51 Things To Look For When Buying A BMW E39 5 Series With 100k + Miles

In this video I show what to look for when buying a BMW E39 5 series , 51 things to look for when buying a e39, this video is made to help people looking to buy one of these cars , check out my website and BMW forum
www.nathansbmwworkshop.com For Business Contact :
Nathan's BMW Workshop
Po Box 115 Altenburg Mo 63732
[e-mail]

[@gilberttosanchez]

My dad bought a 2003 BMW 525i in black about 2 years ago with 170,000 miles and even after 10,000 miles it's still running strong. One of the most beautiful sedans of all time.

[@bstarnes514]

I love my e39 528i m52tu. It has been a fantastic lil car. It never has left me on the side of the road. The only rolling issue I had was when water pump went and it just so happens that I coasted into an Advance Auto parking lot lol. I bought mine from my dad at 60k and she now is about to rollover 250k. I have an extensive maintenance list of everything I've done over the years....If you maintain these cars correctly, they will make you smile every time you drive them.

[@xTRVLNMANx]

Just bought my first e39 530 sport manual; a rare gem. Owner failed to tell me the extensive flooding in the back foot well from bad vapor barrier. Easy fix for the barrier, but now I have the WHOLE floor to wire brush and clear rust, and drying out that thick foam. Luckily the passenger side was spared; none of those electricals were harmed.

[@theworldsbestben1018]

So glad I got rid of my e39s 😓 People that don’t know bimmers give these away like crazy up in the nyc area, lotta easy maintenance fixes folks are scared to look at a forum or a KZbin vid... Finally just sold my e36 so I’m finally down to my stick e53 and e24. 💪 Thanks again nate really appreciate everything you’ve done for the bimmer community

[@crackseller321]

I have learned so much about this car. And done all these repairs for a friend of mine. Now i want one for my self.

[@Transportador33]

Thanks for the dedication Nathan. Good vid

[@liamb3008]

I like the way the blue faded mirrors look

[@KelvinR79]

Love the wheels. What style? Thank you for making these videos. Very helpful!

[@vinniemassimino]

Appreciate the vid, but would love to see a timestamped list for quick access to tips ✌️

[@s.a.clyde-mckay2602]

I’m about to purchase an E39 that has been sitting for 3 yrs thanks for the information!

[@f308gtb1977]

That’s a really great list, thanks so much!

[@DiehardSportsCardCollector]

You were spot on Nate! I owned my E39 530i 5 speed for 9 years now and had to replace a few of those things you mentioned. The most recent being the oil filter housing gasket. I had that replaced this year! It was leaking for a while and I had no idea where the leak was coming from. It was leaking pretty bad too

[@hooty9420]

was it hard to change....i was told that might be my issue...i have a 01 e39

[@DiehardSportsCardCollector]

@@hooty9420 I had a shop do mine

[@samisuhonen9815]

Anyone who is intimidated by the amount of electric gadgets and small parts that can break, don't be afraid. Most of the issues are fairly cheap fixes if you DIY or bring the car to a trustworthy independent mechanic. However if you don't know/care to learn about DIY fixing small things, AND you don't know any mechanics you can be certain about not ripping you off or "fixing" your car wrong... Do NOT buy an e39, don't buy any BMW unless it's brand new and has warranty on everything. If you're able to take care of the small things (like small electronics, small breaking plastic parts, cracked tubes and whatnot) without taking the car to the stealership, an old BMW is gonna be a very reliable car. You will only get big problems if u let the small ones wear out the car. You will only get the "nightmare moneypit" issues if you fix the small problems for ripoff prices by dishonest people claiming "It's a bmw, it costs a lot to fix this light that's burnt out!". Or by ignoring the small problems and breaking the engine, the whole suspension, or the transmission. All of those parts are very reliable when you maintain and drive the car in a responsible way.

[@eliifill8993]

Can you give me some examples of the small things to take care of? I want to keep my 2001 bmw 530i in good shape but i dont know where to start

[@h0rze423]

@@eliifill8993 I don't own a car yet but what I will do if I was you is look around the car and notice if there is something going on that's not supposed to happen, like water on the carpet, dead pixels, exterior rubber wear, etc and replace that. Also make sure there are no leaks in the engine and replace what's leaking. I also recommend asking the BMW subreddit, they seem to be very helpful from what I can tell

[@AntonL1994]

I recently got a brand new A/C control unit for mine because none of the used ones were working, the part itself cost me $1,400 due to being so rare and discontinued

[@bernardoalvesexplains]

This will solve a lot of headaches. Bought a 520i. Thank you. The best

[@antiochiaadtaurum3786]

Thanks for this Nathan

[@atnstn]

Great man! Very helpful!

