TeckniX

I consider myself mechanically inclined, but also have made some bad purchases in the past, where I end up spending more fixing the car, then a proper one would've cost.

I'm currently looking at a 2006 E60 525xi with 167k miles on the clock and def not in the best shape. The front/rear bumpers have some love taps, interior seems to be ok except for the driver seat which has the usual 'sagging' seat and the headlights have the haze look to them (buffing needed).
Engine wise it has some major oil leaks, which I presume are from valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets. (leaks 1qt of oil every 2-3weeks apparently)

The car details can be found here:
http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/cs35698.pdf

The question is: Should I pay $5k for this thing, knowing that I'll need to spend about +$1k on top of that to bring the engine back up to par. Gaskets, filters, plugs, etc. ?

Let me know what you guys think. I'm tempted only to bring love back to the car and have an ok daily commute car, which will be good on gas (currently eating 13mpg) and will also be good in the snow.

Thoughts?

Boost7

some current pictures of the car would help...if it looks like crap, why polish up a turd

TeckniX

Owner didn't provide any - Went and saw it in person and saw the bumpers had some scratches/small kinks.
Only picture i have is:

KyleB

'06 - first year for N52. I'd pass, but that's just me.

TeckniX

Probably why it's leaking so much

twh

I have a 2006 June build July delivery 530xi, 6 speed. Same engine as yours. I have 65,000 miles. Mostly worked out of my home office or my actual office in California, so I didn't drive it too much. Nav DVD drive is broken and I need new lower control arm bushings. Still love driving the car. It has never leaked oil.

quanger

Mine is 06 530Xi, did lots of work. Changed almost everything in the engine bay but the engine itself. 152K and still is like an F14 (old but still commanding) haha. But for $5k, damn that is the residue of my car?, I think you are going to spend more than $1k to bring that car back to par. More than a couple I would say, that if you do the work yourself. Gaskets and hoses are cheap, be prepare for Thermostat, water pump, AC condenser, alternator, radiator, ignition coils, transmission valve sleeve etc.... BMW parts are expensive. Got to have the love for the car, or it could be a nightmare. Good luck.

TeckniX

Thanks for everyone's input - I've decided that even if the car could be put back together by doing all the work myself, it's not worth the time/money put in.

I can spend a little bit more and get a much better car.

Cheers!