Its so funny how I have almost everything wrong that you pointed out

basically check every little thing, I don't know why I still love these cars Hahaha, everything fails and I still bought another one that I have to fix.

@jediRAVE

6 жыл бұрын

Roberto Sunga same lol. Crazy. I just sold my 335i at 100k miles. The car had soooo many little issues. I have no car at the moment. Taking my time.

@jetstream454

5 жыл бұрын

e46 or e39?

Recently bought a 540i with 234k on it. Went to take delivery of the car at night, without knowing the problems I'd encounter. Some days later I had to check everything on the car has it was soon going to pass the car inspection. Turns out the only problem this 540i had was the xenon light adjusters. I literally did nothing else for it in order to pass the inspection. Pretty amazed.

My friend bought a used 4.4l e39 with over 300 000km. So far he has had it for over 2 years. He has the skills to fix almost anything, but hasn't needed them, since the only thing to break was one bearing, which was easy and cheap to replace. That car is a fucking tank. He has been launching it, drifting, winter drifting, racing and drifting on gravel roads, and doing over 200km/h on highways. Basically treatment that could be described as torture.

@tegthhu7678

6 жыл бұрын

En ymmärrä ku tuntuu siltä, että vain jenkit valittaa vanhempien bemareiden luotettavuudesta toisin ku Euroopassa mis näil ajellaan maailmanloppuun saakka.

@samisuhonen9815

6 жыл бұрын

Tegthhu Manuaali vaihteisto + jenkit = rikkinäinen auto

I have owned a 528I and a 530I over the last 9 years. I replaced a water pump 3 years ago and a wheel bearing. Couple broken coil springs and a battery. Thermostats on both cars. I don't do a lot of miles but these cars have been so enjoyable to drive. But like the guy said, if you're not technical, buy a newish car with a warranty etc. I'd rather buy a fully loaded old BMW that cannot depreciate any more!

I Love my E39 2003! Amazing car. Have owned about 5-6 of them.

@Colt19

8 жыл бұрын

I'm considering buying one in a couple of months. Are they really expensive to maintain?

@JoseTrujilloful

8 жыл бұрын

+Pistol Pete they are but they sure do last. They don't break down so easy. Maybe you spend a few here and there but once that's fixed you'll be good. I've had mine for 2 years and only thing wrong within 2 years was a water pump that's about it and oil change and etc.

@kenshirk6993

7 жыл бұрын

I have one I would consider selling It's an '03 Titanium silver....75K 540 ///M Sport. full Black Montana leather 6 speed. Car has rarely been in the rain maybe 6 times in its life. I has never been a daily driver. Has spent most of its life under a car cover in my garage in Orlando...The paint is as new. Ive owned it since '03. its still smells new inside it's that leather. The build quality of these cars is unsurpassed. The car spent 1/2 its life in Pittsburgh, never driven from November to March, I moved the car to Orlando It's only used about 100 days a year.....If you are interested let me know....These 540/// M Sports are terrific cars. I'm 66 years old an I'm tired of the shifting. However, I'll miss the way this pulls in third gear. Can't hear the motor run. 18" staggered M parallel rims. 412 389 8506

@danielduncan746

7 жыл бұрын

Ken Shirk Do you still have that?

@kenshirk6993

7 жыл бұрын

This is hard to believe but a fellow who saw this comment is flying in to buy it Monday the 2nd....It's a great car and I'm torn about selling it. Good luck in your search....

Thanks, there is alot i did not go over but the video would of been 4 hours long if i went over every problem lol

@asmircar1

8 жыл бұрын

+Nathan's DIY Garage i would watch it anyway....also u forgot to mention rust problem.

@n0pic325

8 жыл бұрын

+Nathan's DIY Garage Did you mention the VANOS sometimes the "O rings" brake too of them so u havent got that much power. Ahh one question my e39 252000KM Build:1995 2L is pretty loud when u floor it (engine) like a metal sound. Do u know what it could be. Anyways greetings from germany

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

Hmm well its hard to say without hearing it, but i would first check the idler and tensioner pulleys, i hear the euro 2.2 has alot of odd problems .

@n0pic325

8 жыл бұрын

ok thank u very much for the fast answer well the ingine still runs smooth but i think i have to check it the next time.

Possibly the most informative and relevant e39 issues Vlog on the tube .

I appreciate your honesty and the practical advice.

thank you for taking the time to do this, very useful info.

