

This helped me to be sure what to lookout for before buying one

[@haiderhaider3082]

Hi dear I'm from iraq I want your nember whatsapp

[@WikedTechniQz]

great review I started out with the 1999 528I then upgraded to the 2000 540i. I love these cars. timeless classic. Love the honest review. keep it up.

[@WestVanGarage]

Naren Sookraj thank you!

[@klevermendes99]

Good night my friend! You prefer the 530i or 540i e39? What is better in your opinion. The 540i is really absolute powerfull, in comparassion for 530i? My inglish is so bad! I'm sorry.

[@Robin-ti8id]

@@klevermendes99 i think the 530i is Better it’s not slow but has the better steering and the inline six sound which I prefer to the v8 you also don’t have the timing chain issues which most v8 have

[@Mpower46]

Looking forward to buy one of these e39 soon appreciate what to look out for man.

[@miguelgarcia5773]

Good video bro!

[@erickcontreras5828]

Great video my 02 525i has been overheating so I changed the thermostat and water pump for 100$ runs great and this car is pretty cheap to maintain

[@marknelson5929]

Gee a most fascinating an honest review of a series of Beemers I've longed admired! Many thanks. I've just found a 5-series, 1996 saloon 4 sale, with just only 48,000 Ks! It look stunning, silver with a mulberry red leather interior.

[@simpo72]

I have a 2002 e46 320i se tourer , I'm the second owner from new. I have had it for 12 years starting with 66000 miles , it has now done142000 miles and still runs like new! Every button & switch works & there are no rattles or noises when driving. Yes , I have maintained the vehicle as per the service schedule and it has never let me down. I have replaced all the window regulators, front wishbones, rear wiper motor & alternator over the years & I had it Terra-cleaned a few months ago and it does 33mpg. One very happy bmw owner!

[@Pharesm]

good video, deserves more views :)

[@edgars2113]

i've never owned a car from 90s but I for the life of me don't understand videos or any other type of media that tries to answer the ol' "are x cars from the y's reliable". Over 20y life span it doesn't matter what make a car is, but rather how it was exploited. There are museum pieces and there are disintegrating rust buckets, it's case by case. Your video is a guide on what to look out for when buying used bmw. What I'd really be interested in would be maintenance costs for multiple bmw 5s that are from the same era, to see whether or not there is any difference.

[@americanflyer4126]

Owned a 1996 328i manual for many, many years. Sold it with over 300,000 miles. Engine still ran great but the body was rotted out. Wouldn't pass inspection for emissions either. Otherwise I would be driving today with 400,000 miles on it. It was a pretty reliable car up until about 250,000 miles. Then the repair bills started piling up. I should have picked one up with 100,000 and sold the old one at 250K.

[@TheMrBennito]

Very clear and helpful. Many of the parts u mentioned are probably fairly easy to replace. So I will do that anyways, in case I buy one. Will be a 2.5, the inline 6.i like straight 6 cilinder engines, in general.

[@davidjoy7654]

1999 528I M sport auto. 198000. Drives and look like new. Silver and best car I have ever owned for the last 8 years. In England and I have spent very little on it. I hope aged 74 it will last until I stop.

[@Danjones511]

I got a 2002 530d with 190k miles (not km) and still has plenty of power with no issues. Best car I’ve owned

[@grahamepigney8565]

I have two 2001 530D Tourings, one manual the other auto. Both have about 170,000 miles on them. Super reliable, easy DIY maintenace (even dealer maintenance isn't expensive), great parts availability and very economical. All that diesel torque makes for a great motorway cruiser and when combined with the self-levelling rear suspension they are also great tow cars (I have a 1,800 kgs caravan).

