Starting to look for an E60!
Discussion
Evening all
I went and had a look at an E61 today at an Indy who trades on PH, and what a lovely car! Big spec LCI car with 31k miles. Sadly, it works out it's out of my budget, but as you can imagine, it was the perfect spec car.
Now it seems like my budget would be
Below 25k, and ideally nearer to 20 as possible. There's plenty of examples under 60k in my budget and some even have warranty remaining but these are 05/06 cars with what now seems a low spec after looking at the 61 from Safwat cars.
So what would you lot think about the earlier cars? Are they a bit more fragile compared to the newer LCI cars? What's the deal with the SMG 1,2 and 3 gearboxes? Were earlier ones weaker than the newer ones?
What seems to be the general consensus on what the must have options are on these cars?
For anyone who wants to know the car I looked at, it's on the first page of the classifieds. A black E61 for 31k
Cheers in advance
I went and had a look at an E61 today at an Indy who trades on PH, and what a lovely car! Big spec LCI car with 31k miles. Sadly, it works out it's out of my budget, but as you can imagine, it was the perfect spec car.
Now it seems like my budget would be
Below 25k, and ideally nearer to 20 as possible. There's plenty of examples under 60k in my budget and some even have warranty remaining but these are 05/06 cars with what now seems a low spec after looking at the 61 from Safwat cars.
So what would you lot think about the earlier cars? Are they a bit more fragile compared to the newer LCI cars? What's the deal with the SMG 1,2 and 3 gearboxes? Were earlier ones weaker than the newer ones?
What seems to be the general consensus on what the must have options are on these cars?
For anyone who wants to know the car I looked at, it's on the first page of the classifieds. A black E61 for 31k
Cheers in advance
I ran a 2005 and then a 2007 M5 both for 2 years. The only advice - do not even consider one without a FULL BMW warranty particularly at your price point.
Over 4 years of ownership I would have forked out in excess of £10k for work all covered by the warranty (this doesnt include normal running costs).
S
Over 4 years of ownership I would have forked out in excess of £10k for work all covered by the warranty (this doesnt include normal running costs).
S
I wouldnt buy one without a warranty to be honest. I know there are good cars out there in my budget but would just like opinions on what the earlier cars faults were, if any.
I'd love an LCI car but not too sure I can afford it. Intact it's not that I can't, more I don't want to spend that much.
I'd love an LCI car but not too sure I can afford it. Intact it's not that I can't, more I don't want to spend that much.
skeeterm5 said:
I ran a 2005 and then a 2007 M5 both for 2 years. The only advice - do not even consider one without a FULL BMW warranty particularly at your price point.
Over 4 years of ownership I would have forked out in excess of £10k for work all covered by the warranty (this doesnt include normal running costs).
S
10k over 4 years isn't actually that bad when you consider that's main dealer parts and labour, courtesy cars etc, how many miles have you covered in that time?Over 4 years of ownership I would have forked out in excess of £10k for work all covered by the warranty (this doesnt include normal running costs).
S
andrewh said:
10k over 4 years isn't actually that bad when you consider that's main dealer parts and labour, courtesy cars etc, how many miles have you covered in that time?
I've had my E61 for 4 months and its cost £5k so far. Admittedly the warranty has picked up the tab thus far but it aint a cheap car to run: £1700 tailgate wiring job (warranty), £600 front discs, £2500 clutch job (next week. Not sure who is paying). I still love the car though!
You'd be lucky to get those options. I've only seen soft close doors spec'd on quite late (09'ish) cars... not even sure it was an option pre-LCI.
Comfort access isn't too common either.
Things like Logic 7, USB interface and Bluetooth aren't too hard to come across. If you want much on top of this you might need to wait a while for one with the exact spec you had in mind to come up, and be prepared to make compromises.
Comfort access isn't too common either.
Things like Logic 7, USB interface and Bluetooth aren't too hard to come across. If you want much on top of this you might need to wait a while for one with the exact spec you had in mind to come up, and be prepared to make compromises.
A warranty, as has been said is a must for any owner it seems. I've seen a few with air cooled seats too. Any had any experience with these?
I've also been looking at Audi's S8 V10 too. What you get for 30k on one of these is unreal! Fingerprint recognition, Bang & Olufsen audio, carbon ceramic brakes... The spec on some of these S8's is incredible
Could be a spanner in the
Works
I've also been looking at Audi's S8 V10 too. What you get for 30k on one of these is unreal! Fingerprint recognition, Bang & Olufsen audio, carbon ceramic brakes... The spec on some of these S8's is incredible
Could be a spanner in the
Works
Dean,
Forget the Audi.....M5 all the way.
The BMW warranty is essential of course....an absolute bargain in my opinion.
There are certain options that are well worthwhile......don't be taken in by the multi-functional seats......a great gimmick, but annoying unless you're hooning or on track, so will be turned off most of the time.
Bluetooth/telematics, voice control, comfort access, heated rear seats, logic 7, highbeam assist are nice and handy....full leather, rather than just extended leather, is quite desirable too.
The thing to realise about these beasts is that they're happier when used for longer, regular journeys (19 mpg).....warm them up, drive them properly and they will reward you.
They drink about a litre of oil every 3000 miles or so.......good tyres like PS2s last well (10-15K on rears no problem) if you drive sensibly. Try to get one with newish discs and pads.
Check imminent sevicing requirements in the i-drive.....and cross-check with BMW customer services, who can tell you something about the history of the car.
My M5 has been faultless in two years of blissful ownership.....not one thing has gone wrong.
And that V10 scream in M-mode, S6, 8250 redline.....you'll never get bored with it!
Good lucl!
Jazzer
Forget the Audi.....M5 all the way.
The BMW warranty is essential of course....an absolute bargain in my opinion.
There are certain options that are well worthwhile......don't be taken in by the multi-functional seats......a great gimmick, but annoying unless you're hooning or on track, so will be turned off most of the time.
Bluetooth/telematics, voice control, comfort access, heated rear seats, logic 7, highbeam assist are nice and handy....full leather, rather than just extended leather, is quite desirable too.
The thing to realise about these beasts is that they're happier when used for longer, regular journeys (19 mpg).....warm them up, drive them properly and they will reward you.
They drink about a litre of oil every 3000 miles or so.......good tyres like PS2s last well (10-15K on rears no problem) if you drive sensibly. Try to get one with newish discs and pads.
Check imminent sevicing requirements in the i-drive.....and cross-check with BMW customer services, who can tell you something about the history of the car.
My M5 has been faultless in two years of blissful ownership.....not one thing has gone wrong.
And that V10 scream in M-mode, S6, 8250 redline.....you'll never get bored with it!
Good lucl!
Jazzer
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