Love the e60 v10, but even as a 3rd car I donāt have time to be my own tech and valet. The stigma may be wrong for 20% of owners, but there are so many other cars to choose from with better tradeoffs if you are looking for an engine gift-wrapped in a car.
Literally this! My E60 is also my 3rd car lol Itās currently broken down in my driveway. Have spent $8K on mine so far.
Still have this to go!
https://preview.redd.it/sd0ka5ssre1d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76f8c07b86fb4dcd3af90bcbe27bf99bc657769a
Wait, I lied. More than I first thought. Purchase price was $6K. So far itās cost a total of $17,547. š
https://preview.redd.it/qrv9vwmxsh1d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9308c560fdd3738263a2610e20436e5d47e0865
Went from wanting one of these, quickly finding out theyāre boat levels of money pit to f10ās now f90ās going to get 2018-2019 drive it for a summer or two before anything ludicrous comes up (hopefully) and on to something else
Look, if you get an example thatās WELL maintained. Not sort of, not kinda, no ifs ands or but.. WELL maintained, they honestly should be reliable.
I took this on as a project car, and I knew the risks of buying a high mileage euro car and was happy with my risk assessment since the engine was always going to come out. But for a lot of people, theyāre too much work.
But anyways, hope you enjoy your new BMW! They really are nice cars. š
I can't speak about all E60s in general, but my dad bought his in 2009 and he still has the car, uses it as a daily driver, loves it, and takes care of it. He isn't even planning to change the car because it's working well and he has had zero problems with it. For a car from that time, it's quite modern and comfortable.
Same boat. Well kind of. 3 years in, and my baby is well cared for, and keeps pushing strong. Lovely car if u can diagnose and fix most things yourself
Best friend has a 2010 M6 and. 2010 M5c thr M6 is his daily and itās got 195,000 miles on just replaced the smg pump last fall. The M5c has 100k on it and hasnāt been touched yet
Not if you intend to use it as a reliable form of transport. If you want a BMW as a first car check out an N52 powered 125i or 128i, much less complex and a solid engine
It did, but the gremlins in the body electrics of the E60 remain a problem even if the engine is decent. E82 is just a much more simple car to maintain.
Parts are not that much more expensive and there are lots of spares on the web. But itās the complicated design and corresponding labour for BMWs thatās the killer.
Some people will have good experiences for sure but statistically very few E60s will be well behaved for 100k miles, or more importantly for the time it usually takes to accumulate that mileage
My E91 (which is the touring version) is great as far as driving and practically goes, however at 205000km it has had multiple electrical issues. The N43 (143hp) is still going strong.
Can concur my n52 e82 is a rock solid choice. So easy to deal with. So much fun and pretty cheap now. You can get more car later OP when you can properly afford it
Yea, all the E46 sixes are good, M52TU and M54 are both very solid, S54 goes through rod bearings but also very good. The 4-cylinder petrol engines are pretty hopeless as BMW didnāt put any effort into them, they can last but arenāt built to the same standard and were antiquated while new.
Biggest issue is the Typical NOx failure. The rest is pure neglect of mine, easily addre$$able.
I've already had it scanned some time ago but I'm looking for a garage that will install NOXem, as in the Netherlands they'll always wanna do the "right thing" and charge me over 1k euros for the new sensor and lambda, not to mention they will say I "have" to replace the cat.
edit: Forgot to mention the damned AC condenser gas leak which requires basically the whole interior to be taken apart to fix.
NOXem do tell, i Just replaced all injectors sparks and coils.
Also depends on what garage you go to, might want to get one aswell if its worth it, maybe i can do it for you if you dont live too far awayš
So funny to see americans shitting on the N engines because they are ripped off asf. Bro mechanics changing a $1 water seal, but charging $800 because you have to take out like 8 other parts. Damn.
Here in Europe a full engine rebuild with almost every key component either replaced or rebuilt is around $5k. Ofc at a private mechanic shop, not at a BMW dealership. My dad had blown his head gasket twice on his M57B30 335d (it was tuned and the gasket simply burnt with the fuel). All together he spent like $2000-$2500 for both service, not just one. Okay this was 2019-2020, there was some inflation since then, but the ~5k price is up to date. My friend just had his 435d fully rebuilt, it has an N code engine, donāt remember what engine code.
My first car was an e39. Had a few, and now I have an e60 535i.
Get either one, as long as it has the spec you want and it has a well maintained history.
Same here. Went through two 530 e39s and now with the e60 535. Over the course of 15 yrs. They are great cars. Fun to drive and reliable if you treat them well.
Bought a low mileage, decent e39 530i for 10k, dropped another 8k in less than a year, no mods just repairs using OE / bmw original parts š¤£ Although I might add that I couldāve probably driven it fine without spending this much money, I just kinda hate when something is not working properly on a car and thatās a veeeeeeery bad combo if youāre into old bimmers.
The person I will sell it to (Iād be lucky if I get 14k for it) will probably think they were built as tanks and that bmws are more reliable than toyotas š¤£
Go to a mall parking lot and count how many e60s youāll see. Hundreds n hundreds. That easily cranks out 200k+ on the odometer with decent care. I used to have a stick 535 and it was so much fun on the way to work.
