E61 535d LCI - the Teutonic Touring
Discussion
Recently I've been restoring a 306 GTI-6 to its former glory, and while it's excellent fun on b roads, it's a bit much as an only car.
Having owned a pre-LCI 530d, a 535d LCI and then an E60 M5, the E6X 5-Series certainly makes an excellent case for itself as a versatile daily driver.
While the M5 was amazing fun, I always found the 535d almost as satisfying to drive, more utilitarian in its demeanour than quixotic. It also uses 1/3 to 1/2 the amount of fuel, and performance below the national speed limit isn't much different.
So recently I've been on a hunt for either a 535d LCI, or the only thing that came close was a prime ministerial XJ 3.0d.
I ended up stumbling upon this 87k mile late-2008 E61 535d LCI Touring, and collecting it a couple of days ago.
The dealer kindly put a fresh MOT on it and saw to the deteriorated brake hose, and windscreen washer issue advisories.
I've still got the BMW diagnostic tool, and noticed an error for glow plugs, trailer hitch lock, and a few other bits and bobs, and this should be covered by the dealer's warranty, but first of all I'll get my local specialist to take a good look over everything.
While the handling is a bit wallowy compared to my previous 535d (that was a Sport, whereas this in an SE), overall it drives superbly. It feels like the engine is stock, but after running a 1-litre iQ and GTI-6 for the last couple of years, it's awesome to have 428 lb-ft on tap, it makes for a very relaxing drive.
Future plans? I may upgrade the suspension, and ensure the engine is in tip top working order, and then will investigate the feasibility of hybrid turbos, along with the required uprated intercooler, 3" downpipe, R90 fuel pump, M50d rail sensor, and associated mapping, at which point it should be good for around 440 bhp and 737 lb-ft.
Before all of that though, I may get a cheeky stage 1 remap, perhaps an economy map, to take it from 286 bhp and 428 lb-ft, to around 340 bhp and 500 lb-ft. I'm not keen on removing the DPF this time as the fumes are awful. This might prevent me from taking it beyond stage 1. Perhaps a good compromise would be intercooler, downpipe only without the bigger turbo and fuelling, and stage 2 should be around 370 bhp and 550 lb-ft.
Mpg-wise it does 40+ mpg with ease pootling around b-roads, on a constant 60 mph cruise it can touch 50 mpg. Giving it some welly on b-roads it'll do about 28 mpg.
Being the Touring, the rear seats fold flat so it could become a decent mini-camper to sleep in the back of for the occasional trip away.
Having owned a pre-LCI 530d, a 535d LCI and then an E60 M5, the E6X 5-Series certainly makes an excellent case for itself as a versatile daily driver.
While the M5 was amazing fun, I always found the 535d almost as satisfying to drive, more utilitarian in its demeanour than quixotic. It also uses 1/3 to 1/2 the amount of fuel, and performance below the national speed limit isn't much different.
So recently I've been on a hunt for either a 535d LCI, or the only thing that came close was a prime ministerial XJ 3.0d.
I ended up stumbling upon this 87k mile late-2008 E61 535d LCI Touring, and collecting it a couple of days ago.
The dealer kindly put a fresh MOT on it and saw to the deteriorated brake hose, and windscreen washer issue advisories.
I've still got the BMW diagnostic tool, and noticed an error for glow plugs, trailer hitch lock, and a few other bits and bobs, and this should be covered by the dealer's warranty, but first of all I'll get my local specialist to take a good look over everything.
While the handling is a bit wallowy compared to my previous 535d (that was a Sport, whereas this in an SE), overall it drives superbly. It feels like the engine is stock, but after running a 1-litre iQ and GTI-6 for the last couple of years, it's awesome to have 428 lb-ft on tap, it makes for a very relaxing drive.
Future plans? I may upgrade the suspension, and ensure the engine is in tip top working order, and then will investigate the feasibility of hybrid turbos, along with the required uprated intercooler, 3" downpipe, R90 fuel pump, M50d rail sensor, and associated mapping, at which point it should be good for around 440 bhp and 737 lb-ft.