[@craig84downunder]

Few things mentioned that apply to all BMW’s, particularly those power steering lines

[@rickkolesar9163]

Hiya Nathan....you scared me out of driving my e39s! The only thing to do was buy an 06 Z4M Coupe... Thanks man!!

[@robertmilroy2493]

Love these cars, I'm on my second one, fix the little things and the cars are the best

[@PatrickWilliams33]

Great video👌 and great tips your channel if awesome!

[@mcrfreak3344]

I picked up a 02 530i 5spd 208k for $1 from my uncle's friend. it was about to be used as a parts car unless I grabbed it. Put new tires on it and a new battery drove it 900 miles home. Has many of these issues stated but liveable for a daily big city beater

[@smilebig1000]

since 2008 and 200000 km later i did my full water system radiator top bottom hose thermostat water pump drive shaft boot struts bonnet struts all done in one go, just goes to show, regular service does make a difference. No motor gearbox shocks lights had the airbag changed by recall no leaks, oh the boot realse did fall apart but auto electrician fixed it for $20 and changed the Battery $300. So I been fortunate

[@benjaminlewis5799]

I have done some many repairs on my 97 e39 and i love this ride and will continue to do more in the future thanks to you for the advice, Benjamin

[@bobcathey8903]

I also have a 97' 540i. Great drivers car! No rust, great body, good interior, runs great, but needs quite a bit of work to restore. Too bad repair costs are so high. Now a classic, and the closest thing to an M5, have to decide if it is worth 10k to restore. Hmm!

[@KingX226]

My most favorite car. I have owned 3 of them but I’m ready to give up on my E39 today.: 1.AC fan starts kicking into high gear when I turn on the AC, then I get hot hair blowing into cabin 2.Then later in the day driver front window regulator malfunctions and send my glass into the door. After I inspected the issue, the cable came off the wheels. It’s been fun driving E39 but I am ready to finally be comfortable in my car. I want cup holders, windows that I can use, and a seat I can actually lean back into.

[@davidmitchell5638]

Perfect video upload timing as I'm just gonna buy my first E39! Thank you.

[@DannyBoy-nz2mi]

You're going to feel like a million dollars when you drive it!

[@inouske2975]

u got it?

[@DavidVlogz]

Same shopping around for one myself

[@fiftyshadesofyay4176]

My Favorite car ever.🖤😎

[@Stian2001]

52: look for the alarm sensors going bad! Common problem! Spesifically the one in the roof and in the back trunk left side

[@eryk-amongoode8740]

About to buy my first car a 99 bmw 540i with 68k imma definitely run this list before I purchase the car

[@markbowman6655]

Can you imagine a detailed video like this on a Chrysler Plymouth Dodge model.

[@mofomoco]

I just bought a 2001 525 with many miles at auction...should be a fun project. Lots of videos already.

[@Unshapenkris]

Could you make a checklist available online? So that I can bring it and check everything off when looking for one of these, I cant remember everything haha!

[@watereewolfe]

Very nice. Rear windows are the only recurring prob I have had...knock on wood.

[@jdmcarboy64]

Hey, e39 540i m-sport owner here. We’re still around just very few of us left because no one took care of their car.

[@willt718]

Pretty much replace everything except the dipstick. Got it!

[@johncoss5604]

Great advice

[@SkittleNutz77]

Your paint is cherry bro! Are those BBS Type 42 18's? I also see you have an ALL aluminum radiator. Is that Zionsville?

