Now my second BMW, I just picked up a 2007 E61 530XI with a 6speed manual. Amethyst Grey on Amethyst Dakota, Non-sport It will be used as a winter daily driver as I have a 335 M sport and a turbo Miata for summer duty. I was using the long time family Volvo V70 T5 for my winter duty but I couldn't deal with driving an automatic. Coming to the decision of selling and grabbing a manual wagon or just manual swapping it; I got enough money from it to go this route.


Absolutely needs some cleaning and TLC. That will be first + fluids swap and paint correction/ceramic coating. Even though its a "winter beater", Ill be hunting for some oem+ mods :sport front springs, sport steering wheel, sport seats (if I can find them in amethyst), 535/545/550 brakes and maybe even MILVS + tune. I'm even considering a CIC swap as I hate I-drive BS but since I had no choice for a normal radio; may as well get a half decent looking screen. I was also lucky enough not to get active cruise control, night vision, comfort access or any of the added electronic features.

This is the tank it replaced: 02 V70 T5 full of oem+ mods and the most reliable car Ive ever owned but just no gear shifter


And these are my summer cars:

09 E90 335i M-sport 6MT rwd


93 Mazda Miata turbo



parents also own a 07 335 6mt rwd with some mods and the 04 x3 you see there, so lately we seem to be collecting BMWs

 

Thanks for sharing your story (and pics!). to the forum!

 

If you hate iDrive, go the Android route. Same price as CIC, IIRC, but you get to "hide" iDrive.

Now that you have the wagon I'd see about cleaning out your sunroof drains, moving the modules that sit in the spare wheel well over to the drive side of the tailgate, and check the tailgate wiring as it's likely frayed.

Also, had to look up MILVS as I've never heard of it before. Gonna have to look more in to that.

 

I just hate having a screen there(I like that my E90 has a standard radio; clean and simple to use)

Ya I actually just cleaned my drains yesterday as some pre-maintenance and they were clogged.

About the hatch wiring; Does it always happen in a specific location?

 

I rarely even use the iDrive these days; it's a nice cubby for my phone, though.

For the wiring, the fraying always happens at the hinges, on both sides.

 

Hello Neil,

Is it possible to swap Heads Up Display and Lane Departure Warning between E61s? I currently own an E61 with high mileage and needs a lot of work. I am looking to buy another e61 with lower mileage and significantly less wear, but it does not have HUD or Lane departure. Is it possible for a mechanic to swap these options unto the newer wagon? They're exactly the same year.

Would I need to swap the vehicle computers? Basically any idea about how to achieve this change over will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

By the way, I love the wheels you have on you E61 Wagon. Are they staggered ?

 

Sorry, I have no idea. Both of those systems are ones I would prefer not to have in my vehicles so I have never looked into them.

The wheels are 17x8 +20 Style 95 replica wheels in a square set up. I will be selling them actually as I will be moving to 18" wheels, due to the plans for upgraded brakes and firmer ride.

 

I imagine swapping over is achievable, but at extreme effort. Dash swap at minimum (for the opening above the instruments). Possibly the wiring harness unless the HUD uses a pigtail plugging into the existing connections. I'm sure coding will be needed as well.

I have HUD and LDW on my 2008. Love the HUD, don't use the LDW