E61 V8 Bearding
Discussion
I don't know if it's just me..
But when I see others for sale I always think, that's a really cool car, think they look great still.. Specially on the subtle 18's.
But more and more I don't get excited by mine, I don't know if take it for granted or just getting a bit bored as I'm closing in on 2 years with it.
I'm constantly not looking at cars to change to, but when see an ad like that I'm like. Nah, keep my 550
But when I see others for sale I always think, that's a really cool car, think they look great still.. Specially on the subtle 18's.
But more and more I don't get excited by mine, I don't know if take it for granted or just getting a bit bored as I'm closing in on 2 years with it.
I'm constantly not looking at cars to change to, but when see an ad like that I'm like. Nah, keep my 550
I'm struggling to think of another car which does everything so well for 7 grand IF you want a big estate and you prefer masses of power to saving peanuts at the pumps. I keep looking but most replacements are 20 grand minimum. I can see benefits of going audi quattro but an rs will cost a lot more to run. I could be tempted into a simple saloon now that I have access to a van for occasional use but I'm betting that van disappears the moment I sell my touring. Plus I kind of like enjoying my drive when I need the big load space. I surprised a few people this weekend even with a boot piled up with junk. Now that my bus has the Bilstein kit fitted it really does grip well in the curves. It's no sports car but it does grip better than before. I'm hoping to switch to some michelin super sports tomorrow and then I might get the air suspension lowered slightly as the front has settled quite a lot lower than in standard sport guise.
What is all this panoramic roof hate?? They are absolutely excellent! There is nothing quite like the feeling of wafting along on a sunny day with the logic seven blasting and the roof fully open! Far better than any other sunroof I have experienced. Ok above 50mph things get a little buffety but still. I know there might be an issue with some of them but I would have thought by now the dodgy ones would have been dealt with? The heavens have truly opened at times in the 3 years since I have owned my car and I have had no water ingress....
jboy72 said:
What is all this panoramic roof hate?? They are absolutely excellent! There is nothing quite like the feeling of wafting along on a sunny day with the logic seven blasting and the roof fully open! Far better than any other sunroof I have experienced. Ok above 50mph things get a little buffety but still. I know there might be an issue with some of them but I would have thought by now the dodgy ones would have been dealt with? The heavens have truly opened at times in the 3 years since I have owned my car and I have had no water ingress....
Totes agree although it's well documented they can be troublesome, both with leaks from the drain holes being blocked and with the mechanism itself. When I bought mine it had water in the boot well and I nearly walked. Then I reflected that the car was so awesome and rare I just had to have it.
The pre sales prep included 3 weeks of drying out, clipping bottom of the drain tubes and an entire new roof mechanism!
I've had two 545i Tourings, first one without sunroof the second one with. Mine was one of the fortunate ones which hadn't leaked water onto the electrics, but I have the following criticisms of BMW's implementation (and this is from direct comparison):
- more wind noise whether the blind is open or closed
- significantly more wind noise with the blind open
- colder inside the car on a winter day with the blind open
- resonance inside the car at 30-35mph with the panel fully back (this went away if I held the sprung deflector half way down, so it's just rubbish design)
- the rear glass panel jammed and stopped the whole thing working; fixed by getting into the mechanism and cutting off the blocks which lifted the rear panel. The front worked fine on its own
I have different criticism's of Merc's panoramic roof implementation (crap flimsy blinds that don't reach the edges, a massive beam in the middle of the car splitting it into two, etc) but at least theirs is reliable.
- more wind noise whether the blind is open or closed
- significantly more wind noise with the blind open
- colder inside the car on a winter day with the blind open
- resonance inside the car at 30-35mph with the panel fully back (this went away if I held the sprung deflector half way down, so it's just rubbish design)
- the rear glass panel jammed and stopped the whole thing working; fixed by getting into the mechanism and cutting off the blocks which lifted the rear panel. The front worked fine on its own
I have different criticism's of Merc's panoramic roof implementation (crap flimsy blinds that don't reach the edges, a massive beam in the middle of the car splitting it into two, etc) but at least theirs is reliable.
