thorns 20 Report post Posted March 16, 2016 Just in the market at the moment to replace my long in the tooth Subaru 3.0R wagon. Decided i am going to treat myself to something a bit more special now that time for toys seem to all but dissapeared with arrival of baby #2. Looking at the E60 530 and up sedans for something to comfortably transport the rug rats, but also deliver a nice drive at the same time. In the E60 range, are there any models that haven't feared that well over time, any particular models to avoid that had known issues? Want a 530i minimum, and also wouldn't be averse to a nice V8 as well. Looks like 2008 they had an upgrade so would like to try stretch to that year or later I think. One other thing, whats the difference in transmission between these two random examples, more talking the shifter itself, guessing its a different/optional transmission? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1016756807.htm http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1045622080.htm Cheers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olaf 3248 Report post Posted March 16, 2016 have a thorough read on Bimmerfest on the following link - and download the latest "so you just bought an e60" (current version is Feb 2016 - it keeps getting updated. It's a very informative doc, helps you buy an e60 with a clear mind and knowlege of what to look for/what to expect. HTH Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorns 20 Report post Posted March 16, 2016 Thanks Olaf, that is a brilliant guide. only really skimmed over it for now, but looks like a very handy document and will probably answer 99% of the questions I have! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qube 3568 Report post Posted March 16, 2016 LCI - also known as facelift is most easily identifiable by that updated gearknob. i thought it was 2009 for the 3 series but maybe it is 2008 for 5ers. but do be careful, there are some random 2004's floating around thats had the updated gearknob retrofitted. heck, ive even seen one in a e46 325ci lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TermiPeteNZ 1303 Report post Posted March 16, 2016 (edited) The blue is unusual and nice! I'm happy with my 2004 545i Highline - and glad I got the AutoSure wty (3 claims - oil seals on engine, water tank and iDrive computer died). The V8s are sensational. I would have liked a M Sport but I couldn't/didn't justify an extra $7-10k for what is primarily aesthetics. Check out this unit just listed down your way today: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1052084068.htm - low kms 550i M Sport in black in Chch And if you're a cheapskate like me there's a vehicle very similar to mine for sale in Welly: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1020321075.htm - 2005 545i with <100kms on it and about 20 months of Autosure Extreme wty left on it - for just $13,500. It's not a M Sport but it IS a lot of car for the $$. Also 2 x 550i M Sports with 110kms on them for $20k here in Welly too. Edited March 16, 2016 by TermiPeteNZ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aja540i 1903 Report post Posted March 16, 2016 The lci on these was 2007, and its worth hanging out for. I recommend the M5! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorns 20 Report post Posted March 16, 2016 The blue is unusual and nice! I'm happy with my 2004 545i Highline - and glad I got the AutoSure wty (3 claims - oil seals on engine, water tank and iDrive computer died). The V8s are sensational. I would have liked a M Sport but I couldn't/didn't justify an extra $7-10k for what is primarily aesthetics. Check out this unit just listed down your way today: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1052084068.htm - low kms 550i M Sport in black in Chch And if you're a cheapskate like me there's a vehicle very similar to mine for sale in Welly: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1020321075.htm - 2005 545i with <100kms on it and about 20 months of Autosure Extreme wty left on it - for just $13,500. It's not a M Sport but it IS a lot of car for the $$. Also 2 x 550i M Sports with 110kms on them for $20k here in Welly too. Would like to try get a M Sport version if I can, love the looks of the extra kit and wheels on them. How do you find fuel consumption on the 545? I realise its not going to be exceptional, but interested in some real world figures as opposed to claimed figures. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorns 20 Report post Posted March 16, 2016 The lci on these was 2007, and its worth hanging out for. I recommend the M5! Haha, yeah an M5 would be mint, but think that would make my bank balance drain a bit to quick! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TermiPeteNZ 1303 Report post Posted March 16, 2016 (edited) Would like to try get a M Sport version if I can, love the looks of the extra kit and wheels on them. How do you find fuel consumption on the 545? I realise its not going to be exceptional, but interested in some real world figures as opposed to claimed figures. Yes understand the M Sport appeal 14l/100kmh is what i get with a mix of conservative driving and giving it some welly - across suburban streets in hilly areas and some CBD and some motorway. Certainly less than the 17l average I get on my X5, which is big, has less power but sounds way better. Edited March 16, 2016 by TermiPeteNZ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryadre 12 Report post Posted March 17, 2016 I went through this process and bought a 550i wagon a month or two back. There is a thread down the page somewhere. Yes the lci came in 2007, which has among other things the electric transmission shifter (meant to be very slight better for fuel use), led taillights and other cosmetic mods. Definetly get the motorsport version. The V8 I have found on open road to be pretty good on fuel maybe 12l/100 and round town obviously worse, wouldnt be much/ if any more than my old ba xr6 falcon. Any other questions fire away, I think its a great car for the money. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Breaker 980 Report post Posted March 18, 2016 If your interested my 2006 E62 550 M-sport is also on the market, 66ks and $24k, was going to keep it, but relocating, company car and just sitting there won't do it or me any good Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorns 20 Report post Posted March 19, 2016 Drove a 530i M and a 540 Highline today. Loved the 530, and to be honest didn't really care for the 540, not sure if it was just because it was the highline and not a M so more just about cruising in comfort. The 530 felt quicker and more alive which i guess is down to ride feel being the sportier M version. At this stage i think a 530 will do me nicely, the motor is really nice, reasonably economical but still some decent boogie when you get up it. (and similar to my 3.0R Subie) Got a few more cars to look at, but its the front runner at the moment anyway. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorns 20 Report post Posted March 24, 2016 Has anyone had any luck importing there own? I would absolutely love a manual box if I could, and there is absolutely nothing available in NZ with a 6 speed box it seems. Guessing even overseas they are rare as hens teeth? Could anyone recommend a broker/importer I could maybe make contact with to discuss this? Do the manuals come at quite a premium used? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
atlantiskiwi 73 Report post Posted April 2, 2016 If your interested I have a work mate who's decided to sell his 525d manual. Motorsport in blue. Not sure what he wants for it. Always mechanically maintained but could do with a tidy up cosmetically, nothing major tho. Has anyone had any luck importing there own? I would absolutely love a manual box if I could, and there is absolutely nothing available in NZ with a 6 speed box it seems. Guessing even overseas they are rare as hens teeth? Could anyone recommend a broker/importer I could maybe make contact with to discuss this? Do the manuals come at quite a premium used? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted April 2, 2016 you might get a manual from the UK,but manuals are often poverty pack there Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aja540i 1903 Report post Posted April 2, 2016 you might get a manual from the UK,but manuals are often poverty pack there and diesel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted April 2, 2016 and diesel. you say thats like it is a bad thing...i reckon a 530d manual would be awesome.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorns 20 Report post Posted April 9, 2016 So have given up on finding a manual, just not going to happening thing for the models I want. I have narrowed it down to two at present, a 530i mpsport, or a 550i highline, just trying to justify the extra cost of that amazing V8. The warranty that I am looking at purchasing with it, they have a max payout per claim of 5k, is this enough, or am I better to look for one that goes to 10k. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NUSTAD 243 Report post Posted April 9, 2016 We had a Subaru 3.0r manual.....and sold it for the 530i Motorsport LCI. Much better car. The engine is a peach and nice and responsive. Interior on LCI is marginally better too. Really like it but buy from a dealer so you get some guarantee or get it thoroughly checked. The dealer had to replace parts of the tranny on ours. 75km..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted April 9, 2016 So have given up on finding a manual, just not going to happening thing for the models I want. I have narrowed it down to two at present, a 530i mpsport, or a 550i highline, just trying to justify the extra cost of that amazing V8. The warranty that I am looking at purchasing with it, they have a max payout per claim of 5k, is this enough, or am I better to look for one that goes to 10k. i dont think there is a manual e60 or any variant thereoff in NZ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allanw 1051 Report post Posted April 9, 2016 i dont think there is a manual e60 or any variant thereoff in NZ I did see a manual 520d... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
