2013 F10 530d M Sport
Discussion
With a house move on the horizon, I decided that it was time to move away from financed cars and the associated monthly payments.
I was originally looking for a CLS 350 CDI Shooting Brake but I soon realised that the ideal car for me was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
I've never owned a BMW or a RWD and after looking at various different 3 and 5 series, both saloons and estates, I narrowed the search down to a 530d or a 535d. The problem was then trying to find the right car - as you'd expect for 5 series of this age, a lot of them have been to the moon and back and a lot of them have some undesirable modifications and have been used and abused with mismatching ditch finder tyres and no service history.
The car has done 65,000 miles, with a full service history (mainly BMW), is Citrin metallic black with oyster leather and has the professional nav, adaptive xenon lights, anthracite headlining, anthracite fine-wood trim, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, head up display and all of the usual toys. Importantly to me, the car had a set of OEM spec Goodyear Excellence run flat tyres, all with 6mm+ of tread remaining. In my mind, anyone that spends £900+ on a set of tyres is not likely to scrimp on anything else!
It is in great condition inside and outside and is proving to be a really comfortable cruiser - the seats are really good, it's really quiet, with no rattles, knocks or annoying noises and what an engine! Quite and refined when you want it to be but stick it sport plus mode and turn the traction off then it is quite happy to play the hooligan. The straight six diesel even sounds quite nice when you're giving it some beans too. We've got a three year old daughter and so far, the saloon is proving more than big enough so far.
It's proving to be really economical too - 45mpg is possible on a motorway run.
There were a few minor issues that I noticed. The windscreen washers were not working (usual BMW blocked washer pump filters) and the driver side headlight was full of condensation. I was a bit worried about the headlight issue and new lights are around £800 each but I'd read on a couple of forums about them being cured with a couple of silica gel pouches so I thought I'd give it a go. I used some double sided tape to secure one 25g bag of silica gel under the hatch that you use to access the bulbs and another in the space inside the headlight. Within a couple of days, all signs of condensation were gone! It hasn't returned so fingers crossed that it is a permanent fix. I'll probably leave the silica in until summer though. Glad it was such an easy fix as it really annoyed me having to look at the light and it let the whole car down.
For piece of mind, I took the car to a local German car specialist who I've used for many years - I was keen to have him cast his eyes over the car to make sure that I wasn't looking at impending doom and for a full service. It was a pretty big service as he changed pretty much every consumable that you would expect and also fixed the washer jet issue. Thankfully, I don't appear to have bought a dog and the car was given a clean bill of health!
So far, all I've really done is give is clean the leather and the engine bay. Although the interior is in really good condition, there was a bit of dye transfer on the drivers seat but it now looks as good as new. The engine bay is one of those satisfying jobs as although no one can see it, it's always nice knowing it's clean!
I was a bit nervous about its capabilities in the snow with it being a big, heavy RWD bus so I fitted a full set of winter tyres, which were reassuringly expensive.
Anyway, here's some pictures...
One thing I do miss is Android Auto. I think it's one of those things - once you've had it, it is hard to go back. After Christmas, I'll be fitting an MMI box that allows you to use the original screen and iDrive controller.
Other than that, I'll refurb the wheels as there's a little bit of paint peeling around the valves on one wheel and the barrels of the wheels look like they've never been cleaned properly. I was impressed to see that the previous owner had not curbed any of the wheels - not something you often see on a 8 year old used car. Oh, the calipers could do with painting too - I'll probably just paint them gloss black whilst the wheels are off.
That's it - keeping my fingers crossed that it stays reliable!
I was originally looking for a CLS 350 CDI Shooting Brake but I soon realised that the ideal car for me was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
I've never owned a BMW or a RWD and after looking at various different 3 and 5 series, both saloons and estates, I narrowed the search down to a 530d or a 535d. The problem was then trying to find the right car - as you'd expect for 5 series of this age, a lot of them have been to the moon and back and a lot of them have some undesirable modifications and have been used and abused with mismatching ditch finder tyres and no service history.
