What to look for when buying a used BMW E46 or E39 

Its so funny how I have almost everything wrong that you pointed out

basically check every little thing, I don't know why I still love these cars Hahaha, everything fails and I still bought another one that I have to fix.

Recently bought a 540i with 234k on it. Went to take delivery of the car at night, without knowing the problems I'd encounter. Some days later I had to check everything on the car has it was soon going to pass the car inspection. Turns out the only problem this 540i had was the xenon light adjusters. I literally did nothing else for it in order to pass the inspection. Pretty amazed.

My friend bought a used 4.4l e39 with over 300 000km. So far he has had it for over 2 years. He has the skills to fix almost anything, but hasn't needed them, since the only thing to break was one bearing, which was easy and cheap to replace. That car is a fucking tank. He has been launching it, drifting, winter drifting, racing and drifting on gravel roads, and doing over 200km/h on highways. Basically treatment that could be described as torture.

I Love my E39 2003! Amazing car. Have owned about 5-6 of them.

I have owned a 528I and a 530I over the last 9 years. I replaced a water pump 3 years ago and a wheel bearing. Couple broken coil springs and a battery. Thermostats on both cars. I don't do a lot of miles but these cars have been so enjoyable to drive. But like the guy said, if you're not technical, buy a newish car with a warranty etc. I'd rather buy a fully loaded old BMW that cannot depreciate any more!

As a 6 year e46 owner I can comfirm most of these things have happend to me :P Waterpump all 4 ABS sensors all 4 brake calipers have been stuck at some point(due to car sitting, did repair kits on them) waterpump crankcase valve thing + hoses for it and water hoses behind the engine I have a missfire I haven't fixed yet fuelpump failed on 250k km oilfilter house o-rings are leaking every bushing in the front suspension thermostat oil level sensor Last bit of breaklines to the calipers Rest I can't remember or is a normal wear part like shocks, breaks etc. Handbrake internals But I love driving the car, overall its not been that expensive given that I can probably drive it for another 2 years. About $1k loss per year with depreciation. I do recommend getting a obd2 bluetooth/ wifi reader if you plan on owning this car. So you can read out engine codes yourself.

Good video man! You nailed about every aspect of my E46 (2000 328ci) that i bought a few years ago. One thing you might want to look at is the problems with the subframe separation. I'm not really qualified to talk about it, but a common problem (at least on early e46's) was the right-back bushing between the subframe and body would tear out due to faulty welding at the factory. There are videos showing it, but I can't find them right now.

Thanks, there is alot i did not go over but the video would of been 4 hours long if i went over every problem lol

These are actually some of the most reliable cars around. At least they are in Europe. I have heard rumours that the US models are not assembled so well and that the dealers can be greedy. The straight sixes are generally considered more reliable than the V8 models. Diesel 530d is superb but go for the later 193 bhp models.

Great post! Thanks. I've had me e39 540i for several years and it's been a joy to drive and ultra-reliable as long as you do the maintenance whenever something goes wrong. And you're right, Nathan- you either better know how to fix her OR know what you're talking about so you don't get ripped off.

Possibly the most informative and relevant e39 issues Vlog on the tube .

Nathan, I own both an E39 and an E46. Common problem on the E46 (mine has it too with only 70,000 miles) is the faded rear package tray. These go from being colored black to appearing purple in little time from the sun. These can easily be dyed black again. Other big one inside is the pillars... the fabric has a tendency to come off the pillars. If lucky you can re-glue the fabric with some spray adhesive. Lastly is the common missing rain gutter as they have a habit of falling off. Great video... I'm subscribed.

The first video that I saw from you. I must say, you are amazing and you look like a really good and positive person! Keep up the good work

Some really good information here! Looking to buy a E39 soon, thank you!

yeap, i have an 02 530i and replace just about everything on it mentioned, .lol. But i did all the work myself so i saved money. I would also like to add the oil filter housing gasket go bad on these as well, also the oil supply line that goes to it goes bad, along with the crush washers for the banjo bolts on both ends of the line. Oil pan gasket, the wheel speed sensors one on each wheel, (4 Total). Make sure to clear out the cooling tube that leads to the alternator, it can become clogged with FOD (foreign object debris) and another one is the power steering banjo lines, replace those crush washers also.. LOL This is not the car for everyone, if you are not a mech, stay away from it. I might be leaving other things out ...

I appreciate your honesty and the practical advice.