[@aeroearth]

I ran a 1998 E39 Touring from new until sold for scrap/rework 15 years later. Window mechanisms fail because the wrong plastic material was used for the pulleys. Acetal used, should have been 30% GF nylon. I repaired all four myself (Engineer). Fuel sender is poor design by Valeo, a French Company. Wire improperly supported and falls off. Second unit repaired by myself which lasted life of car. Ignition switch unit by Valeo fails and cruise control stops working. Passenger seat has an occupancy sensing switch comprised of two layers of conductive ink coated plastic foil with perforated plastic foil spacer. Ink wears out and switch fails. Part no longer available from BMW in 2012. Steering rack bellows split 90k miles. McPherson struts leaked at about 60k miles. Rear airbags split at about 70k miles. Touring's rear tailgate loom wires failed just like saloon in video, due to wrong wire being used, should have been finer strand flex wire as used in all other manufacturer's steering column switches wiring. Rear Touring 5w lamps failed about every 6 months. Fuel and temp. gauges failed at 50k miles and car went through six replacement instrument packs, five under warranty. Fault never fixed. Had to run car for second half of its life with no temp. or fuel gauges. Plastic radiator top tank catastrophically failed at 100k miles when top hose connection blew completely off. Water pump failed twice in about 150k miles. I always specified genuine BMW parts to be used. Electronics for ZF gearbox sometimes erratic, would not select gears and sometimes delayed changes. Lasted life of vehicle though. Car serviced by Trivett Classic BMW, Parramatta, Sydney, the most competent BMW Dealer in Sydney Australia for most of its life. Fast, very comfortable, excellent brakes, powerful acceleration, exemplary handling. Pity about the unreliability and lack of durability.

[@user-pu2mq9yo7c]

My man super job

[@Reef.Jones.official]

Thank you for your sharing. What is the wheel on your small KZbin picture ?🤔

[@cnnlt200]

The brake assistance, mounted on the master cylinder. If a drainage is blocked the big membrane will fill itself with water. Your brake pedal will hang on the bottom. My bmw specialist said it was very common on the e39. Had it on my e39 530i I think there was 3a4 liter in there underneath the front screen on the left on the car. Rust underneath the doors. Touring rust underneath tailgate. Wish washer pump. But I love them. Best cars ever😍

[@addjoynguwo605]

I used to own e39 525i. I think I fixed most of the issues you talked about. So surprised how BMW would have such poor quality plastics breaking. Was the happiest person when I parted ways with that money pit. For now I'm staying away from BMWs😅.

[@ted2091]

any other issues you had to deal with?

[@dzgaming1]

The plugs for my tail lights, head lights and blinkers actually all had to be renewed because they all were a little burnt on my e46

[@davidparkin9017]

Number one is the DISA VALVE because when it starts to fail, alose rivet can be sucked down into the motor and that is that. Number two is the questionable cooling system. Address any leaks at once. Same with the oil leaks. Nothing is supposed to leak regardless of age. Steering rack, etc.

[@idahostoveguy]

I think I've fixed 47 of these issues on my '02 530i!

[@thechronic555]

damn man i JUST bought my first 02 530i!! and yea i have several of the issues listed..

[@robrodriguez4866]

.... feel like selling it?

[@davidmitchell5638]

After finishing the video...... I'm frightened! Don't care though as I love this car.

[@chillmothafuka]

Just bought an 01 540i and I'm in the same boat. I'm a bit nervous about all the work but after a week I've fallen for the car completely.

[@brendan7632]

@@chillmothafuka dang enjoy! I REALLY like and want a 540 one day. enjoy!

[@Brisco1]

I'm considering getting an '03 525i, wondering though if I could get an aftermarket stereo? The digital display looks pretty dated.

[@blakemontoya4116]

What style rims are those?? Frickin beautiful On your car

[@keltechindustries20901]

What’s your opinion on the bmw E38? You should make a video.

[@1995RangeRover]

I don't drive Bimmers anymore but, your channel is still one of the best!!

[@DriftEmigrant]

What tune do you use and how much cost ? 1st time I see on street car primery o2 sensors delete , I thought is for strictly race/drag cars

[@markbhoward]

Had a 1998 and a 2000 E39 540i (V8) both with 6 speed sport package. Great to drive.