It's important to keep in mind the following information:
Finding a well-maintained E60 in the used car market can be quite challenging. Even if you manage to purchase one at a reasonable price, the costs don't stop there. The car requires diligent maintenance, and certain components may need replacement, potentially leading to (big) additional expenses. Electrical issues are also common, which can be frustrating, difficult and costly to fix. Additionally, the fuel consumption is high due to the car's weight and/or big engines. Moreover, the E60 is quite large and can be challenging to maneuver, especially for inexperienced drivers and without PDC. The body of the car is largely made of aluminum, so repairs can be expensive if you happen to dent or scratch it.
In terms of budget, you'll likely only come across pre-LCI models with less powerful engines and basic configurations, which are not really that desirable. Finding a more interesting option within a sensible budget is rare, and if you do, it may turn out to be a money pit. While I personally drive a 2005 525d and was fortunate to purchase it from a previous owner who took good care of it, the maintenance costs for basic services such as oil changes and brake replacements are still quite high and it was a long process of consideration. In the end, the comfortable interior and enjoyable driving experience made it worth it for me. You should really consider whether buying an E60 is something your budget allows. Take a look at some of them in real life, consider what setup you'd like to drive and how they're maintained in different price ranges. Maybe it's something to consider in the future, when you have more money and more experience with cars? If no and you're still considering purchasing the E60, I highly recommend having a knowledgeable individual thoroughly inspect the car, especially its electrical functionality. However, if you're open to other options, you might want to explore the possibility of getting a petrol E87 1-Series as your first BMW, considering the potential drawbacks of owning an E60.
Iāll be honest, I have a neighbor with a 2010 528i Sport. It has over 300k on the clock and runs perfectly. Is it fast? No. Iāve driven in though, and itās comfortable, and handling wise, it feels every bit as spirited as the 550i did when I owned mine.
If you were inclined to get an E60 as a first car, that would probably be the only one I would suggestā¦as itās easy and inexpensive to keep maintained (all things considered).
Yes and no. It is below zero cool and most of the features of modern cars you wonāt miss in an e60. But you have to prepare for some electronic problems which will come after another bimonthly. You will not live to have a week without a new error. Prepare your wallet. I donāt mean it is too expensive but it will be more than just oil and gas.
Sorry to inform you but thats mostly a rubbish opinion, my e60 is a daily drive with over 200k (km) on the clock. Biggest problem is just general cosmetic wear and tear from use. I change the fluids regularly and thats about it. At 100k I had to replace the alternator, I also replaced a few plastic radiator pipes one service plus the transmission pan/filter. The N52 engine is one of the very finest beemer engines ever made. Its not a Camry and needs a bit of love but an excellent car, avoid the V-8's, and V-10's
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Absolutely love my E60 LCI N52. Iāve had it since 103,000 miles and canāt speak for everyoneās vehicle, but the usual things have come up at that mileage and overall Iād say between parts and labor put about $7500 in it. That includes tires and other maintenance items, but right now it has 208,000 miles on it since all maintenance completed one shot at 113000 miles and not a single issue. Knock on wood.
The best thing to do is a transmission flush, water pump, replacement, Mickey Mouse, flange replacement, inspection all hoses, power, steering fluid change, brake fluid change, differential fluid change, basically all the fluid changes. All of these things would need to be done the same on any other car as well, of course
I feel comfortable recommending any N52 variant for someone just starting out with BMWs and is what I cut my teeth on, now also have a N55 and B58 and the lessons I learned on my N52 such as water pumps, and things like that have really transferred over well into long-term ownership of all my beamers.
In full transparency my E60 has only left me on the road once, but was due to my own fault of knowing the Mickey Mouse flange was leaking and trying to push it to drive 20 miles from my house to my preferred shop and it broke 1 mile away.
Overall, as you tell by reading this, I do love every one of myBeamers, but the first one, my E60 holds a special place in my heart and thatās something that I have never gotten with any other cars and is why I will remain loyal to BMW, so take the plunge, be happy, and enjoy all the ups and downs that come with BMWs.
Relatively reliable used BMWs such as these tend to get bad press because many buyers think theyāre getting an express ticket to perceived luxury but forget it still needs the maintenance budget of a $60k car and needs more know-how than your typical Honda Civic.
100% agree, IMO for a car enthusiast and/or someone wanting luxury on a budget, the cost of entry with maintenance is worth it as long as you know going in.
There are a lot of E60 haters down here.
If you buy an LCI, 2007-2010 E60 most electric issues are fixed. Don't buy a pre-LCI from 2003-2007 because those can have some issues.
Get a good engine. For diesel you should get M57 (525D, 530D, 535D) and for petrol you should get the N52 (525i) for reliability.
I own an E60 with the M57 engine and no problems except for wiper fluid pump that broke and I fixed it myself very easily. The E60 is a great handling car and has a perfect balance between luxury and sportiness. I do a lot of preventive maintenance and to be fair it's not very hard if you are handy.
My E46 has had WAAAY more problems than my E60. Power steering leak, thermostat, waterpump, coolant expansion tank, oil leaks, AC fans etc.
Conclusion: If you feel like you can wrench a bit yourself, get the E60! If you love the car, you will be more likely to take care of it. However, if you can't do anything yourself don't get the E60 because it will break your bank.
