Hello,

I am looking to buy an E60 (not from the dealer, possibly private seller) and I would like some input on which issues to look out for in an E60.

Are there certain tell-tale signs of wear I should pay attention to?

Are there issues that start coming up as the E60s age?

I would not have a chance to have a mechanic look at it before buying it.

Any input would be greatly appreciated...

 

I think most would agree to focus on 2005+ models as first year cars have more issues.

 

LowOrbit, thanks for the reply. I would actually be looking at 2004 525i/530i. Unfortunately the 2005's are out of my price range.

Would anyone know what issues the 2004's had? Thanks...

 

Consumer Reports is a good reference to pinpoint areas of concern. As with first year models, 2004 was not stellar.

 

Don't let the 2004 naysayers scare you off.. I have a 2004 (built in September of 2003) that most on this forum would run from like a scalded dog due to the manufacture date. I have had Zero issues with my sled. It has 32K, I change the oil at 7500. Pristine car.

 

problems that are experienced by '04 year e60s are pretty much the same problems that '05,'06 & 07 encounter. Don't be scared. Just make sure you are buying a well maintained and well cared of car and you'll be ok. Try to get an extended warranty. You will have to pay a little bit more but at least you'll have peace of mind for the duration of the warranty (say 48000miles/4yr warranty).

 

Agreed, many of the '04 issues were software related, particularly with some Nav equipped cars such as inability to get RDS functioning. I'm at nearly 30,000 miles on my Jan '04 build E60 and have no issues. Basically a rock solid car...

 

+1

 

From my experience as an 04' 530 owner, this has been my collective thougts on the MY04. I was lucky enough to have a manufacture date that was post 03/04, therefore it allowed me to get bluetooth with just a software update. In the beginning, I really wanted to get Sirius radio and was told the bad news that the car I purchase did not come pre-wire for SAT radio. This function can not be retrofit per my service advisor. Since you will be saving a great deal of money by getting a 2004 e60, my recommendation is try to find one with all the bells & whistles...especially NAV & Sport package. One feature that I also regret not getting was PDC. As for reliabilty, the car has been solid. Good luck with your purchase.

 

Try to get one with at least a few months BMW UK 3 year warranty left on it. Take it to dealer to get the latest I drive software ( say it keeps on crashing or something ). Then early annoyances such as automatic aircon not being automatic & other equally stupid problems will be resolved. Also I would insist that the software carries a 12 month guarantee from then..
A well maintained car should have great mechanics, but E60 software is flaky to say the least. I wouldn't like to have to pay to have that fixed beyond warranty!.