[@jasonjoseph6497]

My 528 is still going. Granted it only has 160 miles on it. It's 22 years old and I've babied it. Not a single issue. This video is very informative. The man is 100% right

[@BK_Rocket1]

BMW does not save costs..it is like this...BMW...Audi..Mercedes...they only assemble the cars..they do not produce the all parts by themselves..all other companies like Bosch, Continental, ThyssenKrup, ZF, ATE and all other companies in the Germany produces components for BMW..BMW only assembles all of it...even engines are produced in Austria in Steyer.. Thermostat and water pump are standard things which you need to replace aprox every 100.000 km...regarding the Vanos System as you mentioned, mine M54B22 has aprox 308.000 KM till today and not even a small issue with the Vanos..it is working like new and make no noise, the thing is in what kind of Oil are you using, do you drive your car cold & warm and if you regulary maintain your car. All other things what you mentioned are wear things which you need to replace because of the age and mileage, but only thing what can makes you angry is the small electronic issues.. Every 60.000 KM you should replace the all possible gaskets on the engine, valve cover, oil filter housing, CCV, spark plugs, and Automatic gearbox oil...and then you can drive it for 1.000.000 KM with no issues on engine. Of course suspension depends on what kind of roads you are driving, better roads lasts longer, bad road will make you change the parts a lot sooner. All the things what are faulty on BMW are small things..mostly electronic...but important is that the engine all related components working like a watch..

[@timmason7430]

My first Beemer was an E36 323 I bought it In 2003, it had 66,000 miles on the clock and too many previous owners, when I changed it, it had 145,000+, It never let me down(aside from the Battery 1 week after I bought it). I currently own an E46 325 sport auto with 178,000 miles on it, I took it to the ring in September 2016 and it never missed a beat, I did, however, change from the stock suspension(currently riding on a Bilstein suspension kit), the ride is a little rougher(poor roads with substandard maintenance/repair) but it is still comfortable if you can pick your route.

[@nachin6]

nice review

[@luissalazar2021]

Great video 😎

[@joseherrera5264]

Yup. Not to mention other things as well, including the ABS sensors and seats twisting and sunroof failure. Cheap and easy fix if you can jack a car up, take the wheel off, (which if you can't do, you shouldn't own one to begin with!) and use a Torx/Allen key to break the one bolt loose and replace the sensor. I've had to replace my ABS sensors, which took an hour or two. Haven't had the water pump/thermo fail yet but I might do that soon out of preventative maintenance.

[@andrewmeece2064]

2003 530i here 217k no leaks running and driving like a champ

[@yousefgeorge3060]

what a great video!

[@patrickc1199]

i was going to buy a bmw with a coolant issue kinda glad i watched this video

[@anthonysmith6306]

Good info 💯

[@jerolvilladolid]

My E39's high beam headlights do not work, only one window rolls down (not the driver's unfortunately), and one lock does not work (can't leave any valuables inside when you park it). But still I believe its the best car ive ever ridden and would not trade it for the newest Honda. Riding this german machine is the equivalent to getting a ****. You just feel good and satisfied at the end.

[@drluiggi]

It is time to replace my '89 W124 300E (13 yrs with me). I think to myself that only replacement for W124 is E39, (don't like E60, or W210, ...). Problem is that I still have more confidence in 30 yrs old W124, even E34, than E39, or is just me. Still try to find good one with I6, mostly 525i or 528i, and damn there is few W124 coupes in great condition. However it is nice and useful review of E39. :)

[@justawhitenigga]

I have a BMW (E39) 530d with 223 HP (it's chipped), no problem with engine. I make about 500 km/day, because I work for a corporation. And 3000 km from Monday to Saturday, +1M kilometers... And still runing.

[@WestVanGarage]

wow... 1M km is amazing

[@kalesander7286]

WoW! Great car, especially for cruising long kilometers.How did the gearbox held up over the years?

[@Otiesh]

Thanks for the video I was just about to buy one garaed BMW 1997 Oh I thinK it will cost me more to put it back running.

