Hi! Newbie here needing advice !

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   From what I see above about the fuel consumption in the 523, get one of them instead of a 520 - I get about 400 miles to my �80 (if I'm lucky.  Get 30.7mpg on long runs, and anywhere from 18-22  mpg in town - most of my driving is start/stop short run town driving.

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Fey! Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Bavarian-Board Contributor Funs over, Scotty; beam down my clothes! Joined: 28-February-2005 Location: Galway Status: Offline Points: 4161	Posted: 17-October-2005 at 07:15
	From what I see above about the fuel consumption in the 523, get one of them instead of a 520 - I get about 400 miles to my �80 (if I'm lucky. Get 30.7mpg on long runs, and anywhere from 18-22 mpg in town - most of my driving is start/stop short run town driving.


Sponsored Links

Dergside Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 16-May-2004 Location: Mid West, Ireland Status: Offline Points: 4000	Posted: 17-October-2005 at 07:08
	Rosso Welcome! As Killian mentioned, there are a few of us that have 5's of one sort or another, including 523i's. If you let us know where you are based and some more about the cars you have shortlisted, we should be able to help more. On mine, I'm averaging 34mpg according the the on board computer, but most of my driving consists of long runs and not much town driving. It cost me about �80 to fill up from running on fumes the other day and I typically get about 520-550 miles from a tank. They are a great car but you do need to be careful buying them because they are complex and if you buy a bad one you'll end up paying more in the long run. A full dealer history is definitely an asset but it is no guarantee against things like nikasil. Mine has been totally reliable, in every respect, but there have been horror stories. Let us know more!
	Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93. Prev: e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci. e39 523i SE. e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE. e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.

Fey! Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Bavarian-Board Contributor Funs over, Scotty; beam down my clothes! Joined: 28-February-2005 Location: Galway Status: Offline Points: 4161	Posted: 17-October-2005 at 06:11
	Here are a couple of options for you... carzone. Watch out - in the interior pics, look for pictures of the steering wheel. If there are buttons on it, you should have radio controls and cruise control and, possibly, a button for switching your air around (haven't figured out exactly how to use that myself, yet!) Also, look at price v mileage - a lot of the cars are the same price with completely different mileages. Also, hold out for a good spec - I did and I'm happy! (my absolute MUST was cruise control!!!) Good choice of motor, and happy driving. Oh, yeah - welcome to the forum. Where are you based?


llatsni Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II work in progress Joined: 22-February-2005 Location: dublinia Status: Offline Points: 963	Posted: 17-October-2005 at 06:08
	welcome! there are plenty of '98 523's on cbg and the like, but not much in the way of '99s. You might be lucky and get a late '98 model - post nikasil. But be very very picky. Decide whats important to you and hold out until you find one that meets your criteria. i.e. leather, aircon, alloys, PRICE!, milage etc. I reckon a late '98 523i with full SE spec inc leather, aircon, alloys etc. With around the 80-90k milage in very good condition, with a FBMWSH can be had for around 12000 euro easily enough. take off or add about 3k per year.
	1996 e34 525i SE Touring [uberwagon!] 1992 e36 325i Coupe [track car] 1998 e36 316i SE Saloon [sold... but missed]

kbannon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group E39 525i Sport Individual Joined: 09-October-2002 Location: 64 Zoo Lane Status: Offline Points: 15508	Posted: 17-October-2005 at 05:35
	Where are you based? Im sure myself or another E39 owner can view it with you. When I went searching for mine I was focused on the Nikasil problem and believe I came across a few which were victims to it. In one dealership, I was run out for mentioning it! Whatever, you do if the car was made (not registered!) before march 98 then make sure it has a full BMW service history. Anyhow, I also wanted leather and aircon and managed to get it. i also got nice 17" wheels and sunroof and a few other bits and pieces. Don't go for a basic model. There are loads of 523i cars out there so you may as well get a good one. My 523i will give excellent mileage (70L tank I think) - I got 600 miles on the autoroute in France @ about 100mph average! However, I drive from Leixlip to the city centre daily and get much much less but I choose not to find out the true urban mpg as I prefer living in denial!
	Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual

BM Fan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Bavarian-Board Contributor Joined: 19-January-2004 Location: Ireland Status: Offline Points: 1054	Posted: 17-October-2005 at 04:40
	Nice choice of car - if it has a FBMWSH then BMW should be able to vrify if the block has been changed for Nikasil. Full tabk is porbably �70 - or so, thats what teh 520i costs. MPG depends on driving style and what gearbox is in it - my better half gets 27mpg out of the auto 520 which is a 2.2l, I can get around 30 and thats all city driving
	Martin In BMW exile at the moment (Shame on me for lurking!!!) Previous Models 2001 E39 520i Auto 1996 E36 M3 Evo Individual 1996 E36 328i Coupe 1997 E36 318i Conv 1992 E36 316i Sln

Valdas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 14-July-2005 Location: Kildare Status: Offline Points: 22	Posted: 17-October-2005 at 03:57
	good choice for a first car! As far as i know Nikasil issue affected cars made until 04.98 if you buy newer than that you're ok. if car made before that your best bet would be to check compression in each cyllinder. it very simple and quick test, but it is hard to find garage wich has that tool. Also you can start engine (must be cold), fully open door and look at the top edge for vibation. good engine vibration should be barely visible. Other common issue is steering rack. on the test drive go trough pot holes (not the very big ones ) and see what is like. Fuel consumption depends on your driving style. In Mondello yesterday i got 16 mpg but on the motorway driving 65 mph you'll get 37-40 mpg. (at least that is what my computer says) Im not great on buying cars myself, but i know that perfect one does not exist (similar like with the women ) so have few spare quid ready for repairs or upgrades. good luck on buying your first car!

Rosso Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 16-October-2005 Location: Dublin , Ireland Status: Offline Points: 28	Posted: 16-October-2005 at 20:16
	Hi there guys. I've been thinking for months and I have finally made up my mind.... I am going ahead and buy my dream car - an E39 523. Found a cpl from the auto-trader and cbg websites.It would also be my first ever car ( been driving my parents cars for years !), adn therefore I must admit that I am somewhat naive when it comes to buying used cars. Thats why I am here with a few questions and I hope u guys can help me: 1) What should I look out for when buying a second hand car. I know this may sound silly, I havent a clue to to inspect and what questions to ask before buying a used car. The 2 cars I short listed has a FBMWSH ( took me AGES to figure that one out ! ). Is that usually enough ? 2) The Nikasil issue - Is there a way to tell if the car is affected or now. I know I can always ask the garage owner but how to I get proof? 3) What is the fuel consumption like ? How much is a full tank usually? 4) Anymore tips/hints for a first time car buyer ? Thanks Guys !