Hi Folks,

I'm going to be buying a 530d preferably M Sport with manual box, circa 04 - 06, mileage about 70 - 100k in the next month or so and would appreciate any buying advice. Such as...

Major service work around that age/mileage
Anything particular to look out for (issues / bits that wear fast / recalls) etc.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance!
Alex.

 

Hi Alex and welcome to the forums!

Things that are known issues in E60 530d:
- swirl flaps --> read more here: https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo...-engine-70452/
- faulty thermostats --> will cause clogging the diesel particulate filter (DPF)
- DPF --> read more here: https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo...nce-dpf-94725/
- faulty glow plug control unit --> will brake glow plugs

Otherwise it's a pretty trustable car.

- Antti -

 

Thanks for the reply, so not really much you can check externally / from driving?

Yeah I was looking into an E39 last year before my budget increased and read about the fun with swirl flaps - I take it the general consensus is still to remove them then? I'll read up on it.

As for the DPF, had a quick look at the link (some great info on this site!) but I'll read more later.

Does anyone have rough knowledge of age / mileage of when the big things need replacing - younger is normally better unless you buy something just before a major service!

Thanks again,
Alex.