As a 6 year e46 owner I can comfirm most of these things have happend to me :P Waterpump all 4 ABS sensors all 4 brake calipers have been stuck at some point(due to car sitting, did repair kits on them) waterpump crankcase valve thing + hoses for it and water hoses behind the engine I have a missfire I haven't fixed yet fuelpump failed on 250k km oilfilter house o-rings are leaking every bushing in the front suspension thermostat oil level sensor Last bit of breaklines to the calipers Rest I can't remember or is a normal wear part like shocks, breaks etc. Handbrake internals But I love driving the car, overall its not been that expensive given that I can probably drive it for another 2 years. About $1k loss per year with depreciation. I do recommend getting a obd2 bluetooth/ wifi reader if you plan on owning this car. So you can read out engine codes yourself.

@stevechisholm84

8 жыл бұрын

Totally agree. I think suspension bushes should be classed as consumables on these cars lol.Once you get them sorted they are good cars.That misfire you have could be a vacuum leak see Nathans other videos .

@krhagene

8 жыл бұрын

The missfire is only on sylinder 1 tho, I suspect the coilpack, but not sure yet. I don't drive daily atm so its pretty much been sitting lately. I'll have to take a look at it one of these days tho.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

Also if your car has been sitting outside check the spark plug tunnel for rain water, e39's love to pull that , especially if the hood was not latched

Thanks for taking the time to make this very useful and informative video. Cheers!

Some really good information here! Looking to buy a E39 soon, thank you!

Excellent video, and really helped in my purchase of my e39

Very nice guide, me personally when I bought my e39 firstly I fixed the headlight adjusters .... driving in the night was real horror with the light pointed to the ground :)

Cyber courage is a muh! This is some very useful info i can use. In the market for a E30 myself. Thanks Nate!

Thank you for these videos. I am researching 3 and 5 series to purchase. 323, 328, 528, 530 late 90's cars. I am learning much from you.

Some really good info here. I am researching which E39 manual to buy.

Great video bro !

Really good video! Have really helped me a lot as I are in the thought of getting a E39 touring :)

Good video man! You nailed about every aspect of my E46 (2000 328ci) that i bought a few years ago. One thing you might want to look at is the problems with the subframe separation. I'm not really qualified to talk about it, but a common problem (at least on early e46's) was the right-back bushing between the subframe and body would tear out due to faulty welding at the factory. There are videos showing it, but I can't find them right now.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+David Sutton Yea i pretty much told all the e46 dirty secrets, any e46 that is a manual is in danger of the subframe problems.

awesome viedeo man!! tnx a lot!!!

thank you very much for all you do sir.

thanks buddy very helpful

Great post! Thanks. I've had me e39 540i for several years and it's been a joy to drive and ultra-reliable as long as you do the maintenance whenever something goes wrong. And you're right, Nathan- you either better know how to fix her OR know what you're talking about so you don't get ripped off.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+Anthony Riche Yep shops are still using the "its a BMW" and parts are expensive scam lol

Good video. Thanks for posting. Had a 2000 530i sport UK spec for 4 years. Wonderful car, bar the clunky, notchy manual box. Just the way it was apparently. LEDs on stereo and dials were also hopeless. However, generally easy to work on as a clueless DIY fixer. '99 530d SE Touring was another story, of the horror variety.

Awesome video

Great video :)

The first video that I saw from you. I must say, you are amazing and you look like a really good and positive person! Keep up the good work

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+NIGHTOWL Salle Thank you for watching and i urge you to check out the other videos , im sure they will save you some money.

@MarSaso

8 жыл бұрын

Thank you, sir for help. I certanly will watch other videos too! Subscribed

good video;) now i know what this really loud noise is when i hitting a bump😕

great video

Nathan, I own both an E39 and an E46. Common problem on the E46 (mine has it too with only 70,000 miles) is the faded rear package tray. These go from being colored black to appearing purple in little time from the sun. These can easily be dyed black again. Other big one inside is the pillars... the fabric has a tendency to come off the pillars. If lucky you can re-glue the fabric with some spray adhesive. Lastly is the common missing rain gutter as they have a habit of falling off. Great video... I'm subscribed.

@ombra306

8 жыл бұрын

+Nick M its true for my 2001 325c also the door gaskets and windshield rubber...

good info

Fantastic video

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+kokovq Thanks you

I just bought a e39 530i. Thanks for the channel!

