E60 BMW 5 series on a shoestring
Discussion
Hi all,
Having reached the end of a PCP and wanting to avoid further monthly payments and depreciation on a car, I have made a move from new to old..
I have spent the last 3 years and 32k miles driving an F30 BMW 328i M Sport 245ps saloon. This has been a great car, and what I consider an excellent all rounder, being able to transport 4 adults with luggage in comfort over long distances or hold tight during spirited B road blasts. The car has been without issue, the ZF 8 speed box excellent and an average economy figure of 29.9mpg over its life so far.
So armed with a budget of £3,000 I set out to purchase a replacement. My main requirement was something comfortable that can soak up miles when needed, have space for friends or family and maintain a reasonably smart image. I was very happy with my previous BMW and have become something of a fan, so focused my search on BMW's.
After looking at E39 5 series cars, the 540i in particular, and conceding that in my price range I could be destined for issues and expense, I decided the later E60 cars were a safer bet. With no desire or requirement for a diesel engine, and no 545i's or 550is in budget, I settled on the 530i. I had to fight budget drift somewhat, but held strong.. It would be pre facelift and SE spec.
So after a little searching, I drove up to Birmingham on Saturday and purchased a 530i SE in black with black leather. 130k on the clock. I paid £2,600 and happily drove the 100 miles home
The car feels very different.. It is now clearly apparent to me where the term "barge" comes from. Compared to my F30 this feels big, wallowy and barge like. This of course is to be expected in a medium size saloon in SE spec. It is however very comfortable and the straight 6 motor very smooth.
I plan to keep this car for a few years and have some money set aside to perform any maintenance or upkeep that is required. I thought I would document any work or improvements here and keep track of costs. So far it's had new front wiper blades (£29.99) and a replacement locking wheel nut adaptor key, as the original was missing. (£9.25)
The car goes in to my local BMW specialist tomorrow for a vehicle check and service. Once the car is back I'll give it a wash and take some more pictures
Thanks for reading
Having reached the end of a PCP and wanting to avoid further monthly payments and depreciation on a car, I have made a move from new to old..
I have spent the last 3 years and 32k miles driving an F30 BMW 328i M Sport 245ps saloon. This has been a great car, and what I consider an excellent all rounder, being able to transport 4 adults with luggage in comfort over long distances or hold tight during spirited B road blasts. The car has been without issue, the ZF 8 speed box excellent and an average economy figure of 29.9mpg over its life so far.
So armed with a budget of £3,000 I set out to purchase a replacement. My main requirement was something comfortable that can soak up miles when needed, have space for friends or family and maintain a reasonably smart image. I was very happy with my previous BMW and have become something of a fan, so focused my search on BMW's.
After looking at E39 5 series cars, the 540i in particular, and conceding that in my price range I could be destined for issues and expense, I decided the later E60 cars were a safer bet. With no desire or requirement for a diesel engine, and no 545i's or 550is in budget, I settled on the 530i. I had to fight budget drift somewhat, but held strong.. It would be pre facelift and SE spec.
So after a little searching, I drove up to Birmingham on Saturday and purchased a 530i SE in black with black leather. 130k on the clock. I paid £2,600 and happily drove the 100 miles home
The car feels very different.. It is now clearly apparent to me where the term "barge" comes from. Compared to my F30 this feels big, wallowy and barge like. This of course is to be expected in a medium size saloon in SE spec. It is however very comfortable and the straight 6 motor very smooth.
I plan to keep this car for a few years and have some money set aside to perform any maintenance or upkeep that is required. I thought I would document any work or improvements here and keep track of costs. So far it's had new front wiper blades (£29.99) and a replacement locking wheel nut adaptor key, as the original was missing. (£9.25)
The car goes in to my local BMW specialist tomorrow for a vehicle check and service. Once the car is back I'll give it a wash and take some more pictures
Thanks for reading
Perhaps I came across a little negative.. I'm happy with the car and knew it would be different to my previous vehicle. There are definite pro's and cons however and it would be misleading to suggest everything was great.
My favourite aspects of the car so far are the comfort and the sound and smoothness of the engine
As mentioned, the car has been in for a vehicle check today - this is at my local bmw specialist Indy. No way I would use a main dealer for a car of this vintage.
The bonnet was not closing correctly and appeared to be slightly open on one side, despite being securely closed. This was fixed.