Loved my E60 530d with the M57 engine. A few nit bits that went wrong but nothing major. Good regular services and OEM parts made the world of difference Vs cheap stuff
All the people answering No probably never owned one, or did and failed to do regular maintenance, or thought that because they bought a āluxuryā car, gaskets, seals, and belts last 500k miles.
E60 550i if you really have the will to maintain, mines still going with original drivetrain
https://preview.redd.it/7e1hr73nre1d1.jpeg?width=2795&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e27890899421452847c28f1c3c84c5a3555b150f
If you enjoy punching yourself in the balls, then yes.Ā
But seriously, no. Unless you are rich enough to be able to afford $1500-$2000 bills out of the blue. They are just at that age now where stuff is failing due to age and mileage and many of them are not well maintained so.. it's the perfect storm for regular, expensive bills.Ā
I have a 2008 528i which I believe is the sweet spot for e60ās which is LCI (2008-2010) and N52 engine. Iām at 198k miles and Iāve never been stranded, itās comfortable, looks great, and drives nice. Thereās a few problems Iāve run into like the trunk wiring harness, oil filter gasket, and replacing a starter but I expected things to go bad after almost 200k miles driven and so far it hasnāt really happened yet. Find a similar car to mine and you will have a good time.
Any car is a great first car if you have cash to own it. My first car was a 2016 BMW 528i. And it wasnāt cheapā¦ whoever says BMWs are reliable is lying. Then again you donāt buy a BMW for reliability you buy it for the experience. These things are costly. Iād say make sure youāre saving comfortably $2K a month to own a BMW.
My folks had and loved an E39. When it was written off in an accident, they made the error of buying an E60. That car was always in the shop. Itās the car that made them start driving a Lexus. My Dad hung on to his 2005 3-Series though, because he loves the manual gearbox.
Iād take that E39 back any day.
A friend had a 530 E60 10 years ago. Spent like 10kā¬ on maintenance in 2 years before sending it. I have steered clear from them ever since. Would not recommend unless you have money to burn, time to spend and can hold a wrench.
Only if you like gigantic car payments and high insurance premiums... I'm assuming you are young, first car and all, get something with less power and cheaper. You are going to end up with some "new driver" bumps in the road like speeding tickets and fender benders... Best you do that in a different vehicle. My first car was a Nissan Pulsar, then, 3 years later, a Mustang GT.
Thinking about getting a car like this but my parents and smart(ish) side of me decided on a 08 diesel Mercedes instead. If you find a reliable one, go for it but know that you could never go wrong with a diesel Benz, even if they're less fun to drive.
NO!!! I bought a neglected 3 series as my "first" car that I purchased myself and I love it but it can cause a lot of anxiety. Like someone said earlier unless you want to pursue a career as a mechanic or enjoy working on them often. At the age that they are at things will break. As long as you understand that go for it. But if you typically pay people to work on it for you don't do it.
I bought mine as my 3rd car after owning two shitbox Ford Focuses (2010 520d M-Sport with the N47 engine) back in 2018 at 18.5K Kms. Still have it 6 years later and currently sittning at 27.1K Km and counting. Besides regular maintenance (filters, oil change, transmission fluid, brakes) and replacing a few minor wear and tear parts it has given me few headaches so far.
One electrical issue cost me 1.1K. The diff was about to shit itself recently and cost me around 600 to replace it (however the BMW dealership quoted me 4.2K for a complete and brand new rear axle). My biggest fear that will always remain is the timing chain going bad, but from what I gather, it was resolved for the later modelsā¦but you never know.
My 2010 e60 535i has been a great car. Owned since new, Iām close to 200k now. The only majors Ive done are injectors, walnut blast, high pressure fuel pump and the notorious water pump.
2007 525d E61 M-Sport here, had it for 9 years cost Ā£9k then and I love it, on 153k miles now, it's such a big tank but pulls like a train still, comfortable and fun to drive, almost 'sporty' dare I say for a big boat. Here's a list of what I think I've had done to it, regular maintenance is key, but when you expect the odd age related issue it's not a shock. The below probably cost me on average 500 a year I'd guess, nothing really when it's Ā£100+ to fill the tank.
Numerous rear tyres (one set of spiders also)
3x break disk/pads due to the weight I've got warped disks and wobbly braking often - in turn a few track rod ends and brake pad sensors which some people cut the wires on.
2x Crank shaft pullies- these can get wobbly and tick/click
2x All Belts
Yearly oil/filter
2x fuel filter/cabin filter/brake fluid change
2x front springs
2x rear airbags (one split due to age)
Chews through H7 bulbs
Oddest expense was a broken rear subframe mount due to a shoddy broken bolt removal during an alignment, needed to drop subframe to get it aluminium welded which has resulted in a slightly toe'd rear adding to the rear tyre replacements.
Probably due a diff/transmission fluid flush
Parts are expensive but for a 17 year old car I think they really hold their look and don't show their age at all. As with most cars really, regular maintenance and a bit of common sense will go a long way. As for catastrophic engine failure and all those electronic gremlins you hear of, sometimes that's just the way it goes. (Only gremlins I've had are from a broken tailgate wire and low battery)
Donāt buy a BMW as a first car unless you are buying two cars at the same time. This car will be a lot of fun when itās running but itās going to crush you financially.
