Noob needs info on 1998 528i

[thefed]

I found a nice 528i with 70k miles for 15k dollars. It's an auto.

I like the car, it handles great and seems well built.

What problems are common on the 98 528i? What should I be looking out for with 70k miles? How reliable are the auto trannies?

I read rave reviews on Edmunds dot com, but many BAD review of the 97. Did they change much between those 2 years?

And what kind of MPG should I expect?

Any suggestions? Thanks

BTW I'm trading in a 98 Maxima

 

[Big Daddy]

I am not sure there was any difference in the 97 and 98 models, 97 may have been the introductory year. Auto trannies are a gamble at 100 - 200k. If it has been treated well have it serviced and just keep in mind that during the life of the car you may need a new transmission. Good luck and welcome!

 

[B M W]

Well for some confidence Ill let you know my tranny in my e34 died at 28x,xxx miles.

As far as a 98 goes, I doubt you'll have to worry. Seeing as how it seems Big Daddy always beats me to the punch, i'll just reiterate that the 1997 was the introductory e39, and thus most problems were fixed during that "test year" so usually non-introductory year vehicles tend to be much better off. Good Luck!

 

[thefed]

thanks guys.

 

[J to the O]

Awesome Car
I own a 98 528 and its the best car I have ever owned.
I had one electrical problem with the ignition switch but other than that the car runs great!!
I have 94,000 miles and I bought the car with 85,000 for $12,000.

Everyone thinks the car is brand new by its appearance.

 

[selavia]

My parents have a 1997. Don't really have any problems with it, except speeding. lol. The auto trans kicks out of first on occassion, but I honestly think it just needs a drain and fill (reaching 90k and never had it done). Nice looking car. Has a very luxurious feel to it.

Good Luck. I think 15k might be a little high. My parents got their's with a little under 80k last year (or year before last) for $10k. It is a 1997 though, not 1998.

 

[Abdoman]

I had a 1997 but there are several problems common to the 5 series. I had a 135k when I traded it in. I never had problems with my transmission, but I had the fluid changed even though it's lifetime fluid. The catalytic converter is known to fail and has a warranty to 100k. Here is a link for common problems:
http://www.540i6.com/probsfixes.html

 

[shadymilkman]

I have a '98 528i and it's a great car.

As far as problems go... Mechanically- the car is a tank. Mechanically I don't think you'll find any real problems; ever.

The only problem that i've come across has been the window motors fail after awhile, the exterior temp. sensor might break because it's located toward the bottom of the front end, and well... it's rather low; and the non-premium stereo sucks ass. Past that, the car has never done me wrong . Happy buying!

 

[Markus]

I ordered my 528i sport and took delivery July 3, 1998. The car has been bulletproof. I did not adhere to the included maintenance schedule and changed my oil at 1200 miles and then every 5k miles thereafter. My mechanic, who specializes in Benz's and loves to refer to my car as a "B-M Trouble-U" is always dumbfounded when he runs the codes and sees that I have NEVER had the check engine light come on. Seriously, not one problem. nearly 111K miles to date.

I think I replaced the third brakelight bulb once and a few taillight bulbs. Seems like everytime I need brake pads the rotors need replacing too (but they have never warped either..) When the car was new I had to replace the interior driver's door handle on a couple of occasions when valets would break it trying to open a locked door. (All covered under warranty).

I am currently out of alignment in the front, causing the tires to need replacement earlier than normal. Otherwise I get 22k-38k miles on a set of tires.

I change the oil & filter at 5k intervals and use synthetic. She's been a dream. I average 24 MPG and do a lot of high speed highway travel (80-100 mph).

The speedometer is notoriously optimistic--reading 85 mph when actually going 79.

And the dashboard cup holder needs replacement. I wholeheartedly recommend this car. I know of noone who has achieved this level of performance and reliability, regardless of price.

As with any used car you consider, pay close attention to the service records...

Hope this helps!

Markus