[@startingtech3900]

just got the same one for 5k dont regret it

[@pimpovic2]

@@startingtech3900 yet 😁

[@user-lc9gm1hd8r]

แปลเป็นไทย

[@pimpovic2]

Thanks for the comprehensive list! 2 questions: - I have an airbag light that came on. Common issue? Easy fix? - Auto headlights don't seem to work. They stay on all the time. Easy fix? Thanks 👍

[@zx81uk]

Yes - airbag light is often caused by the 'occupancy sensor' mat 'aging' in the front passenger seat - it was on mine. Find the components and instructions on the internet to fix the little box under the passenger seat. This makes the car think it has a passenger - and the airbag warning will no longer trigger in error - so I'm happy with that. Once the fix is in place, to reset the warning light needs a friendly local garage to clear the code and the red light does not 'error' anymore. Headlights, I only ever had one fault caused by the Multi-function steering wheel getting damp. I pulled all 72 fuses one at a time until I found the circuit that was overloading the 'bus' with false messages - needless to say it was the last fuse I pulled that identified the Multi-function steering wheel to be the problem.

[@assassinforce5637]

Cost for remanufactured m54/ clutch replacement?

[@billyingram5394]

I have a question. You and others keep referring to LCI as a problem. What exactly are you referring to and talking about please. Thank you for the help

[@Funckinnutcase]

Forgot to mention seat twist. Fortunately, they're the easiest cars to work on that I've ever owned, but you definitely have to Begin Maintenance Weekly.

[@thatsonme1782]

Just curious I’m thinking about buying one of these. What wheel and tire set up are you currently using?

[@Brisco1]

Damn your interior looks brand new.

[@doanduong7630]

You got a transcript of this list? Might be a good list to have to go through and check for all these when buying/fixing an e39.

[@z06king]

his list is here: Buying A BMW E39 5 Series? You NEED TO WATCH THIS FIRST !!!

[@z06king]

Here is the list: Nathan's BMW Workshop 1 year ago For a m52 as it gets from 150k to 180k you will need a fuel pump vanos seals cam sensor crank sensor coil packs cracked valve cover many water pumps and idler pulleys secondary air pump and hoses 2 or more ccv valves throttle body boots motor mounts transmission solenids drive shaft carter bearing drive shaft guibo many window regulators outer door handles radio pixels going out possible water leaks fro sun roof or door panels which rots out the fuse box in passenger floor rear passenger wheel bearing rear upper control arms all front control arms and tie rods rack and pinion abs module abs sensors radiator and almost all hoses that is just a few things that will absolutely happen to your m52, and if you ever get it hot at all it will crack the cylinder head, I have owned around 20 cars with the m52 single vans engine over the years, the 99-03 will have a lot more issues , seat twisting more coolant leaks etc

[@MaxCaissie]

I found a super clean 540i for 3500$ always kept in heated garage and maintenanced, I'm scared to get it though since it'll be my first car and im worried about big costs of maintenance, what can I expect, has 250,000Km

[@salvavida24]

At 5:15 you refer to a passenger floor fuse box. Where is that located and how can I get to it? I have a 2001 E39, 525i wagon with 190K miles on it and have had leaking sunroof issues. I would like to get in there and inspect/ clean. Thanks.

[@luissalgado6000]

Hi Nathan I got a question and hope you could help I got a 1999 bmw 528i when the traction control light comes on I don’t have any power and sometime it dies randomly but if I leave it seating overnight it’s starts right away and the lights goes away but when it goes on it runs like crap and don’t have any power

[@Sandman.68.]

Great video as usual Nathan , These cars are great , Heaps of fast luxury for buttons . They aint hatchbacks so young drivers take note ,the insurance will surprise ya . Sure you have loads of niggles but the list of things that stop them dead is much shorter than most ! they will limp on regardless when lesser cars will just die . As you say these cars are easy to work/learn ( coz yer gona have too :) ) And on parts are a plenty and cheap .Thanks to Nathan and his like there are plenty instructional videos . If your a novice , don`t be scared to have a go , it`s all doable , and when you finish a big job you feel fantastic :D

[@Sandman.68.]

OH yeh , If for whatever reason your going to roll down the road and end up on the roof ....The e39 is pretty damn safe to do it in . ......i`ve heard ;D

[@crackseller321]

Thanks to you

[@imdam-ned]

I'm leaking out of my water pump I got a new pump and but it's still leaking coolant I believe from the housing

[@fipfip3331]

Nothing super scary here honestly. Solid cars

[@MrSpreewizzy]

I bought a clean 03 540ia and only issue is ac/heat cuts off after about 5 minutes. If i turn it off for a minute it will work for a minute. I rain defroster and it stayed on. Have u had this issue?

