Quote Originally Posted by owly
Quote Originally Posted by Mackers
Quote Originally Posted by owly
Going looking at a 2001 530d automatic

What gives trouble in them?

What should i look out for when viewing it?
What's the mileage?

Rust, they are he'll for rust around the rear boot lid, rear arched and sills.

Coolant system gives bother in them, see if there has ever been anything repaired or replaced.

I think the touring has rear air suspension which also gives trouble (I think) so definitely worth checking.

Rear control arms, ball joints etc are common wear and tear issues on the e39.

Over all the e39 530d is a great car and I'm yet to meet someone who regretted buying one.
It has over 200k on it. Its being priced accordingly but is that too much would it be beyond repairing.

Are parts generally expensive for them are parts easy got?

Never delt with this model before
At a certain age they need a lot of money thrown at them, you'll need to do a suspension refresh - 2.5k, injectors - 1.5k, turbo - 800 and I guarantee you that it will need some other hits and pieces done, I'd put another 1k aside for bits and bobs.

Depends on what you're looking for, difficult to beat an E39, I'm on my 4th!