[@Sankara-Setu-Mutanda-75]

505000km - over 20k$- in parts/hours/repairs. 1998 -523i- old ⛽️ rebellion. True had to replace cooling, radiator, expansion tank, thermostat, A/C pump, gaskets, control arms, window motors, exhaust system, windshield, rust control, protection panel under car, loose steering rack, new rear lock, new kidneys, air hoses, brakes, brakeshields, replace all fluids several times when problem solving, rattles and squeaks, electrics, new battery, several services, three sets of rims and tires refurbished. 2016-2018. Still rust issues to deal with and repaint😁. Purchase E39 with brain on and heart off.

[@banpowel9784]

The simple answer is ? A used car will not be as reliable as a new car, all used cars have weak points, knowing the weak points and renewing them will rectify any reliability issues

[@jayg7376]

You can see the frestration he had with this car in his face Wile he tells the story 😂😂😂😂😂

[@thokozanimbambo50]

Any care that is maintained as it should, should be reliable...

[@kharlozebx1835]

thank you!

[@abdalrahmanal-sabbagh3906]

soo helpful video but what abut 523i is it worth it ?

[@warakanda7356]

It is good if you explain along with demonstrating the components you are trying to explain rather than focusing at you face, viewer will understand better.

[@jacobbaird9361]

If you have the V8 its also a good idea to check and make sure the timing chains are done as the M62TU likes to eat them up

[@xavierjames9270]

Change timing chain tentioner, before that

[@kurbatovalex]

Just for the statistics. I just bought a 2002 530i and previous owner spend $15.300 total for different fixes between 100k and 153k miles. I think thats a lot.

[@paulprince906]

I'm currently looking at a 2002 X5 to pick up as my winter beater/ daily. The seller states that it was parked they started it one day and the next day it wouldn't start and they not looking to deal with it. It has 190k on it. I haven't seen the car as yet as it's in NY and I'm in NJ. Thoughts?

[@AdamAus85]

I've had 2 E39s and the only problems I've had have been cooling system related. Front suspension shot on both by the time I got them too. Split OEM hose (one that goes to the back of the block or head on the m52). Leaky Behr Hella overflow tank (Made in China junk that developed a pin sized leak). Cracked radiator (Top right where upper radiator hose connects).

[@edwarddegalan107]

Adam N ditto on radiator housing cracking - exactly - on both of my BMWs. This is a weak spot in this era.

[@telldtruth6803]

Totally convinced me to buy a Lexus! Thanks

[@jorgegarnica9674]

Or Acura and Infiniti

[@jerryb19531953]

WOW! I was thinking of buying my first BMW at 65 and your video soured me on that. I was looking at the 528i that you reviewed. It was a 2000 with only 81,000 miles and 1 owner. Price was 4,400.00. Plastic parts especially the radiator is not a good sign...lol. Can anyone who has owned one of these tell me their experince with repairs and reliability. The part about the engine being bullet proof sounds good. By the way great video, very informative. What does the e39 designation mean? Thanks.

[@Scott-ez9ns]

Not sure if you’re still looking for an e39 528i but e39 is just a generation of bmws. Before the e39 it was the e46 and before that the e30. Kinda like mustangs are called fox body’s sn95 s187s etc

[@edwarddegalan107]

Very reliable and a true pleasure to drive. Do your due diligence and replace known problem components before they create bigger issues. E 39 is the chassis designation from the factory.

[@denverhowell3489]

Beautiful car

[@ChooseLanes]

great info Im looking into getting an e39 v8

[@shawna7813]

Just got mine. has only 119k only the clock, mostly dealer maintained, non vanos, and runs amazing. Not too bad on gas either...

[@omegaman7241]

thanks for the video.. I gave up on german cars... too painful

[@wheatonna]

Nice job with this. My 528i looks JUST like yours. I would add one thing: the headlight adjusters on the E39 models have definitely failed if they are original. They are made of a white plastic which disintegrates after a few years. Your headlights will be wiggly and probably point down. Tricky to replace, on some models ('02-'03) even impossible because the headlamp assembly cannot be opened. As far as "reliable", it's important to think about other autos of equal age. How maintenance-free is your 17-year old Subaru, Toyota, Honda, Ford? And if they are, well done!

