Thinking of buying a 530D, about '03/53 plate, any ideas
Discussion
Hi guys, never started a thread before, so apologies if it's pants!
Looking for some general thoughts and advice really. I am thinking of changing car and have looked at a few 530D BMW manuals about 2002-03 plate. Maximum budget is going to be £5k due to mortgage and house renovation commitments, I know this will mean higher mileage examples but from what I know of BMW's this isn't much of a factor.
Looking for tips and advice on running costs, likely faults, specific equipment worth having etc. etc.
Also any other cars that for the money are pretty good. Have so far considered GT-TDI 150 Golfs and 330D Estates.
What do I want in the car?
Ideally diesel for the economy as I do a few miles, space (hence 330 touring vs 5-series saloon) Bit of sportiness, and something which will carry it's looks for a few years. Prefer rear-drivers, that's about it really,- if anyone wants to lend a helpful tap on the keys it will be much appreciated.
Cheers
Chazwozza
Looking for some general thoughts and advice really. I am thinking of changing car and have looked at a few 530D BMW manuals about 2002-03 plate. Maximum budget is going to be £5k due to mortgage and house renovation commitments, I know this will mean higher mileage examples but from what I know of BMW's this isn't much of a factor.
Looking for tips and advice on running costs, likely faults, specific equipment worth having etc. etc.
Also any other cars that for the money are pretty good. Have so far considered GT-TDI 150 Golfs and 330D Estates.
What do I want in the car?
Ideally diesel for the economy as I do a few miles, space (hence 330 touring vs 5-series saloon) Bit of sportiness, and something which will carry it's looks for a few years. Prefer rear-drivers, that's about it really,- if anyone wants to lend a helpful tap on the keys it will be much appreciated.
Cheers
Chazwozza
I would say go for it 100%, I had a '99 with over 200k miles. One of the best cars I've ever owned ( and that list includes Porsches, Range Rovers, BMW 7 series).
One thing I'd say is get a tuning box for it. Then you'll have a car which is great for economy, but also a beast when it comes to useable performance!
Things to watch out for are fuel pumps (front and rear), they can fail, but not a major concern, you'll have things go wrong on an 8 year old car, usual suspension component wear on a largish car with heavy front engine. Turbo's seem pretty reliable, from memory there is a slight modification you can do to the a filter on the turbo which makes it less likely to fail, can't remember the details though.
For me, this car is an all time great, not quite as luxurious as I like nowadays, but an incredible all rounder, fantastic cruiser. Only downside for me was after I got it chipped I became very worried about losing my license since I lacked the self control to stop myself hoofing it, still never managed to get the consumption under 33mpg though!
In case I was unclear above: 530D: FANTASTIC CAR!
One thing I'd say is get a tuning box for it. Then you'll have a car which is great for economy, but also a beast when it comes to useable performance!
Things to watch out for are fuel pumps (front and rear), they can fail, but not a major concern, you'll have things go wrong on an 8 year old car, usual suspension component wear on a largish car with heavy front engine. Turbo's seem pretty reliable, from memory there is a slight modification you can do to the a filter on the turbo which makes it less likely to fail, can't remember the details though.
For me, this car is an all time great, not quite as luxurious as I like nowadays, but an incredible all rounder, fantastic cruiser. Only downside for me was after I got it chipped I became very worried about losing my license since I lacked the self control to stop myself hoofing it, still never managed to get the consumption under 33mpg though!
In case I was unclear above: 530D: FANTASTIC CAR!
Great cars, but don't expect to be able to buy a 8-9 year old car of this type and it be perfect. You're not going to get much of a warranty at this age on a car which was £35k new and is now worth less than £5k.
Only specific bits to look out for apart from those which apply to any E39 are turbos and injectors. Injectors wear out at about 120k ish - they don't all go at once but look out for a miss at idle when warm.
Only specific bits to look out for apart from those which apply to any E39 are turbos and injectors. Injectors wear out at about 120k ish - they don't all go at once but look out for a miss at idle when warm.
edo said:
BMW warranty a must for me - which is an issue at your budget! Either a private car with it renewed, or a BMW main dealer car. I have no wish to pay for a new turbo/gearbox etc etc.
Really, how many 10 ish year old barges comes with main dealer warranties? We're talking cheap barges here worth a small fraction of their new cost long since out of the main dealer network. If you can't accept the possibility of a big bill which might even write the car off you shouldn't even entertain such a car at such a price. £5k will buy you many a small, cheap, relatively new euro box if running costs are the priority.Edited by edo on Sunday 3rd April 19:22
Hi,
I have just bought one of these and am in love with it
Mine is a 53 plate 530d M Sport and it looks and drives briliantly. Mine has done 83K and is absolutely like new so I paid 7.5K but dont regret it.
Since picking it up 4 weeks ago, I have had a remap (sensible one to 220hp) and have had the swirl flaps blanked off. Remap transforms the car - torque is amazing and in gear acceleration is fantastic. My other car is a Cerbera so I am not easily impressed!
Tnings to look for are:
- turbos
- auto gear boxes over 120K can go
- swirl flaps being ingested and metal meeting metal!
Buy as goog as you can with a good spec. 18 inch Parallels look amazing!
I have just bought one of these and am in love with it
Mine is a 53 plate 530d M Sport and it looks and drives briliantly. Mine has done 83K and is absolutely like new so I paid 7.5K but dont regret it.
Since picking it up 4 weeks ago, I have had a remap (sensible one to 220hp) and have had the swirl flaps blanked off. Remap transforms the car - torque is amazing and in gear acceleration is fantastic. My other car is a Cerbera so I am not easily impressed!
Tnings to look for are:
- turbos
- auto gear boxes over 120K can go
- swirl flaps being ingested and metal meeting metal!
Buy as goog as you can with a good spec. 18 inch Parallels look amazing!
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