sshu930

Hi guys, I'm very excited about searching for my new car. The car I've been eyeing is a used 04 530i 6speed. I'm going to start looking this weekend for it. Is there any advice you can give for me for my search? One thing that I'm a little cautious toward is that I don't want an early model build(is this a legitimate concern?). I'm hoping to find a 04.5, what is the build date for the 04.5's and where can I find that info on the car? I plan to do a thorough Pre-owned Inspection by a dealer, can you reconemend any in the Los Angeles area? Any other advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

Ricracing

Hey Scott,

If you are into safty, do not buy a E60 that is built earier than 11/04.

They did some modifications after a lousy EuroNCAP test to the airbags, dash
and doors after that.

Wait a year and buy a US MY '06 (after March built '05 with the new N52 engine)!

TexaZ3

I have 530i that was built 12/03, and I had absolutely ZERO problems with it, save for clicking sound when opening doors with remove, a problem that is apprently fixed by software upgrade. I just don not want to upgrade the software that works fine as is. I'm afraid I get more problems. :-)

sshu930

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll look for one built after 12/04. I'm in the Los Angeles area and it's hard to find a manual around here with low mileage. My budget is 40k so a new one would be too much.

Thanks,

Scott

carfreak

Bought a July build 04' and so far no problems.

needforspeed

Mines a march 04 build and mechanically no issues.

sshu930 - When you do find a good one get the dealer to ensure the software is updated prior to delivery.

Beyond that you should be OK, just watch the milage to make sure you will still get the final full years warranty.

Bedford530i

I have a 02/04 build and have no mechanical problems so far (it's actually been very reliable!). One issue I do have is that I cannot have bluetooth installed - car was built to early!