BMW 5-Series E39 (1996 - 2003) - Autobox experience and reliability

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Sun 20 Jan 2008 10:31
Autobox experience and reliability - Richteo
I am currently trying to find a good manual example of the BMW E39 and struggling! Most manual cars seem to be the 520 and ideally for my price range of £3-4k I would prefer a 528 or at least a 523 SE.

I am looking for cars built post September 98 when the Nikasil issue was resolved and sadly most of the facelifted cars, i.e. 525s and 530s are out of my price range.

I was wondering if I was to widen my search to include auto versions are there any known problems or weaknesses with this box (GM I believe?) and what type of mileage can they see without giving problems? Is the driving experience much worse than the manual and what type of hit on fuel can I expect?

I am aware of the suspension wear issues and possible electronic faults on this car and expect to pay more to run it than my current N reg Mondeo with 128k on the clock, I accept this but as I do quite a high mileage, at least 19000 a year, a 5mpg drop will cost and an autobox failure would not be ideal!

Thanks in advance.
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Sun 20 Jan 2008 20:50
Autobox experience and reliability - ykl
I had a 528i Auto which managed 151 000 miles before I sold it. Never had a problem with the auto box, but as it approached 10 years of age, the electronic gremlins, which you are already aware of, started getting more frequent.
Average 25-26mpg with mixed country and town running.

Great car, sorry to see it go.
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Sun 20 Jan 2008 21:35
Autobox experience and reliability - zm
I have just sold a 98 S reg 523iSE Manual, that was a two owner car with FSH (nearly all BMW) and 75000 miles, for £3150.

I also have a 96P 523i SE Manual that has covered 143000 miles, again with decent SH. I used it yesterday on a 130 mile round trip along country A roads and dual carriageways. I stuck to the speed limits and got 36.2 mpg out of it; very impressed. I have had this car since September and it has been great. I can thoroughly recommend them.

Avoid the 520i, and try to stick to a manual if buying one that has covered high mileage, generally the auto is probably alright, but there does often seem to be a fair few auto versions on ebay for spares or repair with box faults.
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Sun 20 Jan 2008 22:37
Autobox experience and reliability - Richteo
After doing a bit more reading on BMW forums it seems to be the case that they are decent enough but BMW say they are sealed for life which will not help as the miles pile on. £1500 to £2000 to rebuild and 5mpg drop in economy is something I'd rather avoid. The search for a decent manual version continues.....
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Mon 21 Jan 2008 10:47
Autobox experience and reliability - camshaft
You need to change the fluid in the "sealed for life" auto box, say every 40-60k to ensure long tem reliability. BMW sealed for life is a joke and will not ensure peak performance and relaibility. see BMW 5 series car by car breakdown on this web site.


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