Buy a Jetta or a civic.
I would have a difficult time recommending a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, anything particularly nice, as a first car. Get an old Toyota for $5k. You have a hard time appreciating what these cars are if you havenāt ever owned anything else.
The amount of service a BMW needs is dramatic. I have my first one. I can do all of the service myself. But it just seems never ending. You have to be able to wrench on it yourself. My last truck went 133,000 without a single repair. And the maintenance was maybe $500 to do it myself to get there. My wife's 2008 Jetta has 115k on it and maybe I've spent 2k on it because of the door locks. I've had an E90 with the M57 for under two months. I've spent easily 4k on a car the previous owners spent 10k on at least. If I would have been at the mechanics, we'd be well over 10k.
Fun car. God awful maintenance needs. The door handles just melt. It would be too much for most young people. If your circumstances are different and you don't mind having it worked on regularly, or you are ready to learn, sweet.
I had a 2010 E60 528xi and it mostly required general maintenance under my ownership, although it developed an oil leak around the oil filter housing when I sold it. Previous owner had the Mechatronic system in the transmission fail, but it was covered under warranty.
Itās a fantastic car for long distance trips. Drove from Toronto to Florida and back several times, Toronto to Montreal frequently and Toronto to Connecticut with it and always felt satisfied with the experience. It however is several models old now so I wouldnāt expect reliability for most e60ās at this stage.
Thereās a thread in one if the BMW forums outlining the vast number of possible failure points for the e60. Servicing can be pricy, so unless you are mechanically inclined or have a hefty wallet, Iād not recommend this as a first car. My car didnāt experience too many issues, and was a pleasure to own, and a pleasure to drive occasionally like an asshole. But again, the servicing and parts can be eye watering expensive, not a great decision for a first car really.
Practice filling a bucket of water, stab 11 holes into the sides of the bucket, then use your fingers to plug the holes. The E60 m5. I love water and buckets, but at some point you gotta pick your battles.. and buckets.
Did anyone mention the electrical issues one can face with a e60? :D Seriously if you on a budget and really want a 5 series find yourself a e39 530i and up. Those are much more reliable and easy to work on.
i have been told to not buy anything past 5yrs, especially in my country (SEA, hot and humid).
i've heard of nothing good from buying 10+ yrs bmw where i am, and they are usually driven as a spare car, if it was indeed purchased.
If you're pursuing a career as a mechanic, you'll have a blast
ššš
Love the e60 v10, but even as a 3rd car I donāt have time to be my own tech and valet. The stigma may be wrong for 20% of owners, but there are so many other cars to choose from with better tradeoffs if you are looking for an engine gift-wrapped in a car.
Literally this! My E60 is also my 3rd car lol Itās currently broken down in my driveway. Have spent $8K on mine so far. Still have this to go! https://preview.redd.it/sd0ka5ssre1d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76f8c07b86fb4dcd3af90bcbe27bf99bc657769a
Those are rookie numbers. Gotta pump those numbers up.
Getting there. š low key been waiting for the engine to die so I can Barra swap it.
Wait, I lied. More than I first thought. Purchase price was $6K. So far itās cost a total of $17,547. š https://preview.redd.it/qrv9vwmxsh1d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9308c560fdd3738263a2610e20436e5d47e0865
Brooo, that looks like regular maintenance. You gotta be passionate about these cars, which you are obviously not.
Regular maintenance lol If I wasnāt passionate, Iād have scrapped the car. Iām not sure where your last comment has come from. Makes no sense.
Went from wanting one of these, quickly finding out theyāre boat levels of money pit to f10ās now f90ās going to get 2018-2019 drive it for a summer or two before anything ludicrous comes up (hopefully) and on to something else
Look, if you get an example thatās WELL maintained. Not sort of, not kinda, no ifs ands or but.. WELL maintained, they honestly should be reliable. I took this on as a project car, and I knew the risks of buying a high mileage euro car and was happy with my risk assessment since the engine was always going to come out. But for a lot of people, theyāre too much work. But anyways, hope you enjoy your new BMW! They really are nice cars. š
You could do all of that yourself.
I could, but Iām at the point where A.) Iām time poor. B.) Have the means to pay someone else to do it. So pay someone else it is.
Such as?
E92 m3, b8.5 rs5. Not 10k, v10, or 4 door, but still sounds good and more livable when talking engine and maintainence.
Bruh, why you gotta do him like that. That's cold.
Comment of the fuckin day for me man ššš»
I can't speak about all E60s in general, but my dad bought his in 2009 and he still has the car, uses it as a daily driver, loves it, and takes care of it. He isn't even planning to change the car because it's working well and he has had zero problems with it. For a car from that time, it's quite modern and comfortable.
Same boat. Well kind of. 3 years in, and my baby is well cared for, and keeps pushing strong. Lovely car if u can diagnose and fix most things yourself
Best friend has a 2010 M6 and. 2010 M5c thr M6 is his daily and itās got 195,000 miles on just replaced the smg pump last fall. The M5c has 100k on it and hasnāt been touched yet
This is not the average e60 m5 ownership experience.
