Considering buying an E39 5 Series with oil and coolant leaks

rangeseeker · 09-13-2019, 12:35 PM

Hey guys. I know the title might be alarming, but I've got the opportunity to buy an E39 super cheap. The owner says the car leaks a lot of oil and coolant, and that it leaks enough oil that it can't be driven. The battery is also dead so I'll take one with me to hear the engine run.

Could I buy it and fix it up or is it possible the issue would cost thousands in parts? I'm a Industrial mechanic (non-vehicle stuff) so I can do almost anything, though I don't have an an engine hoist or other tools like that for bigger jobs.

What do you guys think? What should I look for?

Wgosma · 09-20-2019, 03:51 PM

-mileage
- 540 / 530 or 528
- model year

Sounds like you're into a lot of DIY work; leaking oil pan on 528/530 requires support motor and remove subframe to pull pan.

Common leak points are valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets.

You would be smart to compression/leakdown test the motor- get a read in condition of piston rings and valves. Be cautious with car this age that seems to not have been well cared for- you could very easily be into lots of work, and $$$

09-13-2019, 12:35 PM	#1
rangeseeker New Member 8 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 435i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Considering buying an E39 5 Series with oil and coolant leaks Hey guys. I know the title might be alarming, but I've got the opportunity to buy an E39 super cheap. The owner says the car leaks a lot of oil and coolant, and that it leaks enough oil that it can't be driven. The battery is also dead so I'll take one with me to hear the engine run. Could I buy it and fix it up or is it possible the issue would cost thousands in parts? I'm a Industrial mechanic (non-vehicle stuff) so I can do almost anything, though I don't have an an engine hoist or other tools like that for bigger jobs. What do you guys think? What should I look for? __________________ 2016 435i M Sport - Sport Auto Trans - M Sports Suspension - HarmanKardon - Comfort Access - Driver Assist - Surround View
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-20-2019, 03:51 PM	#2
Wgosma Lieutenant Colonel 836 Rep 1,942 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52) Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Northern Nevada iTrader: (0)	-mileage - 540 / 530 or 528 - model year Sounds like you're into a lot of DIY work; leaking oil pan on 528/530 requires support motor and remove subframe to pull pan. Common leak points are valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets. You would be smart to compression/leakdown test the motor- get a read in condition of piston rings and valves. Be cautious with car this age that seems to not have been well cared for- you could very easily be into lots of work, and $$$
	Appreciate 1 rangeseeker7.50 Quote