2005 E60 BMW 535D M-Sport
Discussion
Decided that I wanted to do a Readers' Cars thread for my new-ish pre-LCI 535D. This is my first 5 Series, having owned three different types of 3 Series previously. All coupés, first was an E36 325i SE coupe. Next came an Individual E36 328i Sport coupe, in Aegean Blue and with genuine Alpina alloys. Lastly was my E46 330cd M-Sport in Sapphire Black Metallic, which has just left me after being sold to part fund this.
I bought the car from a dealer in Derby. They have been a bit so-so to be honest. One minute they are great, the next minute they don't reply to me or get stuff sorted when requested. Bit disappointing in all honesty but not the worst service I've had while getting on the E60 ladder.
Anyhow, the car:
Although it's not the first auto I have owned/driven, it's the first that I have had as my daily driver and I must admit that it's not been the numbing experience I expected it to be. I'd much prefer a proper paddleshift gearbox over this, but I don't actually miss driving my manual 330cd when I am sat in traffic etc.
I do think that the loss of full control over the gears is a shame, but nowhere near what I had feared pre-purchase. The DS mode is pretty good and tends to be in the right gear at the right time, and with the way it holds its revs right through the range when pressing on, it's really very satisfying to drive.
The spec on this car is phenomenal, and was good enough to make me overlook the fact that it's the one colour I actually didn't want!
It doesn't have everything, and iPod/USB integration is sorely missed, but items of note are:
Head Up Display - This is superb and has become invaluable to me
Comfort Seats - Oh my word! I thought anything other than Sports seats would be a compromise, but then I sat in them..... The 20 way adjustment caters for just about everybody, and the headrests are superb. The lumbar support can be moved vertically and horizontally and the side bolsters can be closed in or widened out to your heart's content. With my OH suffering joint and muscle pain, this level of adjustment is a Godsend for her and I really like how I can have the driver's seat hug me. The car has the memory function on both front seats.
19" Spyder Alloys - Love these. They don't come with runflats either, unlike the 18's....
Mine do need a refurb though. They were supposed to have been done before I picked up the car, but having looked very closely at them since, I can see they were painted over the front faces but no more. On the back, there is paint flaking off which needs addressing.
Xenons - Had to have these and must say, they are fantastic.
Front and rear parking sensors - Extremely handy. The fact I have managed to wedge the front bumper on a few kerbs since getting it has reinforced for me how helpful front PDC is!
Overall I am very happy with it. I would like slightly stiffer suspension, but am reluctant to spoil the everyday usability of it in all honesty, so not sure what I'll do when I do replace the current factory M-Sport setup which have now done 90k.
I have just replaced both thermostats, after finding that the car was running around 70 degrees on the motorway. Now runs around 93 degrees which is spot on. I have bought a can of air con cleaner to run through the system and I have been buying up Meguiar's products like there's no tomorrow, including interior detailer spray, gold shampoo, wash and was and a grit guard for my wash bucket!
Jobs still to do include replacing the little front corner undertray bits, as the rubber air deflector flaps have pretty much disintegrated on the current ones, replace the rear "diffuser" as there's been a knock on it at some point which has made a slight indent and get a tiny dent on the passenger door addressed. This happened about a week after getting the car. I passed a truck on the motorway and heard a clunk. Looked at the car when I reached my destination and found the little dent. Absolutely gutted, as I try my very best to keep cars pristine. The lorry must have thrown up a large stone.
Anyway, I hope anyone that has taken the time to read it has enjoyed looking, and any questions about the car, please feel free to ask.
I bought the car from a dealer in Derby. They have been a bit so-so to be honest. One minute they are great, the next minute they don't reply to me or get stuff sorted when requested. Bit disappointing in all honesty but not the worst service I've had while getting on the E60 ladder.
Anyhow, the car:
Although it's not the first auto I have owned/driven, it's the first that I have had as my daily driver and I must admit that it's not been the numbing experience I expected it to be. I'd much prefer a proper paddleshift gearbox over this, but I don't actually miss driving my manual 330cd when I am sat in traffic etc.
I do think that the loss of full control over the gears is a shame, but nowhere near what I had feared pre-purchase. The DS mode is pretty good and tends to be in the right gear at the right time, and with the way it holds its revs right through the range when pressing on, it's really very satisfying to drive.
