E61 530i - What should I be looking for? (Advice)
Discussion
Afternoon folks,
After being on the hunt for a large estate for some time - with plenty of trials and tribulations, I scouted an E61 530i for sale - it looks to good to be true, so I've reserved it!
57 plate - only 60,000 miles, 1 owner - all services complete barring one at Berry Chiswick (believe this is London based BMW?) Had some pictures through of the underneath and within the arches and it looks immaculate for the age, like its barely a year old.
I've done the usual youtube/internet trawling for some basic checks to go through which I intend to follow up on.
The car comes with a few receipts of work, so I'm curious if there any major flags I need to avoid or anything I should be looking to ensure its had done.
Ive done the usual MOT checks, a couple failures over the years - tyre sidewall, tyre bulge, Nearside rear wheel cracked (ill be checking this as it could be the cause of the previous tyre issues - but has passed numerous times since) and, fittingly.... Nearside & Offside repeaters not working... a BMW thing?
Heading down Saturday to scope it out with the hopes of being over the moon and driving it back home the same day.
Any info would be a huge benefit, so thanks in advance!
After being on the hunt for a large estate for some time - with plenty of trials and tribulations, I scouted an E61 530i for sale - it looks to good to be true, so I've reserved it!
57 plate - only 60,000 miles, 1 owner - all services complete barring one at Berry Chiswick (believe this is London based BMW?) Had some pictures through of the underneath and within the arches and it looks immaculate for the age, like its barely a year old.
I've done the usual youtube/internet trawling for some basic checks to go through which I intend to follow up on.
The car comes with a few receipts of work, so I'm curious if there any major flags I need to avoid or anything I should be looking to ensure its had done.
Ive done the usual MOT checks, a couple failures over the years - tyre sidewall, tyre bulge, Nearside rear wheel cracked (ill be checking this as it could be the cause of the previous tyre issues - but has passed numerous times since) and, fittingly.... Nearside & Offside repeaters not working... a BMW thing?
Heading down Saturday to scope it out with the hopes of being over the moon and driving it back home the same day.
Any info would be a huge benefit, so thanks in advance!
bmwmike said:
If it's the n53 engine check for evidence of injectors and coilpacks etc being done fairly recently. If it's cheap and seems too good to be true it probably needs a set of injectors. You need to see it cold start after standing all night, check exhaust for black smoke puff or blue smoke puff, both of which may mean leaky injector, as fuel leaks into the chamber overnight. It may start misfiring too. If the idle is smooth and no smoke, may be ok.
If it's n52 less issues.
2007 is cut over for n52 then later n53 so it could be either.
Hey Mike. December 07 date, with 275bhp quoted, I think I'm correct in saying thats the N53?If it's n52 less issues.
2007 is cut over for n52 then later n53 so it could be either.
I queried the seller on injectors and I have been told that all were removed and cleaned, 1 replaced under service.
Thank you for the tip, ill definitely be asking for a cold startup!
Do these suffer with coking and need walnut blasting at all?
Court_S said:
Also ask re the High Pressure Fuel Pump and history of that being changed since they’re quite expensive although a drop in the ocean compared to six of the latest injectors. I believe the NOX sensor can cause issues on the N53.
They’re a direct injection engine so will probably suffer coking; my N54 was pretty bad when I had that walnut blasted.
Like any BMW, oil leaks are a common issue too (oil filter housing, oil cooler, rocker cover and sump are the common spots).
Hey man, really enjoy reading your readers Cars threads, seriously jealous with the man mechanic understanding, lovely to see! Maybe I’ll finally have my own readers car in the form of a touring like yourself by weeks end! They’re a direct injection engine so will probably suffer coking; my N54 was pretty bad when I had that walnut blasted.
Like any BMW, oil leaks are a common issue too (oil filter housing, oil cooler, rocker cover and sump are the common spots).
Thanks for raising those points, the HPFP was something that there is a receipt for if I remember rightly, but that could be me mistaking it for a previous car I’ve viewed! I’ll definitely raise questions and do some digging on the NOX sensor!