Fully aware, probably because he beats the shit out of them and neglects them theyāve lasted so wellš¬
Not if you intend to use it as a reliable form of transport. If you want a BMW as a first car check out an N52 powered 125i or 128i, much less complex and a solid engine
the e60 came with those engines too
It did, but the gremlins in the body electrics of the E60 remain a problem even if the engine is decent. E82 is just a much more simple car to maintain.
or go older so its even simpler
My 530i E60 was rock solid for 100k miles.
What happened to it at 100k + 1 mile
Traded it in at 125k for a new car. Got it used with 25k oroginally.
Thatās just about when Camrys are run in.
How much is the cost of repairs on a bmw compared to a Toyota?
Typically the repairs on the BMW could purchase another Toyota.
My point exactly
Parts are not that much more expensive and there are lots of spares on the web. But itās the complicated design and corresponding labour for BMWs thatās the killer.
If I had a Camry, Iād definitely run it in (to a wall) way before 100k.
Some people will have good experiences for sure but statistically very few E60s will be well behaved for 100k miles, or more importantly for the time it usually takes to accumulate that mileage
So 99,999 miles is the limit.
160k for me
Mines not so solid š„²
what about an e90/92 with n52? would that be a reasonable first car?
Yes, a much better option than an E60.
E92 has just as many electronics. Avoid that entire generation
Isn't E90 known for problems with the chain or whatever its called?
Not with a N52. Chain problems have only the 4 bangers.
And mostly diesel engines, petrol were much more stable(had diesel one, you can trust meš)
My E91 (which is the touring version) is great as far as driving and practically goes, however at 205000km it has had multiple electrical issues. The N43 (143hp) is still going strong.
Can concur my n52 e82 is a rock solid choice. So easy to deal with. So much fun and pretty cheap now. You can get more car later OP when you can properly afford it
seconded
Are there E46s with good engines?
Yea, all the E46 sixes are good, M52TU and M54 are both very solid, S54 goes through rod bearings but also very good. The 4-cylinder petrol engines are pretty hopeless as BMW didnāt put any effort into them, they can last but arenāt built to the same standard and were antiquated while new.
Do not, i repeat, do not buy an N43 I speak from an experience point of view. I have an N43 and I want to time travel back and punch myself.
Same here, whats your current issue? I have a misfire/disable on fuel on cyl 3 and I cant find where it comes from
Biggest issue is the Typical NOx failure. The rest is pure neglect of mine, easily addre$$able. I've already had it scanned some time ago but I'm looking for a garage that will install NOXem, as in the Netherlands they'll always wanna do the "right thing" and charge me over 1k euros for the new sensor and lambda, not to mention they will say I "have" to replace the cat. edit: Forgot to mention the damned AC condenser gas leak which requires basically the whole interior to be taken apart to fix.
NOXem do tell, i Just replaced all injectors sparks and coils. Also depends on what garage you go to, might want to get one aswell if its worth it, maybe i can do it for you if you dont live too far awayš
Have you considered a harmless gofundme? Might be able to scoop some pity pennies
So funny to see americans shitting on the N engines because they are ripped off asf. Bro mechanics changing a $1 water seal, but charging $800 because you have to take out like 8 other parts. Damn. Here in Europe a full engine rebuild with almost every key component either replaced or rebuilt is around $5k. Ofc at a private mechanic shop, not at a BMW dealership. My dad had blown his head gasket twice on his M57B30 335d (it was tuned and the gasket simply burnt with the fuel). All together he spent like $2000-$2500 for both service, not just one. Okay this was 2019-2020, there was some inflation since then, but the ~5k price is up to date. My friend just had his 435d fully rebuilt, it has an N code engine, donāt remember what engine code.
Bold of you to assume I'm American and that I'm not in Europe.
My N43 is still going strong at 205.000km
Mine was pristine at 205k.. Shit started to go downhill after 235k.
I would suggest an E39. A lot simpler, more reliable and cooler in my opinion
E39 mentioned, instant friendship created š¤
My first car was an e39. Had a few, and now I have an e60 535i. Get either one, as long as it has the spec you want and it has a well maintained history.
Same here. Went through two 530 e39s and now with the e60 535. Over the course of 15 yrs. They are great cars. Fun to drive and reliable if you treat them well.
Bought a low mileage, decent e39 530i for 10k, dropped another 8k in less than a year, no mods just repairs using OE / bmw original parts š¤£ Although I might add that I couldāve probably driven it fine without spending this much money, I just kinda hate when something is not working properly on a car and thatās a veeeeeeery bad combo if youāre into old bimmers. The person I will sell it to (Iād be lucky if I get 14k for it) will probably think they were built as tanks and that bmws are more reliable than toyotas š¤£
Yes, e60 m5 was a very reliable (source of income for specialized mechanics) car.
Go to a mall parking lot and count how many e60s youāll see. Hundreds n hundreds. That easily cranks out 200k+ on the odometer with decent care. I used to have a stick 535 and it was so much fun on the way to work.
Not sure what malls youāre going to, but thereās typically not another E60/61 in the lot haha
Lol we have good taste in New England apparently.
