Safe Speed Forums

I've possibly left it a bit late to be asking for help, but I'm off to look at a car today, and I was wondering if anyone had had any experience of the BMW 252D, 2002 model (E39 I believe), and could offer any specific advice on common faults etc.?

Many thanks!

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Regulation without education merely creates more criminals.

I think I’ve still got the latest Parkers Guide at home which I could pop back and look at during my lunch break, or you could take a quick peek at one on the shelf at the newsagents (£5 now!) They write a good overall synopsis, but I know you will know that.

I see a quick search revealed a guy who had one for years and gave it four stars on everything.

http://www.newcarnet.co.uk/BMW_5%20Seri ... ion=advice

Don't buy in haste and repent at leisure.

I'll stop teaching my gran how to suck eggs now shall I?

Tone

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The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

Cheers Tone!

The HPI check has turned up a potential mileage discrepancy, so while I'm still going to have a look at it, I may well have to keep on looking

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Regulation without education merely creates more criminals.

Check out the honestjohn website in the car by car breakdown. He keeps track of just about every make and model out there.

Also be mindful of where all the VIN plates are supposed to be and check them out thoroughly and that the V5 isn't one of the one stolen.

Got the good book now Robin but I imagine copywrite prevents me from saying anything here.

PM on it's way

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The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

Don't know if this will be of any use, but a proper BMW dealer ought to be able to download the correct mileage - regardless of the odometer reading - I think a fair few modern cars write that data to a variety of secret locations in their many ECUs!

Been driving my BM all day practically !

I assume that you mean a 525 ? There is no 252 D that I know of ?
Goto BMW Car they have many good private enthusiasts cars for sale ....

Know a good garage nr Andover if that is of any use to you and he has had heaps of BMW's and races them too ...
I know how one 5 series feels if that helps and while I am south ...
But anyway ... let us know how you get on.

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Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.

Yup, I did of course mean a 525, just got my fingers in the wrong order! As it is I put a deposit on a 530d SE this afternoon. I'm not gonna go looking at others now, because I'll just convince myself that I've missed out, when actually I think I have a good car at the right price! Standby for pleas for help when it all goes wrong!

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Regulation without education merely creates more criminals.

I would recommend the Bentley's (USA) manuals they far exceed the Hayes and are accurate and clear apart from the US terminology of course.

I would tend to aim at the 535 as there better power to eight ratio car but if you like what you have seen I am sure it will do OK.
Ensure all HIP checks are done I did one online for about £3 before I got mine recently.
The AA do do a car check over (don't think that you need to be a member) and even if all that did was to help bring the price down a bit you at least know what maybe need attention soon or immediately.
What yr is it? Any leather or aircon? IF leather use Connely (or lly)'s to help restore it - never use the cheaper spray things ... just a waste and do not treat it right. That and to clean use good old saddle soap. (Equine store) For Connelys product - shoe shops like Timpsons (?spelling).

happy motoring

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Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.

Was getting worried -now just remember in that vein -one lever between the seats is for making the car sit still,the other is for gear ratios ( and the fan faces horizontally) -best of luck with it-YOU DESERVE A BIT OFF FUN OFF DUTY -can promise you one thing - I've had a so called low power diesel for a couple of years now - dreading going back to petrol - and BMW diesels are a lot better .

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lets bring sanity back to speed limits.
Drivers are like donkeys -they respond best to a carrot, not a stick .Road safety experts are like Asses - best kept covered up ,or sat on

Thanks Claire, didn't see any 535s in my price range, but the 530 has plenty of power over my old Rover 218 TD's 2 litres! It is leather and aircon equipped; mostly very good condition, though the driver's seat could use some attention. I've seen some very encouraging guides/videos online about simple DIY restoration. It's a 2002, 153k (genuine this time) on the clock, so hopefully just run in for a diesel! Have yet to find a workshop manual that covers the model unfortunately.

Botach, I am certainly looking forward to not depending on the bike now the weather is turning again!

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Regulation without education merely creates more criminals.

Robin - was joking about your company vehicle- relax , you're back in the UK

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lets bring sanity back to speed limits.
Drivers are like donkeys -they respond best to a carrot, not a stick .Road safety experts are like Asses - best kept covered up ,or sat on

The 3 litre diesel is a cracking motor.

My old man had a 330D recently and loved it.