Probably shouldn't ask here but..

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Blackbird1

Active Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2010
Messages
216
Location
Ayr
Car
W203 C180k automatic estate
A friend just txt to say he's thinking about an old 99/00 530d SE auto estate/touring seemingly in very very clean condition only 10000 miles with all the bells and whistles...only one major problem!

A buggered auto box...only reverse but no drive, no mot (out about a month)

Seller wants as close to 500 as the can get..
 
Only 10k miles.....?

How long has it been stationary as the gearbox (which could be returned or just swapped) might not be the only issue!

Is it a freebie?
 
I guess they are quite economical in reverse and he could improve the handling by installing a reversing camera!

Tell your friend if he invests in a Mercedes they can go forwards as well.

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Have you checked gearbox fluid level? Might just need a oil and filter change

Check on DVLA website for mot history to give an indication of how well maintained the car has been.

Service history?
 
Think I found it!
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I simply meant because the box is buggered would it still be worth paying 4-500 as it'll cost 2000 to get it fixed, an oil/filter change did nothing.

He probably won't, it's dam near immaculate aswell but worth more in parts.
 
The GM 5L40-E Automatic Transmission: Common Problems
Beware Of the GM/BMW 5L40E Transmission
here's an example from a guy who knows how to put these things together.
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the moral of the story is find out exactly the make and model of gearbox you are dealing with- armed with that info enquire from a autotransmission specialist the cost of a rebuilt box?
 
Given the low price. Assuming you have the space, time and inclination it would make for a good project car in so much as you could take out the gearbox, take to a specialist to refurb or exchange then re-fit. The other assumption being this would reduce the cost to put a new box in by a lot of money.

Genuinely good nick E39 Tourings are a sought after thing. I've had 2 in the past (and an E61), and they are great cars.

In fact, where in the country is it?:rolleyes:
 
A car nigh on 20 years old with 10,000 miles on the clock (assumimg that is correct....) has obviously spent a lot of time doing nothing.

Could be that transmission fluid has degraded over time and gunked up the inner workings. But it takes time and effort or money just to find that out.

Price accordingly.

There is a reason many decent looking cars with much to commend them end up being scrapped for parts
 
If its a good runner engine wise and got decent interior trim/seats its surely worth £500 in parts alone?
 
I got my Range Rover Gearbox refurbished for £700 if that assists, provided the finished product has a value over £2k worthwhile, otherwise walk away.

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Given the low price. Assuming you have the space, time and inclination it would make for a good project car in so much as you could take out the gearbox, take to a specialist to refurb or exchange then re-fit. The other assumption being this would reduce the cost to put a new box in by a lot of money.

Genuinely good nick E39 Tourings are a sought after thing. I've had 2 in the past (and an E61), and they are great cars.

In fact, where in the country is it?:rolleyes:

South Glasgow

Cheapest solution is just get a working gearbox from a donor car and put it in .

Can't find one easy plus he said that the mech that would be doing it is very reluctant and said a seller can tell you what they but it's not till the key's turned you know if it's ok or not.
 
£500 seems reasonable for a very clean E39 even with a knocked gearbox. Best thing to do is to speak with Mackie Transmissions, who are based in east end of Glasgow and get a quote off them to sort out the gearbox. Those guys know their stuff.

http://www.mackie-transmission.com/
 

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