2008ish 530d/535d

[AWRacing]

Hi all,

First time posting in this section so please be gentle and i apologise in advance if i get the designations mixed up.

Looking at chopping my current car in, clearing the finance and running an older car again for a couple of years.

Coming from a large (7 seater) SUV i want to retain the load space as best i can so looking at the 5 series touring, specifically the 530i, 530d or 535d.

Trying to find a 530i, there only appears to be one facelift model on autotrader but gut tells me to avoid given the ‘trader’ (looks like a hand carwash place) so this leaves me with the diesel variant. No issues running diesels, had many of them, but i have no experience of BMW.

Budget is £5-7k ish, not wanting to spend stacks as its more of a stopgap, but if it turns out to be comfy and reliable then it may stick around longer.

So my questions are,
Are there any major problems/warning signs i should be looking for when viewing either diesel variant?

Are the engines reliable in either spec?

Obviously looking at 100k+ milers at that price, any nasty surprises to watch out for?

I’m leaning more to the 535d, are the turbos reliable (if its been well maintained…)

Thanks for now, there maybe more questions

[helix402]

2008 will have the M57 engine. Very reliable as are the turbos. Vacuum lines go with age. Other common failures are thermostats. The E6x has quite a few suspension arms and these will need changing if not already done. Tourings suffer from occasional air suspension problems. There’s a grommet in the o/s of the engine bay under the master cylinder that needs removing to prevent water leaks. DPFs never need changing, if they block it’s due to a problem.
2008 is fairly old in terms of a BMW and a good one will be great but a neglected one could be a pain/expensive.

[clockworks]

Look at the 525d too. Same 3 litre engine, but a smaller turbo so a bit less power.

I had a 525d E61 for 3 years, sold it with nearly 130k on the clock. Great car, no problems at all with the drive train.

I did have a few minor issues though:

Battery failed, throwing up various electronic errors. Easily fixed with a new AGM battery, about £250 at the time.

Rear hatch window button failed, causing glass to randomly pop open. DIY switch replacement, about £25.

Wiper linkage failed. Cost about £150 fitted at BMW dealer.

Rear air suspension failed. DIY fix on mine, replacement compressor relay, £10.


The tailgate wiring harness can split, but mine didn't.

[bigdom]

Still have a 08' 535d tourer in the family, had it around 9 years now, just turned over 140k. I used it to go to South of France the other week, as the other car had issues and needed a towbar whilst in the south to move some toys around. Camargue to Calais in 9hrs with no fuss. Thirstier than newer cars, longterm average 33mpg.

As mentioned major mechanicals are not of concern if serviced properly. Since 100k, its needed a few age related bits. Front lowers/rear upper arms. Self levelling bags. Both thermostats. New discs/pads. 535d shares discs with 550i only. Glow plugs/control box. New sump and oil change for gearbox as recommended by ZF. BMW state sealed for life..this is a can of worms.

Rear door looms can be problematic for any BMW tourer, can be repaired/replaced.

Overall, a good car. Not exciting, but highly competent. Still pulls off the clock on the autobahn. It will go when it's outlawed by emissions as its just Euro 4.

[AWRacing]

Thanks for the info guys. I have 2 cars in mind now, a 2010 530d with 140k on the clock and a 2007 535d with 120k on the clock. Only £4 difference between them.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203304...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208188...

I keep flipflopping between the although the comments on euro4 and 5 might tip me towards the newer model albeit higher miles - need to find out if its full service history

Edited by AWRacing on Wednesday 21st September 23:22

[helix402]

The 2010 has an N57 which suffers from timing chain and main bearing problems.

[randomeddy]

Every car has its foibles, don't discount something just because of an occasional failure, regular servicing and general use is key.

Two cars at opposite ends of the scale there, one high spec,535, the other, F10, low spec, no sport mode on gearbox.

I would look for a later car, ie F10 compared to E60.

[paradigital]

I'd take the F11 even at lower spec.

[Touring442]

randomeddy said:

Every car has its foibles, don't discount something just because of an occasional failure, regular servicing and general use is key.

Two cars at opposite ends of the scale there, one high spec,535, the other, F10, low spec, no sport mode on gearbox.

I would look for a later car, ie F10 compared to E60.

F10's are a nicer car but are more money and they have their own set of problems.

I'd have an E60 saloon over a Touring unless you really need the load space. Tourings have all the traditional BMW estate problems - air suspension, rear wiper and that fking wiring loom - that's a very, very expensive repair. Also, the Touring load space with the rear seats up is surprisingly small - shorter than an old E36 3 Series Touring.

They are all elderly German cars so can be a bumpy ride. But, old Mercs are no better, Audis ditto. I'd look for a 530d Auto saloon of whatever year - an E60 is an E60 is an E60, they all look and drive much the same and I'd be looking at condition and service history over year and gadgets.

The M57 is a strong but quite noisy engine, the ride is diabolical on run flats and not that great on standard tyres, things like the old idrive is a pain in the arse as are the odd electrical niggles like false tyre pressure warnings. They can also have crap like active steering, active ride and other wallet draining nonsense.

I drove these cars new after launch and like many, I questioned where the improvement was over the previous E39.

[AWRacing]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

I’m handy with a spanner and realise at the age i’m looking at parts may need replacing so thats not too much of an issue, plus i have a local german car specialist nearby if all else fails. So long as the engine is reliable i can deal with the rest.

Agree on condition and service history, these will be checked.

Hopefully seeing a couple this weekend

[randomeddy]

paradigital said:

I'd take the F11 even at lower spec.

F11 at this price range will be very ropey, if available at all.

[Touring442]

They are about, mostly leggy 520d's but a few equally leggy 525d/530d cars.

The N57 is a bit suspect at higher mileage and they seem to eat rear suspension airbags - I see plenty around with the rear suspension collapsed. Dunno, they seem to be a pit into which you shovel heaps of twenties. You might be lucky though.

[AWRacing]

Took a trip to the dealer today to look at the blue e61 535d and after a good look around the car checking all the electrics etc i took it out for a quick test drive. Accelerated straight and true, same when braking, no juddering through the pedals or steering wheel.

Struck a deal with the dealer and travelled the 50miles home, didnt miss a beat, nice poke behind it when required but wafts along eating the miles.

The boot was full of paperwork for the car and looking through the receipts came across bills for new injectors, new battery, new waterpump and swirl flap removal and blanking plates to name just a few of the big ticket items, oh they have also replaced all the rear wiring looms.

Going to chuck it in to my trusted local indy german car specialist for a service and get them to give it the once over.

Overall though, chuffed with the car.

Obligatory car on drive pic…

Edited by AWRacing on Saturday 24th September 19:35

Edited by AWRacing on Saturday 24th September 19:36

[helix402]

Looks good.

[randomeddy]

The colour combo looks nice with the dark blue and light interior.

[mr sagman]

Congrats it looks a beauty.. Owned mine for 2 years and loved every minute of it. ( Was Black with beige leather) Does everything so well really miss it

despite owning a 340 Touring now,, Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.