E60(?) 530d. Any good?
Discussion
I'm looking at buying a 530d in the 2005/6/7 vintage. Budget is approx 7k. I want an auto box and black/grey leather. Anything else is extra, although I would rather like xenons, electric seats, msport exterior trim.
My question is, are they any good? What is the real world b road mpg? Are there any major issues I should be looking for?
I test drove one on Saturday and it was rather nice, compared to my old mk4 Golf tdi 100k+ miler. But then that's not hard... It wasn't as torquey as I though it would be, as it had only done 49k miles. Nothing for a derv '6'. So it should be pulling like a train shouldn't it? Or is it the 535d that is a bullet?
Is mapping a 530d anything to worry about when I get bored of its poke?
Any advice, constructive opinions and info would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Cad
My question is, are they any good? What is the real world b road mpg? Are there any major issues I should be looking for?
I test drove one on Saturday and it was rather nice, compared to my old mk4 Golf tdi 100k+ miler. But then that's not hard... It wasn't as torquey as I though it would be, as it had only done 49k miles. Nothing for a derv '6'. So it should be pulling like a train shouldn't it? Or is it the 535d that is a bullet?
Is mapping a 530d anything to worry about when I get bored of its poke?
Any advice, constructive opinions and info would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Cad
I had a E61 530d m sport tourer for a while and loved it, theres a couple of well known foibles such as swirl flaps (from memory as going back a while) to pay attention to but otherwise they can be fantastic cars, mine was a good spec including head up display which was awesome!
Only thing I would say is if you go m sport and its still on runflats the ride can be pretty poor and getting on for plain unacceptable in the back, so a switch to non rfts may be something to consider if it bothers you.
A 530d is no slouch and should feel pretty damn lively throughout the rev range, a remapped one should move very well indeed.
Oh also the 18"/19" wheels on the m sports have a tendancy for cracking so don't be suprised if you come across repaired wheels.
Mine:
And HUD in action
Only thing I would say is if you go m sport and its still on runflats the ride can be pretty poor and getting on for plain unacceptable in the back, so a switch to non rfts may be something to consider if it bothers you.
A 530d is no slouch and should feel pretty damn lively throughout the rev range, a remapped one should move very well indeed.
Oh also the 18"/19" wheels on the m sports have a tendancy for cracking so don't be suprised if you come across repaired wheels.
Mine:
And HUD in action
Thanks for the reply Daniel :thumbsup:
The swirl flap issue is the only one I have seen mentioned more than once on the net, so yes, I'll look out for that. The alloy issue I haven't heard about but I guess it's one of those things that you just have to accept (like the 19' spiders on the Cerbera).
Re mapping - I heard recently that when you have the engine mapped, it is advisable to have the auto box mapped as well. Any thoughts?
Love that HUD by the way.
Cad
The swirl flap issue is the only one I have seen mentioned more than once on the net, so yes, I'll look out for that. The alloy issue I haven't heard about but I guess it's one of those things that you just have to accept (like the 19' spiders on the Cerbera).
Re mapping - I heard recently that when you have the engine mapped, it is advisable to have the auto box mapped as well. Any thoughts?
Love that HUD by the way.
Cad
Can't remember on the gearbox now, if it can be mapped that makes sense to do it, if not at least make sure it has the latest software update.
Watch out for any mapped cars also having dpf/egr deletes, not a bad thing per se, but with the mot changes a car with a map but retaining the dpf is probably best.
Another thing to add, I think 07 onwards cars will be LCI, easy to tell by the gearstick. I'd go for an LCI model if you can.
Watch out for any mapped cars also having dpf/egr deletes, not a bad thing per se, but with the mot changes a car with a map but retaining the dpf is probably best.
Another thing to add, I think 07 onwards cars will be LCI, easy to tell by the gearstick. I'd go for an LCI model if you can.
Starter motors and steering shaft joints fail quite early on and will probably have been sorted now.
DPF will flag up for replacement at 110k
E60 does not cope with runflats well. Put on proper tyres - you can get a space saver spare in the boot.
Good drive. Nice noise of induction roar when booted but may be less so with auto box.
SE seats can be uncomfortable - my wife had to use a cushion.
High 30's mpg is easily attainable driving normally.
Acceleration over 110mph is tremendous.
535 is faster 530 will feel faster due to torque delivery and nicer noise.
Air filter is an hours job.
If you get one, you should check the Engine breather separator (top of the engine, under the cover). Earlier ones had what is known as a "loo roll" type that can block. You can see what looks like a small loo roll when you split it. Later were different design but same part number.
LCi better gearbox and more power. LED rear lights are external giveaway.
Boot big but access to it narrow. Folding rear seats rare option.
Xenons a must
All have iDrive, not many have Nav (no great loss).
DPF will flag up for replacement at 110k
E60 does not cope with runflats well. Put on proper tyres - you can get a space saver spare in the boot.
