Looking to get a '98 BMW 528i, but need advice

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ImprezaAddict

ImprezaAddict

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GTP_Suitan (w/ an i), SultanRS4
Hey guys, we were forced to sell a car and get a new one, so me and my dad decided it's time to get something nicer.

It's the first time owning a BMW of any sort, so there's nothing to lead ourselves off of.

Main option so far:
I fell in love with this, a '98 528i. It's automatic but it has manual mode.
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Anything I should know about with this car? Right now it has a small leak in a hose but if a purchase was to happen the salespeople would fix that before handing it over.


Other options...
'99 325i
'00 328i
'87 325i
'88 325i
 
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What is the car going to be used for? Seems a bit odd choosing between E30s, which are distinctly classic vehicles these days, and E46s, which still pass pretty well as a modern one. Why no E36?
 
The car won't be tracked but it'll have to withstand the terrible roads here. The most it'll be used for will likely be straight line accel. The E30 and E46 were chosen just for being our favorites.
 
Gotcha. My main point though is that the E30 and E46 are very different cars to use day-to-day, if that's the aim. The latter has far more space, creature comforts etc. The former is a good car, but if you're looking for a daily driver then it may be a bit basic.
 
homeforsummer
Gotcha. My main point though is that the E30 and E46 are very different cars to use day-to-day, if that's the aim. The latter has far more space, creature comforts etc. The former is a good car, but if you're looking for a daily driver then it may be a bit basic.
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I am looking for a daily driver but I'm looking for something I can have fun with even sitting still. I'm in love with E30s but am concerned about reliability considering their age and mileage.

The E46s do seem like a better choice even if I prefer the E30, and the E46 will undoubtedly be quicker.

Any quirks and problems commonly known in E46s?
 
ImprezaAddict
Any quirks and problems commonly known in E46s?
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Rust can be a problem in the UK but may not be where you are. Electrical gremlins are common everywhere. Suspension balljoints can fail, as can coil springs (though the latter is common to pretty much every vehicle in that class). More here (applies to UK market, but most bits will be relevant everywhere).

E30s are generally sound I think - with those you'd mainly be looking at really obvious stuff - evidence of good servicing, making sure it's not got rust in any structural areas, making sure the clutch and gearbox still have life left in them etc.
 
I've heard BMW suspensions are notorious for having a short life where I live because of the roads, so I'm guessing what you mentioned will only be heightened.
 
I'd go for the E46 325i, however 328i is a good car too.

There's not a lot that goes wrong other than the things already discussed.

Remember that this is a ten year old car and eventually you will have to replace old and worm parts, which can be quite expensive - but overall not too bad. If you have electrical problems with the engine, don't be fooled as sometimes it's just an electrical fault, and not engine failure (read about it on Bimmerforums - you should look there too if you're serious about putting a lot your hard earned money into something - just so you know what to expect.)

Out of the 3 series, my family has only ever owned the E36 325i and the E90 335d so I can't really help you with experience. However the E36 did have to get parts replaced due to age; exhaust system, panels due to rusting, a few other things - but really nothing major.
 
Apparently the E46 autos '03 and before have transmission problems, and also so do the optional HID lights that cost $300 each light just to purchase, nevermind hte labour.
 
NissanSkylineN1
Apparently the E46 autos '03 and before have transmission problems, and also so do the optional HID lights that cost $300 each light just to purchase, nevermind hte labour.
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HIDs cost how much??

My friends E39 just got HIDs fitted and ballasted correctly and they cost less than £100 for the pair...and they look really good - and the visibility are just as good if not better than my xenons.
 
aadil717
HIDs cost how much??

My friends E39 just got HIDs fitted and ballasted correctly and they cost less than £100 for the pair...and they look really good - and the visibility are just as good if not better than my xenons.
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Its the HID light and its assembly for $300. Its for the E46.
 
This afternoon I went to look at an E39 528, absolutely impeccable, with 89,000km (55,000 miles). And it's pretty much my main choice at the moment.
 