Before all of that though, I may get a cheeky stage 1 remap, perhaps an economy map, to take it from 286 bhp and 428 lb-ft, to around 340 bhp and 500 lb-ft. I'm not keen on removing the DPF this time as the fumes are awful. This might prevent me from taking it beyond stage 1. Perhaps a good compromise would be intercooler, downpipe only without the bigger turbo and fuelling, and stage 2 should be around 370 bhp and 550 lb-ft.
Mpg-wise it does 40+ mpg with ease pootling around b-roads, on a constant 60 mph cruise it can touch 50 mpg. Giving it some welly on b-roads it'll do about 28 mpg.
Being the Touring, the rear seats fold flat so it could become a decent mini-camper to sleep in the back of for the occasional trip away.
Edited by Limited100 on Friday 3rd May 08:48
I agree re handling and brakes first, yeh if I can get hold of some sports seats I can imagine they're a lot more supportive. Speakers aren't great either, so may upgrade, will certainly make for an interesting project.
I've been told the Koni Special Active is a good damper kit. Will also look at things like control arms and get alignment done.
I've been told the Koni Special Active is a good damper kit. Will also look at things like control arms and get alignment done.
texaxile said:
That is waft-o-riffic.
Practical family estate, good MPG, enough torque to rip the surface off the tarmac and nice interior.
I've been hankering for an M4 for a while now, but sadly that ship is now just about over the horizon and not coming back anytime soon. Something like this ticks the boxes for me, Now, I'm fairly clueless about the BMW range generally, but can I ask when and if they made these in an X drive.
following this thread with interest and a pack of plain chocolate digestives.
Cheers, none of these came with 4wd in the UK at least, but they do grip and go really well, and rwd is more efficient than 4wd as less drivetrain loss.Practical family estate, good MPG, enough torque to rip the surface off the tarmac and nice interior.
I've been hankering for an M4 for a while now, but sadly that ship is now just about over the horizon and not coming back anytime soon. Something like this ticks the boxes for me, Now, I'm fairly clueless about the BMW range generally, but can I ask when and if they made these in an X drive.
following this thread with interest and a pack of plain chocolate digestives.
E-numbers said:
I have Koni special actives in my Alpina Touring- the reasoning being that they are more Alpina than the dampers Alpina specified. They are fantastic. Also have them on a 325i touring in the family, they are very helpful in London (where I live) and hold up well in fast sweeping corners- that’s the point of the tech. Would recommend (and finding sports seats, which should be easy)
Sounds ideal, an Alpina+ setup would suit a 535d to a tee.cerb4.5lee said:
That will be lovely and comfortable in SE spec I reckon. I generally miss the bolster support on the SE seats in comparison to the M Sport ones though.
It will really shift with a map on it I reckon for sure.
Enjoy it.
Cheers, yeh it's very comfy, and will fly with a map. I was also tempted by a Touareg V10 TDI but they're barely quicker than a 520d in reality.It will really shift with a map on it I reckon for sure.
Enjoy it.
CornedBeef said:
Lovely car OP, I've essentially got the coupe version of this in my 635D - I think it's mostly E60 chassis underneath. Mines got a gentle map and is at 335hp at the minute which feels swift!
Cheers, I was looking at 635Ds, they're a fair bit lighter, it much absolutely fly! Who did the map?E61 535d LCI is 1835 kg
E60 535d LCI is 1735kg
635d is 1650kg
NormalWisdom said:
I loved mine - Longest I've ever owned a car (6+ years!!).
I would service the gearbox especially if considering adding power and check the torque converter which has a tendency to die at 100k mile!
Gearbox will be serviced soon, along with mechatronic thing.I would service the gearbox especially if considering adding power and check the torque converter which has a tendency to die at 100k mile!
I didn't realise torque converters went that soon, many of these have done 200k+ miles on original one?
Took 535d to my specialist earlier and I'll be treating it to some preventative maintenance:
Glow plugs, glow plug relay, engine thermostat, air quality sensor, pollen cabin filters, brake pads front and rear, brake sleeves front and rear, intake manifold gasket set, anti-fog sensor, brake pad wear sensors, wiper arm cover, air filter, vacuum pump seals, engine oil and filter, and then a remap retaining the DPF, EGR and cat.
CornedBeef said:
My old 335D was on the OG torque converter on nearly 200k if it helps. I think the older 5HP boxes on E46/E39 era cars were known for having more of a choccy torque converter.