Very nice guide, me personally when I bought my e39 firstly I fixed the headlight adjusters .... driving in the night was real horror with the light pointed to the ground :)

Cyber courage is a muh! This is some very useful info i can use. In the market for a E30 myself. Thanks Nate!

I own a BMW 523i e39 now in the fourth year. Best car I've been driving. Drools .... Have not seen the problems you show on my car. Are the US BMWs the same as we get? Can climatic conditions be important? Finally ... we are probably some who have higher standards for cleaning and maintenance of our BMW than you have !!! Next car BMW 530i e39. I'm looking forward to it.

You couldn't look less interested if you tried

"if you don't own tools this car is not for you" :D that's pretty good, and I guess accurate statement. thank you for such thorough review. I am considering 540i 2001 manual gearbox. always wanted one. but last 6 years been driving Honda (v6 6 speed coupe, which would be perfect if not for the wrong wheel drive :), had Audi had Benz had VW but Hondas because was tired of German cars for their service requirements. although I can do most of the stuff myself on a car, I am not a big fan of working on them, I just love to drive them. This review helps big time.

Thank you for these videos. I am researching 3 and 5 series to purchase. 323, 328, 528, 530 late 90's cars. I am learning much from you.

Just buy a Honda if you get scared of owning a BMW lol and no you don't have to be a mechanic to own a e39

Some really good info here. I am researching which E39 manual to buy.

great list, but these are all easy fixes. It would be great if you could point out the major issues that are hard to fix. Those are the ones that concern us really

Don't forget the rear footwells get damp because of the water vapours that need replacing. Also, creaking doors !

The E39 is the best looking BMW ever made in my opinion. I'm not a fan of the newer models. Good video, some interesting points to look for when buying an older BMW such as the E39, with even the last ones made being over 10 years old now in 2016. If older BMW's are well maintained, they last for years.

Awesome cars. I have 520i which Needed some TLC. But now it runs solid. I want to buy a more powerful one in the future

I like your video thank you I have old e34 525i1992 I bought $1500 I fix my own only 110008 mile because your video it run like NEW

thank you for taking the time to do this, very useful info.

Thanks for taking the time to make this very useful and informative video. Cheers!

if you're a good mechanic or got money to burn then a Euro is good for you, awesome cars but require a gentle touch and attention to detail. as with anything do you're research and have a heads up on what you're doing first he don't bolt a problem back on not knowing it's bad or how to test it. really good info on what to expect and how to fix it / good job and keep up the good work/ shops and dealers hate people like us that know the truth!!!

I just bought a e39 530i. Thanks for the channel!

Good video. Thanks for posting. Had a 2000 530i sport UK spec for 4 years. Wonderful car, bar the clunky, notchy manual box. Just the way it was apparently. LEDs on stereo and dials were also hopeless. However, generally easy to work on as a clueless DIY fixer. '99 530d SE Touring was another story, of the horror variety.

Oil leaks are definitely a common issue on e46s... Ccv and oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket. Just a few. Great cars though, I personally haven't had too many issues on mine.

Excellent video, and really helped in my purchase of my e39

Really good video! Have really helped me a lot as I are in the thought of getting a E39 touring :)

The problems I had after purchased e46 was airflow censer, light switch and cooling system. The last one was the pain in ass.

"The first thing you have to look for is the trunk button" lol. Sorry just thought it was a funny way to start the video. With these cars its all about the cooling system. If the car has over 85,000 miles you NEED to have a cooling refresh done. If it hasn't been done just know you will need to do it. Upper/lower coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump sometimes even the radiator. This can get pricey if you pay to have it done but these cars are actually very easy to work on the cooling system. Basically if the original cooling system is still in place and its not leaking it will soon. Might be a good negotiation point when purchasing. Control arm bushings usually need to be replaced also. Really the biggest one is the cooling system. You do not want to overheat these cars. All aluminum blocks do not take heat very well. It can literally take a matter of minutes to warp the head when overheating.

THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION ITS NOT ABOUT HOW HE LOOK ITS ABOUT THE INFORMATION ON THE CAR

I lack a garage right now, The 335i has engine value issues (lack of lubrication) to injector and hpfp issues and turbo issues. It's a little more than what I can due to my present housing conditions.

Also the EWS immobiliser module can fail suddenly causing a No Start of the engine, possibly leaving the driver and any passengers potentially stranded as I found out and having to have the car recovered home.

