E61 535d reliability

[SlowV6]

Hi All,

Currently have an e91 330d. 58 reg pre-LCI, last of the M57s.

Would like some more space and this e61 has popped up locally. It is basically an enlarged version of my current car being silver with black leather

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

Along with thermostats and the defensive swirl-flap removal, are e61s with the M57 broadly similar to e91s in terms of reliability prospects. Or should I fear panoramic sunroofs in particular and air suspension in general. These have the same ZF6 as ours I believe.

This particular one does seem to have a great spec although no mention of logic 7.

Clues appreciated.
Thanks

[b14]

The chassis, suspension and electrics on the E61s are generally pretty reliable, with a few exceptions:

- air suspension - it's actually a pretty robust system compared to some contemporary systems (I'm looking at you Audi). The major failure point is the compressor, but they aren't expensive or difficult to replace.

- panoramic sunroof - these can stick but there's an easy mod to fix the problem, which can be found online. Keep the drains clean and no issues. Let the drains clog, and it can lead to the electrics in the boot getting flooded. First job I did on mine was removing the bungs from the ends of the drains - again, super easy with guides available online.

- rear door wiring - the wiring in the hinges of the tailgate can break. This has probably been weeded out of all E61s now though, and replaced. Not too complex to fix.

- the 6HP gearbox is pretty tough but can fail at higher mileages, with sixth gear going. Difficult to predict, just check it is smooth and if over 100k miles, make sure oil has been changed.

That's about it. I don't know much about the 35d engine but sounds like you've got that covered.

[SlowV6]

Thanks b14 for that.

Our 330d is the M-Sport equipped (saddled?) with RFTs so is pretty firm. Are equivalent E61s RFTs or normal and with the air suspension at the rear is the overall ride quality softer than an e91?

Appreciate this requires people who have experienced both!

Finally, e91s are pretty low cars. Are e61s equally low?

Still mulling the whole e91 for e61 idea..

[robbieduncan]

The amplifier for the multi-band antenna can fail. When this happens it's a fairly easy part to get to and replace (they central locking will get worse and fail when this happens).

[helix402]

E61s have better ground clearance than the E91.

[b14]

SlowV6 said:

Thanks b14 for that.

Our 330d is the M-Sport equipped (saddled?) with RFTs so is pretty firm. Are equivalent E61s RFTs or normal and with the air suspension at the rear is the overall ride quality softer than an e91?

Appreciate this requires people who have experienced both!

Finally, e91s are pretty low cars. Are e61s equally low?

Still mulling the whole e91 for e61 idea..

The ride quality on the M-Sport E61 is softer, having experienced the difference from an E92 335i. I ditched the RFTs though.

I'd do it. If you get the pan roof it feels like a much bigger car than the E91 inside, but doesn't feel too heavy. I think the M-Sport ones look great too.