Jobbo said:
I've had two 545i Tourings, first one without sunroof the second one with. Mine was one of the fortunate ones which hadn't leaked water onto the electrics, but I have the following criticisms of BMW's implementation (and this is from direct comparison):
- more wind noise whether the blind is open or closed
- significantly more wind noise with the blind open
- colder inside the car on a winter day with the blind open
- resonance inside the car at 30-35mph with the panel fully back (this went away if I held the sprung deflector half way down, so it's just rubbish design)
- the rear glass panel jammed and stopped the whole thing working; fixed by getting into the mechanism and cutting off the blocks which lifted the rear panel. The front worked fine on its ownt
I have different criticism's of Merc's panoramic roof implementation (crap flimsy blinds that don't reach the edges, a massive beam in the middle of the car splitting it into two, etc) but at least theirs is reliable.
Interesting - having not owned one without I can't appreciate the extra wind noise. Having said that, my blind is permanently open throughout the year so it can't bother me. I may close it if my kids complain about the sun but that's the only time I would feel the need.- more wind noise whether the blind is open or closed
- significantly more wind noise with the blind open
- colder inside the car on a winter day with the blind open
- resonance inside the car at 30-35mph with the panel fully back (this went away if I held the sprung deflector half way down, so it's just rubbish design)
- the rear glass panel jammed and stopped the whole thing working; fixed by getting into the mechanism and cutting off the blocks which lifted the rear panel. The front worked fine on its ownt
I have different criticism's of Merc's panoramic roof implementation (crap flimsy blinds that don't reach the edges, a massive beam in the middle of the car splitting it into two, etc) but at least theirs is reliable.
jboy72 said:
Interesting - having not owned one without I can't appreciate the extra wind noise. Having said that, my blind is permanently open throughout the year so it can't bother me. I may close it if my kids complain about the sun but that's the only time I would feel the need.
The pano roof is one of the things I really like. Took the flaps off the drains and never had any problems. Its too noisy above 50mph to keep open and little more noise than normal if the blind is open but thats what the Logic 7 stereo is there to fix. I had it open just this morning - ahhh nature.I'm maybe not a fan of be pano because I don't have Logic 7 to drown out the wind noise!
But, for me, I like the idea of an open roof, but it's something else to go wrong (and they do) and I'd imagine a fair chunk of extra weight right where you don't want it. I know it probably won't make s
t difference on the road, but still...
But, for me, I like the idea of an open roof, but it's something else to go wrong (and they do) and I'd imagine a fair chunk of extra weight right where you don't want it. I know it probably won't make s
t difference on the road, but still...philmots said:
I'm maybe not a fan of be pano because I don't have Logic 7 to drown out the wind noise!
But, for me, I like the idea of an open roof, but it's something else to go wrong (and they do) and I'd imagine a fair chunk of extra weight right where you don't want it. I know it probably won't make st difference on the road, but still...
True on both counts - its v heavy and plenty of tales of breakage. I could tolerate life without the pano roof - but logic 7, radar cruise and massaging, heated, ventilated comfort seats are a different story!But, for me, I like the idea of an open roof, but it's something else to go wrong (and they do) and I'd imagine a fair chunk of extra weight right where you don't want it. I know it probably won't make s
t difference on the road, but still...ian_cab28 said:
Agreed, thought they'd be stampede for this, the magic seats, special leather, pronav, and panroof. Low mileage, potential modern classic status. Sensible price as well. Regards comments on DDC fault, could be something simple sensory. Better that than blue smokescreen of death!
Risk is that trader 550 sport with the engine knock at a similar price
Looks like this is the same car: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...Risk is that trader 550 sport with the engine knock at a similar price
Jobbo said:
That 39k miler looks a potential bargain even at the asking price. It even has exclusive nappa leather (which extends onto the centre console edges) - that's by far the nicest hide available on the E61. Does look like it's missing seat heating mind you.
£12,500 as an Approved Used Car now.
Think this thread has jinxed me!
Don't know what possessed me but I decided to go out and change my expansion tank, after months of the new one being in the box.
