Description
You’re here because you already know what the BMW E39 is… So I won’t tell you how cool and practical this appreciating classic truly is. I never thought we’d be selling this lovely ol’ girl, but needing a larger car for camping and family trips forces the sale. I’d rather see this is in the hands of another enthusiast, rather than keeping her silent in the garage. If you want to own a new, squeaky clean show pony… perhaps this isn’t the car for you. If you understand that owning a 25-year-old classic BMW is a custodianship through the thick and thin, then read on!
Originally collected by the late Mr Wilson (who I knew) in 2001, with an original list price of circa £38, 000. Fastidiously maintained at Dick Lovett BMW (Hungerford), also my current and still used main dealer. The car was then sold to his mechanic, who maintained the car, a few years later. Mr Wilson then reacquired the car in 2011 before selling to myself in March 2018.
530i SE Touring in Orient Blue Metallic over Black leather (proper leather, not like the stuff you find in all these modern cars!). Also included in the sale are the rare and original BMW mudflaps, and private number plate. Picture of original specifications is included.
The service history is very comprehensive, with more recent servicing covered by myself and Dick Lovett BMW (Hungerford). Work done in my 7-year ownership, that I can think of is below. There’s probably more. Most is genuine BMW, if not OEM:
-Rocker cover gasket (genuine BMW)
-Entire CCV system (Crank case ventilation valve, genuine BMW)
-Rear air suspension (genuine BMW)
-Rear vapour seals (genuine BMW)
-Various suspension bushes (all genuine BMW)
-Various suspension arms/ links (genuine BMW and Lemforder OEM)
-Rear jacking points stripped and welded
-All 4 Rear gas struts for tailgate (OEM)
-New genuine BMW accelerator pedal
-Crankshaft position sensor (genuine BMW)
-Mass air flow sensor (OEM)
-Replaced reconditioned gearbox (Genuine BMW)
I have also changed any previously failed electronic equipment in the car; 6 CD changer, radio head unit, glovebox torch.
This a beautiful car to drive with so much punch and power when you need it, delivered more smoothly than any car I’ve driven. However, that’s not unique to this example as all well maintained E39’s should deliver the same experience. This example excels on our network of awfully maintained British roads. Being the SE model, it offers more supple suspension, more forgiving tyres and a marginally increased ride height… a true waft wagon.
The car was off the road, just before the MOT in November 2023, as the original gearbox had failed. In the end, our love for this beautiful car captured our hearts and we spent the money on replacing the gearbox with another reconditioned, genuine BMW gearbox with all brand-new seals and fluid. So, compared to most E39’s for sale out there now, this will likely have one of the longest lasting gearboxes out there.
As all aging cars do, there are a few points to make you aware of which reflect the price. All are serviceable and repairable. Or you can simply live with it:
- Near side rear wheel arch has corrosion that will likely need addressing in the next 12-18 month. (picture attached).
- Something is rattling on the exhaust on cold start since the new gearbox was fitted. I think it’s simply the heat shield that needs fastening, but I haven’t had time to get underneath yet. I know this as if I hold the exhaust, the rattle stops.
- The rear-view mirror is half dark, half-light. It doesn’t impair vision, and I think it’s the anti-glare fluid for the automatic dimming that has somehow sunken to the bottom of the mirror (picture attached).
- The paint on the driver’s door has a small section of lacquer peel. (picture included).
-Oil service likely due shortly as indicator is showing on the last green block.
None of these are particularly expensive and I could have any/ all this done. But I feel advertising the car as a wart’s and all shows true honesty and hopefully gives you a sense of confidence in what work potentially needs doing over the next 6-24 months. The price is reflected for this.
It's now someone else’s turn to take care of this lovely car and make as many fond memories as we have.
Thank you and please contact if you have any questions.
