Car vs Snow - snow won - now looking for E60 BMW 535D 08/58

[BEEMER69]

Car vs Snow - snow won - as a result my 2000 E39 540i has been sent to the great autobahn in the sky. Awaiting what pittance the insurance company will offer me but now actively searching for a replacement.

After a lot of research and moving goalposts I have "settled" on the E60 535D. Being a gadget freek I am wanting all the options under the sun and then some.

Budget circa £18000, might push it higher for the right one. Seen some corkers advertised but looks like I'm always that little too late and they're gone by the time I decide it's the one. Don't want to rush into it and would welcome all advice on where/what to look for etc

Thanks in advance for your help

one that got away, 58 model - but appears to have the CIC iDrive graphics!!!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3613022.htm

[LukeSi]

You could get an E60 M5 for your budget. Can't imagine it being much worse on fuel than the 540i, and it has that lovely V10.

[BEEMER69]

Unfortunately I was starting to feel the pinch on the fuel front hence the decision to switch to an oil burner. As they say, every little helps and with my daughter hopefully off to Uni this year the mileage is likely to pile up especially if she get's into St Andrew's.

[dvs_dave]

Shoulda got winter tyres. Would have saved you a whole heap of cash and hassle.

[LukeSi]

I see then, and yes the iDrive in the 535d you posted is the new version, you can tell from the control knob.

[BEEMER69]

I don't think even winter tyres would have saved her in this instant - ended with a lovely pirouette though 10/10. :-)

[BEEMER69]

LukeSi said:

I see then, and yes the iDrive in the 535d you posted is the new version, you can tell from the control knob.

Strange though, as I thought the new version didn't kick in until Jan 2009.

[LukeSi]

BEEMER69 said:

Strange though, as I thought the new version didn't kick in until Jan 2009.

Just the way it dropped I believe. I think the new version of iDrive was released at the same time as the E90 LCI, officially it was 2009 but the E90 LCI my father has got is a November 2008 car. Probably one of the first E90 LCI's registered. That E60 just slipped into the build slot where it happened to get the new iDrive.

[BEEMER69]

LukeSi said:

Just the way it dropped I believe. I think the new version of iDrive was released at the same time as the E90 LCI, officially it was 2009 but the E90 LCI my father has got is a November 2008 car. Probably one of the first E90 LCI's registered. That E60 just slipped into the build slot where it happened to get the new iDrive.

thanks again for your input Luke. Makes it even more gutting missing out on it - the search continues :-(

[PJ S]

What about http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?s=134&am... - especially the long journeys to visit your daughter?

Just one example (same year, less mileage, less money) - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3382599.htm

Edited by PJ S on Tuesday 14th February 01:08

[tjob]

OP can you PM me please. I will put you onto a friend of mine...

[BEEMER69]

PJS, I did think long and hard about the 7 series but coming from a V8 4.4 the 3.0D just won't do it for me. Seems a little underpowered for a such a big car.

tjob - I've pm'd you.

Edited by BEEMER69 on Tuesday 14th February 01:05

[tjob]

[PJ S]

Then why not consider this - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011... - and the money saved covers fuel & extra on the VED.
2 year unlimited mileage warranty, and they've had it for 5 months at least! I'm sure there's a deal to be had.
No turbo(s) to worry about, cheaper injectors, etc.

That was a nice 5er, but we all know the 35d isn't exactly what you'd call frugal given the fuel used!
Couple of members on bmwland forum run 750i's, so could give real world consumption figures for you to do the maths on.

Edited by PJ S on Tuesday 14th February 01:31

[BEEMER69]

a very nice example PJS, pity I can't just pop round to view with it being in Northern Ireland.
A shame the twin turbo engine didn't come in for the 7 until 2010 hence outside of my budget.

Did a few sums and just going to work would save me about a grand a year with the 535D so the argument for it is rather compelling.

Brother has given me his 530D pre-LCI whilst I source another car and so far it is putting a smile on my face so I dare not imagine what the 535D would do as yet to try one.

Edited by BEEMER69 on Tuesday 14th February 09:48