Discussion
I’ve been thinking of buying one, and a really high spec one has come up on the approved used site.
Weirdly it is a 2011 car but was first registered in 2015. Apparently a BMW owner car that was used as a demo at shows/etc (no mileage until first registered in 2015).
Has anyone owned on ? I like the idea of a straight 6 estate and it has a nice spec including towbar, which means I can get a bike rack put onto the back of it.
Would be good to know if anyone has owned one ? I’ve done some internet digging and the engine seems to be reliable. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t buying a model with any major defects!
Thanks in advance for any views.
Weirdly it is a 2011 car but was first registered in 2015. Apparently a BMW owner car that was used as a demo at shows/etc (no mileage until first registered in 2015).
Has anyone owned on ? I like the idea of a straight 6 estate and it has a nice spec including towbar, which means I can get a bike rack put onto the back of it.
Would be good to know if anyone has owned one ? I’ve done some internet digging and the engine seems to be reliable. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t buying a model with any major defects!
Thanks in advance for any views.
Ive got an f10 530i with the same engine. Only issue ive had is the injectors as the f10 n53 came out of the factory with index 9's and not the latest more reliable (apparently) index 11's. Had mine replaced under warranty and its been fine since. Yours will be under AUC warranty presumably and then an option to extend reasonably cheaply so no worries.
I love mine, I think the zf8 and the n53 make a good combination. Had it 5 years.
Edit wow thats strong money for a 2011 build car. SE too.
I love mine, I think the zf8 and the n53 make a good combination. Had it 5 years.
Edit wow thats strong money for a 2011 build car. SE too.
Edited by bmwmike on Wednesday 26th August 16:30
Thanks for the quick feedback! I didn’t even know they offered manuals ! 
It’s an auto, which must be the ZF8, a gearbox I have only ever heard praised. I was a little concerned that the car might feel a little underpowered, but it doesn’t seem like that’s the case, from your feedback. Seems like these where some of the last straight six engines produced before the 530i became a 2.0L 4 cylinder ?
The car has a monster spec and so should be a fantastic place to be. The only slight issue (for me) is that the interior is “Venetian Beige”, which wouldn’t have been my first choice, but will take a look when the car is in the dealership to see how it looks in person.
It’s an auto, which must be the ZF8, a gearbox I have only ever heard praised. I was a little concerned that the car might feel a little underpowered, but it doesn’t seem like that’s the case, from your feedback. Seems like these where some of the last straight six engines produced before the 530i became a 2.0L 4 cylinder ?
The car has a monster spec and so should be a fantastic place to be. The only slight issue (for me) is that the interior is “Venetian Beige”, which wouldn’t have been my first choice, but will take a look when the car is in the dealership to see how it looks in person.
I wouldnt say its underpowered, probably just so, and i rarely want for more, but - you have to drive it like a nasp and not a derv. If expecting a shove in the back below 2.5k rpm forget it. Draw the revs out, use the box, nice and light up front too. Each to their own though, its not a rocket ship or anything like that, and i personally like having to "work" to get the best out of the box and engine etc.
Kananga said:
Yup they originally said it was 2015 then backtracked after I flagged my Internet diligence (MOT history, etc).
What sort of money do you think is fair ? WBAC suggested £4k ?!
My 72k 2012 f10 wbac is £7400 and AT says 10.4k, i'd be looking for 8.5-9. Surprised a touring is only 4k!! I'd have said 12k max at a dealer, but i'm out of touch.What sort of money do you think is fair ? WBAC suggested £4k ?!
I’d echo what Mike has said. It’s not a slow car, but there are plenty quicker - it just doesn’t have the torque of a turbo car, but it does have the lovely inline six.
When I was looking (for the f10 saloon) similar 528i models were around which were four cyl turbos. Not as many hp, but more torque and were quicker 0-60, but I wanted six cylinders.
I think this needs to be priced as a low miles 2011 car, that’s what it is. The odd tale re the show car is just that, odd.