@xAandreyYx

4 жыл бұрын

Its been 2 years. Was it worth it?

@mikeyh2272

3 жыл бұрын

?

Awesome cars. I have 520i which Needed some TLC. But now it runs solid. I want to buy a more powerful one in the future

Thanks 🙏🏻

Great vid, learnt quite a bit there. Ive always had fords. I am gonna get myself one of these beaties. Sure look nice.

10:00 spot on advice 👍🏻

cheers man.

"if you don't own tools this car is not for you" :D that's pretty good, and I guess accurate statement. thank you for such thorough review. I am considering 540i 2001 manual gearbox. always wanted one. but last 6 years been driving Honda (v6 6 speed coupe, which would be perfect if not for the wrong wheel drive :), had Audi had Benz had VW but Hondas because was tired of German cars for their service requirements. although I can do most of the stuff myself on a car, I am not a big fan of working on them, I just love to drive them. This review helps big time.

I like your video thank you I have old e34 525i1992 I bought $1500 I fix my own only 110008 mile because your video it run like NEW

The problems I had after purchased e46 was airflow censer, light switch and cooling system. The last one was the pain in ass.

I got a 323i from a first owner it's all good except had to replace the window regulator and the driver seat has a little line rip in the crease other then that so good so far

Thanks for the info! Looking at a 540i/6 at the moment.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

I have a parts 03 540 here if you need any parts

I just bought 330i and the cars looks it just been seating on a lot somewhere the only problem found was the passenger window needed a motor but i dont mind if the truck doesn't open with fnger latch but work with my key though. I replaced the front rotors, aligned and balanced the tires got an oil change and it already had a smog check done but now the maintenance light is on pointing to a possible air/gas leak somewhere. I even cleaned the MAF sensor.

These are actually some of the most reliable cars around. At least they are in Europe. I have heard rumours that the US models are not assembled so well and that the dealers can be greedy. The straight sixes are generally considered more reliable than the V8 models. Diesel 530d is superb but go for the later 193 bhp models.

@olop

6 жыл бұрын

Najlepszym motorem jest 2,8i Te 3,0 biorą olej

@Zgmflegend

5 жыл бұрын

Americans are clueless morons with shit dealers/garage holders that have no clue about proper car maintance in general.

great stuff. I checked my front end with your advice and it needs parts. when I push back the front wheel , it moves , so I need control arm bushings. thanks again

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+Vincent McIntosh Thanks for watching, you ca get the complete kit now off ebay for $94, remember the 540 parts are different from the others

Oil leaks are definitely a common issue on e46s... Ccv and oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket. Just a few. Great cars though, I personally haven't had too many issues on mine.

yup I have fixed or need to fix just about everything on this video.

Also the EWS immobiliser module can fail suddenly causing a No Start of the engine, possibly leaving the driver and any passengers potentially stranded as I found out and having to have the car recovered home.

You couldn't look less interested if you tried

@leifhelles4127

7 жыл бұрын

You would appreciate more than you do but I suppose you are moore; Me, I and Myself. That´s a bad life man.

@mule666

7 жыл бұрын

tjf4375 maybe he is just tired of a holes like you

@tmillz120

6 жыл бұрын

lmao

thanks and thumbs up... subscried

OK thanks will do.

thanks!

Just buy a Honda if you get scared of owning a BMW lol and no you don't have to be a mechanic to own a e39

@rulerss

6 жыл бұрын

honda are shit compared to a bmw.

if you're a good mechanic or got money to burn then a Euro is good for you, awesome cars but require a gentle touch and attention to detail. as with anything do you're research and have a heads up on what you're doing first he don't bolt a problem back on not knowing it's bad or how to test it. really good info on what to expect and how to fix it / good job and keep up the good work/ shops and dealers hate people like us that know the truth!!!

That's an interesting coif. Reminds me of a detective from the 1980s, or a high school gym coach.

First of, overall conditioning. Rust in the body, does the engine and drivetrain run smooth then last the little things around it.

Thanks.

Thanks for the information, I was considering a 2007 335i and a Bmw mechanic told me to stay with normally aspirated cars. I guess the old days are gone of quality made cars by BMW.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+brad andrews The 335's are not bad , the turbos are not that hard to remove if needed, you can rebuild them for roughly $150 per turbo via ebay if you do it yourself

I own a BMW 523i e39 now in the fourth year. Best car I've been driving. Drools .... Have not seen the problems you show on my car. Are the US BMWs the same as we get? Can climatic conditions be important? Finally ... we are probably some who have higher standards for cleaning and maintenance of our BMW than you have !!! Next car BMW 530i e39. I'm looking forward to it.

