Buying an 850R T5R Your Help Please

[London Buyer]

Evening all, I'm new to the forum,

Having just had our first child we need an estate a.s.a.p. so the 2000 BMW 520Ise E39 has to go.

My first and only thought has been an 850R or T5R or maybe at a push V70R AWD.

What is the difference by the way between 850R and T5R???

I'm looking for a auto estate (yes I know the manual will be quicker etc.. but living in London it makes no odds)

What should I look out for when buying one i.e. turbo, gearbox, rattle this rattle that etc..

Autotrader recons a max of £8,500 for the 1997 from a dealer.

All and any help very much welcome.

Cheers

Ben

[cootuk]

Any particular reason why it has to be a turbo?
If you're buying from a dealer, then how about a trip to Phil Whittacker (www.pwcars.co.uk) who can fill you in on all the foibles and sell you a really decent one...any other good dealers round London who have a reputation to maintain?

[Simon Linton]

You'll find much information through a search on this and the Performance forums; when you've done that, ask for any specific info.

[Al115]

I would have thought that the T5s / Rs would be a big step up in performance from the 520. The turbo models are definitely more expensive to run, in terms of fuel (obviously) and parts (more so than you might expect).


Alastair

[sholtby]

Ben,

Firstly read the previous topic below this one called 'History on 850R' for differences between the 850R and T5R.

Avoid the AWD cars as the 4 wheel drive system isnt all that reliable on them.

I prefer manual cars for several reasons but mostly because they are more reliable but I take exception in your case if most of the driving is done in London.

The 20v turbo is a great engine. It is smooth, powerfull, reliable and relatively easy to work on. It has been said many times on this site that the turbo engines are no less economical that the other petrol engines often returning over 27 mpg as my car does. There are guys with 2 litre cars who only get just over 20 mpg.
Do a search of this site for things to look out for but oil leaks can be a headache if the crankshaft seal has failed. If you buy an auto make sure it changes and operates smoothly.
Make sure the bulb from the engine check light has not been removed. It should come on with the ignition and go off after the engine has started.
Budget on changing the cambelt after you buy the car.

I personally dont thing the T5R or 850R are worth the extra money over a standard T5. If I was you I would look for as late a model V70 T5 as you can afford (which has the 850R engine fitted anyway!) and if 250 bhp isnt enough for you consider getting it chipped.
I've owned several makes of cars and am very impressed with my 850 T5. I think you will find it much more fun to drive than your BMW.

Simon

[London Buyer]

Thanks for the advice.

The 520 is the family car, my weekend transport is an Nissan Pulsar GTIR it currently produces about 310 BHP (Powerstation RR) with the 4X4 and the uprated clutch the 0-60 launch is about 4.2 sec.

I just need something fun which fits the family.

Cheers

B

[dan_burdock]

Why not buy mine 850T5R estate, cream yellow, AUTO totaly orginal, in mint condition. 78,000. 2 owners from new including myself, bought from main dealer full volvo service history. New CAT, plugs, all belts changed just had MOT. Cat 1 clifford alarm installed.

email dan_burdock@yahoo.co.uk