[@iiplaya]

wheatonna every old Japanese and American car is reliable.

[@kribar96]

tae buuuullshit. Ive had friends with nissans, subarus, hondas etc failing on more things than my e39 and it's half the milage. But it depends on how you drive it and somebody is just more unlucky

[@wheatonna]

@@iiplaya That's a ridiculous claim.

[@iiplaya]

wheatonna that claim is a year old 😑obviously it’s no longer an accurate source

[@TheRazvy1990]

The M52 and M62 are very good....there are some isues but thoase are good units...have both of them

[@randomoverpopulatedworldid3286]

LOL and my e46 has water in the footwells and cluster on radio went out last month. it's a part/problem every month on this thing..

[@hashim_iraq]

love my E38 v12

[@WestVanGarage]

E38's are the best 7's, no doubt. I'll be featuring a 2001 740i m sport on the channel soon, but would love to know how they compare to the v12's.

[@onemanarmyEST]

I have a year 2000 E38 730d (inline 6 diesel) with over 405000 km on the odometer now.

[@hakanlundin3852]

Bra video

[@n8neiTen8n]

I wonder if I'd exchange cooling system of my 530i from 550i - would it be more reliable? It suppose, doesn't it?

[@iiplaya]

n8neiTen8n Oh, I remember you from hating on Apple videos! Anyways, you like the E39 5 series? It’s awesome

[@mrjpz]

@@iiplaya I hate apple videos

[@dusandub]

ey guys, i ve changed my waterpump year ago(when i purchased the car) we recently, month ago were changing one part on coolant system and we somehow overheat the car when we vent the air from system om 900rpm, it may took few minutes. can be the water pump damaged? cuz we heard some wierd noises . its month and everything works fine

[@Anirossa]

Sounds better than my old Ford that always breaks wherever there is a part...

[@issamalamary4997]

Like this video very much plz do more thank u

[@natetete1379]

Why don't people have metal aftermarket replacements put in instead of the plastic engine parts?

[@Scorp308]

Also, the timing chain guide, which is made out of plastic, will break and that can cost you a shit laod in cash.

[@Joel-qw4ux]

My 5 speed 98 just hit 290k yesterday and she been tru shit thank you bmw for reliability

[@kimkimpa5150]

Is your '98 still alive? Would be interesting to know. :)

[@Joel-qw4ux]

@@kimkimpa5150 last time I drove it was at 297k and then my moms gave it too my cousin and he clicked it too 300k and I wanna say the radiator went out then he sold it

[@kimkimpa5150]

@@Joel-qw4ux Cool, thanks for the reply. Was it an E39 5-series? I've heard that issues with the cooling system is common in those models.

[@Joel-qw4ux]

@@kimkimpa5150 it was a e39 a 528i not sure didn’t give me any major problems except for the alternator going out but I had got a new car and it was sitting so my mom gave it to my cousin and he dogged it

[@David-lq2xg]

Vanos = VVT (variable valve timing) Valvetronic ~= V-Tec (variable valve lift)

[@fla2062]

please do more about e39 problems and transmission

[@WestVanGarage]

Fla 206 I'll definelty be making more videos about reliability with BMW's but I think the e39 is the most bulletproof bmw made, and if not, one of them. However their automatic tranny's do seem to fall at higher mileage so I'll consider making a video about that.

[@emeordigolden8080]

Fla 206 this is a fucking group mail stop using it for personal use

[@manager96ful]

it is the gm a5s360r that is the problem. it is too weak for m57d30 engine

[@smilebig1000]

changed everything he said by the time it reached 100000km hahahaha, but has 191000 km no issues since just service and fuel and sometimes top up the oil.