The E39 is the best looking BMW ever made in my opinion. I'm not a fan of the newer models. Good video, some interesting points to look for when buying an older BMW such as the E39, with even the last ones made being over 10 years old now in 2016. If older BMW's are well maintained, they last for years.

THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION ITS NOT ABOUT HOW HE LOOK ITS ABOUT THE INFORMATION ON THE CAR

good work im after 325i 2007

Hi, any idea how to fix the steptronic on 2001 525i .the indicator light beside the gear shifter is off and the sport mode does not work. I would appreciate it if you give me some tips or make a video. Thanks

I love E46 and E39 but I'm a bit worried about the maintenance costs ..

i hvae had problems with jerky steering wheel even dough i used ATF oil as described. another thing is that the belt(s) squeak a bit in; more when on DRIVE;REVERSE with AC on. the thing is that the belts are tension enough. what do u think it can be ? new belts ?

Hi Nathan, I just wanted to say thank you very much for sharing your vast Bmer knowledge with us. I have just decided after watching a couple of your video's to purchase my first Bmer from Japan, and ship it to where i live in The Kingdom of Tonga. There are only 2 other bmers on the island, so i have to do my own mechanical work. Now i get to have one of my favorite driving cars, yes! 02, 318i, 41k miles on it, from the pics it looks immaculate. When it arrives here (6 to 8 weeks) what would you do to start things off right? I believe there will be no manual and or maintenance records, but it appears to be well looked after. Thanks again Nathan Your new Bmer friend Jonathan

@kenaughtry7536

7 жыл бұрын

Giic Llc y

Thank You

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+JonathanDoors Thanks for watching.

Please get a better camera but thank for the info thinking about buying one

can you do one on a newer 5 series ?

E46 330d or E39 530d which is better for daily? Comfort and economy is what i am aiming for

Does this video apply to a 2003 540i m sport? Im looking at a very clean one tomorrow

i bough one of these second hand. On test drive it was perfect. After 2 weeks a cylinder head cracked. RIP bmw im selling it for spares now.

great list, but these are all easy fixes. It would be great if you could point out the major issues that are hard to fix. Those are the ones that concern us really

@sorealwolf5629

7 жыл бұрын

GoBIGclan Like Seriously Thank you

I lack a garage right now, The 335i has engine value issues (lack of lubrication) to injector and hpfp issues and turbo issues. It's a little more than what I can due to my present housing conditions.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+brad andrews it would have To be super cheap to even consider buying it

My headlights do exactly as those u have...how can they be fixed..what would I need to buy

I bought an e39 5 series about 2 years ago and it ran fine up until recently when I noticed a weird sound when at idle, it sounds like a popcorn machine. I assumed that I have an exhaust leak somewhere in the manifold.. never took it in yet to have it checked. It has over 200k miles on the odometer. pretty sure this isn't a normal sound for the engine. Have you experienced this before in your BMW?

yeap, i have an 02 530i and replace just about everything on it mentioned, .lol. But i did all the work myself so i saved money. I would also like to add the oil filter housing gasket go bad on these as well, also the oil supply line that goes to it goes bad, along with the crush washers for the banjo bolts on both ends of the line. Oil pan gasket, the wheel speed sensors one on each wheel, (4 Total). Make sure to clear out the cooling tube that leads to the alternator, it can become clogged with FOD (foreign object debris) and another one is the power steering banjo lines, replace those crush washers also.. LOL This is not the car for everyone, if you are not a mech, stay away from it. I might be leaving other things out ...

@Jet3ch

7 жыл бұрын

Also, these cars have horrible torque converter seals, most need a new one.

What about when you have cylinder misfire with fuel cut off?

Abs pump rust on the jack up points

No it's not but when the engine is hot or when I put the gear on neutral it doesn't do it

How did you make the opening intro?

like your video! one question. I turn on my ac and the auxiliary fan did not spin at all. i checked a fuses and they look good just couldn't find the 75watt and the other one.. please any help. i tried moving the fan by hand and it moves not hard at all.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+R Tario I would check the plug and make sure its not corroded , the big fuses for the fan on a e39 are behind the glovebox

He said all the problem exactly which I faced in my car bmw e39 520i ...

