Discussion
Hello PH bretheren.
Having owned an E39 M5 for 3 years ( V8 M5 ) the repair costs were starting to grate a little. I was used to hefty bills but for some reason they seemed to snowball this year which became annoying.
By August this year it had cost me approximatley 2.5k in reapirs alone. Not general maintenance, repairs, so the time came for it to go.
Living with a W reg, £700 Honda Accord as a interim car was miserable so, in less than a week I bought a Dec 2005 E61 535d.
Anyway, enough of my life story.
I bought a facelift, pre LCI touring with 272 bhp and 413 Lbs/ft.
I am not one of these 'mapped' idiots that will argue with misguided self belief that a diesel is as much fun/involving/intoxicating as a petrol, quite simply, they are not.
I drove my M5 every single day for 3 years, I dont see the point in not as it is basically a 4 door saloon. Weekend cars are Ferrari's etc.
That is why I bought something that will do what I want, ie, commute and carry my family in comfort and ease yet still satify the driving and speed addict when I am on my own.
I am lucky enough to drive a 530d at work most days and can legally take the car to its limits on the road so knew what they are like to drive.
IMO, is the newer car as good as the E39? I'd say no. The build quality could be better as could the ride. It has bits of trim you can pull back with your finger and it thumps and bumps on the smallest of imperfections.
The general feel of the car is however very nice. Its tight and taught and the feel of a more modern car is very appealing.
I love the design inside and out and the ability to attain big speed with minimal effort.
Filling up half as often with fuel is also a welcome bonus.
My car is stock however I intend on removing the swirl flaps and the run flat tyres as well as replace a few bits of worn trim.
I know these cars, as are any are not without their issues but when flapless they seem to be a lot more robust. I intend on keeing the car for some time.
I do not like the lenghty servicing intervals and the I drive servicing schedules.
Im sure it will become tedious visiting the dealer potentially 3 times a year, once for brakes, the next for an oil service and then again for a 'vehicle check'. What was wrong with the old system? A money making system or a clever way of items being replaced exactly when they are needed? Im undecided.
I know the car wont appeal to all, if many but I'll still be here mostly on the M Power/BMW forum to assit others where I can.
Here are some dealer shots and feel free to ask questions/comment.
...and no mention of Remap - see, it can be done!
Neil.D
Having owned an E39 M5 for 3 years ( V8 M5 ) the repair costs were starting to grate a little. I was used to hefty bills but for some reason they seemed to snowball this year which became annoying.
By August this year it had cost me approximatley 2.5k in reapirs alone. Not general maintenance, repairs, so the time came for it to go.
Living with a W reg, £700 Honda Accord as a interim car was miserable so, in less than a week I bought a Dec 2005 E61 535d.
Anyway, enough of my life story.
I bought a facelift, pre LCI touring with 272 bhp and 413 Lbs/ft.
I am not one of these 'mapped' idiots that will argue with misguided self belief that a diesel is as much fun/involving/intoxicating as a petrol, quite simply, they are not.
I drove my M5 every single day for 3 years, I dont see the point in not as it is basically a 4 door saloon. Weekend cars are Ferrari's etc.
That is why I bought something that will do what I want, ie, commute and carry my family in comfort and ease yet still satify the driving and speed addict when I am on my own.
I am lucky enough to drive a 530d at work most days and can legally take the car to its limits on the road so knew what they are like to drive.
IMO, is the newer car as good as the E39? I'd say no. The build quality could be better as could the ride. It has bits of trim you can pull back with your finger and it thumps and bumps on the smallest of imperfections.
The general feel of the car is however very nice. Its tight and taught and the feel of a more modern car is very appealing.
I love the design inside and out and the ability to attain big speed with minimal effort.
Filling up half as often with fuel is also a welcome bonus.
My car is stock however I intend on removing the swirl flaps and the run flat tyres as well as replace a few bits of worn trim.
I know these cars, as are any are not without their issues but when flapless they seem to be a lot more robust. I intend on keeing the car for some time.
I do not like the lenghty servicing intervals and the I drive servicing schedules.
Im sure it will become tedious visiting the dealer potentially 3 times a year, once for brakes, the next for an oil service and then again for a 'vehicle check'. What was wrong with the old system? A money making system or a clever way of items being replaced exactly when they are needed? Im undecided.
I know the car wont appeal to all, if many but I'll still be here mostly on the M Power/BMW forum to assit others where I can.
Here are some dealer shots and feel free to ask questions/comment.
...and no mention of Remap - see, it can be done!
Neil.D
Edited by Neil.D on Friday 15th October 22:07
haggy said:
Nice Neil! like that. Did you p-ex the M5?
Hi Mike, I was given a trade in price of £5k! Whoaa! Sold it privately in the end for over 3k more.
I wasn't planning on getting the E61 but I drove a mates DMS'd 530d and I bought this one as an impulsive buy!
How is the M6 working out for you? Is she a keeper?
exigepete said:
Looking good Neil, plenty of room for little people and toys in the boot as well!
No shame about diesel's. I went to the Porsche Sunday Service in my dads CDTI Vectra today! The RS is away being detailed to my usual high standard!
High standards? Is that what you call it? I'd say more total need for perfection! If your 997 was anything to go by then I'm sure your new car will look just as amazing. No shame about diesel's. I went to the Porsche Sunday Service in my dads CDTI Vectra today! The RS is away being detailed to my usual high standard!
insanojackson said:
so your a cop and you drive a 530d and you take it to its "limits" at work??
I would argue that driving to a cars limits on a public road is not sensible even when using exemptions.
Thanks for you impotent, uninformed opinion and goodbye. I would argue that driving to a cars limits on a public road is not sensible even when using exemptions.
You'll only embarrass yourself.
Neil.D said:
goodbye
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