Hello from London! Aspiring to be a 530d owner
Discussion
Do these cars, really do 300k miles????
You said, in your first post, you were looking to keep it 10 years and you quoted mileage up to 18k PA.
I think you should try find a lower mileage one if you have those aspirations for it's life.
Do you need a 5 series, maybe you said you did?? If not, perhaps go 3 series of similar age.
Give my regards to Yorkshire if you go see.
You said, in your first post, you were looking to keep it 10 years and you quoted mileage up to 18k PA.
I think you should try find a lower mileage one if you have those aspirations for it's life.
Do you need a 5 series, maybe you said you did?? If not, perhaps go 3 series of similar age.
Give my regards to Yorkshire if you go see.
Smuler: These cars, 5-series diesel, should do 240k at least before they become too much maintenance hassle (I hope) although I plan to drive it into the ground. Up to 18k is correct although some years may be less (depends on how much time I have to take holidays). Last three years I have done 12k, 6k, 17k approx. Up to 10 years is also correct, realistically I will probably be considering an upgrade by yr 6-7 but depends on how much I love driving the car.
I wanted something with a little more prestige than a 3-series (although this is where I started my search) and so I have settled on the 5-series.
I regularly drive up to Lincoln, Brigg and Beverley so I will do
I wanted something with a little more prestige than a 3-series (although this is where I started my search) and so I have settled on the 5-series.
I regularly drive up to Lincoln, Brigg and Beverley so I will do
Your budget won't get you an LCI 25/30d by the look of it. You will get an LCI 20d though.... So that's the compromise.
Crap engine/newer car vs decent engine/older car....... Also bear in mind the pre-lci diesels aren't as economical, that's where considering a newer petrol variant might not be quite as much more to run than you think.
The only warranty worth bothering with is the official bmw one really. Or just stick £50 per month in the savings account and hope for the best.
Crap engine/newer car vs decent engine/older car....... Also bear in mind the pre-lci diesels aren't as economical, that's where considering a newer petrol variant might not be quite as much more to run than you think.
The only warranty worth bothering with is the official bmw one really. Or just stick £50 per month in the savings account and hope for the best.
dave_s13: You are right, I won't get the LCI for my budget, so I will have to settle for an '06 pre-LCI 25/30d as a compromise.
The LCI 20d is the model that had the timing chain issue which is why there are so many '07 around for sale with good mileage. Sounds like the 520d is only safe to get with the M47 engine which is 2003-2007 (early reg only), I think the one I saw today was a late reg so probably at risk of timing chain issue.
The LCI 20d is the model that had the timing chain issue which is why there are so many '07 around for sale with good mileage. Sounds like the 520d is only safe to get with the M47 engine which is 2003-2007 (early reg only), I think the one I saw today was a late reg so probably at risk of timing chain issue.
Here are a few options:
07 525d Manual M Sport the 525's are slightly worse on fuel than the 530's
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
08 525se Auto
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
05 530d Msport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
05 535d M Sport it's a Cat C so I'd recommend a full AA inspection but it looks clean enough & if you're going to keep it 10 years why not get the best one you can buy, plus you should be able to get a good deal out of them.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
07 525d Manual M Sport the 525's are slightly worse on fuel than the 530's
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
08 525se Auto
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
05 530d Msport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
05 535d M Sport it's a Cat C so I'd recommend a full AA inspection but it looks clean enough & if you're going to keep it 10 years why not get the best one you can buy, plus you should be able to get a good deal out of them.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
rb5er said:
Aspirations of owning a 530d. Wow, that is sad.
On a separate note I guess you must be doing 15k miles a year or so or its just not worth it. Get ready for some bills anyway.
Do you have to practice being a tit or does it come naturally ?On a separate note I guess you must be doing 15k miles a year or so or its just not worth it. Get ready for some bills anyway.
At least you are correct about the potential bills, especially on a high mileage car running around town.
Vee said:
Do you have to practice being a tit or does it come naturally ?
At least you are correct about the potential bills, especially on a high mileage car running around town.
I have no idea what's happening to this place or why people feel the need to be like that - whilst trying to claim that their own car is the pinnacle of motoring nirvana (which it isn't).At least you are correct about the potential bills, especially on a high mileage car running around town.
OP
I love the E60 but try and get into an LCI 525 or 530d. The 520d is good in its own way, but I think you would be constantly thinking "what if" and that little extra gets you some more grunt.