Good drive. Nice noise of induction roar when booted but may be less so with auto box.
SE seats can be uncomfortable - my wife had to use a cushion.
High 30's mpg is easily attainable driving normally.
Acceleration over 110mph is tremendous.
535 is faster 530 will feel faster due to torque delivery and nicer noise.
Air filter is an hours job.
If you get one, you should check the Engine breather separator (top of the engine, under the cover). Earlier ones had what is known as a "loo roll" type that can block. You can see what looks like a small loo roll when you split it. Later were different design but same part number.
LCi better gearbox and more power. LED rear lights are external giveaway.
Boot big but access to it narrow. Folding rear seats rare option.
Xenons a must
All have iDrive, not many have Nav (no great loss).
I looked into E60 530Ds before I bought my current 730D...
If you’ve the room on your drive, I’d whole heartedly recommend the E65 over the 5 series any day... Build quality is leagues ahead IMO, same tuneable engine and the 7 isn’t really that much bigger...
A whole better car though...
If you’ve the room on your drive, I’d whole heartedly recommend the E65 over the 5 series any day... Build quality is leagues ahead IMO, same tuneable engine and the 7 isn’t really that much bigger...
A whole better car though...
Thanks very much for the replies so far gents.
I must admit I do prefer the later style gearbox stick (LCi?) and interior. I hope the 7k budget will get me a nice one
Would you rather go for a lower mileage 06 plate 530 or a higher mileage LCi variant given the choice?
Thanks for the list of potential issues. None of them worry me too much, apart from the steering joints (UJ's?). They could be a PITA.
I do have space on my drive for a 7 series but I don't want a car that big. I'd still like to be able to fit into parking spaces where parking is a premium, which seems to be everywhere these days...
If anyone comes across a LCi model 530 with acceptable mileage, could they give me a heads up please? Beer tokens in the post if I procure the right car from a rec
Many thanks chaps
Cad
I must admit I do prefer the later style gearbox stick (LCi?) and interior. I hope the 7k budget will get me a nice one
Would you rather go for a lower mileage 06 plate 530 or a higher mileage LCi variant given the choice?
Thanks for the list of potential issues. None of them worry me too much, apart from the steering joints (UJ's?). They could be a PITA.
I do have space on my drive for a 7 series but I don't want a car that big. I'd still like to be able to fit into parking spaces where parking is a premium, which seems to be everywhere these days...
If anyone comes across a LCi model 530 with acceptable mileage, could they give me a heads up please? Beer tokens in the post if I procure the right car from a rec
Many thanks chaps
Cad
Given these cars wear their miles very well I think I would be tempted into a higher miles LCI assuming two cars were otherwise Identical, there is enough in the updates to edge it for me and of course it's a younger car. Within reason I'd say the drivers are condition and spec with these above mileage.
That said a low mileage e60 is rare, and for your budget an LCI M Sport is likely to be much closer to 100k if that bothers you, I guess it is significant.
What is your plan for the car, how long do you intend to keep it for? How many miles do you do?
Being addicted to classifieds I think I've seen the 06 low miles car you're looking at, its a nice colour combo but looks a little light on spec, what was it like condition wise? History? if it's a genuine very clean low owners car it may have a pretty strong case. Given the usage of these cars (families/company cars etc etc) they are not always the most looked after. Mine was a little like this as the previous owner used it as his family car - as did I, he'd spent money on it and was very fond of it for sure, but was he meticulous about the bodywork/wheels etc, not so much. So it wouldn't surprise me if you find a lot of cars need wheel refurbs/some bodywork etc to make really nice. Which makes a really clean low miler even more tempting.
What bothers me is just how many are for sale at dealers! I understand people don't like selling cars these days but always bugs me as I always like to buy from someone enthusiastic about their car and of course not at a bumped up price!!
There is a LCI 535D up at the moment with an awesome spec including night vision and HUD but in a slightly odd combo of silver/beige, but its over budget. 535D's are definitely worth looking at given there is just as many about as 530D's really and the prices can be similar, though from what I've read they are thirstier, think high 20's.
What spec are you wanting? Any particular colour combo? Are you happy with auto? (manual 530D's do exist and you have the sports auto also).
That said a low mileage e60 is rare, and for your budget an LCI M Sport is likely to be much closer to 100k if that bothers you, I guess it is significant.
What is your plan for the car, how long do you intend to keep it for? How many miles do you do?
Being addicted to classifieds I think I've seen the 06 low miles car you're looking at, its a nice colour combo but looks a little light on spec, what was it like condition wise? History? if it's a genuine very clean low owners car it may have a pretty strong case. Given the usage of these cars (families/company cars etc etc) they are not always the most looked after. Mine was a little like this as the previous owner used it as his family car - as did I, he'd spent money on it and was very fond of it for sure, but was he meticulous about the bodywork/wheels etc, not so much. So it wouldn't surprise me if you find a lot of cars need wheel refurbs/some bodywork etc to make really nice. Which makes a really clean low miler even more tempting.
