2009 E60 730D with 13K miles - will it be ruinous?

[thenortherner]

I've had hot hatches for years now and I think it's time for something different. As fun as they are, covering 25K miles a year in one can get a bit tiring. And so I'm looking for something much bigger and more comfortable that'll fit the below criteria:

£13K absolute max
Hasn't already covered intergalactic miles
It'll return 35 mpg (without sitting at 55 mph on the inside line)
I'm open to either petrol or diesel
It'll be reliable if properly looked after
Won't cost the earth run - though I appreciate consumables will be more and running costs Vs a hot hatch will be higher
VED isn't silly money

I've found this:

https://www.heartysofpeterborough.co.uk/used-cars-...

I think it'll probably tick off most of the above but keen to hear from others that know much more than I do!

BMW will still warrant it but for £1600 a year and a £5000 limit per claim. Maybe money well spent?

ETA the car's a 2007 and now 2009 model.

Edited by thenortherner on Monday 6th May 15:38

[gizlaroc]

You're buying a 10 year old car that is based on a 2003 released model.

Something like this would be a much better buy...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[helix402]

No reason or would be ruinous. I’ve been looking after a friends 2007 730i for several years. Last serviced at approx 180k, next one will be at approx 200k.

It needs tyres fairly often which cost a bit, non routine parts needed have been a coolant hose, starter motor. Also had a rear spring and most of the rear arms and ball joints changed.

It has a few oil leaks, still on the original battery.

[BFleming]

I'd be looking for a F01 if I were you; £13k buys you a pick of 730d's, and even gets you into some leggy 740d's. That's the way I'm going to go - an E65 (not E60, that's a 5 series) is way too old school at this stage (unless dirt cheap).

[naturalaspiration]

For that money you want to stretch a Facelift F01 with stop start and 8 speed gearbox - and air suspension as standard.

[naturalaspiration]

Just realised it only has 13k miles (confused with £13k price requirement)

On the plus side for the E65 Vs F01 is that it has much better ride than F01 - still with the proper steering feedback (hydraulic steering), M57 engine (indestructible) vs F01 N57 with paperweight cam chain drive (like on N47) witj well documented failures, it has proper spare wheel - no runflats, lots of cheap parts from breakers etc.

And last but not least proper Bangle era design vs Habib's forgettable effort.

However consumption/performance wise it can't compare to the FL F01 730d with 8 speed ZF gearbox.

[naturalaspiration]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...

2013, lowish mileage, Facelift, Msports, Long, rear entertainment, 4 zone climate, front Comfort seats (you do want those) heated, rear too, digital dash, Bang & Olufsen etc...

I guess with a bit of luck squeezable into 13k budget...

[thenortherner]

Thanks guys.

Still something massively appealing about it. It'd have to be a keeper for a good while though, I'd imagine it'd be worth not much more than half of that in 12 months with an extra 20K miles on it. I bet it was bought for peanuts.

Sense says take a 530d GT or the like for a bit more money but having cover 50K miles or so.

[gizlaroc]

naturalaspiration said:

Just realised it only has 13k miles (confused with £13k price requirement)

On the plus side for the E65 Vs F01 is that it has much better ride than F01 - still with the proper steering feedback (hydraulic steering), M57 engine (indestructible) vs F01 N57 with paperweight cam chain drive (like on N47) witj well documented failures, it has proper spare wheel - no runflats, lots of cheap parts from breakers etc.

And last but not least proper Bangle era design vs Habib's forgettable effort.

However consumption/performance wise it can't compare to the FL F01 730d with 8 speed ZF gearbox.

I disagree with that, had both, F01 rode better, more comfy and used to get 30-40% better economy than the E65.

Plus the N57 is not an issue at all, not like the N47, had it on a few cars and never heard of anyone have an issue with timing chain or swirl flaps or anything for that matter.

Plus the tech in the E65 was feeling so dated when I got rid of the E65, and that was a decade a go now.

I reckon the E65 will loose more money over say 4 years and 100k miles.

I really don't like the idea of a big diesel that has only done 1000 miles a year either, think you're asking for trouble.

[Chestrockwell]

naturalaspiration said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...

2013, lowish mileage, Facelift, Msports, Long, rear entertainment, 4 zone climate, front Comfort seats (you do want those) heated, rear too, digital dash, Bang & Olufsen etc...

I guess with a bit of luck squeezable into 13k budget...

Wow I wouldn’t mind doing 25k a year in that! Those seats !!

Can’t imagine that being cheap new with those options, atleast 75 new, 2013 not even that long ago! Imagine losing 61 grand in 6 years!!

1.30 a mile without fuel, servicing and tyres :O

[naturalaspiration]

gizlaroc said:

...Plus the N57 is not an issue at all, not like the N47, had it on a few cars and never heard of anyone have an issue with timing chain...

N47 and N57 engines share the same timing chain mounted at the back - identical part number. Luckily the inline six is much smoother running engine with far less harmincs produced on the crankshaft - this significantly reduces the chain and sprocket wear compared to N47. Shortening the Oil intervals to 2/3s and adding Ceratec should all but guarantee a very long engine service.

Anyway all is much better with later chain revisions, especially 2013 onwards until end of production, when B57 came out - with G11 7 series getting it first.

[rassi]

gizlaroc said:

I really don't like the idea of a big diesel that has only done 1000 miles a year either, think you're asking for trouble.

This. For your purpose, an average mileage car would be a better bet, and as others mentioned, the F01 would be a much more mainstream and modern choice. A 740D would be a very lovely thing to do lots of motorway mileage in.

[Davie_GLA]

I had a 2o06 e65 long wheelbase 730d. Brilliant car but it never seen 35mpg and I’m similar use case to you.

I’ve now got an f01 and although it’s not a patch on the striking style of the e65 it has a few more creature comforts.

beware bushed and suspension items being devoured no matter what you choose. I’ve just shelled out over a grand to fix them on mine.

Cracking place to be though for all the family.