I’ve made a request to have the car cold and not moved from its spot until I’m there, so hopefully I’ll catch any obvious leaks and spot a dodgy start up.
bmwmike said:
First up the injectors can't be cleaned or refurbed so that would be a red flag to me, as they are trying to solve a problem of some sort. Why else would they clean em?
Second yes n53 can coke up but mine showed minimal at 85k when I sold it. DI turbo are worse for coking up.
Nox sensor is another expensive item on these. If you test drive it, reset the mpg and should show 23mpg thereabouts after 20 mins or so test drive, higher on motorway. If it's under 19mpg it's probably not running stratified and it may need a nox sensor.
Even better take a code reader and read the codes after it's been driven.
I loved my n53, one of BMW's best nasp six petrols imo but... They can throw some expensive bills and ultimately why I let mine go - injectors are 300 odd quid a pop and there are six of them. Mine was showing a little glitch and off it went to the great auction house in the sky..
Thanks again Mike, as above I’ve requested a fresh coke start when I arrive with a reasonably long solo test drive, so I’ll keep an eye out for these things, but excellent trick on the MPG, I’ll have to figure out how to reset it as a newbie to a BMW. Second yes n53 can coke up but mine showed minimal at 85k when I sold it. DI turbo are worse for coking up.
Nox sensor is another expensive item on these. If you test drive it, reset the mpg and should show 23mpg thereabouts after 20 mins or so test drive, higher on motorway. If it's under 19mpg it's probably not running stratified and it may need a nox sensor.
Even better take a code reader and read the codes after it's been driven.
I loved my n53, one of BMW's best nasp six petrols imo but... They can throw some expensive bills and ultimately why I let mine go - injectors are 300 odd quid a pop and there are six of them. Mine was showing a little glitch and off it went to the great auction house in the sky..
Edited by bmwmike on Tuesday 1st August 18:26
I just had a little look at the Carly app to plug In, can actually get one locally from someone for the trip by complete chance, I’ll Take your recommendation as a go for that one! Cheers! Is there any sort of codes that raise the red flag of get the hell out of dodge?
bmwmike said:
First up the injectors can't be cleaned or refurbed so that would be a red flag to me, as they are trying to solve a problem of some sort. Why else would they clean em?
Just checked the email, he’s replaced a plug - all injectors were changed in 2021. My bad! That’s a reliefEdited by bmwmike on Tuesday 1st August 18:26
I've got a few oil leak areas to keep a check up on so it would seem!
Appreciate these responses guys, i'm seriously excited by this, so much that I think I might even jump in feet first but i'll reign it in!
Injector is new which is a bonus!
Cant get hold of a reader in time for tomorrow which is a minor hit, but i've got it for when im back and can give it a check over and a full service!
How's the operation of changing from Run flats to normal tyres?
Appreciate these responses guys, i'm seriously excited by this, so much that I think I might even jump in feet first
but i'll reign it in!Injector is new which is a bonus!
Cant get hold of a reader in time for tomorrow which is a minor hit, but i've got it for when im back and can give it a check over and a full service!
How's the operation of changing from Run flats to normal tyres?
d_a_n1979 said:
You could get this delivered by 1pm tomorrow if you order ASAP:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creator-Battery-Registrat...
It's a great code reader and small enough to keep in the car at all times too
Re RFTs to non RFTs; no operation. Get them fitted, reap the rewards of a quieter, smoother drive with better handling and no tramlining
Legend, Dan! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creator-Battery-Registrat...
It's a great code reader and small enough to keep in the car at all times too
Re RFTs to non RFTs; no operation. Get them fitted, reap the rewards of a quieter, smoother drive with better handling and no tramlining
The perks of Amazon Prime!
Will report back tomorrow eve!
Well I bought it.
Absolutely immaculate condition for the age, inside and out.
Minor stone chip at the front, slight peeling around door handle at the passenger rear, some dirt ingress into the rear lights and the top “lip” if you like. Nothing some elbow grease won’t whip up.
Car performed excellent, no major faults within the reader. Just 1 AC sensor that seems, after a quick google, to be a fairly pain free and cost limited fix.
Walked away with 300 quid left over from the asking price. That will head nicely towards chucking some MP4S all around and rid of the RFTs!
Thanks for all the advice people! I’ll post a photo of it when I get some time tomorrow along with the faults that came up.
