1997 BMW 528i black/tan - LOOK!

1997 BMW 5-Series 528i Description

RELISTED, priced to sell:

Here is an example of a solid near 20-year old BMW e39 5-series. I purchased this car in May, 2012. I believe I am the 3rd owner. I will try to list as much information as I can, but please ask any questions and I will answer as best I can.

This car has a number of new parts/repairs within the last calendar including:

- water pump

- radiator and related hoses

- alternator

- serpentine belt, tension pulley

- thermostat and housing

- ambient climate control sensor

- washer pump

- fairly new tires (2015)

- battery (2015)

- new tint (2015)

- new headlamps (after-market "angel eyes") (2015)

- new secondary air pump, valve and hoses (2013)

- brakes (2015)

- new hood, bumper cover, grill pieces, related trim, front license plate mount (2015)

The GOOD: Very powerful and fuel efficient. With the"sport" drive on the highway, a true pleasure to drive. The car has ICE COLD air conditioning and with the tint, can easily handle the harsh Houston, TX summer heat. This car has been my daily driver since I have owned it and has not let me down. Good exhaust, all lights work, etc. Good looking car, shows well for its age. Comfortable interior.

The BAD: Has some cosmetic flaws (roof and trunk have severe paint fade), along with the usual dings and scratches of a 20-year old car. Glossy paint on hood, doors and fenders however. Chrome is shiny. From 10' away looks very clean and solid! Left rear exterior door handle is damaged (metal sheered off), but the door does open from the inside. I priced the repair (replacement handle on eBay for approx. $60). I don't use the backseats that often so I had put off this repair. Driver side door window control is backwards (up is down, down is up). The replacement window regulator/motor was off of a newer BMW model aftermarket and the control is backward. Works fine, just backward. The sun-roof/moon-roof works, but I do not use. it has a very slow motor and is not reliable as it will not always shut properly. I keep it closed and do not use. The driver's interior door handle sticks from time-to-time (I have purchased a new one, but have yet to install (included)). The front passenger window glass seems a little loose. May be time to replace the window regulator ($45 part on eBay). This car has had new regulators in the past (this is a defect on older BMWs, the regulators are plastic and get hot and warp, weight of window glass bends and breaks them over time). The power steering line has a small leak. Have to fill the reservoir periodically (couple of times a year). The secondary air pump and related valve have issues even though I replaced. This does not affect the car's performance, etc. but at times causes the computer to need to be re-set prior to the State of Texas emissions inspection as you may get a check-engine light. My mechanic and I have dealt with this and when reset the car will pass. The car PASSED in May, 2016 so the current sticker is good until 5/31/17. The stereo has a crackle in 2 of the speakers on the right side. Not all of the stereo controls work (bass/treble, etc.) but the equalizer, AM/FM, cassette and 6-disc CD changer work just fine. I don't use cassette or CD changer but they work. Concert sound is very nice.

The USED: The car isa USED car. Please know this going in. As I said, cosmetic flaws, but with its age, not that bad. The control arm bushings are beginning to go, so there is a slight wobble/shimmy in the steering at 45 mph. Typical maintenance item. The rear handling is similar and the bushings are beginning to fail. Rear differential seems to be showing signs or eventual need for replace. There is a bearing noise at times at high speeds, comes and goes and there is a shimmy on take-off at times if quick off the line. I have the tires rotated as needed and the tires are in good shape, new in 2015. All match and are recommended stock for the make/model/year. There is some wear on the shrouding mud flaps in the front. These can easily be replaced ($50 each parts on eBay). Interior is in fair/good shape. No rips or tears in the leather seats, carpet isa 6/10, but no tears. I have two leather BMW custom black rubber front floor mats that greatly enhances the look (included).

This car is 100% stock aside from the "angel eyes" headlamps. The originals were cloudy and dim, so I changed them out. I no longer have the originals. Original stock is my personal preference. e39 is a great BMW just like it is and was supposed to be in 1997.

The car gets good mileage on the highway and does not burn oil or smoke. Engine is in FINE shape for a 1997. The m52 inline 6 engine is one of BMW's best. Purrs at 75 mph.

I have a box of parts and all of the maintenance records from my ownership. The tool kit is present and partially stocked. I have the owners manuals and booklets. The spare tire is in good shape. All of the rims are stock.. I have a BMW sun-shade, BMW license plate frames (front/back) and BMW valve stem covers that are included. I have clear Texas title in-hand.

I had the oil and oil filter changed on 9/12/16.

THIS IS A NO RESERVE AUCTION and I have priced the carunder Kelly Blue Book "Fair" market value. I feel this is honest and best in this car's situation, even though you could argue that "Good"may a better assessment. This is a great PROJECT and I hope someone will pick up the ball and run with it. I am a BMW guy, and have owned quite a few. I am a BMW CCA member and hope the next owner of this car appreciates it as much as I have. My situation has changed and I no longer need the vehicle, otherwise I would keep it and keep on driving it DAILY.

Please ask any questions and if you are local, I will gladly offer you a test-drive. Thanks for looking and GOOD LUCK!