Looking at the BMW site I can see there are very few petrol estates, but I’d be looking what the price of 2011 f11 with low miles (530d) goes for as this is a bit of a unicorn. What does your insurer say it’s worth - when I get a quote it auto calculates a value and that can be quite sobering vs main dealer prices (I appreciate they do need to make a profit).
I really like the car but also suggest you see the 2015 (I think) version that has the different I drive puck and is generally updated.
When I was looking (for the f10 saloon) similar 528i models were around which were four cyl turbos. Not as many hp, but more torque and were quicker 0-60, but I wanted six cylinders.
I think this needs to be priced as a low miles 2011 car, that’s what it is. The odd tale re the show car is just that, odd.
Looking at the BMW site I can see there are very few petrol estates, but I’d be looking what the price of 2011 f11 with low miles (530d) goes for as this is a bit of a unicorn. What does your insurer say it’s worth - when I get a quote it auto calculates a value and that can be quite sobering vs main dealer prices (I appreciate they do need to make a profit).
I really like the car but also suggest you see the 2015 (I think) version that has the different I drive puck and is generally updated.
It is a 2011 car that BMW have obviously used for 4 years as a demo.
Still a 2011 car.
Seems strong money for a weird colour combo. I love Venetian Beige, have it in my F11, but with silver it is a weird combo.
Style 236 wheels are pants too imho, I would have to change them over.
I am a massive fan of the N52 and N53, but I reckon it needs to be closer to £13/14k to be worth considering.
With only 30k miles and such a decent spec though it is worth what you are willing to pay.
Still a 2011 car.
Seems strong money for a weird colour combo. I love Venetian Beige, have it in my F11, but with silver it is a weird combo.
Style 236 wheels are pants too imho, I would have to change them over.
I am a massive fan of the N52 and N53, but I reckon it needs to be closer to £13/14k to be worth considering.
With only 30k miles and such a decent spec though it is worth what you are willing to pay.
Thanks for the views. I can understand dealer demos but they would usually be registered ? Never come across a car staying unregistered for 4 years and 2.5k miles...
Definitely a unicorn spec, but the colour combo isn’t great (as mentioned above!).
Am awaiting some feedback from the dealer who hasn’t yet responded to my questions about the car’s history.
Will report back!
Definitely a unicorn spec, but the colour combo isn’t great (as mentioned above!).
Am awaiting some feedback from the dealer who hasn’t yet responded to my questions about the car’s history.
Will report back!
It might have been touring the country and sat on stands at country shows or something?
Sat with "BMW 5 Series" number plates on it. Doesn't need to be registered until it is going on the road.
Loads of cars are produced and then never registered till years later.
There was dozens of E60's and E61's that were built in 2003, lost in fields somewhere, and then found again in 2009, they all turned up at the same time at various dealerships.
Sat with "BMW 5 Series" number plates on it. Doesn't need to be registered until it is going on the road.
Loads of cars are produced and then never registered till years later.
There was dozens of E60's and E61's that were built in 2003, lost in fields somewhere, and then found again in 2009, they all turned up at the same time at various dealerships.
Price seems a bit steep for a nearly 10 year old car, but good luck finding another one I suppose...
I've got a manual 330i with the N53 engine. I've been suspicious of it the whole time I've had it, as it needed the usual injectors+coil packs+spark plugs+NOx sensor replacement shortly after purchase (fortunately not at my expense in the end) - but that was 3 years ago, and it's actually been fine since. Less of an issue if the car comes with a warranty anyway.
Engine is a bit clattery and unrefined when idling, but it does rev very nicely, which is fortunate as you need to go pretty much all the way to the limiter to get best performance. Which is not a chore.
(I think I found this car on the AUC site, but no pics... post pics please, if you take any when you see it, even if you don't buy it! The colour scheme sounds like an odd one, but maybe it'd work better than I assume...)