The spec on this car is phenomenal, and was good enough to make me overlook the fact that it's the one colour I actually didn't want!
It doesn't have everything, and iPod/USB integration is sorely missed, but items of note are:
Head Up Display - This is superb and has become invaluable to me
Comfort Seats - Oh my word! I thought anything other than Sports seats would be a compromise, but then I sat in them..... The 20 way adjustment caters for just about everybody, and the headrests are superb. The lumbar support can be moved vertically and horizontally and the side bolsters can be closed in or widened out to your heart's content. With my OH suffering joint and muscle pain, this level of adjustment is a Godsend for her and I really like how I can have the driver's seat hug me. The car has the memory function on both front seats.
19" Spyder Alloys - Love these. They don't come with runflats either, unlike the 18's....
Mine do need a refurb though. They were supposed to have been done before I picked up the car, but having looked very closely at them since, I can see they were painted over the front faces but no more. On the back, there is paint flaking off which needs addressing. Xenons - Had to have these and must say, they are fantastic.
Front and rear parking sensors - Extremely handy. The fact I have managed to wedge the front bumper on a few kerbs since getting it has reinforced for me how helpful front PDC is!
Overall I am very happy with it. I would like slightly stiffer suspension, but am reluctant to spoil the everyday usability of it in all honesty, so not sure what I'll do when I do replace the current factory M-Sport setup which have now done 90k.
I have just replaced both thermostats, after finding that the car was running around 70 degrees on the motorway. Now runs around 93 degrees which is spot on. I have bought a can of air con cleaner to run through the system and I have been buying up Meguiar's products like there's no tomorrow, including interior detailer spray, gold shampoo, wash and was and a grit guard for my wash bucket!
Jobs still to do include replacing the little front corner undertray bits, as the rubber air deflector flaps have pretty much disintegrated on the current ones, replace the rear "diffuser" as there's been a knock on it at some point which has made a slight indent and get a tiny dent on the passenger door addressed. This happened about a week after getting the car. I passed a truck on the motorway and heard a clunk. Looked at the car when I reached my destination and found the little dent. Absolutely gutted, as I try my very best to keep cars pristine. The lorry must have thrown up a large stone.
Anyway, I hope anyone that has taken the time to read it has enjoyed looking, and any questions about the car, please feel free to ask.
jasesapphy said:
I am currently in a 2004 remapped 330d manual
My next car is going to be either a 535d or 335d
Nice car and right spec, looks great, how much better is it than a 330d?
Does it feel as quick been bigger and heavier
Also what did you give of it
Well to be honest, I would have bought a 335D if I could find an M-Sport spec car for a max of £10k from a dealer, but unfortunately I couldn't. My next car is going to be either a 535d or 335d
Nice car and right spec, looks great, how much better is it than a 330d?
Does it feel as quick been bigger and heavier
Also what did you give of it
Am I sorry I went for a 535D instead? Not at all, I love the car and you get more toys in the 5er I think.
My 330cd was standard, and this car feels a little bit quicker, which it is. I imagine from a modded 330d it might not feel amazing, but obviously if you go like for like and get a 340bhp Evolve remap, as I plan to, I think it would knock your socks off!
It doesn't feel particularly heavier than my E46 did, except for if I try to take a corner a little bit too quickly. That's the time when the car reminds me of its size and weight, but it is worth remembering that although it is bigger, it isn't massively heavier than the 330cd.
If your last question was what did I pay for it, the price was £9990. Would I have pushed for something off if I had known the wheels wouldn't be done as well as I'd though? Yes. But I'm still not disappointed with what I paid to be honest. Looking around, there just isn't much out there that has the 19's, the HUD and the comfort seats for that kind of price.
Forgot to say I would quite like to add an E60 M5 paddleshift steering wheel if I don't buy an extended warranty. Undecided on swirl flaps, as this being a late 2005 car will have the updated version and the loss of torque I experienced when I removed them on the E46 is just not something I want to go through again.
Edited by TroubledSoul on Friday 18th October 12:35
TroubledSoul said:
Well to be honest, I would have bought a 335D if I could find an M-Sport spec car for a max of £10k from a dealer, but unfortunately I couldn't.
