Hello from London! Aspiring to be a 530d owner
Discussion
Hi all! Just thought I would introduce myself.
I am looking to be a first-time BMW owner within the next month.
I am currently looking for an E60 530d (will consider a 525d or 520d too) around the London(UK) area either from private or trade sellers.
I have spent the last month reading up about the E60s and have decided to take the plunge
despite reading about the issues with swirl flaps/butterfly valves and the EGR.
This will be my first BMW and I want a car I can look after to ensure it lasts me the next 10 years or so.
If you have any tips/advise/experience you want to impart on me I would be more than grateful!
Looking forward to being an active member of this community
Si
I am looking to be a first-time BMW owner within the next month.
I am currently looking for an E60 530d (will consider a 525d or 520d too) around the London(UK) area either from private or trade sellers.I have spent the last month reading up about the E60s and have decided to take the plunge
despite reading about the issues with swirl flaps/butterfly valves and the EGR.
This will be my first BMW and I want a car I can look after to ensure it lasts me the next 10 years or so.
If you have any tips/advise/experience you want to impart on me I would be more than grateful!
Looking forward to being an active member of this community
Si
I had E61 520d and I wished I had gone for a 530d instead as it was a fairly heavy car and the 2.0d engine didn't really cope with it too well, used to have a E90 330d that was took from 3k miles to over 150k miles and it never put a foot wrong.
If serviced and looked after and used for long distances the 3.0d is a solid engine or at least it was in my experience.
Good luck in the search.
If serviced and looked after and used for long distances the 3.0d is a solid engine or at least it was in my experience.
Good luck in the search.
I'd forget the 520 you'll be forever wondering if you should have got the 6 cylinder;yes you should.
The 57 plate on (face-lift aka LCI) 525d is the same 3.0 6cyl engine as the 530d just detuned. It's still a great diesel engine and suits the car brilliantly. I had a manual 525d and it wasn't short of a bit of shove. Basically if you have 2 cars, a 530 and a 525 make the choice on condition, not the number on the badge.
They are great cars if you get get good un.
The 57 plate on (face-lift aka LCI) 525d is the same 3.0 6cyl engine as the 530d just detuned. It's still a great diesel engine and suits the car brilliantly. I had a manual 525d and it wasn't short of a bit of shove. Basically if you have 2 cars, a 530 and a 525 make the choice on condition, not the number on the badge.
They are great cars if you get get good un.
I haven't got a 530d but currently drive a 525D with a 6 so manual box. If the 530 is more of the same then it should be fine.
Quite a big hefty car which I like and for a diesel is very smooth and actually makes a nice sound when you use the revs - being a 6 cylinder helps here
Good on fuel- I've sat a a steady 90 and the mpg meter has shown 50 mpg- no idea how accurate that is .
Make sure you check for airbag and seat belt dash lights and have a good rest drive. Lumpy tick over might be injectors, as far as I can tell a 525D manual has no swirl flaps - not sure about the 530d
Make sure you check the spec- work finding one with Bluetooth maybe aux in just to make your life easier
Quite a big hefty car which I like and for a diesel is very smooth and actually makes a nice sound when you use the revs - being a 6 cylinder helps here
Good on fuel- I've sat a a steady 90 and the mpg meter has shown 50 mpg- no idea how accurate that is .
Make sure you check for airbag and seat belt dash lights and have a good rest drive. Lumpy tick over might be injectors, as far as I can tell a 525D manual has no swirl flaps - not sure about the 530d
Make sure you check the spec- work finding one with Bluetooth maybe aux in just to make your life easier
rb5er said:
Aspirations of owning a 530d. Wow, that is sad.
.
It's not sad at all. .
There's nowt wrong with the realistic aspiration based on your current circumstances.
Aspiring to own a Ford mondeos is a bit anarok, at least the 6 cylinder E60/1 is a proper car.
Deffo consider a petrol variant too though, depending on mileage and if you can find one.
Realist I guess you don't know what aspirations are.