Given the age and mileage I thought it wise to have the automatic transmission oil changed, so this has been done along with a new filter and sump pan. This has improved the function of the box, it seems smoother and like it's in the correct gear sooner
There were a couple of advisory notes that I am not sure what to make of:
"Slight oil leaks from cam cover gasket"
"Possible engine sump pan oil leak, requires further investigation".
I questioned the sump pan leak and they said it seemed like a small leak. They cleaned it up and said it should be monitored. I suppose I'll check the oil level every couple of days for a reduction in oil level. I would have preferred a little more certainty or a fix.
Other than the 2 advisories, there were no major issues or items requiring immediate attention. £450 spent, £250 for the gear box oil, filter and sump kit, 2 hours labour and VAT
It's booked in for 2 new rear tyres tomorrow
My favourite aspects of the car so far are the comfort and the sound and smoothness of the engine
As mentioned, the car has been in for a vehicle check today - this is at my local bmw specialist Indy. No way I would use a main dealer for a car of this vintage.
The bonnet was not closing correctly and appeared to be slightly open on one side, despite being securely closed. This was fixed.
Given the age and mileage I thought it wise to have the automatic transmission oil changed, so this has been done along with a new filter and sump pan. This has improved the function of the box, it seems smoother and like it's in the correct gear sooner
There were a couple of advisory notes that I am not sure what to make of:
"Slight oil leaks from cam cover gasket"
"Possible engine sump pan oil leak, requires further investigation".
I questioned the sump pan leak and they said it seemed like a small leak. They cleaned it up and said it should be monitored. I suppose I'll check the oil level every couple of days for a reduction in oil level. I would have preferred a little more certainty or a fix.
Other than the 2 advisories, there were no major issues or items requiring immediate attention. £450 spent, £250 for the gear box oil, filter and sump kit, 2 hours labour and VAT
It's booked in for 2 new rear tyres tomorrow
I have read mixed reports on welding of damaged alloy wheels and it seems it is OK provided a skilled welder completes the work, and the damage is not "beyond repair"
I don't particularly want to buy a new wheel so I am thinking of having it welded. At the same time I'll have all 4 wheels refurbished; stripped down and re-sprayed and powder coated. They are a bit flakey at the moment, so this should freshen the car up
The car is feeling better since the gearbox oil was replaced and the new tyres were fitted on the rear
On Wednesday it's going for a second opinion on the sump pan gasket leak and the cam cover gasket leak. The oil level doesn't look to have dropped since Friday.
450 miles covered so far, mixed driving but a fair bit of town and cold starts. It's averaging 23mpg
I don't particularly want to buy a new wheel so I am thinking of having it welded. At the same time I'll have all 4 wheels refurbished; stripped down and re-sprayed and powder coated. They are a bit flakey at the moment, so this should freshen the car up
The car is feeling better since the gearbox oil was replaced and the new tyres were fitted on the rear
On Wednesday it's going for a second opinion on the sump pan gasket leak and the cam cover gasket leak. The oil level doesn't look to have dropped since Friday.
450 miles covered so far, mixed driving but a fair bit of town and cold starts. It's averaging 23mpg
Ok I'll look into wheel repair and refurb today. I could probably get it welded and all 4 wheels refurbed for the cost of 1 new wheel
Slow said:
I have been somewhat looking at these as my current E46 330i touring just isnt large enough inside. How would you say the space would be for rear passengers with a 6'4" driver?
There is probably a few inches more leg room than a 3 series, a noticeable difference but not hugeI have just been quoted £360 for a new wheel and £400 for a full 4 wheel refurb and welding of the cracked wheel. I think I'll go for the refurb as the other wheels could do with tidying up
Thinking about getting the paint work detailed, or whether I could improve the appearance of the paintwork myself, as a complete novice
Thinking about getting the paint work detailed, or whether I could improve the appearance of the paintwork myself, as a complete novice
Thanks for the advice on the cam cover
Yes I know there will be some costs in getting this car to a reasonable standard, but this was factored in prior to the purchase and was reflected in the price
I am hoping to have this car purchased and tidied up for less than 12 months PCP payments on the F30.
I have ordered a new bonnet roundel / badge today, £3.98. The original has seen better days
Yes I know there will be some costs in getting this car to a reasonable standard, but this was factored in prior to the purchase and was reflected in the price
I am hoping to have this car purchased and tidied up for less than 12 months PCP payments on the F30.
