harshybar

Good morning everyone,

I recently started my search on the E60 545i vs. 530i, I have owned euro cars before, I do understand there is sometimes a possibility for gremlins. I am not afraid as I don't mind working on cars. I found a great deal on one with 150k miles for 5k. I understand that buying this means, replacing suspension, belts, gaskets, fluids, clutch, hoses. Is there anything else I should really be concerned about? Anything major?

KyleB

early production V8 E60s (545i) are notorious for oil leaks, and lots of them. also they are known for valve stem seal failure. If I had to choose I would happily forgo the extra power of the V8 and go for the NA inline six cylinder to gain better reliability. I chose my 530i for that very reason. 545i cars are getting dirt cheap, and there's a reason for it. Good luck with whatever you choose.

cmyachtie

I also vote for the 530, for same reason over the 545 as K+ the manual makes it so much more fun to drive.

harshybar

Thank you both, I think after my research you guys are right. I will stick to the 530i.

KyleB

There are manuals out there, but they can be difficult to find.

Whatever you choose, I'd look for an '04 or '05 (M54 engine) or any N52 powered car with a production date after 11/31/2008. BMW updated the cylinder head to correct a flaw that allowed the lifter bores to run dry causing excessive lifter noise. Cars built after that date should have the updated cylinder head.

Good luck.

E60AUS

I have an 06 N52,the higher power version (190 kw).....fantastic car.
When i was looking for a 530 i thought at first they were all the lower 160 -170kw power models,i did not know there was a higher power version. Very glad i found out about that,the LCI higher power versions (07 on-wards) have 200kw.

I'm driving Australian delivered euro spec 2006 E60 530i.

harshybar

Status Update.. Bought myself a 09 535I xdrive, 142k for 8k. Have had it for 4 months and love it.

cmyachtie

wtf....?

KyleB

LOL, sometimes the right car ends up being something completely different from what you planned for. It's happened to me before too

OP, best of luck with the car and welcome the E60 world.

cmyachtie

I get that part but look at the date of the first post......he was already driving the 535 for two months and asking us re the 545 or 530, that's why I said what I said earlier!