Faults:

Radiator leak - replaced.

Rear suspension.

ABS fault.

The rest was taking care of interior/exterior cosmetics. I bought the car used in 2022 when it was already 20 years old, and the original owner had a huge history file and the car has been maintained well and never had any major issues, drives spot on.

General Comments:

In my opinion, BMW never made a better car than the E39 5 series. Soo good looking and nice to drive.

Silver 525i SE model, very common engine and spec, and for a good reason - it is a nice all rounder that balances economy and performance. I thought the smaller engined 5 series wouldn't be enough, and I do not think I could afford to run the bigger V8 engines cars like the 540i and certainly not the M5. So the 525i fit the bill perfectly as a nice affordable semi classic car. I use it only on weekends in nice weather.

The 2.5 really is the pick of the bunch even with the automatic gearbox. I get 26 - 32 mpg and plenty of power. Insurance is reasonable and service and repair is too if you know a BMW specialist. I recommend anyone however to do their research before buying a car like this and make sure you know a good mechanic that knows these cars well to maintain them properly and keep costs down.

SE model has leather and all electrics. The seats are among the most comfortable I have ever sat in a car. Its amazing after all these years this 1990's designed car really is peak comfort and ergonomics, I swear it feels like it has been built around me personally.

Very very nice to drive also and does not feel its 20 + years of age. It feels like something much more modern.

In short... I love it and wish it wasn't this old. I'd love it to last another 20 years but that's probably unrealistic.

Faults:

Cruise control not working.

General Comments:

My previous 520 was written off by a clumsy Waberer's lorry driver. I was gutted as it was a mint low mileage dream to own.

I am very happy to report that I have found another in amazing condition with very low mileage to buy with the insurance money!

This is a runout edition with a lot of extras included, such as M sport ride, wheels, steering wheel, gearbox etc, and a lot of SE kit like climate control, adjustable seats and a multi CD player.

As a result it drives and rides more firmly than my previous E39, but is still amazingly comfortable. It looks and feels like a one year old car rather than a thirteen year old one.

Very much anticipating putting many happy miles on this beauty, this time avoiding Waberer's trucks!

Faults:

Steering wobble at speed; cured by four wheel re-balancing.

Uses a litre of oil every 4000 miles.

General Comments:

I found this E39 in virtually new condition, having been owned by an elderly couple since new.

It drives and rides significantly better than the DS5 hybrid I had as my recent company car. The engine is also quite lovely and charismatic.

I am averaging 31 MPG too, which is pretty excellent for a petrol six.

I love it so much, I am keeping it to use as my work car instead of taking a new company car. Truly one of the world's greatest ever saloon cars.