What bothers me is just how many are for sale at dealers! I understand people don't like selling cars these days but always bugs me as I always like to buy from someone enthusiastic about their car and of course not at a bumped up price!!
There is a LCI 535D up at the moment with an awesome spec including night vision and HUD but in a slightly odd combo of silver/beige, but its over budget. 535D's are definitely worth looking at given there is just as many about as 530D's really and the prices can be similar, though from what I've read they are thirstier, think high 20's.
What spec are you wanting? Any particular colour combo? Are you happy with auto? (manual 530D's do exist and you have the sports auto also).
Assuming the engine's fully standard you should be able to see reliable gains of 20-30% increase in HP, TQ and MPG with just a remap and no supporting mods - IMO BMW gimped the map a little bit to make the models either side seem more attractive to people wanting either economy or power.
caduceus said:
Forgot to ask - Is the 535d much worse on fuel?
Very little. Had an LCI 530d (that was stolen) replaced with an LCI 535d, still in the household for certain duties, towing, DIY stuff etc. Mixed driving sees around 32, on a run up to 40. If abroad...more economical at 110ish than 85. It's on 117k now, it will still go off the clock on the autobahn with little to no encouragement.530d isn't laggy per se, although the 535d just makes power everywhere - the achilles heal are the low pressure vacuum lines, solenoid and collector box, all easily solved though. The gearbox isn't as slick as the new 8 speed, although it's great for wafting and going fast, in between driving it just gets a bit confused occasionally. In many situations I prefer it to the G series.
Thank you very much for all the replies gentlemen, appreciate it.
Quick reply this morning as I got in late last night and now running late this morning.
This is the car I was referring to. I feel it is a bit on the expensive side. It drove ok. Comfortable, but didn't seem that urgent low down. When it was up and running in the rev range it pulled quite well. But that IS the first 5 series or any BMW I've driven.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-BMW-5-Series-3-0-5...
What are your thoughts?
Thank for the help
Cad
Quick reply this morning as I got in late last night and now running late this morning.
This is the car I was referring to. I feel it is a bit on the expensive side. It drove ok. Comfortable, but didn't seem that urgent low down. When it was up and running in the rev range it pulled quite well. But that IS the first 5 series or any BMW I've driven.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-BMW-5-Series-3-0-5...
What are your thoughts?
Thank for the help
Cad
I've just had a quick look at the online MOT history for the one you've highlighted and it's unblemished which is a positive sign. I suggest you try another equivalent engined car if you're concerned over the performance though remember they are a large car and initial "surge" maybe slightly less than a smaller car.
caduceus said:
Thank you very much for all the replies gentlemen, appreciate it.
Quick reply this morning as I got in late last night and now running late this morning.
This is the car I was referring to. I feel it is a bit on the expensive side. It drove ok. Comfortable, but didn't seem that urgent low down. When it was up and running in the rev range it pulled quite well. But that IS the first 5 series or any BMW I've driven.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-BMW-5-Series-3-0-5...
What are your thoughts?
Thank for the help
Cad
49,000 miles in 12 years on a diesel? Quick reply this morning as I got in late last night and now running late this morning.
This is the car I was referring to. I feel it is a bit on the expensive side. It drove ok. Comfortable, but didn't seem that urgent low down. When it was up and running in the rev range it pulled quite well. But that IS the first 5 series or any BMW I've driven.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-BMW-5-Series-3-0-5...
What are your thoughts?
Thank for the help
Cad
caduceus said:
I feel it is a bit on the expensive side. It drove ok. Comfortable, but didn't seem that urgent low down. When it was up and running in the rev range it pulled quite well. But that IS the first 5 series or any BMW I've driven.
Seems a bit toppy, for a pre LCI car, although Sports models always command a premium. An SE, if you can find the correct colour combo to alleviate some of the looks, would probably be 2k less. Dynamically very little between SE & Sports. I wouldn't touch either on 19's.They're no sports car, and this has the older 6 speed box, so I believe 60 comes up around 7.2ish. Easy way to distinguish between and pre and post LCI is the gear selector - post is black, LCI has a silver one, first gen new style. Whilst they're no slouch, fast A and motorways are the natural playgrounds.
caduceus said:
It drove ok. Comfortable, but didn't seem that urgent low down. When it was up and running in the rev range it pulled quite well. But that IS the first 5 series or any BMW I've driven.
Sounds about right. Years ago I tried one when we had an E92 335d in the family and the difference in acceleration was significant. I know that's not a fair comparison due to weight etc but I ended up buying an E39 540i sport and loved it. A couple of years ago I had an F10 535d and whilst it was a strong engine, it was never as fun as the E92 and not as special as the E39.Never tried the E60 535d though...
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