Im a total n00b when it comes to bmw but here's some background and requirements/wants. Would greatly appreciate advise from those that have owned.
For the last 6 years i've had D40 Navara. For the last 2 i've been thinking about getting something nicer to drive but still do most of the tasks i want. I sold the ute a few weeks back so i need to replace it.
Requirements:
Price range is ideally under 11k
Be a a wagon. Have a family that it needs to carry and occasionally dogs in the back. I do a bit of DIY and making things so with roof racks it could carry timber etc. Thats pretty much got me set on an E61
Decent size engine. I have a boat that i don't use as much as i should but need to be able to at least tow it to the ramp and pull it out of the water. I had it narrowed in order of preference to 530d, 550i, 525d. 530d's are apparently like unicorns and hard to find. 525d's arent much easier. There's a few 550i's around in my price. Had a friend look at one in auckland for me and he said it was solid. its had a lot of the common issues resolved and good service history while the guy has owned it. But i have read a few things that those motors can be time bombs. Im prepared for maintenance costs but not equipped for repairs in the thousands. I'm pretty hand DIY and mechanic but not engine internals. Given the rarity of the diesels will a 530i be ok or will it suck completely at towing? Figures say its got 20nm more torque than my navara and double the kw at 200. 535 not available in a wagon it seems unless you go to an F11.
Nice to haves:
M Sport. They look great but i'd take a non M if it was a good deal
Dark interior. I've seen a decent priced F11 535i but it has a cream interior that would get dirty if you looked at it the wrong way.
Appreciate peoples thoughts mainly about the e61's engine options related to towing. If the 530 will do it and not suck more than a D40 i can live with it if it means a more reliable engine. Or if im better to hold out for a unicorn white msport 08 530d.