I have ordered a new bonnet roundel / badge today, £3.98. The original has seen better days
Yes these are all good points and were the motivating factors for doing it this way
At the end I hope to have a well sorted, comfy 5 series with a smooth straight 6 to run about in for a few years
Replaced the oil filter housing gasket today which looks to have been dripping down to the sump pan, so we'll see if that sorts the leak. Also renewed the brake fluid and spark plugs
Checked out the thermostat, seems to be operating correctly but is possibly leaking coolant, this will be monitored
At the end I hope to have a well sorted, comfy 5 series with a smooth straight 6 to run about in for a few years
Replaced the oil filter housing gasket today which looks to have been dripping down to the sump pan, so we'll see if that sorts the leak. Also renewed the brake fluid and spark plugs
Checked out the thermostat, seems to be operating correctly but is possibly leaking coolant, this will be monitored
gf15 said:
Quick tip is to keep a genuine Bosch coil pack in the boot for when one goes. We do, and on average use one on our 2002 330i every 18 months.
One minute they work, the next they do not.
When it goes, call AA / BB / RAC who get there quickly and they diagnose a coil pack, at which stage you produce one from the boot. Normally on your way within 30 minutes of them arriving.
Remember to get the breakdown gut to clear the fault code, so the EML light goes out.
Great car, enjoy!
Useful tip! Thanks. One minute they work, the next they do not.
When it goes, call AA / BB / RAC who get there quickly and they diagnose a coil pack, at which stage you produce one from the boot. Normally on your way within 30 minutes of them arriving.
Remember to get the breakdown gut to clear the fault code, so the EML light goes out.
Great car, enjoy!
funkyrobot said:
Sounds like you need to be handy with the spanners to own a car like this.
Are you quite good at spannering and are the jobs hard to do?
I'm ashamed to admit all work has been done by my independent BMW specialist. Are you quite good at spannering and are the jobs hard to do?
I find the steering fine, it's slightly heavier than my F30 was, which is to be expected as it is an older and slightly heavier car. People also do comment that the steering is particularly light on the F30, especially in comfort mode. To be honest I am not particularly interested in steering feedback on a medium to large size saloon car
I know what you're saying.. I went on the basis that my F30 or indeed a new BMW cost me £400/month or £4,800 a year, so if I can buy one and complete necessary repairs and maintenance for the price of one years PCP payments, I'm happy. The car will be kept for at least 3 years so I should save money.
So while I'm on the subject of costs.. £630 spent today on replacing the thermostat ( slight coolant leak) and replacing the rocker cover gasket ( slight oil leak) This is all the current known issues with the car sorted so I'll see how it goes from here on in, just about at the £4.8k mark
So while I'm on the subject of costs.. £630 spent today on replacing the thermostat ( slight coolant leak) and replacing the rocker cover gasket ( slight oil leak) This is all the current known issues with the car sorted so I'll see how it goes from here on in, just about at the £4.8k mark
I have had the same trains of thought and my logic is that I could have bought an E60 for twice the price and still had the same issues to resolve at some point. Most of the issues I have had are common e60 faults; oil filter housing gasket, thermostat etc. I would rather these be corrected with OEM parts by my chosen Indy specialist.
Other costs have been replacing spark plugs, gear box oil, brake fluid, tyres.. again, things that would need doing at some point, I have chosen to get them done upfront with the knowledge that they have been done to a good standard with quality parts and materials
I have had the odd occasion where I have thought "I could be sat in something brand new" but I'm comfortable with what I have spent and am reasonably confident that the car will do me well. The reason I started this thread was to document the trials and tribulations of such a purchase.
The car has really grown on me over the last couple of weeks, it's very comfy and makes a nice growl when you give it some gas.. my growing fondness of the car has eased the slight irritation of spending money on it
Other costs have been replacing spark plugs, gear box oil, brake fluid, tyres.. again, things that would need doing at some point, I have chosen to get them done upfront with the knowledge that they have been done to a good standard with quality parts and materials
I have had the odd occasion where I have thought "I could be sat in something brand new" but I'm comfortable with what I have spent and am reasonably confident that the car will do me well. The reason I started this thread was to document the trials and tribulations of such a purchase.
The car has really grown on me over the last couple of weeks, it's very comfy and makes a nice growl when you give it some gas.. my growing fondness of the car has eased the slight irritation of spending money on it
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