My next car will indeed likely be a Ford, a new Focus RS. But I aspire to an Aston Martin DBS one day. Somewhat different to aspiring to a diesel 5series.
Oh and I see you don't care to list what treasures you own. I'd wager that I'd take my 1 of 444 ever made and commonly cited as one of the best drivers cars ever made RB5 over anything you have ever or will likely ever own. Good day to you.
My next car will indeed likely be a Ford, a new Focus RS. But I aspire to an Aston Martin DBS one day. Somewhat different to aspiring to a diesel 5series.
Oh and I see you don't care to list what treasures you own. I'd wager that I'd take my 1 of 444 ever made and commonly cited as one of the best drivers cars ever made RB5 over anything you have ever or will likely ever own. Good day to you.
Edited by rb5er on Saturday 19th September 13:12
Maybe the op's financial situation is different to yours, maybe he's not materialistic (not saying you are) and feels the 530D is all he wants or needs. Everyones got different tastes, aims and goals.
There was a time when i had an old MK2 Granada 2.3, there was a lot i would have aspired to at the time and they wouldn't have been luxury or super cars.
There was a time when i had an old MK2 Granada 2.3, there was a lot i would have aspired to at the time and they wouldn't have been luxury or super cars.
WOW, didn't realise I had hit a forum nerve with the word "aspiring"...
So perhaps I should give you the low-down on why I use that word:
1st Car: 1988 Vauxhall Astra 1.3 DOHC Mk2 <--- rust bucket, ragged, cared for (did all the work: servicing, electrics, body repairs, belts and alternator, brake pad/caliper/discs/fluid/master cylinder, distributor and carb repairs, engine rocker cover repairs, exhaust manifold repairs, clutch replacement and shock replacement), first (ridiculous) sound system installed (sub, 16x9s, tweeters +6 CD changer) and passed onto sibling at which point it was stolen and burnt, melted to the ground, by some *@"!#~** in Bristol
2nd Car: 1992 Citroen ZX 1.9 Turbo Diesel Volcane <--- S**t box, again did all the work needed to it to maintain but had a major issue with oil leak from the turbo that neither I or mechanics could find, exhaust smoked like a '80s pub when on boost (turbo likely roasted from lack of lube) eventually written off (bumper and left wing pushed back 1 inch, is that really a write off? insurers?) because that car does not brake quickly enough to avoid idiots stopping in the middle of a 40mph road for no reason right in front of you...
3rd Car: 1992 Pug 205 1.1 Zest <--- Lovely little (very basic) runner, used like a tourer, maintained and loved... driven from London to Scotland and Wales several times, driven to France, Belgium, German and Netherlands, probably still going now but traded out for the "comfort" of the next car...
4th Car: 1996 Ford Escort Mk6 1.6 EFi Zetec <--- This is a soldier...it just keeps going! Keeping the ol' girl going with love and parts, driven to the North several times, Isle of Sky and back, Wales, Cornwall, 60k covered in 3yrs on just weekends and holidays
5th Car: Never happened...was to be a Mitsubishi Sigma 3.0 V6 1992 with TC and adjustable ride height, but could not get it running, something not right with the fuel system and needed a rebuild from the tank to the injectors...not worth the hassle, so, still on the 4th car
This, ladies and gentlemen, is a sad and pathetic car history. Time to step up the game a little.
rb5er: Yes, a BMW 530d is an aspiration in comparison. An M3/M4/M5 would be nice but are not in my budget and not applicable to my current situation; next 2 cars after this will be an S-Line Audi Q5, and then a Maserati Grantourismo. Ultimate aspiration would be an Aston Martin Rapide S and a 1966 AC Shelby Cobra 427 ... don't ask me why. I don't think anyone should have to explain why they want their top choice
Djtemeka / rb5er: I do a lot of leisure miles living on the edge of London (14-18k/year min) and driving to holiday destinations. The diesel fuel efficiency is better on short journeys but I will do more than enough long journeys to clear out the DPF if that is what you are worried about? I would drive to the Alps more for Skiing and snowboarding but it is not worth the cost and extra time.