ImprezaAddict
This afternoon I went to look at an E39 528, absolutely impeccable, with 89,000km (55,000 miles). And it's pretty much my main choice at the moment.
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Pretty much can't go wrong with those. Still considered one of the best BMWs ever.
 
ImprezaAddict
This afternoon I went to look at an E39 528, absolutely impeccable, with 89,000km (55,000 miles). And it's pretty much my main choice at the moment.
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Good.

I have a '98 E39 523 Touring with Moon mileage. 2 years' ownership, unexpected bills totalling £2.80. Ludicrously competent, will only be replaced with another E39 Touring and probably only when the body has rotted away.
 
The E39 is definitely my most favourite BMW.

Much better option than the 3 Series, unless you're looking to make it a track car...and not a daily driver.
 
The E39 is a much safer bet. The Steptronic is a pretty robust 'box so long as it's maintained to schedule. Straight-6 engines are shared with the 3-series though (the 523i and 528i were also superseded by the 525i and 530i at roughly the same time as the E46 I believe) so the cooling system is recommended to be checked and/or replaced every 40,000-60,000 miles I believe, as it's mostly made up of plastic which begins to go brittle and break under years of heat exposure. Aftermarket options are available but they cost big dollars.
 
Famine
Good.

I have a '98 E39 523 Touring with Moon mileage. 2 years' ownership, unexpected bills totalling £2.80. Ludicrously competent, will only be replaced with another E39 Touring and probably only when the body has rotted away.
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That's great to hear, although what's Moon mileage?
aadil717
The E39 is definitely my most favourite BMW.

Much better option than the 3 Series, unless you're looking to make it a track car...and not a daily driver.
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The car won't be tracked as there are no real racetracks to take it to here. It's basically a daily driver car that I can have fun with.
homeforsummer
Pretty much can't go wrong with those. Still considered one of the best BMWs ever.
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👍 It's one of my dream cars and it's history and status is mostly why I'm biased towards it.
Murcie_LP640
The E39 is a much safer bet. The Steptronic is a pretty robust 'box so long as it's maintained to schedule. Straight-6 engines are shared with the 3-series though (the 523i and 528i were also superseded by the 525i and 530i at roughly the same time as the E46 I believe) so the cooling system is recommended to be checked and/or replaced every 40,000-60,000 miles I believe, as it's mostly made up of plastic which begins to go brittle and break under years of heat exposure. Aftermarket options are available but they cost big dollars.
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I believe the owner said those were just replaced, as I saw the plastic in good condition and still flexible.
NissanSkylineN1
Should the dollar be a big as this?

What's your price budget?
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Well it's hard to give you a number since we don't use the US dollar, but the car costs around 17,000US dollars (yes, that's actually a cheap price, taxes are 33%). Budget is around 5,000 I'd say, to leave the car as flawless as possible. It looks really well taken care of though, even the leather isn't showing the usual wear and tear as much.
 
ImprezaAddict
I believe the owner said those were just replaced, as I saw the plastic in good condition and still flexible.
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That's good. The cooling system is one of the weak points of what is otherwise a buttery smooth and reliable line of straight-sixes, so if it's been recently replaced then you should have a few years happy motoring. Infrequent electronic infidelities is a whole other kettle of fish but hey, at least it makes up for it by being a beautiful thing to drive, right?

Also if ever in doubt, try and find a cheap copy of the Bentley Service Manual for E39s. Has pretty much every little detail you'll need.
 
Famine
Do you know how far away the Moon is? That's what it says on the odometer.

It's not quite there yet though.
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Its 240,000 right? I've got a buddy around there. He keeps saying "If it made it to the moon, it'll make it back."
 
I can confirm that the E39 is indeed a good choice.
I don't own one, my father does and the only thing that went wrong with it is the cooling system of course. :lol:

Moon mileage, just like famine's.
 
I was in my friends BMW today (2003 E39 525d SE) and it has just hit 150,000 miles. And from what he tells me, still not one thing on the car has let him down - although it had to get a few parts replaced on its MOT...and the LCD CD/radio display is fading - no mechanical issues though.
 
That's awesome, I'm into this car, hoping it's a purchase soon. Thanks for the help guys. 👍
 

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