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01-26-2017, 11:19 AM | #24 |
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I agree. I actually sold it my neighbour. I have had to watch in sorrow as it fell in to disrepair. He smacked it up 3 times and had shoddy repairs done. If I remember I'll take a pic of its present state and post it.
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01-26-2017, 11:57 AM | #26 | |
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Car has 62k miles on it today and I did a full overhaul when I bought it (full cooling system, engine gaskets, all fluids, suspension bushings, power steering hoses, engine / trans mounts, short shift kit, timing chain tensioner, checked timing chain guides, new plugs and coil packs, new timing belts, new clutch, exterior and interior detail, etc.), with the understanding that I wanted to keep this for as long as possible. It's been a great learning process for me, as someone who didn't grow up with the tools or knowledge to work on my own car (first time I tried to change the oil in my high school volvo, I drained the transmission fluid and double filled the oil - guess we all have to learn somehow). I did most of the initial mechanical work myself and all of the detailing, before turning it over to my local indy shop for the gaskets and clutch. My wife can't understand why I keep putting time and money into a 14 year old car, but the first iteration of the E39 came out when I was just learning to drive and I remember seeing the M5 and thinking it was the coolest sedan I had ever seen (still searching for a low-mileage 2002 or 2003, if anyone has a lead ). When I found out one of the guys in my office had a low mileage, 2003 540i with 6 speed and M sport package (he'd owned since 2004), I told him I'd buy it immediately if he ever decided to sell. Thankfully, he upgraded to an E63 wagon, and I had the opportunity to pick it up. Couple pictures of the 540 and my less subtle weekend car Last edited by MBLocal017; 01-26-2017 at 12:12 PM.. |
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01-26-2017, 12:21 PM | #27 | |
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01-26-2017, 12:26 PM | #28 | |
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I had two e39s, an '01 540 wagon and an '03 M5. Two of my favorite cars ever. Thanks for sharing the videos. Edit: Here was my M5: DSC_2692 by Josh, on Flickr DSC_2705 by Josh, on Flickr Last edited by Josh (PA); 01-26-2017 at 12:40 PM.. |
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01-26-2017, 12:39 PM | #29 |
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The E39 is the best 5 series of all time. Nothing will match its natural feel for driving, comfort, and all around practicality.
My first M was an E39 in Imola Red with the two tone Imola/Schwartz interior and I sorely miss it sometimes. I definitely need another one in my life.
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01-26-2017, 12:45 PM | #30 |
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All these post have me itching to start looking for another one.
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Past: 1979 RX-7, 1980 Civic, 1989 B2200 lowrider, 1990 Golf GT, 1995 Civic Si Turbo, 2000 Civic SiR, 2000 328i, 2003 540i M-Sport, 2008 Rabbit, 2014 Pilot, 2002 A4 1.8T, 2009 A4 2.0T Quattro, 2017 CR-V Touring 2020 CR-V Touring
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01-26-2017, 01:06 PM | #31 |
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Nice in its day, I owned one before. But they started showing their age many many years ago. Still a classic, though. But for what it is, too much upkeep required just so you can drive an old BMW around. An E30 M3 would be a far better "old" BMW to drive around. As for E36/E39, interiors fall apart, are brittle/creaky/faded and peeling. E46 aged much better.
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01-26-2017, 01:18 PM | #32 |
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01-26-2017, 01:40 PM | #34 | |
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Here's one for sale right now. Check out these photos. https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...9944/overview/ |
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01-26-2017, 01:48 PM | #35 | |
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01-26-2017, 02:01 PM | #36 |
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Last summer bought my silver '03 530 sport w/115k. Previously owned an '01 740 sport and two e36 M3's.
I'll never sell this one, that's for sure. It's the sweet-spot in my opinion of all BMW's. Just small enough but not too large. Definitely fast enough without being a gas guzzler. Just enough tech that I can work on everything myself. Haven't had any problems since the day I drove it from the previous owner in Chicago back to El Paso. Immaculate all black interior w/3M ceramic tint. Luckily the previous owner was an outstanding mechanic that didn't hold back on maintaining and completing some nice/expensive factory upgrades before selling. That "thunk" when closing the back doors though... 😋 |
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01-26-2017, 02:04 PM | #37 |
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A Sapphire Black e39 530d with Lemon Yellow and Black interior was the first BMW I bought (the previous e46 318 was a company car).
It looked mean and sounded meaner - that 6-cyl diesel had a fantastic growl when you floored it! It's amazing how much the LCI sharpened the looks on the outside, considering how little changed. I remember the press calling it (the original) bland when it was launched, but it aged really well and still looks timeless. Apart from the cup holders in the back (which I got replaced under warrantee) the interior was solid. It also had the most perfect rain sensor wipers, which would wipe at exactly the right time. The five BMWs I've had since (incl. an e60 and 2x F10) have always been either two reluctant or too frequent, irrespective of sensitivity setting. Damn I miss that car... |
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01-26-2017, 02:20 PM | #38 |
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My first BMW ever at age of 17 my father got me the e39 528i. I fell in love instantly and to this day imo the greatest 5 series ever made.
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01-26-2017, 03:08 PM | #41 |
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Where are you now my 2003 540i M Sport!!! Rode it for 160,000 incredible miles!
Have held 3 of the 5 series...2000 528i, 2003 540i M, and recently grabbed one of the last 2016 550 xDrive M Sport from my local dealer. Each is a special sort of car. Great videos! Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
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01-26-2017, 03:14 PM | #42 | |
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I really love my e39 540i with a 6 speed manual. Next best thing to owning a e39 M5.
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01-26-2017, 03:21 PM | #43 |
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I'd love to get an E39 525iT as a daily one day. Still to this day one of my favorite looking cars. Such a shame BMW no longer sends Tourings over here.
In the meantime, this is still my all time favorite ad: "A Mercedes can also bring driving pleasure"
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01-26-2017, 03:32 PM | #44 | |
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Classic ad in true BMW fashion
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