Nothing wrong with aspiring to something better either - aspiration is about bettering a position, not aligning to what everyone wants, so ignore him and choose what you want.
A 520 mapped is never going to feel like the bigger engine, whilst a mapped 525 or 530 will feel brilliant. Have you considered the 530 petrol? I see them looking cheaper now and might deliver a bit more fun?
One thing I did notice with the auto LCI 520d I test drove, the down-shift on kick-down was what I would think of as laggy or slow to react. Is this a result of the smaller engine model or a possible issue I need to look out for?
ZX10R NIN: Cheers. I already have a few of those saved already for further investigation and am reviewing a full AutoTrader search every day for new listings. Majority of LCI models are out of my current budget except for a few 520d and higher mileage 525/530d. So I would rather go for a lower mileage 05/06 . Sticking with Auto models so the missus can drive it.
Vee: Will be doing enough miles and planning to put aside £600-750/year for servicing and wear+tear although I will be servicing myself if not under warranty (where possible)
halo34: I take most trolling as containing some level of constructive criticism, doesn't bother me anyhow. I am glad of any input that will help me avoid a mistake in judgement, especially when I comes to parting with a chunk of cash. Considered the petrol but the MPG is not appealing (probably why they are garnering a lower price) enough until you get to the very new models. 530d is still my goal. If/when I do decide to remap to increase the *ahem* "fuel efficiency" should I tell the missus?
I think the 530d will be more than enough fun until I upgrade again
ZX10R NIN: Cheers. I already have a few of those saved already for further investigation and am reviewing a full AutoTrader search every day for new listings. Majority of LCI models are out of my current budget except for a few 520d and higher mileage 525/530d. So I would rather go for a lower mileage 05/06 . Sticking with Auto models so the missus can drive it.
Vee: Will be doing enough miles and planning to put aside £600-750/year for servicing and wear+tear although I will be servicing myself if not under warranty (where possible)
halo34: I take most trolling as containing some level of constructive criticism, doesn't bother me anyhow. I am glad of any input that will help me avoid a mistake in judgement, especially when I comes to parting with a chunk of cash. Considered the petrol but the MPG is not appealing (probably why they are garnering a lower price) enough until you get to the very new models. 530d is still my goal. If/when I do decide to remap to increase the *ahem* "fuel efficiency" should I tell the missus?
I think the 530d will be more than enough fun until I upgrade again@Highlander.
Have you looked at BCA? I had quick look and saw 3 main BMW dealers listing 525/530d in their dealer specific auctions. It's possible these were good cars they simply couldn't sell, so got shot of. Might be worth a look, as 2 were in Enfield.
I know, because I followed the progress of cars I sold to WBAC, that non franchised dealers get their stock this way, so it's possible that a car you see later on a forecourt could have been snapped up earlier and much cheaper at auction.
Just at thought.
Have you looked at BCA? I had quick look and saw 3 main BMW dealers listing 525/530d in their dealer specific auctions. It's possible these were good cars they simply couldn't sell, so got shot of. Might be worth a look, as 2 were in Enfield.
I know, because I followed the progress of cars I sold to WBAC, that non franchised dealers get their stock this way, so it's possible that a car you see later on a forecourt could have been snapped up earlier and much cheaper at auction.
Just at thought.
Smuler: Actually I had not considered BCA, I will check it out. Only auctions I was looking at were ebay and I was ignoring the actual auctions and checking through the classifieds only. I was ignoring the auctions as there is a time pressure to them and direct competition to purchase. I don't want to force myself into buying something for fear I will miss a deal. For me, that mentality is fine for cheap or brand new items but for anything more than a cheap car I am not sure I could risk it unless it was an actual ex-dealership shifting stock situation.
Vee said:
rb5er said:
Aspirations of owning a 530d. Wow, that is sad.
On a separate note I guess you must be doing 15k miles a year or so or its just not worth it. Get ready for some bills anyway.
Do you have to practice being a tit or does it come naturally ?On a separate note I guess you must be doing 15k miles a year or so or its just not worth it. Get ready for some bills anyway.
At least you are correct about the potential bills, especially on a high mileage car running around town.
OP seriously a high mileage 530d can and will likely make you pay through the nose. Eyes open. Told you so etc. Good luck but the diesel savings will quickly be eaten up in repair bills.
rb5er said:
Im right on both counts but its fine if others disagree.
