BMW E39 Reliability !!! Can A 16 Year Old 5 Series BMW Be Reliable In 2019 ???

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR NEXT FEBI BMW PARTS ON MY AMAZON STORE
www.amazon.com/ideas/amzn1.ac...\
CLICK HERE TO VISIT MY WEBSITE AND BMW FORUM
www.nathansbmwworkshop.com
BMW E39 Reliability !!! Can A 16 Year Old 5 Series BMW Be Reliable In 2019 ??? For Business Contact :
Nathan's BMW Workshop
Po Box 115 Altenburg Mo 63732
[e-mail]

[@E39ForLife0]

E39 for Life

[@leyahsdad]

All day....inline 6

[@mitchellpanes6363]

Tramp stamp m62

[@Ankan..]

I'm looking at buying a 525i touring -04 This weekend. Will see if its in a respectable state.😊

[@handymani4502]

@@leyahsdad is the inline 6 a great engine?

[@duaneborder]

I've owned several BMWs and I currently have an 2006 X5 and a 2002 530i. Amazingly, at 218,000 miles everything on my 530i still works! No missing pixels in the radio or dash. All the windows, the AC. lights, etc. Not saying I've had to do maintenance on it, but it's been an unusually satisfying BMW to own.

[@m5yo]

Yes it can and it is. My E39 M5 is my daily driver for the past 10 years, it turns 21 in December (it is one of the first ones, 1998). Best car ever.

[@DjDestinyChicago]

My first BMW was an E39. After dealing with these X5’s, I really wish I still had it!

[@twongreen9968]

I want a x5 but heard they are 🗑 buying a 2002 bmw 540i thus fri

[@greghorning5424]

I agree 110%!! I've done maf, intake boots, vanos seals, valve cover, window regulator, both belts an pulleys, seat twist, battery, headlights cleaning, an a few minor things an this is one of the easiest vehicles I've ever worked on! Bought mine cheap an maintenance was neglected but now it's a dream to drive car!

[@Sroor2023]

Mine having all these issuues once i bought it about 7 years or more its 2003 e39 but ive fixed all the issue and its drivable and feel much better than driving my pathfinder or altima 😁 and i'am thinking to sell one of these cars so its one of those e39 or pathfinder 2007 but ive sent a lot of money fixing that pathfinder and iam diyer and ill not sell it dirt cheap other wise ill keep it if i didnt got good price for it.

[@nasarazam]

How much will that cost parts and labor at Indy shop. I cant turn a wrench !

[@cohugh]

Yes, on my 528i I recognize all these issues, but as a DIY-er , I fixed everything myself and feel satisfied driving the car every day

[@SAABguyMD]

Follow up comment, I love the statement of being able to fix them up yourself and wanting to rescue these cars. That's how I feel about older SAAB's. Love the channel, keep up the great content!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Nice upload Nathan, working on the e39 is so refreshing after doing work on the e90's... I've done so many e39 cooling systems now can do them with my eyes closed

[@joegonzales4749]

Love how much space you have in the engine bay and how open the engine is. Looks really easy to fix.

[@RonaldBach64]

I'm driving an E39 from 2001 with a 6 cyl diesel engine and manual gear as a (almost) daily driver in The Netherlands...

[@tomek860]

The road tax must be killing you ;)

[@busterscrugs]

I wish they gave Americans the diesel option, but I'm stuck with a petrol i6 :( still a decent engine

[@RonaldBach64]

@@tomek860 Indeed, € 450,- per 3 months, it's the only bad thing about this car...

[@RonaldBach64]

@@busterscrugs Oh I didn't know that... Indeed the diesel is a very nice engine, mine has run almost 400.000km and still running fine, not using one drop of oil, never have to fill it up, only the oil change once a year (and some other stuff obviously ;-)

[@tomek860]

3.0 diesel is a great engine if you drive long distances. If it wasn't for the emissions restrictions ppl wouldn't be selling them

[@vosedon]

Nathan please do a review on the E39 M5. Great videos always appreciate them!

[@backwoodsbimmers7778]

I freaking love your channel dude !! Bmw love you’ve saved me so many times already an you don’t even know it ! Thanks for being informative on these old German tanks !