[@BrodyHarris]

Buying a 540i in about 2 days once my savings transfer. Couldn’t be more hype.

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

Dang 51 issues is a lot, why delete main 02 sensors, they kind of there for a reason to determine air fuel ratio.

[@JPpaner]

Just plan to fix something about every month or so. Kinda annoying but a great car when not broken.

[@Fredsss]

my mirrors have turned yellow and mirror foldeing does not work, i hear the motor tho.. what may be the issue

[@henriksrensen2322]

Love drivning My 528 i but have to say these cars are very pourly build. My Honda are a much better build car and drives fantastic but sitting in my bmw and cruising just gives me a speciale feeling 😃

[@paulgilliland2992]

Couple of mine to add. ABS /DSC is a nightmare to sort even after rebuild codes come back. Inner frame door rubber seals (front especially) Sunroof gasket rot. (Hot climate) FOB key burnout Disa. Cluster Pixels(will burn out eventually) BMW replaced my cluster comped at 70k Engine mounts. Even if you think they are good. Suspension (everything) Torque Converter.

[@therealdjaux5184]

paul gilliland I have a 540i and I would like to talk about a few of my issue cuz mine and yours seem Similar lol. Let me know

[@thechronic555]

wow, those are all my current probs!

[@SlickySlimv]

I know you said the 540i isnt common, but i have one and am gonna attempt the valve cover gasket change soon. Is the timing belt and guides something i can heck while im in their?

[@steezyg8008]

Timing chain not belt

[@82lowe36id]

Great video. So I just got a 2002 525i, but it only has 58,000 miles on it. Should I look at doing anything based on age alone? This is a SE Texas car so been in hot humid climate. Headliner is coming loose everyehere fur sure.

[@gary_beniford]

Even low miles plastic and rubber still ages and you may still get these issues. Luckily its a texas car so rust will be less of an issue so long as your car is sealed and not leaking.

[@alanmac8807]

Hi just curious if anyone knows what those rooms are called???

[@deathtrophy]

Where can I buy rear window door seal at?

[@hdavid988]

I own two of these and I maintained them to the highest standard. Now I am fed up with all the fixing and I try to get rid of them. They are a dream to drive, but a pain to maintain.

[@916SIkhness]

What finally made you give them up? Transmission just died on my 01 530i and i'm trying to decide whether to keep it or sell it..

[@deathrager2404]

@@916SIkhness ''they are a pain to maintain'' i think that question was already answered. unless you're rich, dont get a bmw. im just gonna buy a toyota crown athlete . v6, faster than this bmw v8, faster than alot of v8's as it does 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. only thing that sucks is that it doesnt come in manual. so my plan is to snatch up a cheap ass beamer from which the manual is in great condition and so are the pedals and i will swap.

[@georgiephaggotts632]

17:04 the thing warns straight away, a true drivers car..

[@florinlepadatu5648]

You may add twisted seats issue for the power seats, active seats liquid drain and power folding mirrors bearings, electrochrome side mirrors leak as well as sunshades joints crack, of cause european models have other issues with diesel and petrol engines as well as the manual transmitions especially GM ones, M5 engine his specific issues but all of these pails in front of the rust at the rocker panels and jack mounting points oh let's not forget the famous webasto. My opinion is that if you're not able to do yourself some basic maintenance and have a trusty friend or a garage that will not rip you off for advance repairs better stay away cause the parts are usually expensive at least the original ones... Except the engine, witch I don't know I totally agree with the rest however control arms bushings and struts or joints are consumables and had to be change on any car or model is not smth specific to e39 I've seen worse on many others european cars... I still love my e39 after 16 years of ownership even is just a M47 I'll never ever sell it!

[@motorriderd6834]

Hey what kind of rims are these?

[@DriftEmigrant]

and yes BMWs are not too bad average "Joe" with basic mechanic skills and tools can fix them and than enjoy to German solid feel for not much money

[@steelo136]

My e39 is leaking ATF towards the front right of the car. Anybody got any idea what it could be? It leaks mainly when parked.

[@bobbylight1198]

Why no sports seats in the m sport?

[@Codeman785]

You said the o2 sensor and air sensor delete is a good upgrade and is cheaper to run the car. But would I fail emissions after that? Or does the cat still filter enough to pass emissions?