The car has done 65,000 miles, with a full service history (mainly BMW), is Citrin metallic black with oyster leather and has the professional nav, adaptive xenon lights, anthracite headlining, anthracite fine-wood trim, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, head up display and all of the usual toys. Importantly to me, the car had a set of OEM spec Goodyear Excellence run flat tyres, all with 6mm+ of tread remaining. In my mind, anyone that spends £900+ on a set of tyres is not likely to scrimp on anything else!
It is in great condition inside and outside and is proving to be a really comfortable cruiser - the seats are really good, it's really quiet, with no rattles, knocks or annoying noises and what an engine! Quite and refined when you want it to be but stick it sport plus mode and turn the traction off then it is quite happy to play the hooligan. The straight six diesel even sounds quite nice when you're giving it some beans too. We've got a three year old daughter and so far, the saloon is proving more than big enough so far.
It's proving to be really economical too - 45mpg is possible on a motorway run.
There were a few minor issues that I noticed. The windscreen washers were not working (usual BMW blocked washer pump filters) and the driver side headlight was full of condensation. I was a bit worried about the headlight issue and new lights are around £800 each but I'd read on a couple of forums about them being cured with a couple of silica gel pouches so I thought I'd give it a go. I used some double sided tape to secure one 25g bag of silica gel under the hatch that you use to access the bulbs and another in the space inside the headlight. Within a couple of days, all signs of condensation were gone! It hasn't returned so fingers crossed that it is a permanent fix. I'll probably leave the silica in until summer though. Glad it was such an easy fix as it really annoyed me having to look at the light and it let the whole car down.
For piece of mind, I took the car to a local German car specialist who I've used for many years - I was keen to have him cast his eyes over the car to make sure that I wasn't looking at impending doom and for a full service. It was a pretty big service as he changed pretty much every consumable that you would expect and also fixed the washer jet issue. Thankfully, I don't appear to have bought a dog and the car was given a clean bill of health!
So far, all I've really done is give is clean the leather and the engine bay. Although the interior is in really good condition, there was a bit of dye transfer on the drivers seat but it now looks as good as new. The engine bay is one of those satisfying jobs as although no one can see it, it's always nice knowing it's clean!
I was a bit nervous about its capabilities in the snow with it being a big, heavy RWD bus so I fitted a full set of winter tyres, which were reassuringly expensive.
Anyway, here's some pictures...
One thing I do miss is Android Auto. I think it's one of those things - once you've had it, it is hard to go back. After Christmas, I'll be fitting an MMI box that allows you to use the original screen and iDrive controller.
Other than that, I'll refurb the wheels as there's a little bit of paint peeling around the valves on one wheel and the barrels of the wheels look like they've never been cleaned properly. I was impressed to see that the previous owner had not curbed any of the wheels - not something you often see on a 8 year old used car. Oh, the calipers could do with painting too - I'll probably just paint them gloss black whilst the wheels are off.
That's it - keeping my fingers crossed that it stays reliable!
Edited by TheOversteerLever on Wednesday 6th April 17:50
Looks a lovely motor 
If not already; join the BMW 5 forums, there's a wealth of info there for all 5 series BMWs:
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/forum/103-f07f10f11-2010-...
Also; do your research on the 'yellow grommet' issues and check your rear NS footwell for any damp due to this
If not already; join the BMW 5 forums, there's a wealth of info there for all 5 series BMWs:
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/forum/103-f07f10f11-2010-...
Also; do your research on the 'yellow grommet' issues and check your rear NS footwell for any damp due to this
d_a_n1979 said:
Looks a lovely motor
If not already; join the BMW 5 forums, there's a wealth of info there for all 5 series BMWs:
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/forum/103-f07f10f11-2010-...
Also; do your research on the 'yellow grommet' issues and check your rear NS footwell for any damp due to this
Thanks. If not already; join the BMW 5 forums, there's a wealth of info there for all 5 series BMWs:
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/forum/103-f07f10f11-2010-...