Thanks for the information, I was considering a 2007 335i and a Bmw mechanic told me to stay with normally aspirated cars. I guess the old days are gone of quality made cars by BMW.

i bough one of these second hand. On test drive it was perfect. After 2 weeks a cylinder head cracked. RIP bmw im selling it for spares now.

I got a 323i from a first owner it's all good except had to replace the window regulator and the driver seat has a little line rip in the crease other then that so good so far

That's an interesting coif. Reminds me of a detective from the 1980s, or a high school gym coach.

I just bought 330i and the cars looks it just been seating on a lot somewhere the only problem found was the passenger window needed a motor but i dont mind if the truck doesn't open with fnger latch but work with my key though. I replaced the front rotors, aligned and balanced the tires got an oil change and it already had a smog check done but now the maintenance light is on pointing to a possible air/gas leak somewhere. I even cleaned the MAF sensor.

I cant fucking imagine people doing something like this to a damn e39 , this car looks like a fucking mess and wasnt handled well , not even close .... i have a straight 6 520i , im from germany. Mine has about 171.000 KM on the clock now and its running like it would've been just released from the company to sale.... not a single problem. people are just to fucking dumb to take care of cars so they function like they should ...

10:00 spot on advice 👍🏻

Great vid, learnt quite a bit there. Ive always had fords. I am gonna get myself one of these beaties. Sure look nice.

If you guys wanna buy a german youngtimer, you need at least 2000$ extra money to fix basic things. But it worth.

Also the dash lights and gauges will start Intermitting .Love and hate this car period

Great video bro !

Fantastic video

No it's not but when the engine is hot or when I put the gear on neutral it doesn't do it

He said all the problem exactly which I faced in my car bmw e39 520i ...

e39 is just a perfect BMW 5 series, same as e46 is perfect 3 series, I can't look at these new models, 328 = 2.0t, 540i = 3.0t, fucking disturbing. Old cars = good cars. +Sub, hope you will be able to help me when I get my dream 530i e39 :)

thanks and thumbs up... subscried

You missed a big one for the engine. If it's running and sounds like a sewing machine, get ready to spend a shitpile of money because the timing chain and guides are worn and that is a pain in the ass.

yup I have fixed or need to fix just about everything on this video.

thank you very much for all you do sir.

awesome viedeo man!! tnx a lot!!!

good video;) now i know what this really loud noise is when i hitting a bump😕

Hi Nathan, I just wanted to say thank you very much for sharing your vast Bmer knowledge with us. I have just decided after watching a couple of your video's to purchase my first Bmer from Japan, and ship it to where i live in The Kingdom of Tonga. There are only 2 other bmers on the island, so i have to do my own mechanical work. Now i get to have one of my favorite driving cars, yes! 02, 318i, 41k miles on it, from the pics it looks immaculate. When it arrives here (6 to 8 weeks) what would you do to start things off right? I believe there will be no manual and or maintenance records, but it appears to be well looked after. Thanks again Nathan Your new Bmer friend Jonathan

great stuff. I checked my front end with your advice and it needs parts. when I push back the front wheel , it moves , so I need control arm bushings. thanks again

thanks buddy very helpful

I love E46 and E39 but I'm a bit worried about the maintenance costs ..

Why do they make these expensive cars so cheap?

Great video :)

What year is that car? I am considering buying a 2003 BMW 530i. Prices used, it looks like a lot of car for a decent price. What do I look for to make sure the car has been properly maintained? For example, how can I tell if the oil has been changed regularly? Thanks for a terrific video!

First of, overall conditioning. Rust in the body, does the engine and drivetrain run smooth then last the little things around it.

E46 330d or E39 530d which is better for daily? Comfort and economy is what i am aiming for

Thanks for the info! Looking at a 540i/6 at the moment.

great video

Please get a better camera but thank for the info thinking about buying one

Thanks 🙏🏻

good info

Is it worth getting as s first car or something more reliable?

not sure havent look at the car like that hes gonna bring it over today

First off, (so you know my skill level) I build engines (up to 1200hp BBC's), carburetors and muscle cars that are show winners, but the more I learn about these BMW E39's, the more I wonder. I wish there was a GM LS conversion. So simple and cheap to work on compared to the 4.4 L V8. I want to love a 2003 540i M right now, but the more I learn about the E39, the more I wonder! It seems as though its a lifestyle/hobby car to own, AND NOT reliable transportation? I think they look awesome, and have this aura of mean and cool, but is it worth it? My only other option is a Pontiac G8. I think those are cool and would give me what I wanted, but they cost another $5000 over the E39's Im looking at. FOR ANYONE THAT HAS DRIVEN AND OWNED BOTH, "WHICH ONE WINS?" I REALLY WANT TO GET THE BMW, BUT WONDERING IF ITS A SUICIDE MISSION OF MAINTENANCE AND MONEY (ME DOING THE WORK) LET ME KNOW, THANK YOU!

