str8_6

If I had to get another e53, definitely a facelift diesel. I had a 2006 3.0d and it towed so well. Previously had a pre facelift petrol V8 and it loved to drink, and break down a lot, oh and drink. I tried a 3.0i petrol. It was okay, but I don’t think you gain much economy. If you can stretch a little further, look at an e70. They are coming down in price, and arguably the e53’s are getting high on mileage. They’re definitely an improvement on the e53, with a bit more refinement and space.

100% accurate 😂

Owned this car for a short period in 2022. I wanted a small manual run around and this felt like it needed rescuing at the time off its owner. Definitely not a fan of the black wheels it’s currently wearing! From memory it had lived most of its life in Wellington and was dealer serviced. I sold it because I didn’t really have the garage space and didn’t enjoy leaving a soft top outside - the car had been garaged its whole life up until I owned it.

Rust will kill the pumps. Had two fail due to rust. New tank, new pump, no problems.

https://www.wheelsmartrepaircentre.com/ These guys are great. Repaired my F80 wheel a few months back.

Just went through this saga with the e30 and decided a new tank was easier. Aftermarket fuel tank sourced from https://www.schmiedmann.com/ did the trick. Arrived in just over a week. Replaced the fuel pump and filter whilst in there. It’s also recommended to clean the fuel injector screens, or replace. Car is running like clockwork again.

The e85 Z4 was BMW’s first attempt at offering electric steering and runflat tires together. I’ve owned two facelift 3.0si’s and they both had vague steering and both tram lined on the original run flat setup. Good quality non runflats helped a lot, including the ride, but the steering always remained vague.

I noticed a slight ride height increase in the e39 M5 with new Bilstein struts and Lemforder mounts. Wasn’t sure if it was the spring perch being different, particularly on the rear. Kinda happy it’s a bit higher, saves me ruining the front undertray on the driveway.

Is it a genuine BMW screen that was installed? Whilst not HUD related, the local dealer installed the wrong genuine windscreen on my e39. They ordered one without the pre-installed sensor for auto headlights. There could be part number differences between an HUD screen and non HUD screen. I figure the screen will break again soon so no point changing it.

I must have got lucky with my 07 335i. I certainly wouldn’t call it any more unreliable than the other BMW’s I’ve owned. In fact it only ever had the bonnet up for regular oil changes and servicing in my 50k of driving and another 15k when I on-sold to a family member. I still get to drive it from time to time and still can’t understand why I sold it. The other car I had the N52 motor in was however an oil leaking mess of a thing, plus coolant leaks, vanos solenoid failures, starter motor, water pump, transmission pan gasket and it had half the mileage.

Put me second in line!

The 997 is the Goldilocks of the modern 911’s and is such an epic car to drive especially in rear wheel drive. I found using it daily so easy to live with. Loving it in red. The 991 became that bit bigger and styling a little bloated.

I disagree. My comment was a reflection of the experience at my local dealership which isn’t listed in your post. There is context, I’ve had exemplary service from the local dealer when it comes to their vehicle sales and parts teams. Their parts team in particular are outstanding to deal with. The service I’ve received from the local service department has been nothing but average and arrogant. Damage caused, failing to complete service updates, refusing to acknowledge faults. It’s a shame because the rest of the dealership works hard to ensure customers are looked after often going to extra lengths. There are great independents around Wellington who are enthusiastic about the work they do and their customers.

You’d be giving the local BMW dealer credit thinking they could pair a key. I doubt they could program a reset of the service lights.

Definitely recommend FCP for suspension components. Their customer service is outstanding and freight times are pretty good at present. E39 feels like new after a refresh.