I've got a manual 330i with the N53 engine. I've been suspicious of it the whole time I've had it, as it needed the usual injectors+coil packs+spark plugs+NOx sensor replacement shortly after purchase (fortunately not at my expense in the end) - but that was 3 years ago, and it's actually been fine since. Less of an issue if the car comes with a warranty anyway.
Engine is a bit clattery and unrefined when idling, but it does rev very nicely, which is fortunate as you need to go pretty much all the way to the limiter to get best performance. Which is not a chore.
(I think I found this car on the AUC site, but no pics... post pics please, if you take any when you see it, even if you don't buy it! The colour scheme sounds like an odd one, but maybe it'd work better than I assume...)
to3m said:
Price seems a bit steep for a nearly 10 year old car, but good luck finding another one I suppose...
I've got a manual 330i with the N53 engine. I've been suspicious of it the whole time I've had it, as it needed the usual injectors+coil packs+spark plugs+NOx sensor replacement shortly after purchase (fortunately not at my expense in the end) - but that was 3 years ago, and it's actually been fine since. Less of an issue if the car comes with a warranty anyway.
Engine is a bit clattery and unrefined when idling, but it does rev very nicely, which is fortunate as you need to go pretty much all the way to the limiter to get best performance. Which is not a chore.
(I think I found this car on the AUC site, but no pics... post pics please, if you take any when you see it, even if you don't buy it! The colour scheme sounds like an odd one, but maybe it'd work better than I assume...)
Will post pics if I get as far as viewing! Good to hear the engine has been reliable. I really just would like a nice car with a towbar so we can get a 4-bike cycle rack on the back. This seemed ideal for that purpose but I agree the price seems steep. I've got a manual 330i with the N53 engine. I've been suspicious of it the whole time I've had it, as it needed the usual injectors+coil packs+spark plugs+NOx sensor replacement shortly after purchase (fortunately not at my expense in the end) - but that was 3 years ago, and it's actually been fine since. Less of an issue if the car comes with a warranty anyway.
Engine is a bit clattery and unrefined when idling, but it does rev very nicely, which is fortunate as you need to go pretty much all the way to the limiter to get best performance. Which is not a chore.
(I think I found this car on the AUC site, but no pics... post pics please, if you take any when you see it, even if you don't buy it! The colour scheme sounds like an odd one, but maybe it'd work better than I assume...)
gizlaroc said:
To be fair, I looked at a 335d F31 in silver with beige, it actually looked pretty good.
I think I just think of light interiors with dark exteriors.
Agreed. Silver with black would have been more logical. Or a dark blue/black/grey exterior with this beige/yellow interior. I think I just think of light interiors with dark exteriors.
Edited by Kananga on Thursday 27th August 00:11
My parents have 2 BMWs, both grey outside and oyster (I think?) inside, and I think that looks fine. Silver and beige, on the other hand? - feels that'd be a bit close for comfort, like wearing matching blue jeans and denim jacket (though that combination is absolutely OK if you're less than 4 years old).
But still, even if the brightness might match, the hue won't, and perhaps that'd make all the difference. So I think I need to have my eyes actually see it before I can be sure.
But still, even if the brightness might match, the hue won't, and perhaps that'd make all the difference. So I think I need to have my eyes actually see it before I can be sure.
gizlaroc said:
There was dozens of E60's and E61's that were built in 2003, lost in fields somewhere, and then found again in 2009, they all turned up at the same time at various dealerships.
Do you know I was wondering what was with all the 58/09 plate 525i on AutoTrader that were clearly Pre LCI, but well specced with comfort seats etc. Wonder why they ended up lost in fields?I get the feeling their pricing is based on it being a 2015 rather than the 2011 it is.
Anyhow, how about a nice 2011 530d? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007211...
Of course it's not a 2011 car, it's a 2006 build. Bizarre!
Anyhow, how about a nice 2011 530d? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007211...
Of course it's not a 2011 car, it's a 2006 build. Bizarre!
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