BMW 530 Forum : “Which year of 530i to buy?”

there are no major changes made to the e39s from 2001 - 2004. only changes made were cosmetic. like the cars from 2003 had extra crome ,only changes made was on optional nav/ tv. screens went from 4;3 to 16;9. there was no changes made to stock cars. all changes made were on optional spec . eg; auto steptronic gear box became smg. the 540 recived most of the cosmetic upgrades. but in genral from year 2000 are the best most relaibe e39s money can buy. my advice buy it while you can, not many e39s come up for sale as most people have got no reason to sell, little known fact that the bmw e39 got rated the best car in the world for its life . and it still is better than most uptodate modern rivals. buy buy buy you will never look back. trust me.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/usedcartests/44251/bmw_5series.html.

this is the link to the review of the bmw e39 5 series.

I agree with Alex. I've got the 530i Sport and had no problems what so ever. Its comfortable, fast, got all the extra's and is a pleasure to drive around town or throw it round the country roads.

i thought 04 got a new grill?  if so get the 04.  the others look old and ugly.  just my opinion though.  always seems when i see older bimmers that people are trying to be ballers by having a bmw but cant afford it.  

Changes by model year (US) this is from wikipedia. my advice is buy it, while you can.

2000 BMW E39 540i Series
[edit] 1996
The 1996 model year 5 series E39 was introduced into the US market in late 1995. Models available were the 528i with a I6, and the 540i with a M62 V8.


[edit] 1997
In 1997 the E39 went through minor design changes. The on-board computer, called the Multi-Information System (MID), was upgraded in mid '97.


[edit] 1998
In 1998 optional rear side airbags became available, and both models also gained BMW's exclusive new Head Protection System, which consists of two tubular bags that inflate upon a side impact and pop out just above each front door. A new Sport Package for the 528i and 540i, as well as an automatic transmission 540i were added options. The Sport Package included black body trim (standard models had chrome around the top of the windows), a sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch (430 mm) wheels and tires. In September 1998, the 540i's M62B44 was updated to the M62TUB44, adding 15 ft·lbf (20 N·m) of torque.


1998 BMW E39 540i Executive Sport EditionThe high-performance M5 sedan returned to the BMW fold. Built in limited numbers, the M5 used a 400 hp (300 kW) V8 S62, and came with a firmer suspension, 18 inch wheels, a 6-speed manual transmission, and exclusive interior trim. Lower-body rear side airbags were standard on the M5, remaining optional for other models.


[edit] 1999
1999 saw the introduction of the Touring (station wagon) body style and joined sedans in both 6-cylinder and V8 editions. Added options for 1999 were brighter xenon headlights, Park Distance Control that warns of obstacles when backing up, and self-leveling rear suspension for wagons. Standard on V8 models and newly optional for 528i versions was BMW's Dynamic Stability Control, designed to aid control in fast turns.


[edit] 2000
In 2000, rain-sensing windshield wipers and xenon headlamps became standard on the 540i, and were newly available for 528i models. The "M Sport" package was added (replacing the standard sport package), and included the M Sport steering wheel, door sills, and shift knob. The 528i versions also gained the 540i's standard stability control system. All models now had daytime running lights, and fog lamps.


[edit] 2001
For the 2001 model year, BMW updated the E39 with newer, clear-lens tail, side marker, and headlights which first displayed the now-popular "angel eyes." Rear tail lights were changed to LEDs (Hella, the OEM, refers to these lights as "CELIS"), while the side and rear turn signals were changed from amber lenses to clear. The black trim was now painted to match the body color, and the front bumper now featured rounded fog lights. Internally many changes were made to electronics; items such as window regulators and the air conditioning were updated. The 528i was replaced by the 530i which had a new 168 kW (225 hp) M54B30 3.0 L inline-6. A new entry-level 525i was introduced featuring a 137 kW (184 hp) M54B25 2.5 L I6 and a slightly lower price. The available navigation system was changed to a wide screen version, which also included satellite (cable) television channels and GPS.


[edit] 2002

Updated E39 sedan (US)In 2002, BMW Steptronic-equipped E39s had their manual shift direction switched to match BMW's SMG. Also, in 2002 the 540i V8 32V engine power was increased from 210 kW (282 hp) to 216 kW (290 hp) while torque remained the same. All models got a standard in-dash CD player, 6-cylinder models added a standard power passenger seat, and the 525i received automatic climate control standard. Consumer Reports declared the 2002 BMW E39 the best car they had ever reviewed.


[edit] 2003
2003 marked the last year for the E39 platform; they were differentiated by the addition of extra chrome trim on the trunk (boot) and on the sides of the body. In all 6-cylinder model 5-Series add a standard sunroof. The optional navigation systems upgraded from CD-ROM format (8 CDs to cover the entire USA and Canada) to single DVD-ROM. The optional sport package on the 540i carried parts from M-technic. This included a full M-tech ground effects, M-tech II suspension, 18 inch wheels, and a variety of M badging. The E39 wagon (touring / estate) was continued into the 2004 model year until the touring version of the new E60 5 Series was released

i thought the 04 was different from the 03.  get the 04 if you can afford it.  

03 was the last of the e39 shape, the estate/wagon was continued untill 04, but from 04 onwards is the new e60 shape, wich had alot of electrical problems and had the most recalls to date of any bmw, ideal you want the 06 onwards as all niggles have been sorted. but it not to everybodys taste , as the new shape isnt as aggresive looking.tho reading on the net alot of people were dissapointed with the e60, as its not any better to drive. tho i must admit i do like the new shape 6 series, i quite fancy a m6 and i do like your car the 300c, now they are gangster, massive road presence, not driven one but they look awsome . i seen alot for sale becoming quite a good used bargin.

wow i never knew the 04 had so many problems.  they look baller though haha.  thanks for the compiment on the 300C also.  im trying to sell mine for an upgrade to the SRT version.  ive had zero problems with mine.  and the hemi really cranks out some pwoer and gets great mileage too.  i suggest going to a dealership and test driving one for fun lol.  thats what i did.  i test drove a 328, is300, c-class benz, and the 300C.  hands down was the 300C.  it wasnt a hard choice at all.  plus the sound system is unrivaled in any car i have ever been in(stock form).  

yea i do like the 300c, plus if i was gonna hav one, it would hae to be hemi, i currently got a bmw m5 aswell , 400bhp stock, awsome drive, but i think i will check one out , as wen the time comes i have been considering a 300c in black to replace my 530. what sorta gear they come with stock, as in dvd players sat nav ?

yeah the "C" at the end is the hemi model.  otherwise its jsut a regualr 300.  anyways, the stock system comes with a full boston acoustic system.  sub included.  there is 2 versions of it also.  i dont know if its the enclosures or what but its unrivaled in anything ive ever been in.  test drive the SRT if you can.  the 420 hp is a ton of fun and the system is the same.  plus if you pull the computer memory fuse for fifteen seconds and then turn traction control off keep a good grip cause the tires will be all over the place haha.