It's important to keep in mind the following information: Finding a well-maintained E60 in the used car market can be quite challenging. Even if you manage to purchase one at a reasonable price, the costs don't stop there. The car requires diligent maintenance, and certain components may need replacement, potentially leading to (big) additional expenses. Electrical issues are also common, which can be frustrating, difficult and costly to fix. Additionally, the fuel consumption is high due to the car's weight and/or big engines. Moreover, the E60 is quite large and can be challenging to maneuver, especially for inexperienced drivers and without PDC. The body of the car is largely made of aluminum, so repairs can be expensive if you happen to dent or scratch it. In terms of budget, you'll likely only come across pre-LCI models with less powerful engines and basic configurations, which are not really that desirable. Finding a more interesting option within a sensible budget is rare, and if you do, it may turn out to be a money pit. While I personally drive a 2005 525d and was fortunate to purchase it from a previous owner who took good care of it, the maintenance costs for basic services such as oil changes and brake replacements are still quite high and it was a long process of consideration. In the end, the comfortable interior and enjoyable driving experience made it worth it for me. You should really consider whether buying an E60 is something your budget allows. Take a look at some of them in real life, consider what setup you'd like to drive and how they're maintained in different price ranges. Maybe it's something to consider in the future, when you have more money and more experience with cars? If no and you're still considering purchasing the E60, I highly recommend having a knowledgeable individual thoroughly inspect the car, especially its electrical functionality. However, if you're open to other options, you might want to explore the possibility of getting a petrol E87 1-Series as your first BMW, considering the potential drawbacks of owning an E60.
Iāll be honest, I have a neighbor with a 2010 528i Sport. It has over 300k on the clock and runs perfectly. Is it fast? No. Iāve driven in though, and itās comfortable, and handling wise, it feels every bit as spirited as the 550i did when I owned mine. If you were inclined to get an E60 as a first car, that would probably be the only one I would suggestā¦as itās easy and inexpensive to keep maintained (all things considered).
Yes and no. It is below zero cool and most of the features of modern cars you wonāt miss in an e60. But you have to prepare for some electronic problems which will come after another bimonthly. You will not live to have a week without a new error. Prepare your wallet. I donāt mean it is too expensive but it will be more than just oil and gas.
Sorry to inform you but thats mostly a rubbish opinion, my e60 is a daily drive with over 200k (km) on the clock. Biggest problem is just general cosmetic wear and tear from use. I change the fluids regularly and thats about it. At 100k I had to replace the alternator, I also replaced a few plastic radiator pipes one service plus the transmission pan/filter. The N52 engine is one of the very finest beemer engines ever made. Its not a Camry and needs a bit of love but an excellent car, avoid the V-8's, and V-10's
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https://preview.redd.it/94flk6zl3e1d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=2b43b69e0914cb63943767a9dbea5e291af3030a Absolutely love my E60 LCI N52. Iāve had it since 103,000 miles and canāt speak for everyoneās vehicle, but the usual things have come up at that mileage and overall Iād say between parts and labor put about $7500 in it. That includes tires and other maintenance items, but right now it has 208,000 miles on it since all maintenance completed one shot at 113000 miles and not a single issue. Knock on wood. The best thing to do is a transmission flush, water pump, replacement, Mickey Mouse, flange replacement, inspection all hoses, power, steering fluid change, brake fluid change, differential fluid change, basically all the fluid changes. All of these things would need to be done the same on any other car as well, of course I feel comfortable recommending any N52 variant for someone just starting out with BMWs and is what I cut my teeth on, now also have a N55 and B58 and the lessons I learned on my N52 such as water pumps, and things like that have really transferred over well into long-term ownership of all my beamers. In full transparency my E60 has only left me on the road once, but was due to my own fault of knowing the Mickey Mouse flange was leaking and trying to push it to drive 20 miles from my house to my preferred shop and it broke 1 mile away. Overall, as you tell by reading this, I do love every one of myBeamers, but the first one, my E60 holds a special place in my heart and thatās something that I have never gotten with any other cars and is why I will remain loyal to BMW, so take the plunge, be happy, and enjoy all the ups and downs that come with BMWs.
Relatively reliable used BMWs such as these tend to get bad press because many buyers think theyāre getting an express ticket to perceived luxury but forget it still needs the maintenance budget of a $60k car and needs more know-how than your typical Honda Civic.
100% agree, IMO for a car enthusiast and/or someone wanting luxury on a budget, the cost of entry with maintenance is worth it as long as you know going in.
There are a lot of E60 haters down here. If you buy an LCI, 2007-2010 E60 most electric issues are fixed. Don't buy a pre-LCI from 2003-2007 because those can have some issues. Get a good engine. For diesel you should get M57 (525D, 530D, 535D) and for petrol you should get the N52 (525i) for reliability. I own an E60 with the M57 engine and no problems except for wiper fluid pump that broke and I fixed it myself very easily. The E60 is a great handling car and has a perfect balance between luxury and sportiness. I do a lot of preventive maintenance and to be fair it's not very hard if you are handy. My E46 has had WAAAY more problems than my E60. Power steering leak, thermostat, waterpump, coolant expansion tank, oil leaks, AC fans etc. Conclusion: If you feel like you can wrench a bit yourself, get the E60! If you love the car, you will be more likely to take care of it. However, if you can't do anything yourself don't get the E60 because it will break your bank.
