E60 6cyl diesel engined cars - anything to watch out for?

[fergus]

I'm thinking about getting either a 525d or 530d tourer, around 07 or 08 vintage. Is there anything I should watch out for? Anything I really need to have come resale time, i.e. I should buy a car with that spec now?

Is the M-sport option just sports seats, steering wheel, wheels and bodykit, or is there more to it?

I've heard horror stories about BMW auto boxes and towing. Anyone encountered any problems?

Many thanks.

[Lost soul]

fergus said:

Is the M-sport option just sports seats, steering wheel, wheels and bodykit, or is there more to it?

I think the suspension is also a bit stiffer , they are great cars i have a 525d and love it

[mbrain]

Swirl flap issues with the diesels, not sure how much better the later 2.5/3.0Ds are. Do a search on www.bmwland.co.uk.

If it's an auto, I'd go for a fluid/filter change at 60K ish. I did on my 325i 2003 auto at 70K and it was smoother than before (I thought it was smooth before).

[KnockinShop]

525 and 530 are both 3.0 in case you don't know this!
On a test drive give it some gas and look behind for dark smoke in case the turbo is acting up.
Love my 530d!
The M-Sport is great. I think it's worth every penny!
Stiffer suspension, 18s, black anthracite head lining, black rather than chrome door trim, sports steering wheel, door sill plates, rear spoiler, skirts all round.
If you like nav, go for pro nav, rather than business. Pro is the widescreen.
I sail and the owner tows the boat (1 ton) all over europe with a 535d (3.0 also) with auto box. No issues at all. great for towing.

[checksum]

I have an E61 525d SE and its a great car.

At 177bhp its pretty quick too

[checksum]

KnockinShop said:

525 and 530 are both 3.0 in case you don't know this!

This is true for the later models 2007 onwards, my 2004 (54) E61 is 2497cc (M57TUD25), BMW changed this to a 3.0L engine in 2007 (M57TU2D30) although the designation is 525d.