Purchasing and e39 98 528i black

[arcatasus679]

The problems are as follows compressor rattles dealer all cars of this nature have this .. Ii read the blogs, 2nd needs motor mounts though not a hard job I was told all BMWs do this too much toque ( gee isn't that what motor mounts absorb)? we have the Financing but dealer is reluctant to repair the car before i walk our with it. I( advised him of motor mounts earlier and to check if not replace the ac compressor. needless to say I have not done the pressure checks. the rest of the Vehicle looks good paint shiny brakes good engine sounds strong no leaks . But i noticed running hot also if you guys say go ahead fixable for a reasonable price by dealership before i take it off lot. as of now they have nothing on me. I have put nothing down at all. Some minor cosmetic flaws cup holders but electronics working drives well. car has a 1 month guarantee on all but i don't want to move it into my garage unless it's as near to perfect as possible other wise i walk. wheel in front seems out of balance and what is it with the tool box? i have looked at many from Bimmer dealers to others not a full box yet .hard to replace. And is flashlight difficult to replace expensive. I have done my homework for the most part the car is in price range but I don't want a car that will fall apart shortly. thanks so in your opinion thumbs up or down?

[chinonca]

Sounds like alot of issues with that car. Your buying this off a car lot???

[arcatasus679]

Yes from Exotic motor cars just North of me in Tarpon springs Florida they have a good reputation i believe the car should have been repaired before showing it to us. i called salesman advised him of issues and problems said car would be ready in an hour i asked him to call me when car totally repaired and that i would check with independent mechanic . I've yet to hear from him which sucks in a way we have been looking for a while financing secured. Can't seem to find a decent car.

[chinonca]

Looks like their just trying to get that car of the lot! I would think that a car lot would repair problems like that! (Motor mounts!)

[arcatasus679]

I'm getting used to the jargon. and the chassis . what i know i can put in a thimble. however I was a tech on a nuke sub. Mechanical type. I tend to do most of maintenance myself. 1 I enjoy it .2. It gives me a chance to use bilingual cursing. I've blown two cars off for motor mounts i get the same answer from the Dealers all the BMW's do that. so does any machine on the road in the air and on or under the water. I still have not heard from him will check out the 328 tomorrow. I checked Edmonds Saw that 2000-2006 3 series best buys I've read mixed reviews there. Went for a test drive gawd what a difference. Wife even liked it .Now only car we will consider. We will keep looking. thanks for the input. i knew it deep down but wanted an opinion that was not involved in the decision. Thank you

[Teh Prof]

The running-hot issue makes me wonder if the E39 has water pump or thermostat issues too.

[marti5]

I would say all easily fixable if you able to D>I>Y wouldnt cost that much, depends on the price the dealer wants.

[arcatasus679]

UPDATE; Received two calls this morning. Stealer called said car totally ready. That is yet to be determined. We started searching again received call from another stealer this one on an E46 Light blue 328 2000 around 104 k and 7K Us not a bad price . I have found in looking at BMW's in this area with exception of the Bimmer dealers the cars not repaired unless they actually have a buyer.This includes the Other dealers IE Ford Audi..Mercedes etc. Lexus had a 528 should have bought that one I was leary of an unbalanced wheel.. I was new to BMW market and was pummeled by older sister. What a math and physics major knows about cars I'm not sure Drives a Jaguar old and decrepit.. looks like Thomas Jefferson sister not the car. That's past we can't change that. More later.

[marti5]

They do the same here in the U.K , they hope when you go for a test drive you dont notice anything!!, but over here all cars sold by dealers come with a minimum 3 month warranty by law, even if you buy private you still have the law behind you for up to 28 days.

[RoadsterMadness]

I had a 1998 E39 528i and LOVED it - the only problem I had were the brakes/rotors. The engine just sang! You need to decide if you want an E46 (3 series) or an E39 (5 series), how much mileage you will accept, how much more wear and tear (and replacement parts) a higher mileage car will require, etc. And I do not agree that ALL Bimmers have engine mount problems - NOT SO!

Whatever you choose, do have it checked out properly first so you know what you are getting yourself into. It may be fine if it needs a few repairs, so long as you are prpeared to pay for them to be done, and done right.

Best of luck with this.

Ciao.

[arcatasus679]

UPDATE: To the fine folks who have commented. Went to dealer again All repaired save the motor mounts I was told again all BMW's have this problem I advised him the BMW's you sell may have motor mount problems. He said he would repair them in writing. Car drove well Save it needs a new tire. Left front. All hose fan belts replaced . Nice car unfortunately he made a fraudulent loan app signed our names the odometer was off by 6000 miles not just a typo I called him on it he said it was a mistake. The deal stinks. As we got out of test drive I said sold but brought no check book to leave a deposit . Give this guy a deposit on my credit card no way. I have car finance experience (Ford Credit Collections) in my back ground he picked wrong guy to play with. Also a disabled naval veteran Who I believe he thinks is a turnip. I know contracts backwards forwards and upside down. I never repo'd a car. My job was to keep them in their vehicles and was very good at helping people as you folks do here.Ever any financial problems call them they really can help. Any questions on simple interest loans ask would be glad to show you how to make it work to your advantage. ( pay less interest) the 328 turned out to be stick i can drive stick in Tampa area not advisable. Too much traffic. Wife grinds more gears than sausage.Not out any money. But heading to police in AM guys like this tick me off.