I'm always keeping my eyes and ears open for opportunities to buy really good examples of cars. Sometimes you just hit lucky trawling the usual internet and social media sites. Other times, you just know the right person with the right car at the right time.
If you've read my thread on my recently acquired Rover 216GSi, you'll know it's a really lovely example. It was owned by a friend of mine who I know loves his top examples, so when he also decided to sell his E39, I was instantly tempted.
1999 E39 528i
2.8 straight six (190bhp)
Auto with tiptronic
133k miles
Beautiful Vermont Green
16" Type 48 alloys with 4 matching Falken tyres
Full heated cream leather interior
This was my first sight of the car at Taunton railway station, following my train journey from Saltburn to Darlington, Darlington to Bristol Temple Meads, and Bristol to Taunton.
And it rewarded me with such a composed 320 mile journey back. Here it was, pulled up on the driveway reunited with it's former stablemate, the 216GSi
The following morning was a bit chilly...
After a bit of a wash, polish and wax, it looked rather splendid...
Now, I once promised myself I wouldn't buy another big German car. And here's why....I've had a few before, from an Audi A6 V6 quattro to an E34, from a S320 to a CL500, from an E55 AMG to an E60, and even a nice E39 530i Sport. The overwhelming feel I've had from pretty much all these cars (possible the E55 AMG apart) was that they are great cars, well put together, and I like them a lot, even love some of them, but never fall 'in love' with them if you know what I mean. This car feels completely different. The interior is such a nice place to be. I've managed to adjust the drivers seat perfectly for me, the engine seems perfect for the car, the auto box is silky smooth, and it's just, well, 'right' for me.
This particular car had some extras ticked when new...such as the BMW mobile phone in the centre armrest, which I always just thought was available in the 7 series...
I might try and get this up and working at some point, although I remember reading the issues fellow retro rider bstardchild had getting a compatible sim card for his in the E38.
It's also got rear folding seats, which I've heard is even rarer than the phone. How true that is I can't really confirm..
Silky smooth straight six...
The interior really is a lovely place to be...
Clean boot floor and a full size fifth alloy wheel
Lovely alloys, and very clean arches (unlike my previous E39)...
And a final few pics for now..love the original style amber repeaters...
The plan?....I don't think there's too much to do really. Clean the leather and get the phone working. I'm currently thoroughly enjoying smoking around in it most days. I really do now believe that a good E39 is definately the highpoint of the 5 series.
If you've read my thread on my recently acquired Rover 216GSi, you'll know it's a really lovely example. It was owned by a friend of mine who I know loves his top examples, so when he also decided to sell his E39, I was instantly tempted.
1999 E39 528i
2.8 straight six (190bhp)
Auto with tiptronic
133k miles
Beautiful Vermont Green
16" Type 48 alloys with 4 matching Falken tyres
Full heated cream leather interior
This was my first sight of the car at Taunton railway station, following my train journey from Saltburn to Darlington, Darlington to Bristol Temple Meads, and Bristol to Taunton.
And it rewarded me with such a composed 320 mile journey back. Here it was, pulled up on the driveway reunited with it's former stablemate, the 216GSi
The following morning was a bit chilly...
After a bit of a wash, polish and wax, it looked rather splendid...
Now, I once promised myself I wouldn't buy another big German car. And here's why....I've had a few before, from an Audi A6 V6 quattro to an E34, from a S320 to a CL500, from an E55 AMG to an E60, and even a nice E39 530i Sport. The overwhelming feel I've had from pretty much all these cars (possible the E55 AMG apart) was that they are great cars, well put together, and I like them a lot, even love some of them, but never fall 'in love' with them if you know what I mean. This car feels completely different. The interior is such a nice place to be. I've managed to adjust the drivers seat perfectly for me, the engine seems perfect for the car, the auto box is silky smooth, and it's just, well, 'right' for me.
This particular car had some extras ticked when new...such as the BMW mobile phone in the centre armrest, which I always just thought was available in the 7 series...
I might try and get this up and working at some point, although I remember reading the issues fellow retro rider bstardchild had getting a compatible sim card for his in the E38.
It's also got rear folding seats, which I've heard is even rarer than the phone. How true that is I can't really confirm..
Silky smooth straight six...
The interior really is a lovely place to be...
Clean boot floor and a full size fifth alloy wheel
Lovely alloys, and very clean arches (unlike my previous E39)...
And a final few pics for now..love the original style amber repeaters...
The plan?....I don't think there's too much to do really. Clean the leather and get the phone working. I'm currently thoroughly enjoying smoking around in it most days. I really do now believe that a good E39 is definately the highpoint of the 5 series.
