What to check on a high mileage E61 530D?
Discussion
I'm off to look at a very high mileage E61 530D tomorrow. It is due to replace my wife's aging Audi TT before our first child arrives.
Our annual mileage is generally pretty low (say 5k) although we may well do a couple of trips to the south of France in it.
I am generally happy with high mileage cars and look more closely at condition and what has been replaced already.
This particular car has had a new gearbox a 3-4 years ago and also a new turbo 3-4 years ago. I am aware the swirl flaps will need to be sorted if they haven't been done already and I know the rear suspension can be an issue but is there anything else I should be checking in particular on a viewing or test drive?
Our annual mileage is generally pretty low (say 5k) although we may well do a couple of trips to the south of France in it.
I am generally happy with high mileage cars and look more closely at condition and what has been replaced already.
This particular car has had a new gearbox a 3-4 years ago and also a new turbo 3-4 years ago. I am aware the swirl flaps will need to be sorted if they haven't been done already and I know the rear suspension can be an issue but is there anything else I should be checking in particular on a viewing or test drive?
I founds this which seems useful:
Make sure the iDrive software is up to date,
Make sure the automatic transmission software has been updated,
Make sure the auto transmission doesn't jerk when it changes from 2 > 1 when coming to a standstill; use manual mode of autobox and check all gear changes are silky smooth
Check via the secret OBC Menu that the coolant gets up to temperature within about 2 miles (80-90ish degrees, CAN PETROL OWNERS CONFIRM?) if not, the thermostat(s) need changing
Check ALL electrics,
Ask for latest maps DVD if going car for widescreen satnav,
Check the check control messages on the iDrive,
Check service status on iDrive,
Put hand in front of all PDC sensors to check they're working,
Check that you're not running the original battery that came with the car, if you are it's about to die,
Check that both remote controls work,
FOR DIESEL OWNERS:
Make sure swirl flaps are/have been removed from pre-LCI cars,
Check operating temperature of coolant stays at a minimum of 90c, (should get up to temperature within about 6 miles @ 30mph), else EGR and Main thermostat probably need changing,
DPF's usually have a life of 120,000 miles, check how many miles this has left on the iDrive, they cost £1500 to replace, a
Check exhaust manifold for cracks/open bonnet and check for exhaust smell. Common problem this.
Make sure the iDrive software is up to date,
Make sure the automatic transmission software has been updated,
Make sure the auto transmission doesn't jerk when it changes from 2 > 1 when coming to a standstill; use manual mode of autobox and check all gear changes are silky smooth
Check via the secret OBC Menu that the coolant gets up to temperature within about 2 miles (80-90ish degrees, CAN PETROL OWNERS CONFIRM?) if not, the thermostat(s) need changing
Check ALL electrics,
Ask for latest maps DVD if going car for widescreen satnav,
Check the check control messages on the iDrive,
Check service status on iDrive,
Put hand in front of all PDC sensors to check they're working,
Check that you're not running the original battery that came with the car, if you are it's about to die,
Check that both remote controls work,
FOR DIESEL OWNERS:
Make sure swirl flaps are/have been removed from pre-LCI cars,
Check operating temperature of coolant stays at a minimum of 90c, (should get up to temperature within about 6 miles @ 30mph), else EGR and Main thermostat probably need changing,
DPF's usually have a life of 120,000 miles, check how many miles this has left on the iDrive, they cost £1500 to replace, a
Check exhaust manifold for cracks/open bonnet and check for exhaust smell. Common problem this.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff