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Thread: Greetings once again...Ready to BMW again

  1. #1
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    Greetings once again...Ready to BMW again

    Greetings all. I've been a member on this forum since 2007 but haven't posted in a few years as I had to sell my Convertible E36 a couple of years back due to financial constraints. Well I'm back in the market for a new(to me) vehicle and naturally the fun I had with my first BMW has me wanting another one. I thought about another E36 conv., but it's not the most practical for me, so instead I am looking at purchasing a E53 (X5 4.4 or 4.6), and E39 (2003 540), or a E38 (2001 740i). I've started looking around and have seen a few things and I think I'm leaning towards the E39. I have 5K-7K to spend but would like to spend closer to 5K than to 7K. I haven't seen a lot of X5's in this price range, but I also have a Jeep Grand Cherokee that I may keep so in that case I'm not even sure if I would want 2 SUV's. I ten to see more 2001 E38's in this price range, and there are some E39's too, although many are 530's or 528's. I live in Chicago and would probably drive it 6-9 months out of the year, but likely use my Jeep as my DD back and forth to the train. I have 3 daughters (whom I have joint custody of), with one that has started to drive and the other who will start this summer. So with all of this said, AND understanding that there are a million other varibles and personal preference, what would you buy, based reliability, price, just plain ole Fun To Drive factor?

    Thanks in advance for your input and feedback.

  2. #2
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    A $5k E53 is probably going to need lots of repairs. I would pretty much consider it an $8k E53.
    Last edited by cfmistry; 03-10-2014 at 08:56 PM.
    Cyrus Mistry

  3. #3
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    5-7k I'd say a e39 or maybe a sedan e36?? You could pick up a really nice e36 for 5-7k just sayin.
    1989 325is new DD
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  4. #4
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    Thanks for the feedback so far. The e36's are smaller than what I want. So far I'm looking at a few E38s. One for $4500, 01. 740i, not many details yet. And also a 2001 740i, 106k miles, silver,Sport package, Mediabridge Installed with full service history. Also a 2001 740i, silver , sport, with 75k miles, Navigation, new brakes and service records. Suddenly I feel myself leaning towards E38s…...

    - - - Updated - - -

    00a0a_3h6ixlnm29T_600x450.jpg But when I see e39's like this. This is 2003 530i sport, 120k miles, $7000 I'm back to being torn
    Last edited by berniejr72; 03-11-2014 at 12:01 AM.

  5. #5
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    E39 > E38 imo. E39 is slightly easier to drive, the smaller size is noticeable even if they are both big cars. E39 came with angel eyes and LED tails, beautiful interior is right on par with the E38 and just as comfortable. Slightly less space but isnt noticeable. Better gas mpg and resale value with the smaller I6 engines.

    2003 530i is a terrific car and I would take it over an E38 any day IMO

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  6. #6
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    Looks like 2001-2003 530i is your best bet. Maybe even 525i sedan or touring with a stick if you don't mind a bit less power. Reliability and running costs will be slightly lower with 6 cyl models compared to 8 cyl ones, all things being equal. I think E38 is little bit too big and a bit thirsty for DD. But who knows, maybe you'll like E38 better after you test drive both?
    Last edited by SpeedsterBek; 03-12-2014 at 10:00 AM.
    Lazy Saturday drive in my E34: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnzvZgPnOos

  7. #7
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    Here is another one that I'm considering. He's willing let me have it checked out by my mechanic. Let me know your thoughts, and thanks again for your great input so far.

    http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/4356276572.html

  8. #8
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    An e38 will give you the most for the money. Typically a similar 540i will run you more then a 740i or 740iL.

    My parents have owned two 740iLs (98 and 01), and I own an e39 M5 (02). For your situation I would suggest the e38, the back seat room is much better then that of the e39 which would be good for your daughters. I would strongly suggest you drive one, you will find they are much sportier then you ever imagined.

    I grew up riding in the back of a 740iL, and learned to drive in it too.

    The e39 is a great car, don't get me wrong, but you can get more car for the money with the e38, plus the e38 will likely be in better condition since they are not worth as much.
    Current fleet:
    1999 BMW e36 M3
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    1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
    1990 Jeep Comanche Eliminator
    1962 Austin Healey Sprite

  9. #9
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    Well I needed to make a decision sooner rather than later since my Jeep Grand Cherokee has some issues that aren't worth the repair cost. With that in mind I ended up with a 2001 530i with , Silver, Sports package. 142K, mechanic owned with good service records. The car rates pretty good, mechanically and appearance wise. It cost me less than 4K, and all in all it feels good to be back behind the wheel of a BMW!

  10. #10
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    My new toy
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  11. #11
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    Looks great! Come say hi in the E39 forum!

    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...996-2003-(E39)

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