Am I sorry I went for a 535D instead? Not at all, I love the car and you get more toys in the 5er I think.
My 330cd was standard, and this car feels a little bit quicker, which it is. I imagine from a modded 330d it might not feel amazing, but obviously if you go like for like and get a 340bhp Evolve remap, as I plan to, I think it would knock your socks off!
It doesn't feel particularly heavier than my E46 did, except for if I try to take a corner a little bit too quickly. That's the time when the car reminds me of its size and weight, but it is worth remembering that although it is bigger, it isn't massively heavier than the 330cd.
If your last question was what did I pay for it, the price was £9990. Would I have pushed for something off if I had known the wheels wouldn't be done as well as I'd though? Yes. But I'm still not disappointed with what I paid to be honest. Looking around, there just isn't much out there that has the 19's, the HUD and the comfort seats for that kind of price.
Forgot to say I would quite like to add an E60 M5 paddleshift steering wheel if I don't buy an extended warranty. Undecided on swirl flaps, as this being a late 2005 car will have the updated version and the loss of torque I experienced when I removed them on the E46 is just not something I want to go through again.
Thanks for your honest feedbackAm I sorry I went for a 535D instead? Not at all, I love the car and you get more toys in the 5er I think.
My 330cd was standard, and this car feels a little bit quicker, which it is. I imagine from a modded 330d it might not feel amazing, but obviously if you go like for like and get a 340bhp Evolve remap, as I plan to, I think it would knock your socks off!
It doesn't feel particularly heavier than my E46 did, except for if I try to take a corner a little bit too quickly. That's the time when the car reminds me of its size and weight, but it is worth remembering that although it is bigger, it isn't massively heavier than the 330cd.
If your last question was what did I pay for it, the price was £9990. Would I have pushed for something off if I had known the wheels wouldn't be done as well as I'd though? Yes. But I'm still not disappointed with what I paid to be honest. Looking around, there just isn't much out there that has the 19's, the HUD and the comfort seats for that kind of price.
Forgot to say I would quite like to add an E60 M5 paddleshift steering wheel if I don't buy an extended warranty. Undecided on swirl flaps, as this being a late 2005 car will have the updated version and the loss of torque I experienced when I removed them on the E46 is just not something I want to go through again.
Edited by TroubledSoul on Friday 18th October 12:35
I fancy both, I defiantly will remap my current 330d makes 270bhp and 450ft lb, I will wait to next year and go either 335 or 535 diesel
I also limit myself to 10k
Like that, shame that the wheels weren't quite refurbed though.
I felt the same as you pre purchase about an auto box on mycurrent car as the manuals were so much harder to find but didn't like the compromise so wasted loads of time finding a manual.
What did you think of the dealership overall as I can tell from the photos where you got the car and have seen a few there I like the look of?
I felt the same as you pre purchase about an auto box on mycurrent car as the manuals were so much harder to find but didn't like the compromise so wasted loads of time finding a manual.
What did you think of the dealership overall as I can tell from the photos where you got the car and have seen a few there I like the look of?
Edited by Eski1991 on Friday 18th October 20:43
E-maps for a remap should be your next visit 
I had a pre LCI 535d (in my profile pic)and it was so much quicker after the map and mpg didnt suffer at all, mid range was very grin inducing! I hated the gearbox in full auto as it was a bit dim witted pulling out of junctions, I've now got a 525d touring and its even worse!
I never had a bit of bother with mine, I miss it a little actually.
I had a pre LCI 535d (in my profile pic)and it was so much quicker after the map and mpg didnt suffer at all, mid range was very grin inducing! I hated the gearbox in full auto as it was a bit dim witted pulling out of junctions, I've now got a 525d touring and its even worse!
I never had a bit of bother with mine, I miss it a little actually.
Eski1991 said:
Like that, shame that the wheels weren't quite refurbed though.
I felt the same as you pre purchase about an auto box on mycurrent car as the manuals were so much harder to find but didn't like the compromise so wasted loads of time finding a manual.
What did you think of the dealership overall as I can tell from the photos where you got the car and have seen a few there I like the look of?
