Looking at 02-03 BMW 530i

[Nikki]

Anyone know the reliability of the 02-03 BMW 530s? I didn't really see any recalls and I was wondering if anyone here could give any personal feedback on their experience with one.

Here is the one my dad is looking at getting:


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...g=1&cardist=25


Any comments are appreciated! Thanks

[dr335is]

Originally Posted by Nikki

Anyone know the reliability of the 02-03 BMW 530s? I didn't really see any recalls and I was wondering if anyone here could give any personal feedback on their experience with one.

Here is the one my dad is looking at getting:


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...g=1&cardist=25


Any comments are appreciated! Thanks

sell him yours, than ask him for a few $ more for the 335

[18LLC]

make $ out of dad and ask for more $ to the new car? man, that's double dip.

[canucklion]

I had an 03 530i loaner for about 2-3 weeks, it's a nice ride, admittedly, the car was pretty beat up since it's a loaner, even then, I was pleasantly surprised by its quality. The doors closed with a very nice thunk, which cannot be said of the E90's rear doors

[dr335is]

Originally Posted by 18LLC

make $ out of dad and ask for more $ to the new car? man, that's double dip.

hey, that's what dads are for...at least I am...my girls first then everything else

As for the e39, I know a few people that had them (528, 30, 40) and they were happy with them.

Does it come with any warranty?

[Nikki]

No warranty for that one or most of them since they are 5-6 years old now.

[takedown8]

I have a friend who has a 2002 with about 120,000km on it. He hasn't had any big problems with it. The weirdest thing he had was a wiring breakdown in his ignition that cause his car to shut off every so often. That was easily fixed though.

I wouldn't rely on anecdotal evidence though. Have you tried 'Consumer Reports', the 'Lemon Aid guide", and 'JD power' ratings?

[takedown8]

Originally Posted by Nikki

No warranty for that one or most of them since they are 5-6 years old now.

You could always get one from a dealer CPO'd.

[nmulax]

Originally Posted by takedown8

You could always get one from a dealer CPO'd.

It might be tough finding a CPO 5er in the older body style. But good call on the Consumer Reports. Do some research Nikki.
Man those cars still look great!

[takedown8]

Originally Posted by nmulax

It might be tough finding a CPO 5er in the older body style. But good call on the Consumer Reports. Do some research Nikki.
Man those cars still look great!

You can bring any used Bimmer to a dealer & they can CPO it for you so long as it passes inspection.

[shragon]

consumer reports loved the e39 530i. rated it as best overall car several years.

my dad has an e39 525i. it's a nice car imho. just wish it had the sport package!

btw, joji nagashima designed the e39, same designer as the e90.

[Nikki]

I saw it did well in Consumer Reports but I don't care much for their opinions so I was interested in what you guys thought. Looks like a good buy.

[e90owner1]

170k miles on my moms e39 528i, runs fine.

[BMW320i]

those E39s still look great!

good luck with the buy

[esbezee92]

i like the e39 more than the e60, but if i was your dad i would look at a e39 m5, now thats a nice car, in terms of reliability i cant remember what it referred to but i remember when i was looking at getting one, something always seemed to happen to them around 70k miles or so, so i think with a higher millage one you should be in the clear

[voltron1011]

E39's were great cars... I'd stay away from any with a V8 (540 or M5). Try to find a 530 Sport, if possible... Those were the coolest.

[jetblk328i]

yea i loved those cars, they were the best, the styling was great too

[DasBlitz]

Originally Posted by Nikki

Anyone know the reliability of the 02-03 BMW 530s? I didn't really see any recalls and I was wondering if anyone here could give any personal feedback on their experience with one.

Here is the one my dad is looking at getting:


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...g=1&cardist=25


Any comments are appreciated! Thanks

I know that dealer, it is in like Lowell or that area, right? They sell random cars like STI's and then bikes and whatnot.

I've never personally owned or driven that model. But with everyones comments on how good they run even now. I'd have to say it would be a good buy.

What does your dad currently drive?

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by DasBlitz

I know that dealer, it is in like Lowell or that area, right? They sell random cars like STI's and then bikes and whatnot.

I've never personally owned or driven that model. But with everyones comments on how good they run even now. I'd have to say it would be a good buy.

What does your dad currently drive?

He has an 04 Pontiac GTO

[TheAcAvenger]

I have an 01 530i! Let's see... besides the belt breaking on me on the interstate, no mechanical problems. The buttons on the dash crack easily.. the radio is absolutely horrible and even my cd player get static these days (i have the regular sound option though).The cupholders are useless (but everyone already knows that... bavauto makes a cool add-on. The side of my seat came loose (the part where the buttons are) and eventually resulted in my seat not moving. So it's in the shop as we speak for that. The steptronic transmission is ridiculously slow and the tach noticeably lags behind. I love it to death though. It's got the M package, and it is honestly the best riding everyday car I've ever driven.

If you have any other questions, dont hesitate to ask!

[chris b.]

ive been with bmw for 11 years now and i must say the e-39 is one of the best cars. as stated before stay away from the v8 they can be expensive to repair. also try and stick with a manual if you can. automatic transmissions in my experience just dont like any high mileage(over 100k).other than that you'll be ok. definately one of the safest cars bmw built. any questions-feel free to ask.