E60 expert required

[ecKARd]

Hi, I have the possibility to buy an E60 545i for a really good price but I'm unsure what to look out for. So is there anyone who knows the ins and outs of the E60 who will be able to give me some advice?

I had a look at the car and it's really clean for its age, 2004.
It's an automatic which I believe can give some problems although it felt strong on the test drive.

The mileage at 250000km is a bit high, although it did long trips mostly so interior ware etc. is minimal and she was serviced on time.

She does require a service at the moment as she also stood for some time now. How does this affect the price and will I be able to do a minor service myself?

I know it's an expensive car in the long run, but like I said I believe I can get the car for quite cheap, enjoy it a few months and sell it on with a high probability to get my money back. One big concern is the market for such a car when it's time to sell her on.

What do you guys think? And where should I be cautious?

 

[Hugo_za]

The 545i is a beast. Same engine as the 745i and 645i. Has serious grunt...but also comes with a garden variety of issues.

You will struggle to sell her on because of (a) mileage, (b) fuel economy and (c) expensive parts.

Where is the car based? I would be be happy to have a look if it's close to me, and run diagnostics on it. Mostly the 545i's came with pretty much every extra which makes them great value for money. At the mileage there will be some issues which need looking into plus the N62 engine pisses oil from every hole, joint or gasket...it's a fact of life

If you are handy with a wrench you can do the service yourself. Oil is super easy to do...spark plugs too (bar the rear-most ones which are a bit tricky to get out). Things like brake fluid are a no-brainer and at the age and mileage I would inspect all the hoses and lines.

Lastly, if the car has dynamic drive (which I would bet it does) you would want to check that the hydraulic actuator on the stabilizer bar is not leaking. They develop a weep due to age. There is a DIY on how to fix it (I did it on my 645i and it didn't leak at all after). The hydraulic oil is quite pricey so best not to waste it.

Lastly the electronics...the E60 has a simplified version of the E65 electronics package. Most loop, byteflight etc. The electronics can be fussy as all hell, but mostly they are happy as long as the battery and alternator are good. If the car has Logic 7 the amp would be the only concern since they are notoriously problematic. Running diagnostics will tell you what you need to know about the electronics

In the end it will come down to price and what your expectations are. Personally I would buy it to enjoy it...not to sell on a couple of months down the road.

 

[ecKARd]

Unfortunately I don't have the capital to keep both cars, if anyone is interested in this type of car just drop me a PM.

 

[Zound]

My dad has an E60 525i. He has been the only owner of the car since new and worked for BMW for 18 years at the Rosslyn plant. Out of all the BMW's he's owned, the E60 has given him the most problems. The electronics are way ahead of its time and are very prone to failure.

If you're looking at replacing your 330i with this, I'd highly advise against it. The E46 is a lot easier to own.

As a quick project to make some money, then maybe. Extremely risky though, especially at that mileage.

 

[hoosain]

Whats the purchase price on the car?

 

[ecKARd]

My dad has an E60 525i. He has been the only owner of the car since new and worked for BMW for 18 years at the Rosslyn plant. Out of all the BMW's he's owned, the E60 has given him the most problems. The electronics are way ahead of its time and are very prone to failure.

If you're looking at replacing your 330i with this, I'd highly advise against it. The E46 is a lot easier to own.

As a quick project to make some money, then maybe. Extremely risky though, especially at that mileage.

Definitely not replacing the 330i! She's a keeper :blowheart:
This would be a quick project, but like you said the risks are high.

---

Whats the purchase price on the car?

I don't have a number yet, but it's clear he's not sure about the secondhand car market.

 

[S1NGH 911]

If I were you I would rather consider a 2006+ 530i, it has the N52B30 which is an excellent motor.


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[ecKARd]

If I were you I would rather consider a 2006+ 530i, it has the N52B30 which is an excellent motor.


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I'm not looking at keeping the car, otherwise I would have been looking for a 530d.
So this is just a single car opportunity.

 

[Hugo_za]

My dad has an E60 525i. He has been the only owner of the car since new and worked for BMW for 18 years at the Rosslyn plant. Out of all the BMW's he's owned, the E60 has given him the most problems. The electronics are way ahead of its time and are very prone to failure.

If you're looking at replacing your 330i with this, I'd highly advise against it. The E46 is a lot easier to own.

As a quick project to make some money, then maybe. Extremely risky though, especially at that mileage.

Lol maybe it was built on a Friday