[@TheSurroundification]

got my '99 523i for almost 2 months and i already have 4000 km on it since im driving it to work, i love the car it drives so good and comftable

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

My answer is yes. Once fixed it will last longer than a new car will. Basically it will go for as long as its maintained. Unless its overheated.

[@JaySkip]

I've had mine for 10 years now and wasn't really planning on selling it either cuz it still runs really nice with some maintenance here and there. I also had a theory that other people would recognize how good of a car it is and it would become a very popular "antique" car in the future.

[@santim441]

Your videos are always very helpful. Thanks.

[@sibleystud]

I shared your video on the e39 Facebook page 🤙

[@oumaniac]

Yes, absolutely. I have an 1996 528 with 230k kilometers. It does require maintenance as Nathan mentions, but once you do them it is a great car.

[@TheHeretic435]

CarGuy66 yeah. Once they’re refreshed they’re great.

[@njcwilliams1875]

I've had a few BMW's currently own an E39 528i. In my opinion the best car from BMW !!!!!!! Sadly, I'm not a mechanic, but find your channel so helpful when it comes to maintenance issues. So thanks from the UK.

[@duanec7359]

My 2002 540i sport just hit 72,000 miles. It is my all-time favorite car. Absolutely love how it performs. Very reliable. The normal issues (radiator, window reg, seat twist), but nothing crazy over the 15 years I’ve owned.

[@makgstefan]

with your videos I almost fix everything in my e39 520i 2.2 170hp. it's so awesome to drive this car for big trips. 2400 km last year with no problems 1380 this year again no problems and I enjoy all the kms. my favourite car by now.

[@fabiankefir2288]

2400km sounds like a distance to go by bicycle, i run 10k a year alone driving once every two weeks

[@TheultimateDIYmachine]

50.000 Km here (Automatic 530d E39) from September 2017

[@KzLollapalooza]

Thank you for the video. Heater pipes too

[@HaniJIsmail]

Just bought a beater 528i for 1500 bucks.Put in a remanufactured compressor off ebay for 75 bucks. blows ice cold now :)

[@woodsoncircle]

Thanks for your video sir. It's giving me confidence to find the "right" 528I here in the LA area.

[@loramattal7688]

thanks again, Nathan! you make great videos that truly help! my E39 is a 2000 528i steel blue. doing the work myself is the only way i can afford to own a BMW! have a great day!

[@tzegras]

where's your e39 wagon video? love what you're doing man

[@ironmantooltime]

Dude ur a total hero, everything about this video is awesome 😎

[@bimmerlife5452]

really like this color love my E39 530i 5 speed i just installed M5 struts option 2 shocks front H&R spring rear stock shocks springs rides amazing stiff hands sick

[@maiaheiss2991]

Thanks for the video! I've got a 2002. E39 in the same color. I have had most of those things done to it. It runs just like new, super awesome to drive. It has 167,000, think I'll keep it.

[@ricklane8554]

Hey buddy, great you're active again here *

[@ninjabeatz905]

Thank you, Nathan, my E39 is in storage so I'm driving my E36 at the moment. The E39 is a smooth ride, all leatherish cow interior without the cow smell.

[@jason1217346]

I have a 1997 528i. Its has been very good to me. Have to do some repairs from time to time. But over all the best used car i ever bought. Thanks for the vids man. Oh yea im pushing 288k.

[@TheultimateDIYmachine]

Hi Nathan! Nice video, liked and subscribed. I have two E39's (530d & 530i) here in Spain.

[@Fonzi626]

I love my 2003 BMW 530i with 220k miles. Been having it for 7 years when it just had 100k. The only time it left me stranded was when the fuel pump went out other than that very reliable.

[@gregd216]

I've been getting a 99 528i back on the road and it's proving to be real reliable after 7 months. Thanks for the videos BTW, you have helped me out tremendously.

[@RB25luv]

After 7 month 🤣🤣🤣🤣 oh boy 😐

[@gregd216]

@@RB25luv when I'm done with everything that I want to do to it, it will last another 180k.

[@cossiep]

99 528i here in England currently on 228k, daily driven 50 miles, did whole cooling system last year, still need to do two hard mounted hoses under intake and CCV but no issues thus far. Change oil yearly and good to go. Was very well maintained prior to my ownership and I continue to do so, plan to get at least another 100k out of her. MOT here in England showed up some corrosion to fuel hoses underneath so will have to get it in the air and take care of these before they go really bad as well as keeping on top of underbody hard brake line before they rust out.

