Questions about 2005-2007 525d/530d/535d auto

[danlightbulb]

Hi all,

Currently very keen on buying a 6 cylinder diesel BMW 5 series and I can afford around a 2005-2007 model.

I would like to get some info on a few things.

1. swirl flaps. which engines and which years does this issue apply to and when was it fixed? Was it fixed in the 2007 facelift models?

2. autobox. what type of autobox is it in the pre and facelift models? What servicing should I be looking to have been done on the autobox?

3. i-drive - any issues with these? again, is it better after a certain year?

4. do these cars have dual mass flywheels? if so, what should I be looking for?

5. diesel particle filter. any info on the longevity of these in these cars would be appreciated - what should i be looking out for?

Any other comments appreciated.

Thanks

[helix402]

5. Dpfs on BMWs last almost indefinitely. Failures are caused by another component, blockages can be fixed by forced regens or chemical cleaning. Lots of mechanics fail to understand how to fix BMW dpf problems.

[Mike-tf3n0]

1. Swirl Flaps. I had them on my E39 530d auto Touring but removed them years ago as there are too many tales of disaster to ignore, there are plenty of good quality blanking plate kits on Ebay. I believe the problem was never properly fixed despite modifications aimed at sorting the breakage issue. Without the flaps the car is exactly the same to drive except for the tiniest flat spot for the first two minutes from cold, it also goes through the MOT exactly as before.