5 series wagon

crb07 · crb07's Garage

I tried over at the BMW forum but did not get any replies. I am getting rid of the Suburban and looking at picking up a 2003-06 BMW 5-series wagon. Are there problem years? What should I stay away from? I do not really need AWD but these do not seem to cost any more, do these have issues? It will be automatic as well.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-09-2009, 05:36 AM

The E39 is a great car, I don't know of any specific weaknesses. Like all BMWs, expect to replace the cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat) and suspension bushings at about 100k. I don't think the E39 had the subframe issues that the E46 and Z3/M roadster had, so that's a bonus.

Carrerax · 08-09-2009, 06:06 AM

I had a E39 540 sport wagon for a few years. Great car and now another fellow pelican owns it. Main problem with the V8 E39's are the intake manifold gaskets and the alternator as well as the alum radiator etc. The 6 cylinder ones will cost less to maintain but will still need the radiator upgraded if it is original and old. I also had to do a trans at 100k...Not cheap!!! I bought my wife an E60 5 series sport wagon and we love it!!! Hope this helps. Maybe check out www.bimmerforums.com for more info.

89911 · 08-09-2009, 06:22 AM

The 2003 was the last year for the e39. I don't think I have seen a 5 series wagon in the latest models. To me the e39 had cleaner lines and made a pretty nice wagon. The newer versions have the new styling which, in my opinion, don't translate well for the effect. The e39 does have its issues (electical, coolant system, automatic transmission), but it was revered as a drivers car. I think the sweet model if you don't mind shifting, is the 530 with the sports package and 6 speed. I went for the 2003 540, since I have this high torque, front engine, automatic. About as opposite a car from an old 911 as you can be!

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

My parter in the Track car rental deal has a 5 series wagon for fale, one owner, fuller dealer maintained M package, it is a 99, but as close to perfect as you can get.... His wife doesn't like driving it so he is looking for something a bit bigger..

Carrerax · 08-09-2009, 06:28 AM

Here is what my 540 sport wagon looked like with a few M5 bits

Carrerax · 08-09-2009, 06:34 AM

Here is my new 530xi sport wagon. They actually look much nicer than the E60 coupes. Can wait until my new 19" Forgelines are done in a few weeks. Plus we have a new M5 front bumper and mirrors on the way.

Oh Haha · 08-09-2009, 06:43 AM

We had a 1999 528 and loved it.

We went back to a minivan as the wagon just wasn't big enough for 4 people and a dog plus the crap that goes along with said persons and dog.

Seriously, they are nice cars and you know it's a BMW when you first open the door.

Dueller · 08-09-2009, 06:51 AM

I just bought this 2003 525itA to replace my worn out 1992 Touring 525 (which racked up 270K miles...only failure was waterpump at 120K and blown out hydraulic rear struts at 260K). Drove it back from Houston this past week. Great car.

Flyer88 · 08-10-2009, 10:37 AM

The black one pictured is for sale - I'm going smaller I think. Has new pads and rotors all around in the last 10K and I just replaced the cats - along with the other work that Mark mentioned earlier.