In love with it! Now I just need a fitting name for her, I’m thinking Bertha!
Absolutely immaculate condition for the age, inside and out.
Minor stone chip at the front, slight peeling around door handle at the passenger rear, some dirt ingress into the rear lights and the top “lip” if you like. Nothing some elbow grease won’t whip up.
Car performed excellent, no major faults within the reader. Just 1 AC sensor that seems, after a quick google, to be a fairly pain free and cost limited fix.
Walked away with 300 quid left over from the asking price. That will head nicely towards chucking some MP4S all around and rid of the RFTs!
Thanks for all the advice people! I’ll post a photo of it when I get some time tomorrow along with the faults that came up.
In love with it! Now I just need a fitting name for her, I’m thinking Bertha!
Hahaha sorry folks!
I’m having a manic week prepping for a festival and trying to get my old car cleaned up to stick on the motorway.
I’ll grab an awful one in the work car park and stick it on this evening!
In for alignment this evening as it’s slightly pulling to the left when the suspension is decompressing. Will order some new rubber for it at the same time.
Stuck the rear netting up this morning, to add to the grandad persona.
In love
I’m having a manic week prepping for a festival and trying to get my old car cleaned up to stick on the motorway.
I’ll grab an awful one in the work car park and stick it on this evening!
In for alignment this evening as it’s slightly pulling to the left when the suspension is decompressing. Will order some new rubber for it at the same time.
Stuck the rear netting up this morning, to add to the grandad persona.
In love
As above! Apologies for the poor rushed picture, I may start a little readers thread as I dive into the car!
I’m not that mechanically savvy when it comes to the nitty gritty, but I aren’t stupid either! I’m looking forward to what this car brings
Just popped in for alignment check and it’s fine, so the pulling is coming elsewhere (it’s only minor). A quick google suggests tie rods may be a place to look!
Thank you gents!
Looking into bush replacement all around as I start to play too. Keeping all these things hidden from the missus haha.
Will report back in a week or so as it progresses!
Looking into a CarPlay unit with USB connectivity for it over the new few days too, there’s an integrated automotive unit that seems all the bells and whistles, all be it on the pricier side
Looking into bush replacement all around as I start to play too. Keeping all these things hidden from the missus haha.
Will report back in a week or so as it progresses!
Looking into a CarPlay unit with USB connectivity for it over the new few days too, there’s an integrated automotive unit that seems all the bells and whistles, all be it on the pricier side
Mr Tidy said:
That looks great OP. 
I took my Z4 for a 4 wheel alignment and it needed 2 new track rods as they were seized solid - it seems to be a common problem!
Just curious but does yours have the N52 or N53 engine?
Hey man! Thank you! I took my Z4 for a 4 wheel alignment and it needed 2 new track rods as they were seized solid - it seems to be a common problem!
Just curious but does yours have the N52 or N53 engine?
Trying to keep her as pristine as possible, ceramic coat end of the month
It is indeed the N53! I’m constantly checking to make sure there’s no leaks as I’ve been instructed to do haha
How’s the Z4 treating you?
Good morning!
Apologies for the late replies, I’ve been at a festival all weekend and I’m only just recovering!
Thanks for all the info for going forward. I’ve set myself aside a 3 month schedule to do preventative maintenance as much as possible, track rods are booked in soon. I’ll definitely get on the tensioner and I’ve already started eyeing up a few big jobs to be done in may after works bonus payments!
I ordered an andream unit after a bit of research so I’ll give it a shot at installing that when it arrives!
Car is an absolute delight at the moment and I love just looking at it from the front room! The slight blue tint glows when the suns out!
Ceramic coating end of the month and having a full interior valet. This is the most love a car has had in a fair few years, so it speaks volumes to me
Apologies for the late replies, I’ve been at a festival all weekend and I’m only just recovering!
Thanks for all the info for going forward. I’ve set myself aside a 3 month schedule to do preventative maintenance as much as possible, track rods are booked in soon. I’ll definitely get on the tensioner and I’ve already started eyeing up a few big jobs to be done in may after works bonus payments!
I ordered an andream unit after a bit of research so I’ll give it a shot at installing that when it arrives!