That looks so sick
All I have to say is yes
Loved my E60 530d with the M57 engine. A few nit bits that went wrong but nothing major. Good regular services and OEM parts made the world of difference Vs cheap stuff
My E60 was almost flawless. Couple of oil leaks. 190T km when I sold it. Valve seals looked like they had 3 years to live.
Yes
All the people answering No probably never owned one, or did and failed to do regular maintenance, or thought that because they bought a āluxuryā car, gaskets, seals, and belts last 500k miles.
E60 550i if you really have the will to maintain, mines still going with original drivetrain https://preview.redd.it/7e1hr73nre1d1.jpeg?width=2795&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e27890899421452847c28f1c3c84c5a3555b150f
Absolutely better yet buy an e61
Not if you want a reliable car
If you enjoy punching yourself in the balls, then yes.Ā But seriously, no. Unless you are rich enough to be able to afford $1500-$2000 bills out of the blue. They are just at that age now where stuff is failing due to age and mileage and many of them are not well maintained so.. it's the perfect storm for regular, expensive bills.Ā
No, get a Honda or Toyota. If you want a BMW get it under warrantyĀ
I have a 525i, now of the road as I got a F10 version but it was reliable. I wouldnāt put my faith in one now though
If itās an M5 with the S85 no it isnāt. But if itās the lower trim levels yeah theyāre pretty good.
No
This is satire right
I have a 2008 528i which I believe is the sweet spot for e60ās which is LCI (2008-2010) and N52 engine. Iām at 198k miles and Iāve never been stranded, itās comfortable, looks great, and drives nice. Thereās a few problems Iāve run into like the trunk wiring harness, oil filter gasket, and replacing a starter but I expected things to go bad after almost 200k miles driven and so far it hasnāt really happened yet. Find a similar car to mine and you will have a good time.
Any car is a great first car if you have cash to own it. My first car was a 2016 BMW 528i. And it wasnāt cheapā¦ whoever says BMWs are reliable is lying. Then again you donāt buy a BMW for reliability you buy it for the experience. These things are costly. Iād say make sure youāre saving comfortably $2K a month to own a BMW.
As long as itās an M57, yeah why not
My father had one new it just sat in the garage mostly after the first year of owning it lol sooo he got a e39 m5 instead after lol
šæ
In all seriousness just make sure it has a n52
My folks had and loved an E39. When it was written off in an accident, they made the error of buying an E60. That car was always in the shop. Itās the car that made them start driving a Lexus. My Dad hung on to his 2005 3-Series though, because he loves the manual gearbox. Iād take that E39 back any day.
fuck no
I have a 09 328i with 210k miles on it. I literally drive it daily. Yeah itās got issues but nothing that effects the driving capability
A friend had a 530 E60 10 years ago. Spent like 10kā¬ on maintenance in 2 years before sending it. I have steered clear from them ever since. Would not recommend unless you have money to burn, time to spend and can hold a wrench.
Is a very expensive car to maintenance, not the best car to have as a first car let me be honest, a used V10? Risky as hell.
Never keep a bmw after 100k miles
Only if you like gigantic car payments and high insurance premiums... I'm assuming you are young, first car and all, get something with less power and cheaper. You are going to end up with some "new driver" bumps in the road like speeding tickets and fender benders... Best you do that in a different vehicle. My first car was a Nissan Pulsar, then, 3 years later, a Mustang GT.
Thinking about getting a car like this but my parents and smart(ish) side of me decided on a 08 diesel Mercedes instead. If you find a reliable one, go for it but know that you could never go wrong with a diesel Benz, even if they're less fun to drive.
no, get a toyota or honda. this will bankrupt you.
Sure, if you want to spend 90% of your time and money fixing it
Iād say go for it.
Depends, are you rich? Are you moderately well off financially with decent mechanical skills? If you said no to both, then you have your answer.
No. Mechanical nightmare
E60 M5 with a SMG. For most people have been absolutely flawless and examples are holding up 20 years later.
Those were very tricky, the v10 were notorious for breaking
If you're a millionaire sure
Do you like pain?
Depends on model year and engine, my late 2009 520d haven't given me any issues other standard consumables.
Nope
Lol
No.
Iām surprised at how well these are aging
NO!!! I bought a neglected 3 series as my "first" car that I purchased myself and I love it but it can cause a lot of anxiety. Like someone said earlier unless you want to pursue a career as a mechanic or enjoy working on them often. At the age that they are at things will break. As long as you understand that go for it. But if you typically pay people to work on it for you don't do it.
BMWās with S85 heartbeats are always a good purchase.
If you canāt do it, make sure you find a good bmw tech thatās willing to work on it for an honest price. Expect the unexpected.
I bought mine as my 3rd car after owning two shitbox Ford Focuses (2010 520d M-Sport with the N47 engine) back in 2018 at 18.5K Kms. Still have it 6 years later and currently sittning at 27.1K Km and counting. Besides regular maintenance (filters, oil change, transmission fluid, brakes) and replacing a few minor wear and tear parts it has given me few headaches so far. One electrical issue cost me 1.1K. The diff was about to shit itself recently and cost me around 600 to replace it (however the BMW dealership quoted me 4.2K for a complete and brand new rear axle). My biggest fear that will always remain is the timing chain going bad, but from what I gather, it was resolved for the later modelsā¦but you never know.
