Chrisblob 3 Report post Posted July 13, 2018 Hi all, I'm Chris, I just purchased a Japan market 2006 E60 540i sedan done around 74,000km, in silver with black interior. My first BMW, in fact first European vehicle after nearly 30 years of driving Japanese and Korean cars. NZC in Hornby were the sellers, they advertised the vehicle a number of months ago but it had mechanical issues on arrival - I never got to test drive it first time round, but when it was re-advertised recently after repairs I test drove it and decided to buy. The problems it initially had were significant, and cost over $3500 for NZC to fix; it got a new gearbox, and leaky seals replaced. The only issues it seems to have now are an intermittent reversing camera, and I suspect the key fob (sealed unit that charges by induction) battery is on its last legs. Very tidy exterior and interior, very few squeaks or rattles, so far very happy with it touch wood ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ BMW 368 Report post Posted July 13, 2018 If they replaced the valve stem seals then that’s great news. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chrisblob 3 Report post Posted July 13, 2018 1 hour ago, NZ BMW said: If they replaced the valve stem seals then that’s great news. I'm not 100% certain which seals were replaced, but with $3500 spent including a new gearbox I suspect it wasn't valve stem seals, more likely coolant leaks that are more obvious to find and don't require lifting the heads. It's welcome whatever it is, as I'm less likely to have to fix those things now. ? 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aja540i 1906 Report post Posted July 14, 2018 If it is a comfort access key, the battery can be replaced. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chrisblob 3 Report post Posted July 14, 2018 5 hours ago, aja540i said: If it is a comfort access key, the battery can be replaced. not the comfort access one sadly, its the sealed unit that recharges via induction while plugged in the ignition. It can be replaced with an LIR2025 rechargeable, but needs some careful use of a craft knife to cut/pry the seal holding the remote together, it might even require soldering to remove/replace the old battery. It seems to be going again now so I'll keep an eye on it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aja540i 1906 Report post Posted July 14, 2018 21 minutes ago, Chrisblob said: not the comfort access one sadly, its the sealed unit that recharges via induction while plugged in the ignition. It can be replaced with an LIR2025 rechargeable, but needs some careful use of a craft knife to cut/pry the seal holding the remote together, it might even require soldering to remove/replace the old battery. It seems to be going again now so I'll keep an eye on it. good excuse to take it for a nice long drive... "i'm charging the key" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TermiPeteNZ 1318 Report post Posted July 14, 2018 (edited) Welcome Chris - silver E60 with Style 123s is a handsome vehicle If you have only one key recommend you pick up another and make your existing one a spare. Cost a few $$ but not as bad as some others ... They certainly make it a PITA to replace the battery!! ? Edited July 14, 2018 by TermiPeteNZ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chrisblob 3 Report post Posted July 16, 2018 On 7/14/2018 at 10:05 PM, TermiPeteNZ said: Welcome Chris - silver E60 with Style 123s is a handsome vehicle If you have only one key recommend you pick up another and make your existing one a spare. Cost a few $$ but not as bad as some others ... They certainly make it a PITA to replace the battery!! ? I spoke to NZC, and they offered to cover the cost of sorting out the key fob - its still working for now. I agree on the look of the car, especially with the style 123 wheels -- those seem to match the highline trim better than other rims I've seen. I test drove a highline 2005 550i before I bought the 540i, and it had the style 124's - sorta looked out of place on that car, plus the fact the rears are 275/35/ZR18, which is expensive rubber compared to the 245/40/ZR18's on my 540i. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olaf 3314 Report post Posted August 20, 2018 Welcome, Chris! Beaut cars, and a great drive. Winger BMW recommended I keep my keys in use in rotation, so they dont get a chance to go flat. HTH. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
