sanjsanj

after much poking around this forum, i've found an e60 which seems to fit the bill... it's an 04 auto 530 80k on the clock, http://is.gd/1csJ4


i'd be glad if you peeps could advise me on how to go about checking out the car and what check to do on the test drive?

also, could you give step by step directions on how to check the idrive- its not that intuitive at first... where do i check for fault codes? servicing? and anything else you might think attention...

oh, btw, the last time bmw serviced it was on 6/3/2008, 59014 on the clock, dealer code 29631. Also, the dvla site tells me the car hasn't had tax since 28 04 2009- i.e. off road- cause for concern?



Cheers

Rislar

Hi sanjsanj first check fluid levels, tyre condition etc, there is a list on Auto trader that you can copy!! the idrive will tell you what service item are due so if you want to check them with key in position 1 radio on press and hold the trip button in until a service picture appears, then press the button again to move down to the next item, these can be reset so your best bet is to get BMW to check it over!! check for tyre condition if its been standing as tyres can crack and have flat spots!!

AlwynMike

I don't know if the Ad is for that car or whether the trader doesn't know what is on the car. Cloth trim?? Looks like leather to me. Looks like Advanced Climate control too, as well as Nav. Phone your local $tealer with the VIN and he can tell you what extra's were fitted from new. Non-standard wheels - were the originals kerbed that much they had to be changed??

Any overdue servicing will flash up on the screen between the dials when you turn the key. To get further details of servicing, use the iDrive knob rather than the trip as you can see everything without resetting in error. The space saver is a good idea because you won't need RFT's.

Don't bother to look for the brake fluid reservoir - its a job to get at it (filters and housings off).
I assume that it has been serviced outwith BMW since 59k, otherwise it will be well overdue.
Listen for slight knocks from the steering column as you turn slowly out of junctions (the columns need a bit of lube that they didn't get when new)
Check all the electrics, you'll see the reverse sensors working if you select the appropriate gear - it self checks, so it will throw up an error as you first turn the key if there is anything amiss.
You can't see any fault codes as such, only small problems stored in the iDrive (I know it's not intuitive, but it is pretty easy to get round after a few minutes playing)
Irrespective of the iDrive, check the condition of the brakes and discs - you could be due for a second set of front discs and pads at that mileage.
Listen very closely for signs of a cracked exhaust manifold (at rest) as they are known to go.
If the battery is original, gird your loins for a replacement in a year, the exhaust should be OK.
Look at the Particle filter life in iDrive (not microfilter) - these are VERY expensive to replace, so if it's close, budget for that, although around 150k is the normal interval.

As for the SORN, the original owner (leased??) cashed in the tax, or let it lapse and the Trader hasn't renewed it (so you pay for it, rather than him). If the car has gone to auction, then it could have taken a month to go through the system, and the Trader may have had it in stock for a while.

I don't track prices, so I can't comment on that, but my first impression was that it was a little high for that year/miles, but I could be utterly wrong.

If you do take the plunge, get the swirl flaps removed, replace the EGR filter, ensure that you are on non-RFT tyres and enjoy the hell out of your car!

Mike

Krozi

The gas pedal. It's the one on the right. Try it out

Bit seriously, at that milleage, you should ensure that the transmission is working properly. Do a lot of stops and goes and slow down to 10mph and then hit the gas again to see of there is any slam in the transmission. All the belts should be replaced. As should fluids. Including transmission and diff.

There is more to cover, and the guy above did a good job

E60Sim

+1

Check for rust on the black door panels (next to the windows, and around the mirrors).

80k miles is nothing. We're at 106k miles now, and the car has never been better ! Runs like a new one!

530inOK

Check the gaps between body panels. Look at the fasteners holding door hinges, fenders, hood, etc. You can typically
tell if they've been disturbed...meaning removal or replacement.
Check carpet for water stains. Found out on this forum these cars tend to leak and hold water with disastorous results.
If there is trash in the cowl area, or the plastic is UV faded, this car may not have been garage kept. The water drains
may need attention.
Read some old posts on this forum. Lots of great information that will help you make an informed decision. I've noticed
that the issues these cars develop tend to be consistent. Meaning not just a few cars have these problems. It's across the board. If you know about them in advance you can compensate, negotiate, or just avoid them.
If they're asking a premium for the car make sure you get a premium car.
Yours is the option to walk away and keep looking.

sanjsanj

hey guys! REally great tips here you've come up with... many thanks!!!

okay, so i've seen the car and most of it's in working order, there are a few problems though.

The PDC does nothing. Communications in iDrive had a yellow triangle beside it said something like nothing detected...
DPF only has 44000 miles on it left- should have around 70k left

The front brake pads only have 121 miles on it left according to the iDrive- how accurate is it?
The drivers mirror doesn't move up and down (but i can hear the motor spinning in the background)
There's tiny scratches on like 4-5 of the panels- would normally put it down to general wear and tear, but its a bit excessive with the number of separate panels it's on.


AC works fine. No smell of diesel fumes from vents, ac on or off, or weird noises from the engine which means the inlet manifold must be okay.

He's playing very tough with the price- display price with all pdc, brake pads and mirror fixed or 10k as it is.

what are your thoughts?

Sanj

radzM

"drive it like you stole it"

kErb

Looks like it needs some work, and the dealer should be looking to sort these items or give you a decent discount if you are happy to live with or fix the problems yourself. Personnally I would look at one or two other cars first in your budget to compare what you can get for your money.

sanjsanj

oh yeah, hpi check came back sparkling clean and i also rang up the stealer who confirmed it was serviced with them at 8k 25k 40k 59k... the next sevice after this was at a citroen and peugeot specialist, at 72k

oh, and i didn't see an audio remote control as stated in the advert- where is it usually kept?

Sanj


yep, definitely did that... and can i say, it GOESSS!