E61 525d or 530d buying tips?

[Jez49]

Im going to have to start looking for a replacement for my e39 530 sport soon as I need a load lugger.

I do a lot of motorway miles so Im looking at diesels. I have a budget of 9-10k and will be looking for an E61 touring 525 or 530 d sport, any reason why I shouldnt be able to get a decent one in my price range and what should I look out for? Will the 525d feel quick enough after my 530i - I dont want anything that feels slower. Is the manual much better on fuel than the Auto?

Ive also considered looking for a late E39 530d sport touring but the ones ive seen so far seem to be a lot of money for an old car that will potentially need the usual E39 issues sorted sooner or later due to age.

Thanks

Jez

[rassi]

The pre-LCI 525d was 163 bhp, and 197 bhp after, so quite a large difference. The 530d was 218 bhp and then 231/235 bhp. With your budget you will be looking at pre-LCI and would recommend the 530d.

If you could stretch to a LCI model the 520d is much more economical than the pre-LCI 525d or 530d, and faster than the pre-LCI 525d. LCI has a nicer interior and more economical auto-gearbox (look out for the "joystick").

[Fox-]

Jez49 said:

Im going to have to start looking for a replacement for my e39 530 sport soon as I need a load lugger.

Another E39. The pre LCI E60 is a massive dissapointment after an E39. Sure it'll need the usual E39 issues at some point but then they are less faff than the usual E60 issues which will also need doing. Plus the interior will rattle less

If you want something more modern an E39 obviously wont do but you seem to imply you'd be happy with one which makes me think you'd probably be more satisfied than with the E60.

Edited by Fox- on Thursday 3rd November 18:36

[scz4]

Fox- said:

Another E39. The pre LCI E60 is a massive dissapointment after an E39

Agree to an extent. Until May this year I had an immaculate, low mileage E39 540i Auto. Sold it to buy a pre LCI 2005 530d Auto from a friend who emigrated. Quite simply it was the worst car I've ever owned. I sold it on one month later. The delay in the gearbox\turbo was shocking, dangerous in fact when pulling out junctions etc. I was also only averaging 30mpg, about 5mpg more than my 4.4 V8 540i. There were also a few other issues which would of need attention. I wanted my 540i back!!

But in June I bought a manual E61 2007 (facelift) 550i, 4.8 V8. Simply the best car I've owned, so much better in terms of interior quality than the pre-LCI. The V8 E39's have terrible steering and the handling really wasn't one of its strong point, it's was just passable. The E61 handles much better than you'd expect. It's got a split character, perfectly at home crusing or being driven hard, great all round capability.

So in summary, don't buy a pre LCI E61 you'll be left disappointed. But on the other hand, the E39 will feel it's age when you drive one again. Tricky decision.

[eastsider]

scz4 said:

So in summary, don't buy a pre LCI E61 you'll be left disappointed. But on the other hand, the E39 will feel it's age when you drive one again. Tricky decision.

+1 this, on both counts - don't buy pre LCI and it is a tricky decision.

I have a E60 535d LCI. Looked at many cars pre and post LCI before choosing. You'll struggle to get an LCI for your budget though, I'd say you need £5k more for an LCI, especially the E61 estate as they seem to be fairly rare (compared to say Audi A6 where more avants than saloons). If you can stretch, great. If not, buy another E39, or wait 12 months for LCI's to depreciate more.