[@johndouglass3691]

I'm about to buy a 2003 from Copart. I'm not a pro mechanic but I do know enough about cars to know that one is a lot easier to work on than most. The car I'm bidding on also has a flawless vehicle history. Should be a sweet deal. Great vid, very informative.

[@marchewitson6191]

Mine was 18 years old, did 60k in it, 70mile a day, and only needed an alternator in that time, so yes very reliable

[@drago22alina22]

love my 2003 525i, I have newer cars that don't drive as comfortable as this

[@GQ007]

Same here. Same model I have and it runs like a dream

[@user-nb6in8ov2z]

@@GQ007 I don't like e60 too

[@user-nb6in8ov2z]

When you take a seat in new Camry and then go back to e39, understand that you get back in modern car again

[@dasa41]

Same here. If you look after it with regular maintenance, it will never let you down. Keep eye on the plastic parts. The only possible let down on this car. Still, much more reliable then new ones in my opinion. ✅

[@papatorr3669]

@@dasa41 please learn the difference between then and than! After that, know that what you say of the E39 is true of every car, only most cars don't have as much to go wrong in the first place. If you fix everything that breaks, after it's let you down, then it will never let you down, until the next time something breaks, then it'll never let you down, until the next time...

[@andymagboo]

hi Nathan, i love my 2003 525i sport package 135K gem and i was able to save tons of money for repairs I was able to do myself with guidance from your other videos that you shared. More power to you sir!!

[@pilad5231]

Still got mine..runs great!

[@tomek860]

I watched almost all your films on E39, I have a 2001 M54B25 with 180 000 on the clock myself. I get the impression that the cars you fix are not well maintained by their owners. I am not a BMW maniac, buying OEM parts, but I do my best to use top shelf parts and I've never had any issues with this car. I use it to commute daily, for weekend trips and holidays and it still runs like hell.

[@Michaelplays53]

Great video Nathan 👍

[@MrMoss786]

Excellent, very comprehensive

[@paulriskalas2200]

Excellent video. I have a '98 528i which I bought a year and a half ago. Was 120,000 km now im hitting 145,000 km. Trouble free except for minor hose repair. Though since I've bought it I occassionally have the oil pressure warning and light flicker, solved by pressing a little bit of gas. Happens only during hot weather and when engine is idling. I suspect the crankshaft bearings. Other than that, happy driving!

[@keywilliamsanders5903]

Awesome my first true car was a 525i e39 headgasket was out ( i brought the car like that) but i was 18 and just going to school for auto mechanics. Now i know what to look for and what to expect when im looking for one now ❤

[@aaroneaton4849]

You can totally replace those front headlight adjusters without taking the lens off! I have done it on both of my headlights, and the parts are cheap! I dig my E39, had it almost a year now. It was reliable until recently, but I have fixed those issues and it is running better then ever.

[@Aschmorr]

Just got my E39, I’m just blown away at the feel of the m54, it’s not the most powerful engine, but it just keeps pulling and pulling

[@veganwally]

You're doing the right thing!

[@javarithms]

I have 2 E39 530i, one for me and one for the wife. I just converted mine to a 5-spd and love how it drives. I've replaced everything on both of them including the oil pan gasket. I'll be installing an all-aluminum radiator next to make it bulletproof. My M3 is jealous of how much time I spend in my 530i now that it's a manual. 😂

[@carlharvey8192]

Great video, I've had 3 e39 and i wish i kept them all..

[@plantedrabbit3]

my buddy recently picked up an e39 m5, and all i have to say is wow, i cant believe a car that advance is almost 20 years old. 170k on it and its still running strong, no dash lights on at all

[@sumo1756]

Thanks for info mate, very handy. Im going to check out a 2003 520 manual tomorrow in UK with 200k on it and getting a bit nervous now😆 Had a few old bmws over the years and just sold my e32 735 but missing my old bmw. I might be going out of the frying pan into the fire if i buy this im thinking, wish me luck💪

[@alexander-rosereo]

2001 525i white! I’m in love! Super smooth and clean for its agev

[@ckirkpatrick100]

Yes. I’m driving my e39 dinan 5 and have had it for a bit and no major issues at 78k.