[@ayuobmohammed5800]

Hey guys I need advice which e39 should I buy 2.0, 2.3, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0 or 4.0

[@jmhellison]

I'm thinking about getting a 1999-2003 540i with the 5 speed manual. Any legitimate concerns? How is it performance wise? I've been doing research but there's so much

[@shchorss]

Like the video said, the cooling system is the biggest issue.

[@kimkimpa5150]

Did you end up getting that bimmer eventually?

[@jmhellison]

@@kimkimpa5150 No, ended up with a Lexus ES300. Now I have a GS430.

[@bilalahmed2123]

Nice car, do you still have it ?

[@Jonjs99]

Most of these running with 700k km at europe

[@Brisco1]

What do you means by "a straight six", a 6-cylinder? I'm not that knowledgeable about BMWs or cars in general but I have been looking for a 2000-2003 5 series.

[@NaCle7]

Straight six meaning an Inline 6, its a type of engine that the BMW series came with as opposed to the V6 engines.

[@Brisco1]

@@NaCle7 Ahh ok I didn't know that

[@Brisco1]

@@NaCle7 So how can I tell if it has an inline 6?

[@NaCle7]

@@Brisco1 just look at the details of the car you're getting. It should say V6, or I6. The I meaning inline.

[@Brisco1]

@@NaCle7 Cool I'm gonna look, thanks!

[@Mitrofanvlad]

my e39 525d has 423k km and still going strong, have few vids on my channel

[@magg93]

2000 BMW 528i With 113k miles / 182k km with NO PIXEL ERRORS!

[@richthekev6366]

Looking into getting one myself with 124k miles, would you recommend?

[@magg93]

Oh yeah sure, but only if you have some basic mechanical knowlegde / or money to spend on repairs at the mechanic. Not that the E39 is unreliable! But these cars are beginning to get somewhat old and regular maintenance is required. 124k miles is not alot for an E39 IF the previous owners took care of their car. Check for: - Service history? - Rust (depending on your climate) - Cooling system - Electronic malfunctions - Suspension components (test drive car and listen for any unwanted noises) Other than that the E39 is basically bulletproof, only requiring basic, regular maintenance. E39 is by far the best car I've ever owned. It is from an era where BMW just seemed to get everything right. Build quality is superb and I get a smile on my face every time i go for a cruise! It's the kind of car you just have to turn around and get an extra glimpse of after parking. Trust me, you will LOVE IT!

[@magg93]

Oh and by the way, make sure to get one of the inline 6 engines - 520i, 523i, 525i or 528i. They are the best for E39 in terms of reliability.

[@richthekev6366]

@@magg93 Thank You, I really appreciate it man. I'm actually about to go check out a 528i I've been eyeing, right now!

[@magg93]

That's great to hear man! Get ready to own a legendary car! I wish you all the best of luck, and remember: These are really popular cars, so if there is ever a problem you will be sure to find a solution / DIY repair here on youtube or elsewhere online ;)

[@beltowski7094]

I love my bmw e 39 528 i

[@Puukainiits]

My e36 have 99 problems but bitch still runs :D

[@The3lloba]

I'm looking at an 03 530i with an inline six. Help!

[@Hessengor]

Let's be honest. They are not more or less reliable than most other cars, the thing is just that they are fun to drive so people dont wanna give them away. So they repair them and keep them as they age. And with age it's not getting better. My e39 had a lot of repairs yet, still i wanna keep it. My Mothers Ford is younger but it also has it's problems but we don't even fix them if it isnt crucial, as an example: Seat adjustment isnt working anymore, air con isn't working, a radio speaker isn't working. We simply don't care because we will probably give the car away in a few years. But i could't live with these issues on my e39. :D

[@manager96ful]

530d 1998-2000 has gm a5s360r automatic transmission that is rated for 340nm (250ft lbf) of tourqe, but m57d30 has410nm of tourqe that is too much for gm a5s360r, so they fail a lot. 2000-2004 has gm a5s390r that is stronger. same automatic and 3l disel engine combo are in e38 and e46.