OP seriously a high mileage 530d can and will likely make you pay through the nose. Eyes open. Told you so etc. Good luck but the diesel savings will quickly be eaten up in repair bills.
Don't you mean could be eaten up in repair bills, it's not a given the OP will end up with an expensive repair bill.OP seriously a high mileage 530d can and will likely make you pay through the nose. Eyes open. Told you so etc. Good luck but the diesel savings will quickly be eaten up in repair bills.
About 2 years ago I took a 270cdi with FMSH 186k on the clock in P/ex everything worked the main expense the owner had was a suspension refresh at 140k & it was on it's original engine box turbo etc I sold it on & still around the way.
Yes he has more chance of a big repair bill in comparison to a 3.0 N/A Petrol but if he bought a high mileage 335/535i he'd be looking at the same potential big repair bill either way it's not a given that anything expensive will go wrong.
rb5er / ZX10R NIN: OK...so what do you guys consider "High mileage"? UK average is 10k miles a year right? So for a 10y/o car 100k miles is not high mileage, and not what I would consider high mileage. (I would think more of 130k+ to be high mileage). That said, mileage is more of a killer to car parts than age (as long as they are regularly used and maintained) so what is the point in me considering an 07/08 vehicle if it has the same mileage as the 05/06 and paying £3-4k more for the privilege? Yes, I know the newer LCI models "should" mean that issues with the original design are ironed out but as seen with the 2.0L diesel engines BMW refreshed this is not always the case.
It is a given that any half-decent modern car is expensive to repair, any modern BMW is unlikely to buck this trend. I had the (mis?)fortune of assisting in the regular maintenance of a Mazda RX8 231 (filters,brakes,clutch,gearbox,alternator,starter and numerous push-starts due to engine flood issue) and anything wrong with it cost through the nose for parts (I don't need to tell you that they are not cheap cars to drive/maintain in general). Jap and German cars/parts are not cheap but you would hope that the price tag comes with their famed reliability and durability. Cheap Korean/Euro/Eastern Euro built cars, from non premium brands, may be cheap and cheerful, but they feel cheap too, they are also not really cheaper on labour time if something big goes wrong.
I am hearing what you are saying and I am taking it seriously.
So...I guess I must really sound naive. Looks like you know better than I do:
ZX10R NIN: Your recommendation is to go for a petrol BMW 5-series LCI/facelift with low milage (50k?) ?
rb5er: Your recommendation is to give up, stick with my crappy Ford Escort, keep spending a mediocre amount to keep it on the road, save up and aspire to something more worthy of your praise? But seriously, any suggestions on a real alternative, you are saying you recommend sticking to a petrol non-BMW as well?
What are you suggesting the hefty bills will be on, if I stuck to my original?
Engine / turbo / manifold / DPF failure?
Random electronic/sensor error needing extensive investigation only to find the cause is a £30 sensor (e.g. Passenger occupancy sensor)?
Suspension / Chassis / Alloy damage/failure?
IF, after advice (scaremongering?), I still go with a 530d, after giving it a full once-over, the first work I would do would be removing as much risk of catastrophic failure as possible e.g. a swirl flap delete and inlet manifold clean and ensure that oil change and filter changes have been done.
If I am missing the point, let me know (it is early in the week and brain is not turning over yet)
It is a given that any half-decent modern car is expensive to repair, any modern BMW is unlikely to buck this trend. I had the (mis?)fortune of assisting in the regular maintenance of a Mazda RX8 231 (filters,brakes,clutch,gearbox,alternator,starter and numerous push-starts due to engine flood issue) and anything wrong with it cost through the nose for parts (I don't need to tell you that they are not cheap cars to drive/maintain in general). Jap and German cars/parts are not cheap but you would hope that the price tag comes with their famed reliability and durability. Cheap Korean/Euro/Eastern Euro built cars, from non premium brands, may be cheap and cheerful, but they feel cheap too, they are also not really cheaper on labour time if something big goes wrong.
I am hearing what you are saying and I am taking it seriously.
So...I guess I must really sound naive. Looks like you know better than I do:
ZX10R NIN: Your recommendation is to go for a petrol BMW 5-series LCI/facelift with low milage (50k?) ?
rb5er: Your recommendation is to give up, stick with my crappy Ford Escort, keep spending a mediocre amount to keep it on the road, save up and aspire to something more worthy of your praise? But seriously, any suggestions on a real alternative, you are saying you recommend sticking to a petrol non-BMW as well?
