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E39 5 Series background

Discussion in 'E39 (1997-2003)' started by Bill Howard, Dec 7, 2007.

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What year was best for the E39 5 Series

1997 E39 2 vote(s) 2.4%
1998 E39 3 vote(s) 3.5%
1999 E39 5 vote(s) 5.9%
2000 E39 8 vote(s) 9.4%
2001 E39 10 vote(s) 11.8%
2002 E39 16 vote(s) 18.8%
2003 E39 41 vote(s) 48.2%

    Autohaus guest

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    As for the best year for the E39? The first year of course! Early 1997 E39 (built date June/July 1996) are the most reliable! C'mon, who didn't mind all the glitches, bugs, etc...? My grandparents 97 528i (7/96) had numerous warranty claims. They still have it and its parked in my driveway (currently doing a full detail for them) and has 82,000 miles. Mint all around. But seriously, I would say the last E39 built (7/03) production. I wonder, where is "the last E39 ever made" located?

    164589 guest

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    Hey Bill good information.
    I'm looking for something special in a '01 thru '03 6 cylinder.
    What opions are rare, say Comfort seats, were they offered? Were any cars that you know of built by Individual with say an alcantara headliner? Do you have any insight here?

    Also it would seem that for the 6 cylinder versions we need not be affraid of mileage in excess of 80/90/100 k, assuming good maintaince?

    Thanks

    Bruce

    njbrown935 guest

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    530i 2001 replacement exhaust systems

    Members:

    I am looking to upgrade the performance and handling of my 530i 2001. What brands and experience of upscale exhaust systems have you experienced? Remus?
    I would appreciate your help.
    Thank you,

    Nick Brown:)

    jbelfi76 guest

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    Loving my manual 2002 530i. I get up to 27.5 MPG in mixed driving. Bought it in 06 for $22K with 33K miles on it.
    • Member

    Dmarque

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    Rest in Peace....Long LIVE the new Princess M-Sport

    I HAD ......a 1999 528i Sport 5 speed which I took into a garbage truck at 45 mph through no fault of my own. After repairing myself I took on the task of replacing my sweet 5er. It wasn't easy to replace a car I had purchased brand new and maintained to excellent standards with liberal applications of Xymol and a sensitive ear for any potential dischord. She was a perfect.

    After logging many weeks online and travelled thousands of miles I finalyI found a beauty of a 2002 540i that I came close to buying with only 35M with sport wheels and a 6 speed. I was in love....BUT at the last possible moment I withdrew my downpayment 'cause another girl walked into the room....

    YEP!!! .... A choice 2003 540i M-Sport. A TRUE M-Sport too....one of the few 147 that came into the USA that year. While I wrestled with whether to get the more economical 540i or the Smokin' 540i M-Sport .....all I could think of was .....A True M-Sport....As close to an M-5 as I'll get for now.

    Anyway, she's all mine and home now being given the treatment she so richley deserves. For the time being the painful memories of that accident are behind me.....she was a good little 5er "God rest her soul".......Hail the new Princess....2003 540i M-Sport 6 Speed ....WOW!!! I'm never coming down from this high. Man I love the sound of this girl!!

    Dmarque
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    Dmarque

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    Rest in Peace....Long LIVE the new Princess M-Sport

    I HAD ......a 1999 528i Sport 5 speed which I took into a garbage truck at 45 mph through no fault of my own. After repairing myself I took on the task of replacing my sweet 5er. It wasn't easy to replace a car I had purchased brand new and maintained to excellent standards with liberal applications of Xymol and a sensitive ear for any potential dischord. She was perfect!

    After logging many weeks online and travelled thousands of miles I finalyI found a beauty of a 2002 540i that I came close to buying with only 35M with sport wheels and a 6 speed. I was in love....BUT at the last possible moment I withdrew my downpayment 'cause another girl walked into the room....

    YEP!!! .... A choice 2003 540i M-Sport. A TRUE M-Sport too....one of the few 147 that came into the USA that year. While I wrestled with whether to get the more economical 540i or the Smokin' 540i M-Sport .....all I could think of was .....A True M-Sport....As close to an M-5 as I'll get for now.

    Anyway, she's all mine and home now being given the treatment she so richley deserves. For the time being the painful memories of that accident are behind me.....she was a good little 5er "God rest her soul".......Hail the new Princess....2003 540i M-Sport 6 Speed ....WOW!!! I'm never coming down from this high. Man I love the sound of this girl!!

    Dmarque
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    drummerfc

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    I'm w/you :D !

    I picked up my "baby" ('02 525i w/sport pkg. and 5-speed) last year with 64,500 miles on her for 16K from a woman who really didn't know what she had. Every cent and drop of sweat I have put into it so far has been well worth it. This car rides and (almost) looks a lot newer than it's age. I wouldn't spend the 50-60K it would cost me (or more most likely :eek:) to buy a brand new one...why bother?

    Always wanted one of these - now that I have one, I catch myself looking back as I walk away from it!!

    However - those cup-holders...my goodness - they SUCK!
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    drummerfc

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    Oh yea, I forgot...the 25 mpg in mixed driving (and 34 mpg straight highway!) is nothing to sneeze at. :)

    W/those numbers, who needs a stinkin' ugly hybrid anyway?!?!?!?
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    az3579

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    Well those who dare to do over 26mpg, of course!
    But one thing's for certain; even if we had guzzling V10 M5's in our stables, I don't think any of us would ever regret getting a BMW over a hybrid!
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    drummerfc

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    Ahh, I'd sacrifice a few MPGs in lieu of BMW style and performance every day and twice on Sundays. :)

    When they finally make a hybrid that doesn't look like a refrigerator box on wheels and doesn't perform like a moped, call me...

    True DAT ;) !!
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    Dmarque

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    Mid Ohio Vintage Races June 26-28th---Corral???

    Is anyone here interested in going to the Mid Ohio Vintage Races June 26-28?? Looking for other E-39s to Corral with for the event....particular interest in Saturday June 27th. I haven't attended since the David Hobbs days of the 1980s....anxious to find other CCA members who have an E-39 focus.

    Expect there to be an active CCA corral of course just looking for other E39s that might attend.
    Event Information Link: http://www.midohio.com/Schedule


    Dmarque

    Ramdol guest

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    525 vs. 530

    Have an 02 530; bought 2004 w/22K miles certified. Currently at 87K. First Bimmer. Happy camper. Test drove 04 325.

    Did not test drive 525; advised against considering due to hp vs 530. Thoughts/comments?

    Autohaus guest

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    The 530i with a stick is a great value. You don't have to worry about V8 issues and it has ample power. The 525i is underpowered, however, if someone wanted a E39 525i, get it with a stick :)
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    drummerfc

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    Hoooooold on there baba-louie...525i isn't *that* underpowered. Obviously not as powerful as the 530 but still nothing to sneeze-at. Also there's the added bonus of better mileage. :)

    Although I agree, get the stick. Always the right choice.
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    az3579

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    HA, you admit it!

    Autohaus guest

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    Mine is different and you know it. I think it has 200hp instead of the 185. Must be because of the Style 5's, M tuned suspension and the sport seats.
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    az3579

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    No, the sport seats only add 2hp, the suspension 5, and the Style 5's unfortunately only 1. So, you're only at 193. :p

    Autohaus guest

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    I'm happy with the 525i. Getting some DINAN mods would make it about 200hp.
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    az3579

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    And the cost would be that 200 multiplied by ten. :rolleyes:

    Autohaus guest

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    Overall it would probable be cheaper to get a supercharger than spending like $3K for only a 15hp increase from DINAN.

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