|
|
|
|
|
|
Well - my daily LS400 is sadly off the road following the cam-pulley incident. I'm still thing to work out my best options with it but have decided to take this opportunity to get something else. The 'something else' had to be comfortable, big enough for the kids and, crucially, a step in MPG. Don't get me wrong - for what it is, the Lexus is great on fuel. If I was really nice to it I could get a tank average of 27mpg over a week of commuting, but when I drove it in a less refrained manner and use it for bozzing about town at the weekend, it drops to low twenties. Still great for a 300bhp V8 tank - but I came to the realisation that I could do with saving a bit of fuel money.
The usual Daveyboy20 non-negotiable in effect (RWD) and the fact Mrs Daveyboy20 has an e46 320d that averages 40+mpg had me peering at the dark side that is the world of heavy oil. It just so happens that my mate took an old 5 series in part-ex... Went something like this:
"All I've got is an old 5-series"
"Interesting", I reply.
"530d. Black on black", he added.
"... Very interesting",
"M Sport.."
"I'll have it!"
"It's high mileage with rusty bits
..."
"I'm on in my way!"
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
So it's on 220k at the moment. The last owners were a local BMW specialist who used it as a courtesy car and looked after it well. It has 4 top brand tyres on it (always a good indicator as to how well a car has been maintained in my eyes) and has just been serviced. It's recently had suspension and brake parts, too. Runs and drives really well - even from the interior wear, you'd never guess it was as high as 220k. I'm just waiting on more detailed history to come through from the specialist and I'll know a bit more. I managed to steal 3 hours or so yesterday to see what I've got and give it a good clean. First pics I was sent:   |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have had loads of e39's over the years. And can't see past them. They are great, had lots of newer, more expensive cars than the 39 and I still preferred driving the e39.
The run out models were the best ones. My last was a silver 530d sport touring that I sold last year (beginning to wish I hadn't) as I have noticed prices are on the rise for good ones.
Nice black one that..most of mine were obligatory 90's early naughties silver. The 530d with a map pulls like a train but you need to be careful if its an auto. the GM box is absolute garbage. Its the same box thats in the e53 X5 and td6 L322 range rover..try and find one that hasn't failed.
Thermostats often go but there is an easy 5 min hack to fix them to save you taking off the viscous fan etc. check carefully around the sills as the jacking points they have a real habit of rotting out there.
Looks like a really nice example you have found yourself there!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It is auto and I've read about the boxes - drives well so I'm hoping that means it's had oil changes over the years. The history should shed some light on that
I'm really looking forward to getting behind the wheel and tidying it up but by bit. Love the wheels and colour combo so that's a great start!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 11, 2019 13:31:46 GMT
|
|
Style 66 wheels...They are great. Second only to style 65 which are the M5 wheels. I was impressed with the economy..37mpg combined and 42-43 on a run no problems at all. quite rare in black! your rust around the bootlock and rear arch is totally standard. difficult to find on without it
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 11, 2019 14:41:39 GMT
|
|
I had one of these (a 530d touring 2002 plate). took it from 125,000 to 258,000 miles.
As part of the engine check/service please just take a moment to check what type of oil breather you've got (it's at the back of the engine on the left as you look at the engine) - if it's the paper type please change it asap - the new version is known as the vortex and are simply better. stops issues with turbo oil starvation.
Loved mine - I've still got a pixel display fix (free if you need it?) as they have a habit of going.
