2000 535i auto advice please

[JD2329]

I've recently sold my E39 M5 and am going to look at a facelifted 535i auto (2000) this weekend.
It's got full BMWSH and 95k on the clock, needs an inspection 2 shortly.
I'd welcome any advice re what to look for.
One of my main concerns is with the autobox - BMW don't believe in changing the oil and, at this mileage, could there be problems lurking round the corner?
Many thanks.

[trickywoo]

Don't bother with the 535 go for a 530 or 540 instead. The 535 has all of the disadvantages of the 540 with none of the advantages.

[Matt UK]

Re the autobox, I have a 530iA.

I enquired with my Indy about changing the oil, he said I was better off updating the CPU to take into account wear changes in the gearbox over it's lifespan. But others swear that it should be done. Mines hit 100k+ miles now and seems fine. So I'm still on the fence - I may get it done, but may not seeing as it has no current issues and seems to work perfectly.

trickywoo said:

Don't bother with the 535 go for a 530 or 540 instead. The 535 has all of the disadvantages of the 540 with none of the advantages.

Fair point in the main, but when considering 10yr old cars, I'd buy on condition.

The fact that the 535i has this hanging over it's head means they are not loved and this often makes them a bit of a bargain. If you see a good pedigree well-priced 535i, I'd take it over a scruffier/neglected 530i/540i.

[peaktorque]

JD2329 said:

I've recently sold my E39 M5 and am going to look at a facelifted 535i auto (2000) this weekend.
It's got full BMWSH and 95k on the clock, needs an inspection 2 shortly.
I'd welcome any advice re what to look for.
One of my main concerns is with the autobox - BMW don't believe in changing the oil and, at this mileage, could there be problems lurking round the corner?
Many thanks.

If my 1999 535i is anything to go by, - failed PCV, ignition switch, coolant hoses, shattered timing chain guides (they're made of plastic BTW!), fuel gauge sender, water pump, noisy vanos.....................

Although my car has done 160,00 miles on the original auto gearbox (I've had it 3.5 years.)

Luck of the draw I suppose

[eliot]

I assume it shares much of the chocolate cooling system from the 540;
Examine the radiator for bulging and cracked plastic end tanks.
Expansion tank cracks along with cap.
thermostat sticks and water pump bearings go.
I done each bit individually, kidding myself that nothing else needed doing - therefore wasting several refills of coolant to keep doing the other parts - so you may as well do the whole lot in one sitting and save time and money. They are easy diy jobs - there's plenty of room around the front once the radiator is out.

see if the front thrust arms have been changed - usual sympton is a wobble under breaking around 50mph