[@_i-kr6eg]

Ive got many old cars from the 80's and 90's even bmw's still everything works fix everything my self, only things i can't do is machining of engine component and the like

[@maxnix346]

Well explained.

[@fab2lats]

It can. I have a 2000 E39 280k mile, probably rolled back from like 380k miles, and everyone was scaring me how expensive is the maintenance. It has a huge brand following, there are facebook groups with over 30k members who sell used parts for pennies. It's sturdy af. Really like it.

[@basbas63]

I got a manual 523i from 97 as my first car, so far I have had some minor issues but nothing that ruins the day.

[@itsjonlewis]

Good Vid Nathan, I also rate the E39 as one of best sedans ever built possibly better than the w124 Merc...

[@garethrichards1710]

Just sold my 1997 520i auto touring, wish I hadn't I miss it so much and it was so reliable and comfortable. One of the best cars I have ever owned.

[@BadaBing.UCF30]

I'm buying a '98 528i M-Sport to keep as a fun weekend warrior while my Lexus LS400 fills the daily driver duty (post-quarantine, that is). I just love the way those things handle.

[@turbotrana]

Got a 350k mile E39. Just went thru it again. Make sure you check engine mounts, mine were shot and the sump got cracked by hitting the subframe and leaking oil. You can get the front window reg to last alot longer. You got to plastic tie the cable end that breaks all the time (leading into the motor) onto the frame so that it cant put pressure on that plastic bit. Alot easier to work on the E39 than the E60 as E39 has no crap around the strut tower brace that hinders rocker cover removal. Also remember to do the oil pump to block gasket. I have a $0 fix for non cancelling indicator but too hard to explain in words.

[@bernardpullon4632]

Just bought a tidy 1997 540i (260km), your video is very timely, running real well but want to keep it that way. It's had new control arms I believe but a little rattly in front somewhere. Haven't had it checked yet. Thanks from New Zealand.

[@marlonbaird6070]

I have 540i too... My motor decided give issues on 580000km so i did a lexus 3uz vvti swap with automatic gbox... Became a different animal... I love it

[@turdrocket]

2003 540i rebuilt everything. Mpackage 6 speed box. Wouldnt sell that car for 30k. No lie. Best and most fun car ive owned

[@AwakeFM]

I have a 2001 M5 w/135kmi and it's awesome. 'Preventative Maintenance' is the key with these machines. When you go to make a repair , replace every wear part you can get your hands on. Be cognizant of what areas of the car or original and make plans to upgrade/replace those things before they break.

[@MindHunger]

_When you go to make a repair , replace every wear part you can get your hands on_ Absolutely, that's the key to keeping these cars running.

[@waynester71]

My first BMW was a 1996 E39 523i.. great car. My current daily is a 2006 E63 630i Sport. Keep them serviced, replace parts with oem and they can be very reliable

[@markcarter3552]

I have owned my E39 for 20 years. 1999 beautiful 528i still in showroom cond. the best sedan ever made.

[@TheMarkyMarx]

Totally agree. I have owned two e39s. The first love was a white 1998 528i and then I got the 530i 2001. Looks fast standing still and has the best lines of any BMW ever made. I'l drive it until they have to bury me in it.

[@markcarter3552]

@@TheMarkyMarx I am with you 100% . I did get the next E60 generation 530i. It was the biggest junk I have ever owned. I am so glad I never, and will never ever get rid of Hans. my E39 drives better , and is simply better built , than the new computers on wheels. You cant give me a new bmw. I will stick with my reliable E39. so easy to maintain.

[@mfc1276]

2002 bmw 540i sport With Diamme package was the best one for that Ella had one call was really reliable had a little bit a problem with the antifreeze housing and that was about it we ate throwing everything with strong best car

[@tylermckenzie1977]

I have a 2002 E39 530DA Sport, owned it for just over 3 years and it's never missed a beat. - the only thing I have replaced is the passenger occupancy sensor for £50 shortly after purchase. Excellent car for the money.

[@VITOSGARAGE]

Hi Nathan. Good video! Do you like old school E34s? I just fixed my friend's E34 535i. I had to rebuild his m30 engine. It's a pretty sweet car too.