Also - don't bother with aftermarket or non-oem hedgehogs either.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 11, 2019 18:13:33 GMT
|
Style 66 wheels...They are great. Second only to style 65 which are the M5 wheels. I was impressed with the economy..37mpg combined and 42-43 on a run no problems at all. quite rare in black! your rust around the bootlock and rear arch is totally standard. difficult to find on without it I'm quite excited by the fuel economy.. Can you tell my last 4 dailies have all had stonking great V8s? I'll miss the noise but hopefully won't notice too much of a torque drop. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 11, 2019 18:16:48 GMT
|
I had one of these (a 530d touring 2002 plate). took it from 125,000 to 258,000 miles. As part of the engine check/service please just take a moment to check what type of oil breather you've got (it's at the back of the engine on the left as you look at the engine) - if it's the paper type please change it asap - the new version is known as the vortex and are simply better. stops issues with turbo oil starvation. Loved mine - I've still got a pixel display fix (free if you need it?) as they have a habit of going. Also - don't bother with aftermarket or non-oem hedgehogs either. The pixel issue is actually ony nav screen rather than the little orange display bar if you know what I mean? Hang on- I'll find a pic!  I'll check out that pipe next time I get a moment - thanks for the heads up! |
| |
|
|
ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,309
Club RR Member Number: 170
|
2003 530d SportChasR
@chasr
Club Retro Rides Member 170
|
Nov 11, 2019 18:21:47 GMT
|
A great car these are. For the 530ds the prices have firmed up a while ago. The days of getting a cheap 540i Estate however have long gone. The autos aren't as bad as people make out IME. I know of one which only showed issues once it hit 510,000 miles and that is not a misquote  . It was a taxi, so the 'box didn't have the easiest life. Yours looks very clean for its age. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Marc
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,037
|
|
Nov 11, 2019 18:39:49 GMT
|
|
Absolutely love the e39. Great build quality, comfortable, handle well, ride well... Fabulous cars!
I had a 540i saloon years ago, it remains one of the cars I regret selling. I replaced it with a Lexus ironically!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 11, 2019 19:09:57 GMT
|
A great car these are. For the 530ds the prices have firmed up a while ago. The days of getting a cheap 540i Estate however have long gone. The autos aren't as bad as people make out IME. I know of one which only showed issues once it hit 510,000 miles and that is not a misquote . It was a taxi, so the 'box didn't have the easiest life. Yours looks very clean for its age. That's reassuring to hear! |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 11, 2019 19:15:15 GMT
|
|
Very nice. I have a black e61 530d. Great cars
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 11, 2019 19:15:53 GMT
|
Absolutely love the e39. Great build quality, comfortable, handle well, ride well... Fabulous cars! I had a 540i saloon years ago, it remains one of the cars I regret selling. I replaced it with a Lexus ironically! It does seem very solid - I'd say more so than our e46 on terms of chunky feeling doors etc. Climate control buttons appear to be made of crisps, however! I love the weight of the steering, too. In fact, the handling appears to be pretty sharp altogether considering the size of it. |
| |
|
|
Marc
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,037
|
|
Nov 11, 2019 19:20:00 GMT
|
|
The best memory of the 540i was the rush to the hospital very early one morning for the imminent arrival of my second son! Have to say I was glad of a 4.4 V8 that morning!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 11, 2019 20:13:04 GMT
|
The best memory of the 540i was the rush to the hospital very early one morning for the imminent arrival of my second son! Have to say I was glad of a 4.4 V8 that morning! Haha! For my daughter it was my wife's Nissan Largo Highway Star and for my son it was my XJ8! Exciting/nerve-wracking drives! I think I came home in a grey mk1 Fiesta 😂 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I'm pretty sure you can get the autobox's serviced (even though they are 'sealed for life')? Sure I saw a youtube vid of a bloke taking it to an official supplier and they serviced it (but perhaps that was for a different autobox).
I'd check the suspension bushes too - I had clunks from the front but a gradual, but systematic change of pretty much every element of it really improved things. I did the same at the back (with the self levelling on the touring) including the air element.
It was a brilliant car - effortless. in many respects I should never have sold it (but i felt that at 258k miles that it was time.) Should have thrown another £2k at it and made it new. I replaced it with a 320d and regretted it almost immediately.......
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oh and I can't help with the screen thing I'm afraid - my pixel fix thing is for the little strip of pixels behind the steering wheel under the clocks.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 12, 2019 10:02:29 GMT
|
|
You can get the box serviced no problem. Its the torque the autobox cant handle. it was marginal for the car when it was factory standard let alone mapped. I went through 2 boxes in mine. Usually torque converter failure that causes it.
The Boxes really are curse word..still prefer it to a manual
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 13, 2019 12:43:09 GMT
|
|
.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
. It was a taxi, so the 'box didn't have the easiest life.