Looking at buying an e60
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: London, Ontario
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So I'm looking at buying an e60 as a daily driver. I'm not new to the BMW scene as I currently a 740i and a 733i. Unfortunately I'm selling both cars, but I cant complain about an upgrade lol. I'm leaning towards a 545i but I have also thought about and xi too. But I figured the v8 probably gets the same fuel mileage, and I really want the power. What is the realibility like on the v8, any issues that I should know of, is their problems with the automatic transmission, what are they like in the snow, and I would like to get a sport package too so what should I look for??? I am also considering the smg transmission too... What are they like for reliability, any issues, what is the life expectancy, is there any difference with mpg, and if I did look into buying one, what do I look for regarding possible issues???
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
#3
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Antonio, TX
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My Ride: 04 525i, 04 Dinan M3
What kind of budget do you have? Your probably better off getting a 08+ since most members want to do upgrades for pre-lci that LCI already have.
#4
Dont get smg, it's useless and get might get you in trouble.. And 4wheel drive is not nesesarry. I have rw drive
and i wasnt stuck even once. Im from Finland and we have lots of snow in wintern.. I love to drive it in the snow
and i wasnt stuck even once. Im from Finland and we have lots of snow in wintern.. I love to drive it in the snow
#7
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Philadelphia, PA
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My Ride: 2004 545i Sport
Orient Blue
SMG - Sport Steering Wheel w/Paddle Shifters
I have 04 545i with SMG and I think its great!! Its really a very nice compromise between the auto and the six speed. I can't speak to its reliability because I haven't owned it very long but I did purchase an extended warranty. It's blast to drive and I highly recommend it. Especially if you can find low mileage one. Mine was a one owner, serviced locally with 65k miles. I paid 17K.
#8
Tel25,
That's a good deal you got on the V8, 65K miles, with SMG, especially with the extended warranty. I wouldn't dare to touch the SMG without forking out the extra dough for the warranty. Read too many horror stories about them when I started searching for the E60 2 years ago.
Congrats and please do go out and enjoy your V8.
That's a good deal you got on the V8, 65K miles, with SMG, especially with the extended warranty. I wouldn't dare to touch the SMG without forking out the extra dough for the warranty. Read too many horror stories about them when I started searching for the E60 2 years ago.
Congrats and please do go out and enjoy your V8.
#9
Senior Members
As for your fuel mileage comment .. I am not sure I agree. If "gets the same" means.. within 4-5 MPG different.. then yes.. otherwise no. Also, not sure if you're comparing with a 535xi or 530xi .. if you mean 545 -- there is no xi/AWD option for that.
As for the need for AWD, only you can answer that. I am guessing in Finland they apparently do a great job at clearing the roads or the snow is packed in like ice with not too many hills. Here in DC/Virginia.. you can have the best snow tires in the world and your ass will be calling for help or walking.
As for the need for AWD, only you can answer that. I am guessing in Finland they apparently do a great job at clearing the roads or the snow is packed in like ice with not too many hills. Here in DC/Virginia.. you can have the best snow tires in the world and your ass will be calling for help or walking.
#10
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Toronto
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My Ride: 545i
If you can drive manual shift, then i strongly recommend you buy 6 speed vs an automatic. Too many problems with the e60 automatics, and VERY costly to repair.
Just do a google search on e60 automatic transmission issues and a plethora of sites will pop up with tons of people having problems.
Manual is the safest way and best way to go.
Just do a google search on e60 automatic transmission issues and a plethora of sites will pop up with tons of people having problems.
Manual is the safest way and best way to go.