WTB: e39 Touring w/ manual

[luve30]

I'd like to find a minty relatively low mileage e39 sport touring with manual by the spring. Anything out there?

[martinM5]

Im not sure it exists, i know 540iTs were only auto, not sure about the 530s or 528s????

[radi0activem]

Pretty syre they only came in Auto as well. I'm sure manual could be swapped in though.

[sthomas]

For e39, both 525iT's and 528iT's were available in Manual. No idea about 530iT's though. Either way, they are RARE. As stated above, 540iT's did not come manual.

[528iT_5spd]

As an owner of a 1999 E39 528iT manual with the full sports package (seats/3-spoke steering wheel/suspension/style 5 rims) I can tell you they do exist. I spent quite a while trolling the US car sites looking for one and they were few and far between; mind you I specifically wanted the full sports package. I ended up finding one at a used car dealer in Toronto. I always keep an eye out for them. If you just want manual w/o sports, a few 525s and 528s will pop up. Any 540s have been retrofitted or imported from Europe. I have never seen or read about an e39 530iT, not sure if they exist this side of the pond.

Just keep looking and one will pop up. Awesome car. Be aware, rear subframe bushings go on this car in a bad way at 160K or sooner. If you find one, see if the owner has had them replaced. If not, expect a $1400 repair or DIY for about $400 in parts (like I did). Difficulty: (12/10) without a good tool to R&R .

[luve30]

Originally Posted by 528iT_5spd

As an owner of a 1999 E39 528iT manual with the full sports package (seats/3-spoke steering wheel/suspension/style 5 rims) I can tell you they do exist. I spent quite a while trolling the US car sites looking for one and they were few and far between; mind you I specifically wanted the full sports package. I ended up finding one at a used car dealer in Toronto. I always keep an eye out for them. If you just want manual w/o sports, a few 525s and 528s will pop up. Any 540s have been retrofitted or imported from Europe. I have never seen or read about an e39 530iT, not sure if they exist this side of the pond.

Just keep looking and one will pop up. Awesome car. Be aware, rear subframe bushings go on this car in a bad way at 160K or sooner. If you find one, see if the owner has had them replaced. If not, expect a $1400 repair or DIY for about $400 in parts (like I did). Difficulty: (12/10) without a good tool to R&R .

Thanks for the info. Glad to know they do exist! Please let me know if you ever come across one in NA.

[528iT_5spd]

Only 2 on Autotrader US

Cheap with high mileage
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...TAFSRCHUSDTEXT

Newer Lower mileage.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...TAFSRCHUSDTEXT

[hosty]

There is one up the street from me, some milf allways drives it.

Haven't seen it in awhile maybe they sold it.

[luve30]

The lower mileage one would be interesting if it didn't have a new engine. I was told this engine was very reliable so this is a bit surprising.

Originally Posted by 528iT_5spd

Only 2 on Autotrader US

Cheap with high mileage
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...TAFSRCHUSDTEXT

Newer Lower mileage.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...TAFSRCHUSDTEXT

[528iT_5spd]

Anything man-made can and will break. But on the other hand, I have had various BMW sixes for 15 years and never had something break that would even classify as a warranty repair of a "new engine". Yes, surprising indeed. Mechanical reliability has been the least of my issues with a BMW engine.