Erm.... they were great before I paid any money I felt the same as you pre purchase about an auto box on mycurrent car as the manuals were so much harder to find but didn't like the compromise so wasted loads of time finding a manual.
What did you think of the dealership overall as I can tell from the photos where you got the car and have seen a few there I like the look of?
Edited by Eski1991 on Friday 18th October 20:43
They came back to me about the refurb and said they could get them done again but were afraid they'd have the same issues. They then said the wheel refurbers had said they needed doing properly and shot blasting etc. which is what I expected in the first place anyway, and they could do that at cost but would need the car 4 days and the cost was £200. Why I should be paying that, I don't know, but they seem unwilling to budge, so I would proceed with care. They have some nice cars in but just make sure you're on the ball if you go and see them.
Col 666 said:
E-maps for a remap should be your next visit
I had a pre LCI 535d (in my profile pic)and it was so much quicker after the map and mpg didnt suffer at all, mid range was very grin inducing! I hated the gearbox in full auto as it was a bit dim witted pulling out of junctions, I've now got a 525d touring and its even worse!
I never had a bit of bother with mine, I miss it a little actually.
Emaps or Evolve, not quite made my mind up yet. I do like the little unit that Evolve do that lets you put it back to standard yourself if need be, but still undecided on whether to take out a BMW Insured Warranty or not.I had a pre LCI 535d (in my profile pic)and it was so much quicker after the map and mpg didnt suffer at all, mid range was very grin inducing! I hated the gearbox in full auto as it was a bit dim witted pulling out of junctions, I've now got a 525d touring and its even worse!
I never had a bit of bother with mine, I miss it a little actually.
contractor said:
Yeah. I like that, it's a nice car.
You can get something like a Dension GW 500 for USB/Ipod integration. Personally I wouldn't bother with the stock BMW kit. Head up is one of those options you tend to dismiss until you've had one - I'll always spec it now.
Again, nice car.
Many thanks! You can get something like a Dension GW 500 for USB/Ipod integration. Personally I wouldn't bother with the stock BMW kit. Head up is one of those options you tend to dismiss until you've had one - I'll always spec it now.
Again, nice car.
I am keen to stay OEM to be honest. I have seen a number of iPod units on eBay so just need to check the part number.
I picked up new undertray bits yesterday that go in front of the front wheels due to mine having a couple of cracks and the wind deflector flaps being just about gone.
Will try and get them fitted tomorrow if I have time. I went out to wash it today but it got dark before I could do the polish and wax, so dry it off again first thing and then go ahead and do it if it isn't raining.
A bit frustrating, but there you go! Best bit was how I had just finished completely frying the car and it then rained for... ooh ten seconds!!
TroubledSoul said:
Erm.... they were great before I paid any money
They came back to me about the refurb and said they could get them done again but were afraid they'd have the same issues. They then said the wheel refurbers had said they needed doing properly and shot blasting etc. which is what I expected in the first place anyway, and they could do that at cost but would need the car 4 days and the cost was £200. Why I should be paying that, I don't know, but they seem unwilling to budge, so I would proceed with care. They have some nice cars in but just make sure you're on the ball if you go and see them.
That's kind of the response I expected, I'll keep my eye out elsewhere. They came back to me about the refurb and said they could get them done again but were afraid they'd have the same issues. They then said the wheel refurbers had said they needed doing properly and shot blasting etc. which is what I expected in the first place anyway, and they could do that at cost but would need the car 4 days and the cost was £200. Why I should be paying that, I don't know, but they seem unwilling to budge, so I would proceed with care. They have some nice cars in but just make sure you're on the ball if you go and see them.
Hey from a fellow 535d m sport owner.
We are a friendly bunch, i recently spent 10 minutes in the petrol station talking with another happy owner.
I came down from a 12.6mpg E60 M5 to a much more "sensible" 2007 535d, now enjoying a luxurious 26.8mpg for cross town driving.
I have to say, i don't feel that its a car that needs to be driven manually, i am happy with the gear changes in auto.
I also have the comfort seats, maybe i am getting old, but they are sensational, i initially missed the tight hold of the M5s sports seats, but the number of adjustments that are possible are amazing..