[@withstyle7816]

manager96ful better get one with the zf hp26 from 2006 or later. Check the adaption values and quick charge time. Those can handle max 600nm

[@emilschaller8181]

The beautiful car. 😎 No 1 !

[@enjoy-ly7zw]

97-01 525i or 528i ? No m sport not rich tryna daily it .

[@jerryrobinson6250]

thinking about buying a 200 328I...$2000 anything i need to look for>?

[@mikey_likes_it_]

Yea...a ton of stuff. I have a 2000 328i. Purchased 2.5 years ago for 3400 and I've already put atleast that much into it in parts. I do all repairs myself. Atleast now its reliable tho.

[@terrencethorn9237]

There are exceptions. If they were owned, driven, and maintained by an adult like my brother in law, yes, they are more than reliable, they are almost unavailable because we know that if we sell them, some boy racers will thrash the E39's and buy them cheap and spend thousands trying to make them M5 clones. Even the parts that are left will be junk. - My brother in law called me first when he decided that his 540i/6 Sport should be driven more with 49,381 miles on the odometer after 22 years. I am not a fool. - Bonus. It was Dinan stage 2 tuned by Steve himself at the Morgan Hill, Ca. shop when it was new. - If you know what the E39's represent, in 2022, reliability is not an issue. - Just don't buy one from a fan boy who wears his cap backwards.

[@jerolvilladolid]

Trick to owning a used BMW: make sure the amount you paid for the whole car you’re prepared to lose. I decided that If I was going to buy a used BMW, that I could handle simply leaving the thing abandoned on the road. You’re screwing yourself in a hole if you buy a used car and have to chase its cost with repairs because you paid too much for it.

[@SilviaLover2012]

What bmw did you buy

[@jerolvilladolid]

MrWockhardt E39 and E46... $4,500 and $5,500 respectively

[@kimkimpa5150]

@@jerolvilladolid How are they holding up now, one year later?

[@jerolvilladolid]

@@kimkimpa5150 both cars are now unusable. They're plant pots now. And occupying space in my garage. Looking back, id buy the cheapest toyota rather than them. Its too much headache to chase all popping issues.

[@kimkimpa5150]

@@jerolvilladolid Hehe I hear you. Thanks for the update.

[@kelly3918]

Please bmw 520i 1998 for €2500 km186000 ,is it good ?

[@jacksonmay153]

still have it? Still drive it?

[@DLOWBIMMERS]

Lmao buy a 540i and you will swear you hate the car! But a week later love it.. #currently

[@haiderhaider3082]

I love bmw

[@brycecxtry4896]

My coolant is leaking somewhere and I literally can not find the leak. So I’m just like fuck it I’ll top it off every week or so

[@davidg4026]

Don't even have to watch the video... The answer is NO! Full stop. Before you start typing a reply to disagree with me cause you had an E3whatever that was sort of reliable, listen; I've owned 12 BMW's in my life and 9 of them were built from 1993 to 2007, and NONE of them were anywhere close to "reliable." The most unreliable of the bunch were the E39's, without a doubt. I had a 2000 540i 6spd, in which I dumped over $8k -- in parts alone -- over 5 years. Then, I wanted to maximize my pain, so bought a 2001 M5, which left me almost broke over the 3 years I owed it -- don't daily drive an M5! The only reliable BMW I've ever owed was an '80s E28. 1984 533i... Built like a tank!

[@WestVanGarage]

Damn, sorry to hear about your BMW experience. But I know what you mean - BMW doesn't make them like they used to. Our family had an e30 for 20 years and that car was solid. I've always dreamed of owning an e39 m5, but with people asking over 30k for them, and stories like yours, I've pretty much stopped looking.

[@buckdesystem4562]

I have the identical car. 370,000 kilometres

[@briiiibrii]

Loveeee my 97 328i 😁