[@patrikk123456]

I own a 98 528i, I've done alot of work to it, still runs nice, basic maintenance. New suspension, control arms, tie rods, sensors, plugs and boots. Runs fine, working on brakes a n rotors now, next step is bumper, headlight n fog lights. By far the easiest and cheapest car I've worked on.

[@jimmymoneyslots]

E39 is bmw best car they made. I have 2002 e39 only have 82k miles and run like a champ.

[@budh9049]

Just bought a 2003 530I with the sport package and 141,000 mi. It was leaking from the heater pipes, so while I had the manifold off I replaced the CCV and several hoses. Also replaced the thermostat housing. The body and interior are in great shape, and the color is Sterling gray metallic. I love the color. I paid $1200.00 and I think I will have about $500.00 in parts, which includes a new battery. I appreciate your channel, Very helpful. Thanks Bud

[@asapdiesel1395]

Do you have updates?

[@SAABguyMD]

My 2001 530iA, sport package car just turned 300,000 miles and I have done only basic maintenance, and replaced the fuel pump and alternator once, along with the transmission fluid and filter a few times.... Oh and the TB. I have basically the same car as in this video, topaz blue, with the pinstripe down the corner of the hood.

[@TheMarkyMarx]

I love my e39 2001530i. I have driven 196,000 miles in it. It's silver with black leather and it runs like new. Over the 20 years I have replaced the front struts put in and a new alternator and an oil filter seal replaced the hoses and belts and that is about all, apart from replacing the tires and brakes.

[@kevinvandevelde9789]

good one Nathan

[@nickbillmire3018]

i have 99 540 with a 6 speed and 170k on it, love it so much

[@lesleyfernandez636]

Yes, absolutely.

[@1lottiedottie]

Nathan, thanks for all the informative videos you have helped me keep my car on the road! I own a 2002 530i with the trifecta. I want to replace the ABS module with one from the junk yard. You have mentioned that you put an ABS module in Amber's car and recoded it using a Creator C310. Can you tell me how that is done? Or have you already done a video on the procedure and I have missed it?

[@dougiefresh730]

I bought a 97 528i for 450 bucks 2 years ago. Needed a clutch. 225k on it. Replaced clutch and been a great car for driving to work everyday.

[@Stefan_Smith]

Well my e39 is 19 yo and still kicking

[@justarandomguy3969]

mine is 23 and in really good shape, has been pretty cheap to maintain

[@MiraSubieGirl]

Mines 22yrs old and has 340hp 😅 Bmw is the best...

[@jonathandiaz4620]

I'm starting to work on my 530i 2003 with 74k miles, it had a huge leak in the rack and pinion so I haven't used it very much in the last 2 years, fuel pump got stuck but I just replaced it (yep, I watched your video!), already changed the intake boots and the crankshaft position sensor, the car feels better but it has rough idle, I looked for vacuum leaks with no luck, I may change the PCV valve, I'm getting a too lean code. Thanks for your vids!

[@maliek7112]

I have a 1999 BMW 540i and man a few things I had to switch as well and fix . 203k miles & my baby still going and it’s a 6 speed all silver and I love it but scared about anymore issues lol a nice car though 💯

[@jonathanbywater2063]

I have a 2003 530i and it is faultless, although with low mileage. But a work colleage has the same model and year and has 345k miles on it and it still runs like new. Enough said.

[@NA_NA1915]

There really good in the high way but in traffic maybe depending on the weather

[@lancelau4326]

Steel Blue Metallic is my favorite color for E39s

[@SAABguyMD]

Topaz > Steele 😉

[@m.d.bonnett3765]

Lance Lau

[@Moedoebullies]

I have a 1997 5 series 528i check engine light just came on yesterday ... It came off once but back on again. Not sure whats wrong , small leaks. Thanks bro your channel rocks

[@Moedoebullies]

Turns out its the fuel cap.

[@maxb4289]

I just bought a 1999 bmw 540i the seller put 1800.00 into the cooling system. One of the best cars I've driven.