[@gary_beniford]

At least in the states the age of most e39s makes them exempt from emissions

[@HaydenFlagg-xf8rt]

Are you from Missouri?

[@arjoontauckoory9183]

I have owned 8 bmws, still own 6 (E30, 34, 36, 46, 38, 2x 39) I can tell you they’re all sh*theaps but I love them for some reasons. I wouldn’t touch any BMWs after 2001. You’re spot on with all the issues mentioned. As a mech I wouldn’t recommend someone with not enough money, time and patience to own one. I would pick the E34 over everything I’ve owned, it’s built very close to Toyota quality.

[@ethanspindler1758]

What do you think about a 2000 bmw 540i with 120k miles, I’m about to get one but idk if it will be worth it or not

[@Titinworlowrd]

I was looking at trading my bike for a 2003 e39 but nawww Im good 😪😒 Ima stick with my motorcycle.

[@davidtheswedishtechguy]

So meny cry babies, its a old car low or high milage. Most stuff is easy to fix and are due to neglegt and most of this cars are driven untill something happens and sold to the next guy. E39 is a car that soon is going to be expensive to buy. Thx for all youre videos, helped me alot so far😊

[@smilinglight5678]

About to my buy first e39 1999 523. Hopefully this will help me determin it. Its old but Cheap only 2000$

[@jonesvaughn8946]

Bro I literally just bought a 2000 BMW 528i a few days ago for only 1500$ and it has 185,000 miles on it and it has virtually no rust anywhere on the car and it only has a minor dent in the rear driver side fender well it had a check engine light on so I put my scanner on the car and all it needed was a tune-up and wheel alignment.lol

[@radiocrash]

What wheels are those in the thumbnail

[@916SIkhness]

Hey all, I have a 2001 E39 530i with 204,299 miles. I've done pretty much every update listed, minus the transmission flushes, and it cost me... transmission just died... is it worth buying a used transmission or would you go with a rebuilt unit?

[@89five3five]

Find one from a crashed model, change the fluid and install it.

[@Breadonez]

Everything you listed on this video I have to do LMFAO

[@jreyallen]

Only 51? How about to 55 52 Seat twist 53 cracked windshield washer fluid reservoir 54 power door locks weak 55 cracked plastic mount piece above spare tire

[@MrDoubleVanos]

Peace of crap is what BMW is :)

[@knkjkjn]

56:Automatic AC buttons flying off every time you press on them.

[@markbowman6655]

Don't know if it was the same deal but around 2005 I bought a 1994 BMW 540i with around 85,000, the seat started twisting, and a power seat motor had gone bad, if memory serves there were several, maybe 4 power seat motors.

[@papatorr3669]

Power door lock button stops working. Seen four out of six cars I looked at in last two months. My 330cic button intermittent, my 330xi doesn't work at all.

[@tygah6606]

57:

[@captainLoknar]

All the car needs is 30k miles of a bad owner and it's ruined I'd skip 90% of the items of the checklist here unless you have tons of cars to chose from in your area - because it's so easy to fix this. Not sure about the window runners? is it dangerous to change the rubbers? dont think so. the drains can be checked easily too and should be done even if they look good outside. BTW what a nice specimen here

[@cjyt6491]

🤣🤣🤣this guy should be a life coach lol BMW drivers everywhere jumping bridges lol

[@marcelcovaci9922]

Let’s not forget these are 20 plus year cars now. With that being said… I’m in a dilemma. I don’t know if I should get one. Found one with 108 k miles. Maybe if it has a service history…

[@VinnetouCZE]

Could you share please your list from your phone? Going to buy E39 in a few months. :)

[@billyingram5394]

I have a question for you Nathan. I am looking at a 2004 BMW 525i what should I look for and inspect before making a decision? The car has 128,000 on it help please?????

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Well the 2004 e60 is the worst year to get, it still has the micro power module and all the pre facelift things , depends on the price but at 128 its due for all cooling hoses and front control arms , to do those things it will cost about $600 in parts , vanos seals valve cover etc for the M54

[@addjoynguwo605]

If you haven't purchased run away with your money😅.

[@311superfly]

Your oil filter housing picture is not e39

[@bmw8538]

Хорошая машина,кайф для водителя!