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Hey folks.
So I'm living in Budapest the last few years and the need for a motor has become apparent.
So I'm thinking of buying some sort of a diesel touring.
And I'm looking at the e39 530d or 520d.
As I know fook all about these can someone give me a low down on reliability?
Other makes models considered too so feel free to advise.
I had a 2002 525d for two years. Maintenance bill can be high, injectors, turbo, Suspension are big offenders and can be very costly. Even general maintenance servicing etc is costly compared to petrol variants. My advice you would try to get one with up to date service history if you can. The vast majority with 150k+ miles will need major work if not done already, but can vary from car to car. It depends really how it was treated throughout its life.
Mine gave very little trouble but was extremely well looked after by previous owners (a very thick book of receipts came with it :p ). They are fantastic car and very rewarding to drive. Also I think most touring e39's came with air self leveling suspension on the rear but I could be wrong, I would a imagine a big bill if it were to fail.
I'm sure other people might have different experiences.
Hope this helps (I wrote it in hurry)
Having had 2 e39's petrol's that I racked up 150k miles in over nearly a 10 year period (I'm not counting the current 530i because that hasn't covered enormous mileage as its not a daily), I'd say that servicing, repair and consumables (e.g. tyres but not fuel) worked out at about €0.07 per mile. These were cars that were well maintained by prior owners and things kept on top of in my ownership.
If you go the e39 route don't buy an "improver", you'll pour a lot more than €0.07 per mile in to it. Find a sound car with good solid history and provenance and you'll get nearer the €0.07.
Don't be shy about spending a little more to get it and, within reason, don't be put off by a hefty mileage if the car and history stack up. They are very much a car to buy based on condition.
I'm on my fourth E39.
Buy the cleanest one you can find.
All tourings have bags.
In the diesels, the autos have swirl flaps and egr coolers, manuals don't.
They all rust on the same spots, fuel flap and boot lid being the most regular offenders.
If it hasn't been done, budget suspension refurb, injectors, turbo, that's about 4K on its own.
Unless you're doing massive mileage I wouldn't rule out a petrol.
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