Also; do your research on the 'yellow grommet' issues and check your rear NS footwell for any damp due to this
Yeah, I've had a nosey on the BMW5 forum and I'll sign up at some point.
I have read about the dreaded yellow grommet. It seems fine at the moment but I'll certainly keep an eye on it. One thing I've not read (or just missed) is if there's anything that can be done to prevent leaking?
TheOversteerLever said:
d_a_n1979 said:
Looks a lovely motor
If not already; join the BMW 5 forums, there's a wealth of info there for all 5 series BMWs:
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/forum/103-f07f10f11-2010-...
Also; do your research on the 'yellow grommet' issues and check your rear NS footwell for any damp due to this
Thanks. If not already; join the BMW 5 forums, there's a wealth of info there for all 5 series BMWs:
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/forum/103-f07f10f11-2010-...
Also; do your research on the 'yellow grommet' issues and check your rear NS footwell for any damp due to this
Yeah, I've had a nosey on the BMW5 forum and I'll sign up at some point.
I have read about the dreaded yellow grommet. It seems fine at the moment but I'll certainly keep an eye on it. One thing I've not read (or just missed) is if there's anything that can be done to prevent leaking?
It's the same for me with my F01 7'er; so like you I'll keep my eyes on it. I have hoovered out that area and cleaned it out too, so hoping that keeps it sorted enough
They don't all fail; it doesn't happen to all Fx range BMWs etc
d_a_n1979 said:
Apart from keeping that area and cavity clean from debris, allowing water to build up, not really...
It's the same for me with my F01 7'er; so like you I'll keep my eyes on it. I have hoovered out that area and cleaned it out too, so hoping that keeps it sorted enough
They don't all fail; it doesn't happen to all Fx range BMWs etc
Great, thanks for the info. I'll keep the area clean and hope that does the trick. It's the same for me with my F01 7'er; so like you I'll keep my eyes on it. I have hoovered out that area and cleaned it out too, so hoping that keeps it sorted enough
They don't all fail; it doesn't happen to all Fx range BMWs etc
d_a_n1979 said:
Also; do your research on the 'yellow grommet' issues and check your rear NS footwell for any damp due to this
We had a decent amount of rain over night and this morning so when I went out to the car, I checked the rear passenger side footwell. It was damp.Followed all the instructions/advice on the forum, took out the panel in front of the yellow grommet, cleaned it all, drilled a few extra drainage holes and refitted it.
I knew something wasn't right because as soon as I applied some pressure to remove the plastic panel, a lot of water came flooding out.
It was absolutely throwing it down whilst I was doing it and I got properly soaked. Hoping for less rain tomorrow as I want to take it off again to double check that all the drain holes are not blocked. I might put some silicone sealant around the grommet too, just to be on the safe side.
What a design flaw though! There's a 50+ page thread on the 5 forum with absolutely loads of owners having the same issue.
Disappointing from BMW but if it doesn't leak again, I'll let them off as it's still a great car
Thanks again for the heads-up!
TheOversteerLever said:
d_a_n1979 said:
Also; do your research on the 'yellow grommet' issues and check your rear NS footwell for any damp due to this
We had a decent amount of rain over night and this morning so when I went out to the car, I checked the rear passenger side footwell. It was damp.Followed all the instructions/advice on the forum, took out the panel in front of the yellow grommet, cleaned it all, drilled a few extra drainage holes and refitted it.
I knew something wasn't right because as soon as I applied some pressure to remove the plastic panel, a lot of water came flooding out.
It was absolutely throwing it down whilst I was doing it and I got properly soaked. Hoping for less rain tomorrow as I want to take it off again to double check that all the drain holes are not blocked. I might put some silicone sealant around the grommet too, just to be on the safe side.
What a design flaw though! There's a 50+ page thread on the 5 forum with absolutely loads of owners having the same issue.