Mine is fitted with night vision- an £1800 option, the dealer must have laughed when the owner ticked that box, i cant imagine anyone has really used it!
Happy motoring.
We are a friendly bunch, i recently spent 10 minutes in the petrol station talking with another happy owner.
I came down from a 12.6mpg E60 M5 to a much more "sensible" 2007 535d, now enjoying a luxurious 26.8mpg for cross town driving.
I have to say, i don't feel that its a car that needs to be driven manually, i am happy with the gear changes in auto.
I also have the comfort seats, maybe i am getting old, but they are sensational, i initially missed the tight hold of the M5s sports seats, but the number of adjustments that are possible are amazing..
Mine is fitted with night vision- an £1800 option, the dealer must have laughed when the owner ticked that box, i cant imagine anyone has really used it!
Happy motoring.
Thanks all!
I am craving a remap now. As soon as funds allow, I am going to unleash the car's potential.
Must be quite strange going from an M5, but they are such nice cars. It's great to have an option to stay in an E60 and still have some semblance of performance available, without the crippling running costs.
Have to say, I am a bit scared of a remap introducing lag after reading some comments on here recently.
Didn't get around to fitting my new underbody bits this weekend gone, but I did manage a full wash and wax, albeit over two days thanks to the weather!
I am craving a remap now. As soon as funds allow, I am going to unleash the car's potential.
Must be quite strange going from an M5, but they are such nice cars. It's great to have an option to stay in an E60 and still have some semblance of performance available, without the crippling running costs.
Have to say, I am a bit scared of a remap introducing lag after reading some comments on here recently.
Didn't get around to fitting my new underbody bits this weekend gone, but I did manage a full wash and wax, albeit over two days thanks to the weather!
Eski1991 said:
That's kind of the response I expected, I'll keep my eye out elsewhere.
Probably for the best!
I reckon I will keep this a year and then IF I am doing well enough with my contracting work, I would really, really, like an E92 M3 before it's too late to enjoy a big V8. It all does depend on work and the commute etc. though. I doubt I will ever find anything as good all round as a 535d.
As a car they are very hard to beat. I have the E61 and I've not kept a car as long as this one as I don't know what I could realistically replace it with.
Mine is remapped by E-Maps. It does make a marked difference to the performance as it's now just as quick as my E39 M5 was. The engines characteristics are also very similar to it now, big low down grunt and it really winds up top end after the remap.
There is no increased lag - I've not heard that criticism before.
I considered DMS and Evolve but E-Maps have such a good reputation and a much more reasonable price. Worth every penny.
Mine is remapped by E-Maps. It does make a marked difference to the performance as it's now just as quick as my E39 M5 was. The engines characteristics are also very similar to it now, big low down grunt and it really winds up top end after the remap.
There is no increased lag - I've not heard that criticism before.
I considered DMS and Evolve but E-Maps have such a good reputation and a much more reasonable price. Worth every penny.
Got the new front corner undertray bits on fine, which is great. Now I have the wind deflectors in front of the wheels.
Unfortunately, I received my new diagnostic cable and software on Friday and I have been reading the fault codes on the car. It appears to need a new MAF sensor and 4 glow plugs :S
So that's now thermostats, badly refurbed wheels and then glow plugs and maf that have needed attention in the 6 weeks since buying the car. I'm not best pleased really.
The dealer has been less than helpful, and trying to use the AA Warranty is a ball ache as they want to go to one of their nominated repair centres rather than my choice of a BMW specialist. If I go to a specialist they will only pay £36 an hour labour towards the cost of repair so I end up more out of pocket than just doing it myself, it's ridiculous.
Unfortunately, I received my new diagnostic cable and software on Friday and I have been reading the fault codes on the car. It appears to need a new MAF sensor and 4 glow plugs :S
So that's now thermostats, badly refurbed wheels and then glow plugs and maf that have needed attention in the 6 weeks since buying the car. I'm not best pleased really.
The dealer has been less than helpful, and trying to use the AA Warranty is a ball ache as they want to go to one of their nominated repair centres rather than my choice of a BMW specialist. If I go to a specialist they will only pay £36 an hour labour towards the cost of repair so I end up more out of pocket than just doing it myself, it's ridiculous.
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