hey Nathan thanks for making the awesome video. i live in washington state and have been browsing BMWs for months now. finally i have noticed one that fits all of my desires. year 2000 323ci 34,500 miles clean title clean carfaxs the inside and outside is spotless would definitely be classified as 3% (excellent) on KBB. they're asking for $9,000 but i would probably offer them 7,500-8,000 cash. i have not contacted them to inspect/test drive yet but i would love your input on the situation.

Hi, any idea how to fix the steptronic on 2001 525i .the indicator light beside the gear shifter is off and the sport mode does not work. I would appreciate it if you give me some tips or make a video. Thanks

I just subscribed. Is it hard to replace the radiator on ur own?

Subscribed.

I have a BMW E46 320d, I changed already half of the car, spent a lot of money on it.Everything fails on this car, belive me. Even the engine had problems from some swirl flaps. Found one in the admission. I bent 1 flap in a cylinder from a swirl flap bolt. Look for DJ 84 WTX on facebook to see the car. Looks nice, but a real pain. Fails all the time, and very expensive to fix.

cheers man.

thank you , great video . i bought a 525i 2001 with 160 000 miles , i replaced the transmission, radiator, coolant pipe , fan clutch, spar plugs , head gasket , plugs cause i like this car and wanted to take care of it . should i keep it or is there anything else i should do so i don t have to worry something else will go wrong ?

Abs pump rust on the jack up points

This seems kind of worst case and not representative of every e46! i have a 2001 330ci and it only has the trunk issue and that just means i have to use a key. Nothing more than a tiny hassle! and i bought the car for $3200 and couldnt be happier with it. fantastic fun car

OK thanks will do.

Nathan, You mention an online outfit that rebuilds the ABS Control Unit for approximately $100, can you please supply any additional information? I won't take it as a recommendation, only assistance in solving an issue.

I bought an e39 5 series about 2 years ago and it ran fine up until recently when I noticed a weird sound when at idle, it sounds like a popcorn machine. I assumed that I have an exhaust leak somewhere in the manifold.. never took it in yet to have it checked. It has over 200k miles on the odometer. pretty sure this isn't a normal sound for the engine. Have you experienced this before in your BMW?

Do you have Left and Right headlights with fabric mounted Xenon to sell for a cheap price ? i am looking for facelift model.

That end statement about all used cars is false. My dad had a 2004 Infiniti i35 and did absolutely nothing but oil changes. It ran amazingly till it was my car. Now it is in crappy condition thanks to my father, but he had to do nothing on it. It was a good car too it is at 215,000 miles.

Are you in Missouri? The Plaza license plate frame is the same as a lot of dealer badging around here.

Hi Nathan, looking at a 2006 330i cabriolet with 50,000 miles is there anything else that I should watch for in addition to what you mentioned?

Wow !! I don't understand this gentlemen's motive !! Over the years My self and now anyone who knows me has only had old german bmw s or mercedes . These cars have to be so Badly abused to shorten their life. With oil and filter changes alone every 10000 miles (as long as can veryfied) these cars will do 200000 miles no problem and function correctly . Although true the interior quality went down with the newer models buy still good enough if not abused. The only parts that fail are serviceable parts which go on any car . The secret is getting a good one in the first place . And if you do you can expect a quality refreshing reliable car that won't cause you grief . For example if you wanted a e39 5 series , if your can look for one where owner has provable service history and they have owned the car for a long time (I.e not done one just selling a heap to make a buck ) if you bought one say for £2000 with 120 000 on the clock you could expect to have a running car at least for 5 or 6 yearsish at average mileage of 10000-12000 miles a year

Just drove a 530i today. Lovely ride but engine seemed a little rough vs my 99 A8. Could the motor mounts be worn or perhaps the exhaust system ? I know this straight six is meant to be buttery smooth and perhaps the D2 with double glazing and V8 is always going to be smoother, quieter???

i hvae had problems with jerky steering wheel even dough i used ATF oil as described. another thing is that the belt(s) squeak a bit in; more when on DRIVE;REVERSE with AC on. the thing is that the belts are tension enough. what do u think it can be ? new belts ?