Car is an absolute delight at the moment and I love just looking at it from the front room! The slight blue tint glows when the suns out!
Ceramic coating end of the month and having a full interior valet. This is the most love a car has had in a fair few years, so it speaks volumes to me
Gad-Westy said:
I have a top tip for the andream install on these. Your's being a facelift car, I assume has a cubby in the centre console?
If you take it out during install and drill a 16mm hole through the side of it, you can fit one of these sockets to the side wall. They can just be glued in place (superglue worked fine). It means that you don't need to have a permanent dangling USB cable anywhere and it's pretty much invisible until you plug a cable in to use it. Makes for a very neat install, especially if you'll mainly use wireless connection.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081KRFQKQ?psc=1&r...
Absolute superstar Westy! Ordered it this second! If you take it out during install and drill a 16mm hole through the side of it, you can fit one of these sockets to the side wall. They can just be glued in place (superglue worked fine). It means that you don't need to have a permanent dangling USB cable anywhere and it's pretty much invisible until you plug a cable in to use it. Makes for a very neat install, especially if you'll mainly use wireless connection.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081KRFQKQ?psc=1&r...
I’m sure it’s a one off…. Hoping! Haha, but this morning I had a little bit of a rough start-up! 3/4 seconds the revs dropped and felt a bit chuggish? Disappeared on its own, worth monitoring!
Just as an update on track rod ends.
Bought the parts myself with the aim to do it myself, but alas - long story short, I sold all my tools, my house and my old belongings for an adventure and I’ve never got myself back into that situation. Live on a one way narrow terraced street so working on your vehicle is a bit bothersome.
That being said I’m using a mechys garage to complete the work.
Firstly; why are so many garages refusing to do work with parts that aren’t their own order! Ridiculous, I even waived the right to warranty and they won’t!
Secondly; went through a few local BMW specialists, I’ve been quoted as much as 187.50 for the labour, 95 for alignment from one garage, which WOULD take my parts.
The next garage want 220 all in, with their parts included.
The third garage quoted me 455 for the same job!!
Do they pull those figures out of their proverbial A* holes?!
Be cheaper for me to buy some tools and drive it to my mates driveway, then pay for alignment at a local kwikfit!
Bought the parts myself with the aim to do it myself, but alas - long story short, I sold all my tools, my house and my old belongings for an adventure and I’ve never got myself back into that situation. Live on a one way narrow terraced street so working on your vehicle is a bit bothersome.
That being said I’m using a mechys garage to complete the work.
Firstly; why are so many garages refusing to do work with parts that aren’t their own order! Ridiculous, I even waived the right to warranty and they won’t!
Secondly; went through a few local BMW specialists, I’ve been quoted as much as 187.50 for the labour, 95 for alignment from one garage, which WOULD take my parts.
The next garage want 220 all in, with their parts included.
The third garage quoted me 455 for the same job!!
Do they pull those figures out of their proverbial A* holes?!
Be cheaper for me to buy some tools and drive it to my mates driveway, then pay for alignment at a local kwikfit!
A little update, and some more advice seeking!
Track rod end replacement worked a charm, installed the andream unit too, and after some frustration trying to figure it out, a quick email to the Chinese gentleman who sent me it, I got a passcode and all worked magically!
Had a few little jobs done over the last couple of months, all in the name of peace of mind, had the auxiliary belt and tensioner done last and before that had a new battery installed, cooling flush and AC unit check up/top up.
Since then I had my front and rear BMW badge nicked at Humberside Airport at the end of August, nice £160 spent at BMW for some sparkly new ones
Unfortunately had a puncture on the rest left, so whilst it’s a little unaffordable before Xmas, I’ve taken the plunge and I’m swapping all 4 to new Michelin PS5’s NRFs. Sourcing a spare 18 inch to keep in the boot just in case, because I know my luck!
New spark plugs and coil packs after the new year, with the final reassurance job being the discs and pads around March!
My advice comes in the form of spacers!
I’ve never dabbled in spacers as I’ve typically had already menacingly looking cars and it’s not really been necessary, however the wheels sit so far in the arches on this, especially at the rear, so I think it’s a job I’m going to throw in with the discs and pads in March.
