Bonziat

Need some help to decide whether to offload my e60 or not. I have an 09 528i with 143,000. Since I got the car it's run pretty well however I've had to change a wheel bushing two camshaft sensors and now I need to change the crankshaft sensor the water pump, belt tensioner and probably the timing belt soon and god knows what else. I love the way the car drives but I am thinking its time to trade it in, what do you guys think?

JayArras

E60's can get pretty expensive once they get up in miles. If you're handy with a wrench, that helps. If you're not, a good indie who doesn't soak you for repairs is essential.


That said, you have to decide whether you enjoy the car enough to pay the price. There is something to be said for upgrading if you can afford it. New features, better performance, less repairs and perhaps different options are all compelling reasons. What's the alternative? Change brands? Only you can decide whether that's the right move for you.

KyleB

Timing belt? The last BMW that shipped with a timing belt was back in 1993 with the final M20 powered E30 cabrios. Your car definitely has a timing chain that should not need replacement at 143K.

seanjordan20

+1

Bonziat

Thanks for your suggestions and the correction.

KyleB

No worries. I didn't post that to be a ball-buster, I posted it so that you wouldn't get sold a timing belt by an unscrupulous or ill-informed service adviser. I once overheard an SA at my dealer tell a lady with an E90 328i that she should bring her car back in a month for a valve adjustment. I'd love to see how that would be accomplised.

It sounds to me like the things you have replaced are either standard issue wear components for any car (suspension bushings) or standard issue BMW component failures (cam sensors, ignition coils, etc).

If you really enjoy the car and it isn't giving you major headaches or breaking the bank account, I'd be inclined to keep it. Are you able to service/repair the car yourself?

Bonziat

Am able to do a few things but nothing too technical yet I really appreciate your advice and have decided to keep the car. Once I fix what's needed I should be good to go. Thanks!

Allen

Depending on the price of the car you're considering and what you owe (if any) on your existing car...it usually doesn't make financial sense to sell/buy cars due to recurring repairs costs. It really comes down to reliability/hassle/convenience. You can do a lot of repairs for the cost of a new car payment...even a nice used car payment. But if you can't rely on the car to get you around, that's another story. But as we all know...trading cars is NOT always about what makes financial sense...it's usually about just wanting something different...although not so much when your car is an E60.