Change went 'ok', other than getting covered in coolant, went for a drive, steam everywhere!
Had a look and cracked that small bore vent line that runs along the top of the radiator!
Took off the slam panel and managed to bodge a repair by breaking off the cracked, metal part of the hose and putting a jubilee clip over the rubber hose with the plastic part inside. Seems to be ok on a test run, at the moment.
Ordered the new one but it won't be here until next week by the looks of things so hopefully that holds for a few days!
Don't know what possessed me but I decided to go out and change my expansion tank, after months of the new one being in the box.
Change went 'ok', other than getting covered in coolant, went for a drive, steam everywhere!
Had a look and cracked that small bore vent line that runs along the top of the radiator!
Took off the slam panel and managed to bodge a repair by breaking off the cracked, metal part of the hose and putting a jubilee clip over the rubber hose with the plastic part inside. Seems to be ok on a test run, at the moment.
Ordered the new one but it won't be here until next week by the looks of things so hopefully that holds for a few days!
dom9 said:
Think this thread has jinxed me!
Don't know what possessed me but I decided to go out and change my expansion tank, after months of the new one being in the box.
Change went 'ok', other than getting covered in coolant, went for a drive, steam everywhere!
Had a look and cracked that small bore vent line that runs along the top of the radiator!
Took off the slam panel and managed to bodge a repair by breaking off the cracked, metal part of the hose and putting a jubilee clip over the rubber hose with the plastic part inside. Seems to be ok on a test run, at the moment.
Ordered the new one but it won't be here until next week by the looks of things so hopefully that holds for a few days!
At least you were able to bodge it. My water pump went mid drive and that was game over - low loader time.Don't know what possessed me but I decided to go out and change my expansion tank, after months of the new one being in the box.
Change went 'ok', other than getting covered in coolant, went for a drive, steam everywhere!
Had a look and cracked that small bore vent line that runs along the top of the radiator!
Took off the slam panel and managed to bodge a repair by breaking off the cracked, metal part of the hose and putting a jubilee clip over the rubber hose with the plastic part inside. Seems to be ok on a test run, at the moment.
Ordered the new one but it won't be here until next week by the looks of things so hopefully that holds for a few days!
Going to attempt to replace the thermostat this weekend as OBD reader is telling me it is knackered. Scuffed knuckles and industrial language abound.
Blimey ....Margin alert ! Someone has been looking at Hexagon Modern Classics for pricing advice. I'd have bought that myself if I hadn't replaced my smoking, bore scored dealer refunded 545 with a 530i
Lovely engine when working and miss the effortless pull. Value at 6k , couldn't stomach 12k for it unless they've replaced the engine and gearbox
£12,500 as an Approved Used Car now.
Lovely engine when working and miss the effortless pull. Value at 6k , couldn't stomach 12k for it unless they've replaced the engine and gearbox
Jobbo said:
ian_cab28 said:
Agreed, thought they'd be stampede for this, the magic seats, special leather, pronav, and panroof. Low mileage, potential modern classic status. Sensible price as well. Regards comments on DDC fault, could be something simple sensory. Better that than blue smokescreen of death!
Risk is that trader 550 sport with the engine knock at a similar price
Looks like this is the same car: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...Risk is that trader 550 sport with the engine knock at a similar price
Jobbo said:
That 39k miler looks a potential bargain even at the asking price. It even has exclusive nappa leather (which extends onto the centre console edges) - that's by far the nicest hide available on the E61. Does look like it's missing seat heating mind you.
£12,500 as an Approved Used Car now.
Radiator bodge holding nicely but new pipe has arrived, so will get that on this weekend 
However, spent £420 sorting the brake issue today.
Turned out to be corrosion (or rubbing) had holed a hard pipe to the right rear and the diff and exhaust had to be dropped to get it all sorted! Ah well, no more warning lights!
However, spent £420 sorting the brake issue today.
Turned out to be corrosion (or rubbing) had holed a hard pipe to the right rear and the diff and exhaust had to be dropped to get it all sorted! Ah well, no more warning lights!
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