What are you suggesting the hefty bills will be on, if I stuck to my original?
Engine / turbo / manifold / DPF failure?
Random electronic/sensor error needing extensive investigation only to find the cause is a £30 sensor (e.g. Passenger occupancy sensor)?
Suspension / Chassis / Alloy damage/failure?
IF, after advice (scaremongering?), I still go with a 530d, after giving it a full once-over, the first work I would do would be removing as much risk of catastrophic failure as possible e.g. a swirl flap delete and inlet manifold clean and ensure that oil change and filter changes have been done.
If I am missing the point, let me know (it is early in the week and brain is not turning over yet)
At no point did I say get a petrol if you look at the links I posted not one of them is a petrol, get the car you want if you look at what I did pick out I found a 535d which considering how long you'll be keeping the car means you'll never wish you'd stretched to a 535d.
You'll also note that I was saying that you're not guaranteed to end up with a big bill, now wake up it's Tuesday there's no longer an excuse for half reading the replies to your post
You'll also note that I was saying that you're not guaranteed to end up with a big bill, now wake up it's Tuesday there's no longer an excuse for half reading the replies to your post
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 21st September 23:47
ZX10R NIN said:
Here are a few options:
07 525d Manual M Sport the 525's are slightly worse on fuel than the 530's
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
08 525se Auto
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
05 530d Msport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
05 535d M Sport it's a Cat C so I'd recommend a full AA inspection but it looks clean enough & if you're going to keep it 10 years why not get the best one you can buy, plus you should be able to get a good deal out of them.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Here they are again just in case you missed them.07 525d Manual M Sport the 525's are slightly worse on fuel than the 530's
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
08 525se Auto
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
05 530d Msport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
05 535d M Sport it's a Cat C so I'd recommend a full AA inspection but it looks clean enough & if you're going to keep it 10 years why not get the best one you can buy, plus you should be able to get a good deal out of them.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
rb5er said:
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.
Wow.... Just when you thought you had seen it all, along comes somebody with a world class attempt at bellendery..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
Let's face it, a common or garden rusty old Subaru Impreza with a few "special edition" stickers on and a few minor detail changes is hardly the stuff dreams are made of!!!
OP, My current fleet is a 911 turbo, a supercharged E46 M3 & an E39 530d.
All are superb at their jobs, I would probably rate my E39 as the best car I have ever had, it's done over 100k in 4 years of my ownership, taken me across the UK & Europe In total comfort whilst still being ace to drive. It's that good at 241,800 miles I still can't decide what to replace it with, my only option seems to be an E60 530d or a 535d. They are fantastic cars & with a bit of light modding will outrun most stuff on the road, whilst still doing close to 40Mpg, all wrapped up in a fantastic chassis.
Well its obvious tou have never driven one and likely never will. Common they are not (maybe 200 left) and lengendary to drive they are ( see every review EVER). But then this thread is nothing to do with my car so not sure why that gets brought up.
Hurling insults is pathetic child play so feel free to continue if that suits you.
The fanboys for VAG and BMW always love to hurl insults eh...mature.
Hurling insults is pathetic child play so feel free to continue if that suits you.
The fanboys for VAG and BMW always love to hurl insults eh...mature.
rb5er said:
Well its obvious tou have never driven one and likely never will. Common they are not (maybe 200 left) and lengendary to drive they are ( see every review EVER). But then this thread is nothing to do with my car so not sure why that gets brought up.
Hurling insults is pathetic child play so feel free to continue if that suits you.
The fanboys for VAG and BMW always love to hurl insults eh...mature.
Jesus Christ will you find somewhere else to be a miserable sod?Hurling insults is pathetic child play so feel free to continue if that suits you.
The fanboys for VAG and BMW always love to hurl insults eh...mature.
rb5er said:
Well its obvious tou have never driven one and likely never will. Common they are not (maybe 200 left) and lengendary to drive they are ( see every review EVER). But then this thread is nothing to do with my car so not sure why that gets brought up.
Hurling insults is pathetic child play so feel free to continue if that suits you.
The fanboys for VAG and BMW always love to hurl insults eh...mature.
You started it. Hurling insults is pathetic child play so feel free to continue if that suits you.
The fanboys for VAG and BMW always love to hurl insults eh...mature.
Ps... I think your scoob is a fine thing indeed.
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