cerb4.5lee / dave_s13: Thanks for the note! I am looking at an '07 520d E60 tomorrow, purely because it is low mileage and in impeccable condition in and out but it is grating me that I am considering it instead of sticking to my guns on a 530d or a 525d
Broaders: Looking at doing the swirl flap delete and inlet manifold clean myself, doesn't look difficult. Looking for an Auto so the missus can drive it as well
Spanglepants: Cheers for the tips, one of the reasons I am considering the 5-series diesels is because they have great economy while giving power and comfort, I am looking for one with working Bluetooth but it is not a make/break option.
dave_s13: I agree, E60/1 are "proper" cars, build for chewing miles. I will probably move on from it when the car gives up from the miles...my current and previous above "cars" are A->B runners only and not really comfort for long distances. Noting wrong with them on that level but they are just for utility, not pleasure.
So perhaps I should give you the low-down on why I use that word:
1st Car: 1988 Vauxhall Astra 1.3 DOHC Mk2 <--- rust bucket, ragged, cared for (did all the work: servicing, electrics, body repairs, belts and alternator, brake pad/caliper/discs/fluid/master cylinder, distributor and carb repairs, engine rocker cover repairs, exhaust manifold repairs, clutch replacement and shock replacement), first (ridiculous) sound system installed (sub, 16x9s, tweeters +6 CD changer) and passed onto sibling at which point it was stolen and burnt, melted to the ground, by some *@"!#~** in Bristol
2nd Car: 1992 Citroen ZX 1.9 Turbo Diesel Volcane <--- S**t box, again did all the work needed to it to maintain but had a major issue with oil leak from the turbo that neither I or mechanics could find, exhaust smoked like a '80s pub when on boost (turbo likely roasted from lack of lube) eventually written off (bumper and left wing pushed back 1 inch, is that really a write off? insurers?) because that car does not brake quickly enough to avoid idiots stopping in the middle of a 40mph road for no reason right in front of you...
3rd Car: 1992 Pug 205 1.1 Zest <--- Lovely little (very basic) runner, used like a tourer, maintained and loved... driven from London to Scotland and Wales several times, driven to France, Belgium, German and Netherlands, probably still going now but traded out for the "comfort" of the next car...
4th Car: 1996 Ford Escort Mk6 1.6 EFi Zetec <--- This is a soldier...it just keeps going! Keeping the ol' girl going with love and parts, driven to the North several times, Isle of Sky and back, Wales, Cornwall, 60k covered in 3yrs on just weekends and holidays
5th Car: Never happened...was to be a Mitsubishi Sigma 3.0 V6 1992 with TC and adjustable ride height, but could not get it running, something not right with the fuel system and needed a rebuild from the tank to the injectors...not worth the hassle, so, still on the 4th car
This, ladies and gentlemen, is a sad and pathetic car history. Time to step up the game a little.
rb5er: Yes, a BMW 530d is an aspiration in comparison. An M3/M4/M5 would be nice but are not in my budget and not applicable to my current situation; next 2 cars after this will be an S-Line Audi Q5, and then a Maserati Grantourismo. Ultimate aspiration would be an Aston Martin Rapide S and a 1966 AC Shelby Cobra 427 ... don't ask me why. I don't think anyone should have to explain why they want their top choice
Djtemeka / rb5er: I do a lot of leisure miles living on the edge of London (14-18k/year min) and driving to holiday destinations. The diesel fuel efficiency is better on short journeys but I will do more than enough long journeys to clear out the DPF if that is what you are worried about? I would drive to the Alps more for Skiing and snowboarding but it is not worth the cost and extra time.
cerb4.5lee / dave_s13: Thanks for the note! I am looking at an '07 520d E60 tomorrow, purely because it is low mileage and in impeccable condition in and out but it is grating me that I am considering it instead of sticking to my guns on a 530d or a 525d
Broaders: Looking at doing the swirl flap delete and inlet manifold clean myself, doesn't look difficult. Looking for an Auto so the missus can drive it as well
Spanglepants: Cheers for the tips, one of the reasons I am considering the 5-series diesels is because they have great economy while giving power and comfort, I am looking for one with working Bluetooth but it is not a make/break option.