[@TheHeretic435]

2001 e39 here. 268,000 kms. Has never left me stranded, runs great all day in a 100 deg+ F climate - it never overheated, but would go thru a half litre of coolant a week when I got it. Still wants 250 ml a week, no idea why. No sign of leakage anywhere. Just one of her things. But like you said, it didn’t come easy. I’ve done every piece of the suspension, but a lot of that I had just the bush and ball joints in the arms replaced for 1/3 the price. Of the whole piece. Over the last 3 years I’ve done everything. Got a detailed list - it’s a little ridiculous. But thing is it was all coz of age. Not unreliability. And none of your water damage issues because of hot climate here. Everything I pulled out was original. Now that’s not bad reliability to be pulling water pumps, radiators etc at 167,000 miles. When I convert it to miles it’s not a lot compared to what you’re talking about. Aux fan was a bastard, had problems three times. Except my fan would come loose and smash up the whole thing. Seems that tiny metal clip on one of the blades is important for balancing. Other than that she was tired, ran rough, (VANOS), but like you said, not expensive for parts, but just a million refresh jobs. Basically anything rubber needed doing. But as for $500?? We pay $6-8,000 for a car like that here in Thailand. A real dog would still be 4K. I saw a total junker 82 Mitsubishi Sigma here the other day for $750 USD. The Thais are mad when it comes to car prices. 300% tax on a new Lamborghini here lol. I hope they start to go up here, but they’re steady or still depreciating. Oh and I just tried the key sync procedure, got no confirmation from the door locks, but made the car forget the keys. No remote function. Sigh. Any suggestions? It won’t sync with them again. It all started went I went to change the battery in the dead spare. All down hill from there.

[@21cresidente]

Very good video

[@johnjannis1504]

I'm interested in your promised headlight adjuster replacement video. Also would like to know where to get the ABS module fixed. I bought my 2000 528i new in Germany and drove it there for a year. Interesting to be cruising peacefully at 110 mph over there and be passed by cars doing 140. Anyway, it has been my all time favorite car. Have had several of the issues you mentioned and was able to fix them myself. It never stranded me, but the droopy headlights is a serious issue. Thanks for your helpful posts.

[@williamwoodard4412]

Have a 99 540i 6 speed with the sport package that I bought from my auto journalist son as he moved cross country. He has worked for the two major car magazines here in the US and driven hundreds of cars and still says this close to the perfect car. I believe it and every time I drive it I an amazed how much fun it is to drive. Thanks for the videos they are big help. I agree about the window regulators. Don't buy the cheap ones, they are just junk, either get OEM or if possible, European made ones.

[@TheHeretic435]

Walt Woodard they are perfect. My window regs never had an issue.

[@PaulAtreidesMuadDib]

Found when I went to buy one earlier this year that the 2nd and 3rd owners severely abuse them and they are total junk. Found one that a small boutique dealer bought at auction that was traded in from the original owner. Toledo Blue with 106k miles on it. The Dealer put about $900 at his cost in parts. and I paid Just under $5k for it. My Trusted Indy Mechanic checked it out and said Anything Less than $7k that car was a bargain with 106k miles in it's condition. This is a good partner with my '96 E38 as I was able to use a lot of the same Audio and cosmetic parts and the way things are put together is very similar so I don't have to relearn a bunch of stuff like the Coding and software either. Love to see the headlight adjuster vid, did mine and it was a pain but since I'm in Houston I just had to put the housing in the sun for a few minutes. LOL

[@marksp.h1393]

I've just bought a rust free 82,000 mile 528i for £1500. Absolutely love it. I'm not working at the moment but spent a bit on it. Seems a great buy so far

[@COLLIERB]

Got a 98 BMW 528i 255k miles on her. Still runs like a champ minimal maintenance.

[@harisdervisevic4662]

Always💪

[@rmical9831]

if i could get my hands on e39's for 600 on the east coast, i'd be a gazillionaire. they could have shut down the company after the last one was built and they'd be known as the best automaker ever. e60 is one headache after another... keep up the great channel!

[@babyalex6969]

$100 to repair the ABS module? Curious if you may have a link to a reputable place doing that for that price. Thank you very much for the great video.

[@edwarddegalan107]

As usual, a very thorough and well explained video. I own a 1998 E 39 and a 2001 E 46. I love these cars and buy to keep - regardless of the issue. IF you ever want to sell this please contact me. To find one in a rare color and well sorted by you would be an easy decision by me. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@angelodagnolo984]

I have a e39 523i 1996 model she runs like a dream never have any problems with it either.