2001 e39 as a daily driver

[darrvao777]

i’m not going to do it

i was just whining about the cost to maintain a 2015 f82

but would anyone do this?

use this car as a daily driver ?

i drive roughly a 100 miles per day

this car looks amazing, would feel like a time capsule as a daily driver, don’t think i could deal with any reliability issues nor the cost of trying to maintain such a beauty though

https://www.germainbmw.com/inventory...e93451bz98568/

[crazycarl16]

I bought a well-maintained 2003 with 51k miles and daily drove it for two years without issue. Basic maintenance kept everything in excellent working order. I bought a Bluebus to make the audio and steering controls integrate with my iPhone through the factory head unit. Felt like a very modern car but with a much cleaner, simpler analogue interior. The only reason I’d be hesitant to daily drive this car is because of how low the miles are and risking it’s expected appreciation. But these cars are meant to be driven, so I’d say get it and drive it if that’s what you want!

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by darrvao777

but would anyone do this?

use this car as a daily driver ?

No and no.

It's priced above market even with the low miles, and if you drive it at all, the depreciation will kill you.

On top of that, it's a 20 year-old BMW with some very expensive and hard to find common failure points (VANOS solenoids come to mind) and did I mention that it's a 20-year old BMW?

LOL.

I had one of those, actually three of them through the years... fantastic cars, I'd love to have another except that every time you turn around, something is going wrong.

[JDAURIA]

Drove one for 5 years as a daily (M5) with basically no issues whatsoever. Keep on top of maintenance and you'll be fine. Only time it ever left me stranded was a failed fuel pump. I sold the beast a few years back and miss it dearly, on the hunt for one right now

[Fernandes15]

I actually just picked one up yesterday for $4500 in San Diego ('01 525i)

158k miles, only thing that helped me justify the purchase was that the Carfax came back extremely clean, well maintained, owner knew what he was talking about. I know the maintained I shall bear will be expensive, but it's my second car ever. Recent highschool graduate, old Camry actually broke down on me so my next thought? - buy a bimmer. You're only 18 once.

Of course I was very excited to join these forums, and I figured i'd best reply to yours seeing as it pertains to my situation. For everyday tasks and errands, my dad lets me use his car (until I go to college) because I want to go easy on the car. Ultimately, I'm not too concerned with the depreciation factor since the milage is so high and its not a motorsport trim.

I will keep looking through these forums, and as for right now, I'm primarily looking for a consolidated list of the top 10 (or so) basic/essential things I should be doing for my car to keep it going to at least ~200k miles. Currently, I fill up with 91 octane but these gas prices are out of control here in SoCal.

Cheers

[vlazz52]

I’m looking at a 2002 525i today. It only has 77k miles on it and an original clutch still. Does anyone have some tips of what I should be weary of upon inspecting the car??

[JDAURIA]

Originally Posted by vlazz52

I’m looking at a 2002 525i today. It only has 77k miles on it and an original clutch still. Does anyone have some tips of what I should be weary of upon inspecting the car??

Rust: around gas cap, side rockers behind front wheels.

Cooling System components: Thermostat, Waterpump, Hoses, Expansion Tank

Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket: if there is residue around those areas, there is an oil leak.

Check rotor and brake pad health

Check tires: manufacturing date codes, tread wear pattern and estimated life remaining

Minus the rust (if any), all are easy items to do yourself. Even if you perform them as preventative maintenance. I may be looking at a 530 this weekend with 62k miles on it. M54's are robust motors and can take a beating.