dave_s13: I agree, E60/1 are "proper" cars, build for chewing miles. I will probably move on from it when the car gives up from the miles...my current and previous above "cars" are A->B runners only and not really comfort for long distances. Noting wrong with them on that level but they are just for utility, not pleasure.
rb5er said:
Nice attempt at defence but come on. Aspiring to a Lamborghini one day maybe but aspiring to a diesel 5series?
You can say yes I'd like a 530d as my next car without anyone batting an eyelid. No problem at all. But read the thread title....really?
The good thing is at least you don't come across as a complete cock.You can say yes I'd like a 530d as my next car without anyone batting an eyelid. No problem at all. But read the thread title....really?
Viewed and drove a 520d w/M-Sport pack today, nice example, a little wear and tear to the leather interior/exterior but not unexpected. I see what people mean with the 520d vs 530d, the uptake is nice and quick but it runs out of guts far quicker than expected, but nice when cruising. Engine sounded nominal, a little turbo whistle when revving stood still from cold but was not there when taking up to 60 on dual-carriageway. Cracking in-tread off-side run-flat on non-BMW alloys, rumbled a little around roundabout
£7k , 100K, 11/2007 registered . Worth it?
14-7: I am sure he was only trying to help in his own "unique" way
£7k , 100K, 11/2007 registered . Worth it?
14-7: I am sure he was only trying to help in his own "unique" way
Personally I wouldn't.
Basically you want a 2007 on model to ensure its the face lift version.
Don't discount petrol neither. Check this out
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Super low miles and has the much sought after comfort seats.
Basically you want a 2007 on model to ensure its the face lift version.
Don't discount petrol neither. Check this out
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Super low miles and has the much sought after comfort seats.
dave_s13: Thanks for the assist but that is a little out of my budget, I also know someone with a 2008 525i petrol who has warned me that it drinks fuel. I had discounted the petrol for this reason and that previously having looked at the official and unofficial consumption figures. I love the sound of the petrol engine though.
Think more along the lines of this: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I am looking at the £5-7k mark to allow me some money to do additional maintenance within the 1st year or possibly get a warranty/GAP insurance. Anyone got advice on if this is worth it? Some of the trade sellers have a crap warranty (covers some items like turbo or suspension but no engine failure) and others seem to have a fully comprehensive one for up to £600
Think more along the lines of this: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I am looking at the £5-7k mark to allow me some money to do additional maintenance within the 1st year or possibly get a warranty/GAP insurance. Anyone got advice on if this is worth it? Some of the trade sellers have a crap warranty (covers some items like turbo or suspension but no engine failure) and others seem to have a fully comprehensive one for up to £600
For those of you about to tell me to google the N47 engine based E60 for timing chain failures, I have read about that. "N47 / N47D20A" (PUMA 13588845-03 registered issue) engines timing chain catastrophic failures. Even without the failure the work to get it changed and re-calibrated is silly money (£3k+). It is one of the reasons I originally discounted the 520d and decided on the 530d/525d .
When I booked the test drive they told me this was an 07 reg vehicle, so it is possible it could have been M47 or N47. On this test drive I specifically listened to the engine at idle, 1500rpm, 3000rpm and at all cruising speeds including hard and light acceleration.
That said, I still think that I would like a bit more poke in the drive anyway so I will most likely stick to a M57 based E60, power and economy
When I booked the test drive they told me this was an 07 reg vehicle, so it is possible it could have been M47 or N47. On this test drive I specifically listened to the engine at idle, 1500rpm, 3000rpm and at all cruising speeds including hard and light acceleration.
That said, I still think that I would like a bit more poke in the drive anyway so I will most likely stick to a M57 based E60, power and economy
Edited by th3h1ghlander on Sunday 20th September 20:32
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