Has anyone done this to an E61? What size/brand/type did you go for? Worried I order completely the wrong part if I’m honest!
I would say 10mm probably seems right for the front but the rear probably more!
Absolutely love the car and I’ve had floods of compliments of older chaps, even some of the Barry boys at my gym have given it a good staring at!
Once the back end of winter is gone I’ll be having a fairly good dose of ceramic coating at a local detailers and hopefully that’s me done until something ugly shows up!
Track rod end replacement worked a charm, installed the andream unit too, and after some frustration trying to figure it out, a quick email to the Chinese gentleman who sent me it, I got a passcode and all worked magically!
Had a few little jobs done over the last couple of months, all in the name of peace of mind, had the auxiliary belt and tensioner done last and before that had a new battery installed, cooling flush and AC unit check up/top up.
Since then I had my front and rear BMW badge nicked at Humberside Airport at the end of August, nice £160 spent at BMW for some sparkly new ones
Unfortunately had a puncture on the rest left, so whilst it’s a little unaffordable before Xmas, I’ve taken the plunge and I’m swapping all 4 to new Michelin PS5’s NRFs. Sourcing a spare 18 inch to keep in the boot just in case, because I know my luck!
New spark plugs and coil packs after the new year, with the final reassurance job being the discs and pads around March!
My advice comes in the form of spacers!
I’ve never dabbled in spacers as I’ve typically had already menacingly looking cars and it’s not really been necessary, however the wheels sit so far in the arches on this, especially at the rear, so I think it’s a job I’m going to throw in with the discs and pads in March.
Has anyone done this to an E61? What size/brand/type did you go for? Worried I order completely the wrong part if I’m honest!
I would say 10mm probably seems right for the front but the rear probably more!
Absolutely love the car and I’ve had floods of compliments of older chaps, even some of the Barry boys at my gym have given it a good staring at!
Once the back end of winter is gone I’ll be having a fairly good dose of ceramic coating at a local detailers and hopefully that’s me done until something ugly shows up!
I’ve taken your advice and gone for the 12s from mtec! Will look to fit them next weekend if I can steal my old man’s driveway!
The occasional lumpy idle has gone away with coding of 2 injectors that must of been replaced at some point, absolute dream result!
Just drove away from having 4 MPS5’s fitted (non run flat) and you were all right! Absolutely transformed the ride, feels light nimble and smooth! Turning the steering wheel feels like driving a VW up in comparison to this morning
Will post a before/after of the spacers when it’s done! Must admit I was sat staring at the backside of my car admiring its beauty when it was up on the ramp, can’t wait to see the rear more stanced out!
Think an Xmas treat to royal steering wheels may be in order!
The occasional lumpy idle has gone away with coding of 2 injectors that must of been replaced at some point, absolute dream result!
Just drove away from having 4 MPS5’s fitted (non run flat) and you were all right! Absolutely transformed the ride, feels light nimble and smooth! Turning the steering wheel feels like driving a VW up in comparison to this morning
Will post a before/after of the spacers when it’s done! Must admit I was sat staring at the backside of my car admiring its beauty when it was up on the ramp, can’t wait to see the rear more stanced out!
Think an Xmas treat to royal steering wheels may be in order!
Edited by axel1990chp on Saturday 28th October 12:05
Well a small update, followed by an advice request, if any of you would be so kind!
The car is running an absolute dream, I find enjoyment in driving again, and I mainly put it down to how at peace and smooth it feels inside the big luxury cabin - changing onto NRFTs was a game changer for sure! Car has plenty of poke for bustling around B roads and it absolutely eats the miles up on the motorway. Had a little trip to the Lakes this weekend gone - reset the mpg clock and wangled a 34.8mpg on the way there, full tank and a boot load of bits too, I was over the moon with that!
Small job booked in this Friday - new coolant expansion tank, seems my coolant worries and woes thinking it’s leaking were red herrings, the indicator sensor (I’m assuming) is stuck, so it’s getting replaced. 140 quid all in at my local indispecialist which I’m fairly happy to pay.