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+Chinku Kutti All the videos are on my channel to fix all of these problems i mentioned, no need to take it to a shop if you have simple tools

How can i fix the crooked seat problem

I just subscribed. Is it hard to replace the radiator on ur own?

@NathansBMWWorkshop

7 жыл бұрын

The fan shroud is complex on the e39 and you need the special tool to remove the fan, other than that it is easy

thank you , great video . i bought a 525i 2001 with 160 000 miles , i replaced the transmission, radiator, coolant pipe , fan clutch, spar plugs , head gasket , plugs cause i like this car and wanted to take care of it . should i keep it or is there anything else i should do so i don t have to worry something else will go wrong ?

@requiemdream9763

7 жыл бұрын

the engine is probably fine, but chassis and electronics maybe get broken. But if you to change the parts you have a car for the next 80k miles

Don't forget the rear footwells get damp because of the water vapours that need replacing. Also, creaking doors !

@Scott_6666

7 жыл бұрын

Those damn water vapours. I hate replacing the water vapours!

@davidpyper82

6 жыл бұрын

Turn signal fluid is also a pain to change

Also the dash lights and gauges will start Intermitting .Love and hate this car period

nice

Subscribed.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+Morten Ramsing Much appreciated sir.

@socialghost4400

8 жыл бұрын

I am thinking of getting a E46 330ci myself, are there anything else I should be aware of than the things you mention here?

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

I actually just sold a 01 330ci, they do have different control arms however you check them the same way, the ci cars had some problems with the gm5 module or the lock control module behind the glove box, but that is only a $30 fix, if the car is a manual be sure there is no clunking noise when disengaging the clutch from a dead stop, they like to rip the rear diff mounts out of the subframe, and like any other M54 engine look for signs of overheating, make sure it can idle for more than 15 min and not overheat, look for white dust around the radiator hoses and overflow tank which could be signs of a previous leak, check for wet carpet which could come from sunroof drains or foam dust seals not being glued back on behind door panels, i have enough videos up on that engine that you should be able to maintain the engine easily by watching those, also if it is automatic you need to check the trans fluid and make sure it is not slow to engage in reverse, hope this helps!

@socialghost4400

8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that info. Hope you have a nice weekend

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

I wish you a good weekend also and thanks for watching.

is it pretty much the same for the 540i?

"The first thing you have to look for is the trunk button" lol. Sorry just thought it was a funny way to start the video. With these cars its all about the cooling system. If the car has over 85,000 miles you NEED to have a cooling refresh done. If it hasn't been done just know you will need to do it. Upper/lower coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump sometimes even the radiator. This can get pricey if you pay to have it done but these cars are actually very easy to work on the cooling system. Basically if the original cooling system is still in place and its not leaking it will soon. Might be a good negotiation point when purchasing. Control arm bushings usually need to be replaced also. Really the biggest one is the cooling system. You do not want to overheat these cars. All aluminum blocks do not take heat very well. It can literally take a matter of minutes to warp the head when overheating.

Hi Nathan, looking at a 2006 330i cabriolet with 50,000 miles is there anything else that I should watch for in addition to what you mentioned?

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+brad andrews Just make sure there are no overheating problems and check the front control arms like shown in the video

show trouble with the 2003 or 2005 z4

Is it pain to maintain this series?

What year is that car? I am considering buying a 2003 BMW 530i. Prices used, it looks like a lot of car for a decent price. What do I look for to make sure the car has been properly maintained? For example, how can I tell if the oil has been changed regularly? Thanks for a terrific video!

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

That is a 2001, they are good cars for the money but you will have to for sure do stuff to any e39 you buy, they are kind of sensitive when it comes to maintainence

hey Nathan thanks for making the awesome video. i live in washington state and have been browsing BMWs for months now. finally i have noticed one that fits all of my desires. year 2000 323ci 34,500 miles clean title clean carfaxs the inside and outside is spotless would definitely be classified as 3% (excellent) on KBB. they're asking for $9,000 but i would probably offer them 7,500-8,000 cash. i have not contacted them to inspect/test drive yet but i would love your input on the situation.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+Voltaire Well if you like to work on stuff i would just find one with higher milage that need some things for under $1000,

@paulbuchanan4753

7 жыл бұрын

Nathan's DIY Garage temp sensor