Disappointing from BMW but if it doesn't leak again, I'll let them off as it's still a great car
Thanks again for the heads-up!
Well least you've caught it. If you re-seal the grommet there shouldn't be any other issues really. But deffo something to keep your eyes on etc
foreverfalling said:
Nice car, I just bought a 2013 5 and have the same issue with the headlights. Was it hard to do the silica gel fix? Did you take any pics?
Thanks
Piece of cake, honestly. Took me five minutes.Thanks
I used 25g bags of silica gel that I got on eBay for about £4.00 and some decent double sided tape.
If you open the bonnet and then open the plastic flap on top of the headlights, there's a plastic cap that can be removed to access the bulbs. I stuck one bag to the underside of this cap and another in the void towards the back of the headlight.
My car has active xenon lights so if yours does too, just be careful that you don't restrict the motors that are used to move the bulbs from side to side when steering lock is applied. Also, you obviously don't want to be getting the bags anywhere near the bulb connectors if you can help it!
I didn't take any pictures, sorry but just get the bonnet popped and have a nosey, it's a really easy, cheap and satisfying fix.
Edited by TheOversteerLever on Sunday 5th December 20:56
d_a_n1979 said:
Damn!
Well least you've caught it. If you re-seal the grommet there shouldn't be any other issues really. But deffo something to keep your eyes on etc
All sealed up and every drain point that I could access has been properly cleaned.Well least you've caught it. If you re-seal the grommet there shouldn't be any other issues really. But deffo something to keep your eyes on etc
I ended up taping a length of hosepipe to the end of a Henry attachment to help get all of the crap out of each side, by the bonnet hinges.
I also realised that I could get the hose through the drain point at the bottom right hand side of the grommet of doom. I could actually feed it through the drain and see the from under the hinge so I'm certain that I managed to get all the bits and pieces of leafs and whenever else was in there out.
I left a good few chunks of skin from my hands in the engine bay though!
I'll keep checking periodically but it appears that I've caught it just in time as although the carpets were a bit damp, they were not absolutely soaked through and I didn't have any puddles of water, thankfully!
foreverfalling said:
Nice car, I just bought a 2013 5 and have the same issue with the headlights. Was it hard to do the silica gel fix? Did you take any pics?
Thanks
Oh and if you haven't guessed it and/or already checked, have a look around the yellow grommet and make sure that all your carpets are bone dry. Even if they are, I'd be tempted to take the cover off the grommet and give it all a good clean as it's such a poor design.Thanks
The forum link posted earlier has a sticky topic at the top - 50+ pages worth!
Stick Legs said:
I had two of these, one after the other.
Great cars. 150000 trouble free miles.
Looks like a nice one.
Both 530d? Hoping that I'll also have many trouble free miles! Great cars. 150000 trouble free miles.
Looks like a nice one.
I've decided that I'm going to give it an oil service (at least) every year around MOT time. My mechanic recommended it and said that they should be bullet proof if the servicing is kept up to - fingers crossed...
TheOversteerLever said:
Both 530d? Hoping that I'll also have many trouble free miles!
I've decided that I'm going to give it an oil service (at least) every year around MOT time. My mechanic recommended it and said that they should be bullet proof if the servicing is kept up to - fingers crossed...
Yes, an early 2010 530d SE followed by a 2016 530d M-Sport.I've decided that I'm going to give it an oil service (at least) every year around MOT time. My mechanic recommended it and said that they should be bullet proof if the servicing is kept up to - fingers crossed...
I had a policy of sucking out 4.5 litres of oil through the dipstick and replacing it every 6-7000 miles.
Other than that they both needed nothing doing.
Stick Legs said:
Yes, an early 2010 530d SE followed by a 2016 530d M-Sport.
I had a policy of sucking out 4.5 litres of oil through the dipstick and replacing it every 6-7000 miles.
Other than that they both needed nothing doing.
