51 Things To Look For When Buying A BMW E39 5 Series With 100k + Miles 

My dad bought a 2003 BMW 525i in black about 2 years ago with 170,000 miles and even after 10,000 miles it's still running strong. One of the most beautiful sedans of all time.

After finishing the video...... I'm frightened! Don't care though as I love this car.

I love my e39 528i m52tu. It has been a fantastic lil car. It never has left me on the side of the road. The only rolling issue I had was when water pump went and it just so happens that I coasted into an Advance Auto parking lot lol. I bought mine from my dad at 60k and she now is about to rollover 250k. I have an extensive maintenance list of everything I've done over the years....If you maintain these cars correctly, they will make you smile every time you drive them.

Let’s not forget these are 20 plus year cars now. With that being said… I’m in a dilemma. I don’t know if I should get one. Found one with 108 k miles. Maybe if it has a service history…

Dang 51 issues is a lot, why delete main 02 sensors, they kind of there for a reason to determine air fuel ratio.

should i just buy a lexus GS 300

Just bought my first e39 530 sport manual; a rare gem. Owner failed to tell me the extensive flooding in the back foot well from bad vapor barrier. Easy fix for the barrier, but now I have the WHOLE floor to wire brush and clear rust, and drying out that thick foam. Luckily the passenger side was spared; none of those electricals were harmed.

Great video, Nathan! Own a 2001 E39 525i Touring for almost 10yrs and of the 51 items, I did 79 ;-) Love and hate relationship with that car but nothing surpasses how they look and drive. Sad to learn that BMW never really bothered to improve their product, heck, it actually became worse with the newer models. E39 will be my last beemer.

did you say turd?

52: look for the alarm sensors going bad! Common problem! Spesifically the one in the roof and in the back trunk left side

So glad I got rid of my e39s 😓

Anyone who is intimidated by the amount of electric gadgets and small parts that can break, don't be afraid.

I have learned so much about this car. And done all these repairs for a friend of mine. Now i want one for my self.

Appreciate the vid, but would love to see a timestamped list for quick access to tips ✌️

Thanks for the dedication Nathan. Good vid

I like the way the blue faded mirrors look

That’s a really great list, thanks so much!

I’m about to purchase an E39 that has been sitting for 3 yrs thanks for the information!

My Favorite car ever.🖤😎

You were spot on Nate! I owned my E39 530i 5 speed for 9 years now and had to replace a few of those things you mentioned. The most recent being the oil filter housing gasket. I had that replaced this year! It was leaking for a while and I had no idea where the leak was coming from. It was leaking pretty bad too