Owner Review: What unreliability? It's a drive to experience - My 2001 BMW E39 525i​

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Basic information about my car:

2001 BMW E39 525i

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose):

The reason why I bought this car is because my family needed a bigger car as our only car at that time was Hyundai Getz 1.4. We were looking for a comfortable long distance, highway cruiser as well and this car ticks all the boxes.

Car selection process

I have a budget of: RM 30,000

Models that I have considered include: Mercedes W211, Audi A6, Mazda 6

Reasons why I chose this car:

I chose this Bmw E39 525i because of its timeless looks designed in Chris Bangle's era by Joji Nagashima (yes, you heard that right, a Japanese designer designed a German car). From what I've researched through Fb's group and from my previous experience working as apprentice in BMW specialist workshop in Subang Jaya a while back, this model with its silky smooth 6 cylinder inline M54 Double Vanos engine is more reliable that previous engine and most importantly parts still aplenty. Most of the parts can be bought new, others still can be sourced secondhand via chop shop or from a private seller in FB's group. Parts can be bought with reasonable prices, not cheap either but not too expensive like other European brands.

User Experience

• I have done:  332,565(6000) km
• My average fuel consumption is about:  8.5L/100KM

Since I bought it in July last year, the car never broke down on me. Everything went smooth and I am enjoying every second driving her. There are still few things that need to be changed like the ABS pump (this model is notorious for the ABS pump went kaput because of its location near the exhaust manifold). Bmw E60 with the same M54 engine has rectified this issue by moving the ABS pump further forward near the headlights.

So far I have done:

- Llumar tint
- Remote Key
- New tyres
- Rear LHS reading light
- Rear RHS tailight
- Servicing
- Valve cover gasket
- Valve cover bush
- Hood latch cable
- Radiator drain nut
- Radiator top hose
- Rear brake shoes

Total cost including labour is around RM 5,000.

Pending:

- Rear LHS power window motor
- Abs Pump

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

1. Enough power from 2.5 inline 6 Double Vanos engine. You have to experience for yourself how smooth that award winning engine is;).
2. Best for cruising long distances. Top gear, 150km/h @ 3000rpm. I have travelled to Perlis from Putrajaya with a full tank (60 litres) that can cover 660km. And that with absurd speed all the way ;)
3. Very comfortable, the suspension is the best in both worlds, supple enough yet the handling is very good.
4. Reliable so far (touch wood).
5. The brakes are so damn good even though with a faulty ABS pump.

Cons

1. Fuel guzzler in town and stop start traffic, Can only cover 400km+ per full tank :)
   Brake dust accumulates quickly.
   Slow acceleration from standing still due to the car's hefty weight.

Total Score: 4

Performance: 4

Quality & Features: 5

Space: 5

Ride comfort: 5

Fuel Economy: 3

Price & cost: 5

Summary:

There you have it, if you are looking for a comfortable and reliable highway cruiser, this is the model that suits you. Never mind all the naysayers talking about BMW’s unreliable etc, you have to own one to know from your own experience.

Interesting Events:

Never had any mishaps in the car, but I noticed that since driving this car my frequency of using signal stalks automatically reduced, maybe it's a Beemer owner thing ;)

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