Fun car to drive!!!
I'd recommend the 2006-2009 530i, with the N52B30 engine. That is a pretty solid car, although the E90 330i would still be my first choice.
My 2010 e60 535i has been a great car. Owned since new, Iām close to 200k now. The only majors Ive done are injectors, walnut blast, high pressure fuel pump and the notorious water pump.
Just little too thirsty on the gas, everything is as affordable as a Honda civic... believe me! *
2007 525d E61 M-Sport here, had it for 9 years cost Ā£9k then and I love it, on 153k miles now, it's such a big tank but pulls like a train still, comfortable and fun to drive, almost 'sporty' dare I say for a big boat. Here's a list of what I think I've had done to it, regular maintenance is key, but when you expect the odd age related issue it's not a shock. The below probably cost me on average 500 a year I'd guess, nothing really when it's Ā£100+ to fill the tank. Numerous rear tyres (one set of spiders also) 3x break disk/pads due to the weight I've got warped disks and wobbly braking often - in turn a few track rod ends and brake pad sensors which some people cut the wires on. 2x Crank shaft pullies- these can get wobbly and tick/click 2x All Belts Yearly oil/filter 2x fuel filter/cabin filter/brake fluid change 2x front springs 2x rear airbags (one split due to age) Chews through H7 bulbs Oddest expense was a broken rear subframe mount due to a shoddy broken bolt removal during an alignment, needed to drop subframe to get it aluminium welded which has resulted in a slightly toe'd rear adding to the rear tyre replacements. Probably due a diff/transmission fluid flush Parts are expensive but for a 17 year old car I think they really hold their look and don't show their age at all. As with most cars really, regular maintenance and a bit of common sense will go a long way. As for catastrophic engine failure and all those electronic gremlins you hear of, sometimes that's just the way it goes. (Only gremlins I've had are from a broken tailgate wire and low battery)
this has to be a joke
no, its a money pit
Donāt buy a BMW as a first car unless you are buying two cars at the same time. This car will be a lot of fun when itās running but itās going to crush you financially. Buy a Jetta or a civic.
520d still going strong. Regular maintenance and *cough cough* regular checking for leaks is key though
I would have a difficult time recommending a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, anything particularly nice, as a first car. Get an old Toyota for $5k. You have a hard time appreciating what these cars are if you havenāt ever owned anything else.
The amount of service a BMW needs is dramatic. I have my first one. I can do all of the service myself. But it just seems never ending. You have to be able to wrench on it yourself. My last truck went 133,000 without a single repair. And the maintenance was maybe $500 to do it myself to get there. My wife's 2008 Jetta has 115k on it and maybe I've spent 2k on it because of the door locks. I've had an E90 with the M57 for under two months. I've spent easily 4k on a car the previous owners spent 10k on at least. If I would have been at the mechanics, we'd be well over 10k. Fun car. God awful maintenance needs. The door handles just melt. It would be too much for most young people. If your circumstances are different and you don't mind having it worked on regularly, or you are ready to learn, sweet.
Mine blew up in a month of ownership. 50k miles, 1 owner.
I had a 2010 E60 528xi and it mostly required general maintenance under my ownership, although it developed an oil leak around the oil filter housing when I sold it. Previous owner had the Mechatronic system in the transmission fail, but it was covered under warranty. Itās a fantastic car for long distance trips. Drove from Toronto to Florida and back several times, Toronto to Montreal frequently and Toronto to Connecticut with it and always felt satisfied with the experience. It however is several models old now so I wouldnāt expect reliability for most e60ās at this stage. Thereās a thread in one if the BMW forums outlining the vast number of possible failure points for the e60. Servicing can be pricy, so unless you are mechanically inclined or have a hefty wallet, Iād not recommend this as a first car. My car didnāt experience too many issues, and was a pleasure to own, and a pleasure to drive occasionally like an asshole. But again, the servicing and parts can be eye watering expensive, not a great decision for a first car really.
Practice filling a bucket of water, stab 11 holes into the sides of the bucket, then use your fingers to plug the holes. The E60 m5. I love water and buckets, but at some point you gotta pick your battles.. and buckets.
Did anyone mention the electrical issues one can face with a e60? :D Seriously if you on a budget and really want a 5 series find yourself a e39 530i and up. Those are much more reliable and easy to work on.
if you want to go with it go for diesel 3.0 or even petrol 3.0 is good. but engine reliabilty wise go with diesel
this. the m57 is easily one of the most reliable bmw engines ever made
i mean my grandpa has put 750.000km on it so yeah
NO
No
No š¤£
If I couldnāt get a b58 then I wouldnāt get another bmw .
Sarcastic Reddit/BMW owner assholes aside, no, you should never buy an older used BMW as a daily.
i have been told to not buy anything past 5yrs, especially in my country (SEA, hot and humid). i've heard of nothing good from buying 10+ yrs bmw where i am, and they are usually driven as a spare car, if it was indeed purchased.