In my previous F10 535d and E90 330d aside from the internal cheater fan failing in the F10 they didn’t have any issues at all basic servicing & that was the 18k mile service too. I had a policy of sucking out 4.5 litres of oil through the dipstick and replacing it every 6-7000 miles.
Other than that they both needed nothing doing.
Michelin primacy3’s run flats were from memory near on 50k miles. Get one with comfort seats and air cooled/climate if you can find one.
TheOversteerLever said:
foreverfalling said:
Nice car, I just bought a 2013 5 and have the same issue with the headlights. Was it hard to do the silica gel fix? Did you take any pics?
Thanks
Piece of cake, honestly. Took me five minutes.Thanks
I used 25g bags of silica gel that I got on eBay for about £4.00 and some decent double sided tape.
If you open the bonnet and then open the plastic flap on top of the headlights, there's a plastic cap that can be removed to access the bulbs. I stuck one bag to the underside of this cap and another in the void towards the back of the headlight.
My car has active xenon lights so if yours does too, just be careful that you don't restrict the motors that are used to move the bulbs from side to side when steering lock is applied. Also, you obviously don't want to be getting the bags anywhere near the bulb connectors if you can help it!
I didn't take any pictures, sorry but just get the bonnet popped and have a nosey, it's a really easy, cheap and satisfying fix.
Edited by TheOversteerLever on Sunday 5th December 20:56
-
I was reading a post online though and it might not be worth leaving them in for so long. Not heard anyone else say this but one person seemed to have problems.
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/117333-introducing-...
Edited by foreverfalling on Sunday 5th December 23:03
TheOversteerLever said:
d_a_n1979 said:
Damn!
Well least you've caught it. If you re-seal the grommet there shouldn't be any other issues really. But deffo something to keep your eyes on etc
All sealed up and every drain point that I could access has been properly cleaned.Well least you've caught it. If you re-seal the grommet there shouldn't be any other issues really. But deffo something to keep your eyes on etc
I ended up taping a length of hosepipe to the end of a Henry attachment to help get all of the crap out of each side, by the bonnet hinges.
I also realised that I could get the hose through the drain point at the bottom right hand side of the grommet of doom. I could actually feed it through the drain and see the from under the hinge so I'm certain that I managed to get all the bits and pieces of leafs and whenever else was in there out.
I left a good few chunks of skin from my hands in the engine bay though!
I'll keep checking periodically but it appears that I've caught it just in time as although the carpets were a bit damp, they were not absolutely soaked through and I didn't have any puddles of water, thankfully!
Took an age, but got it sorted and yellow grommet resealed etc
Issue for me is I've slab like hands and can't access the bolts myself; so will be asking my pal come the New Year to give me a hand at his garage; it'll be going in for another oil change anyways as the current one is more of a flush
Lovely looking motor. Did you check for the infamous rust bubbles appearing just below the window trims on all the doors (at both the front and back of each door)? This is now a common problem on this as they begin to age - covered under the 12 year warranty, but sadly the fix is grind back and paint rather than replace.
foreverfalling said:
Thanks so much really appreciate the reply. Will give it a go and report back
-
I was reading a post online though and it might not be worth leaving them in for so long. Not heard anyone else say this but one person seemed to have problems.
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/117333-introducing-...
No worries. I'll be sure not to leave them in too long, got plenty left to go at! Thanks for the heads up though. -
I was reading a post online though and it might not be worth leaving them in for so long. Not heard anyone else say this but one person seemed to have problems.
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/117333-introducing-...
Edited by foreverfalling on Sunday 5th December 23:03
AnneTeak said:
Lovely looking motor. Did you check for the infamous rust bubbles appearing just below the window trims on all the doors (at both the front and back of each door)? This is now a common problem on this as they begin to age - covered under the 12 year warranty, but sadly the fix is grind back and paint rather than replace.
Thanks. To be honest, I didn't check as I wasn't aware of the issue. Thankfully, there's no corrosion anywhere to report but I'll keep an eye out!
Cheers.
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