RE the remap, mine was done at about 10000 miles and is in the service history at a local specialist! So not sure, I suspect it's a bit of a generic map - I had it on a rolling road shortly after buying and it made 335hp.
Yeh I think these LCI boxes are stronger, rated to 700 NM rather than 600 NM (pre-LCI).RE the remap, mine was done at about 10000 miles and is in the service history at a local specialist! So not sure, I suspect it's a bit of a generic map - I had it on a rolling road shortly after buying and it made 335hp.
Limited100 said:
Cheers, I was looking at 635Ds, they're a fair bit lighter, it much absolutely fly! Who did the map?
E61 535d LCI is 1835 kg
E60 535d LCI is 1735kg
635d is 1650kg
Correction:E61 535d LCI is 1835 kg
E60 535d LCI is 1735kg
635d is 1650kg
E61 535d LCI is 1760 kg
E60 535d LCI is 1660kg
635d is 1650kg
Put mine on a weighbridge yesterday and it was 1760 kg with a load of luggage in and quarter of a tank.
Wonder how I can get the weight down without any silly mods. Turn it into a van? Not very often I have rear passengers.
Just ordered:
11.0101-5706.2 – Guide Sleeve Kit, brake caliper – 2.
11.0101-5402.2 – Guide Sleeve Kit, brake caliper – 2.
2373001 – Brake pad set – 1.
2379101 – Brake pad set – 1.
228.690 – Gasket Set, intake manifold – 1.
6PX 012 684-021 – Air Quality Sensor – 1.
TI 234 88 – Engine thermostat – 1.
407W0005 – Brake pad wear sensor – 1.
407W0015 – Brake pad wear sensor – 1.
V20-72-5180 – Anti-fog Sensor – 1.
E2963LB – Pollen filter – 2.
132197 – Glow plug relay – 1.
BMW E60 E61 M47N2 M57N2 M57N Vacuum Pump Repair Kit Uprated Seals
1 X BONNET BADGE EMBLEM 82MM REPLACEMENT FOR BMW - E46 E36 E90 E60 E83 E92 M3 M5
GENUINE OE BMW 5&6 E60 E61 E63 FRONT RIGHT WIPER ARM CAP COVER 61617035103
Air Filter fits BMW ALPINA B5 E60, E61 4.4 05 to 10 Mahle 13717793647 7793647
FOR BMW E60 E61 525d,530d,535d engs Glow Plugs Set of 6 BOSCH oe no.12237786869
All in these lot were about £600, will be installed soon, bit of preventative maintenance. Other than these it'll be getting a remap and gearbox service soon. Possibly some Koni dampers but need to find out which springs and presumably the rear dampers will replace the air bags, which I believe all E61s have.
11.0101-5706.2 – Guide Sleeve Kit, brake caliper – 2.
11.0101-5402.2 – Guide Sleeve Kit, brake caliper – 2.
2373001 – Brake pad set – 1.
2379101 – Brake pad set – 1.
228.690 – Gasket Set, intake manifold – 1.
6PX 012 684-021 – Air Quality Sensor – 1.
TI 234 88 – Engine thermostat – 1.
407W0005 – Brake pad wear sensor – 1.
407W0015 – Brake pad wear sensor – 1.
V20-72-5180 – Anti-fog Sensor – 1.
E2963LB – Pollen filter – 2.
132197 – Glow plug relay – 1.
BMW E60 E61 M47N2 M57N2 M57N Vacuum Pump Repair Kit Uprated Seals
1 X BONNET BADGE EMBLEM 82MM REPLACEMENT FOR BMW - E46 E36 E90 E60 E83 E92 M3 M5
GENUINE OE BMW 5&6 E60 E61 E63 FRONT RIGHT WIPER ARM CAP COVER 61617035103
Air Filter fits BMW ALPINA B5 E60, E61 4.4 05 to 10 Mahle 13717793647 7793647
FOR BMW E60 E61 525d,530d,535d engs Glow Plugs Set of 6 BOSCH oe no.12237786869
All in these lot were about £600, will be installed soon, bit of preventative maintenance. Other than these it'll be getting a remap and gearbox service soon. Possibly some Koni dampers but need to find out which springs and presumably the rear dampers will replace the air bags, which I believe all E61s have.
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