Now onto the advice
Today after hankering on for a lorry who doesn’t like to indicate - my brake pad light came on and has stayed on. When I bought the car I knew the discs and pads would need replacing before MOT, more for my own peace of mind than a potential fail, but that job has now forced its way into my wallet on a particularly bad time! (Bloody expensive stag do’s!)
Is there much savings in the way of time=money in doing these myself? My old boy was a mechanic back in his day, and he’s more than capable of supervising me getting my hands dirty, hey - part of the appeal of me getting this old bus was to improve my knowledge of car maintenance. That being said, am I setting myself up for a bit of a bigger jumping at this? Are they reknown for hidden problems when I start removing bits?
Almost forgot! I had the spacers installed, it’s a poor picture, taken in a rush for a friend in a very unspectacular location with some motorway grunge on it, but you get the idea…
12mm all around.
Happy with the front but I’ll be going to 15mm on the rear when the wheels next come off … for these brakes!
Thanks in advance folks!
The car is running an absolute dream, I find enjoyment in driving again, and I mainly put it down to how at peace and smooth it feels inside the big luxury cabin - changing onto NRFTs was a game changer for sure! Car has plenty of poke for bustling around B roads and it absolutely eats the miles up on the motorway. Had a little trip to the Lakes this weekend gone - reset the mpg clock and wangled a 34.8mpg on the way there, full tank and a boot load of bits too, I was over the moon with that!
Small job booked in this Friday - new coolant expansion tank, seems my coolant worries and woes thinking it’s leaking were red herrings, the indicator sensor (I’m assuming) is stuck, so it’s getting replaced. 140 quid all in at my local indispecialist which I’m fairly happy to pay.
Now onto the advice
Today after hankering on for a lorry who doesn’t like to indicate - my brake pad light came on and has stayed on. When I bought the car I knew the discs and pads would need replacing before MOT, more for my own peace of mind than a potential fail, but that job has now forced its way into my wallet on a particularly bad time! (Bloody expensive stag do’s!)
Is there much savings in the way of time=money in doing these myself? My old boy was a mechanic back in his day, and he’s more than capable of supervising me getting my hands dirty, hey - part of the appeal of me getting this old bus was to improve my knowledge of car maintenance. That being said, am I setting myself up for a bit of a bigger jumping at this? Are they reknown for hidden problems when I start removing bits?
Almost forgot! I had the spacers installed, it’s a poor picture, taken in a rush for a friend in a very unspectacular location with some motorway grunge on it, but you get the idea…
12mm all around.
Happy with the front but I’ll be going to 15mm on the rear when the wheels next come off … for these brakes!
Thanks in advance folks!
Morning gents,
Appreciate the replies!
I've had a gander at AUTODOC and some HEL braided. Looking at the front its going to run me about 300 which is pretty easy going considering what brakes have cost me in the past at garages! Followed your advice on ATE too Dan!
I had a quick scroll of a YT video replacing them and it seems you're right with the push in by hand situation. Seems I need access to the brake fluid reservoir to do that, which is a bit of a faff under the bonnet, but allows me to swap out the cabin filter at the same time.
I'm yet to speak to my old boy about his assistance but I want to go prepared, would it be wise to top up the brake fluid/be prepared to do so, and speaking as a complete newbie to this game, am I going to need a tool for pressuring up afterwards?
Appreciate the comments on the E61 too, absolutely fallen in love with it! Made me want to get the M5 E61 but then I realised I don't have 40-50k spare for it
Cheers!
Appreciate the replies!
I've had a gander at AUTODOC and some HEL braided. Looking at the front its going to run me about 300 which is pretty easy going considering what brakes have cost me in the past at garages! Followed your advice on ATE too Dan!
I had a quick scroll of a YT video replacing them and it seems you're right with the push in by hand situation. Seems I need access to the brake fluid reservoir to do that, which is a bit of a faff under the bonnet, but allows me to swap out the cabin filter at the same time.
I'm yet to speak to my old boy about his assistance but I want to go prepared, would it be wise to top up the brake fluid/be prepared to do so, and speaking as a complete newbie to this game, am I going to need a tool for pressuring up afterwards?
Appreciate the comments on the E61 too, absolutely fallen in love with it! Made me want to get the M5 E61 but then I realised I don't have 40-50k spare for it
Cheers!
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff