Thinking about an E60...
01-29-2009, 01:52 AM
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Hi guys, I'm new to the forum.
Currently driving an Audi RS4 and impending addition to the family has me considering something larger and more 'grown up'. As such I'm considering either an E60 or an E61.
I'm based in the UK and I'm looking to buy nearly new (so something around mid 2008) but I have some questions...
1. I'm looking for a 535d because there seem to be very few 540, 545 or 550s in the UK. Is the 535d as good as I've heard? (I will of course test-drive)
2. I'm looking for a high-spec car but they all seem to just have the media and visibility packs but not much more. Can the following be (economically) retrofitted? TV, USB media reader? Are there any other 'must have' options that are tricky to retrofit?
3. What's difference does the sports automatic make? Is it worth having on a diesel?
4. Is the tailgate on the E61 motorised as standard or is that an option? If it's an option what's the option called?
5. Any idea what kind of interest rates BMW finance are doing at the moment? How open to negociation are they?
6. Are there any impending facelifts/engine changes that I'd be better off waiting for?
I will of course be visiting a dealer soon to run through these points and to get a test-drive but I thought it'd be good to introduce myself and get some expert knowledge before I start... :-)
Currently driving an Audi RS4 and impending addition to the family has me considering something larger and more 'grown up'. As such I'm considering either an E60 or an E61.
I'm based in the UK and I'm looking to buy nearly new (so something around mid 2008) but I have some questions...
1. I'm looking for a 535d because there seem to be very few 540, 545 or 550s in the UK. Is the 535d as good as I've heard? (I will of course test-drive)
2. I'm looking for a high-spec car but they all seem to just have the media and visibility packs but not much more. Can the following be (economically) retrofitted? TV, USB media reader? Are there any other 'must have' options that are tricky to retrofit?
3. What's difference does the sports automatic make? Is it worth having on a diesel?
4. Is the tailgate on the E61 motorised as standard or is that an option? If it's an option what's the option called?
5. Any idea what kind of interest rates BMW finance are doing at the moment? How open to negociation are they?
6. Are there any impending facelifts/engine changes that I'd be better off waiting for?
I will of course be visiting a dealer soon to run through these points and to get a test-drive but I thought it'd be good to introduce myself and get some expert knowledge before I start... :-)
01-29-2009, 02:25 AM
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Originally Posted by theaxe' post='780046' date='Jan 29 2009, 11:52 AM
Hi guys, I'm new to the forum.
Currently driving an Audi RS4 and impending addition to the family has me considering something larger and more 'grown up'. As such I'm considering either an E60 or an E61.
I'm based in the UK and I'm looking to buy nearly new (so something around mid 2008) but I have some questions...
1. I'm looking for a 535d because there seem to be very few 540, 545 or 550s in the UK. Is the 535d as good as I've heard? (I will of course test-drive)
2. I'm looking for a high-spec car but they all seem to just have the media and visibility packs but not much more. Can the following be (economically) retrofitted? TV, USB media reader? Are there any other 'must have' options that are tricky to retrofit?
3. What's difference does the sports automatic make? Is it worth having on a diesel?
4. Is the tailgate on the E61 motorised as standard or is that an option? If it's an option what's the option called?
5. Any idea what kind of interest rates BMW finance are doing at the moment? How open to negociation are they?
6. Are there any impending facelifts/engine changes that I'd be better off waiting for?
I will of course be visiting a dealer soon to run through these points and to get a test-drive but I thought it'd be good to introduce myself and get some expert knowledge before I start... :-)
Currently driving an Audi RS4 and impending addition to the family has me considering something larger and more 'grown up'. As such I'm considering either an E60 or an E61.
I'm based in the UK and I'm looking to buy nearly new (so something around mid 2008) but I have some questions...
1. I'm looking for a 535d because there seem to be very few 540, 545 or 550s in the UK. Is the 535d as good as I've heard? (I will of course test-drive)
2. I'm looking for a high-spec car but they all seem to just have the media and visibility packs but not much more. Can the following be (economically) retrofitted? TV, USB media reader? Are there any other 'must have' options that are tricky to retrofit?
3. What's difference does the sports automatic make? Is it worth having on a diesel?
4. Is the tailgate on the E61 motorised as standard or is that an option? If it's an option what's the option called?
5. Any idea what kind of interest rates BMW finance are doing at the moment? How open to negociation are they?
6. Are there any impending facelifts/engine changes that I'd be better off waiting for?
I will of course be visiting a dealer soon to run through these points and to get a test-drive but I thought it'd be good to introduce myself and get some expert knowledge before I start... :-)
to this great forum 
!I'll try to answer your questions:
1.) 535d is a great car, with loads of torque. Imo it's not nearly as sporty as your RS4 (do you have the V8 or the TT V6?). It is a car that is almost 'unnoticably' fast, it's really easy to drive. I would recommend a remap. After that, you'll get one of the fastest diesels currently available!
2.) Try searching for a 535d that has at least an M-Sport package. Gives the car a much better look!
It is possible to retrofit TV/DVD (at reasonable cost). USB is also possible (Dension Gateway 500 => also cd-changer, Ipod interface, multimedia interface)
3.) The SA only adds paddle shift on the steering wheel. The shift times are just as fast. Only available on the LCI (facelift) model >3-2007.
4.) Full motorized tailgate is an option. The standard tailgate only closes the last cm or so.
5.) Nope, can't help you with that.
6.) New model (F10) expected March 2010. The facelift model is available of March 2007
01-29-2009, 05:19 AM
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Originally Posted by sy1616' post='780097' date='Jan 29 2009, 03:15 PM
keep the rs4
01-29-2009, 05:44 AM
#5
I recently bought a used 2008 550i and couldn't be happier with it. I can't comment on your questions regarding diesel, but I do have the Sport Automatic Transmission and it's excellent. Pressing the sport button next to the shifter activates Dynamic Driving Control, which makes the car drive and feel much sportier. Below is an except from the manual re DDC:-
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it possible for your BMW to react in an even more performance-oriented manner at the push of a button:
> The speed range of the engine is optimally utilized.
> Gearshifts are faster.
> The engine responds more spontaneously to accelerator pedal movements.
> The steering will operate in an even sportier mode.
> In the automatic mode, the 6th gear is not engaged.
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it possible for your BMW to react in an even more performance-oriented manner at the push of a button:
> The speed range of the engine is optimally utilized.
> Gearshifts are faster.
> The engine responds more spontaneously to accelerator pedal movements.
> The steering will operate in an even sportier mode.
> In the automatic mode, the 6th gear is not engaged.
01-29-2009, 05:53 AM
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Originally Posted by LW78' post='780098' date='Jan 29 2009, 07:19 AM
Not if it's the 2.7 TT
+1...keep the RS4....that thing is a beast! However if you do make the switch, definitely stick to the V-8...I say go 550i sport for sure.
01-29-2009, 06:03 AM
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Active seat vent
Xenon
Navi Prof.
Night Vision
HUD
High Gloss Shadow Line
Originally Posted by IceyTys' post='780112' date='Jan 29 2009, 03:53 PM
Not sure they made the RS4 until recently, on the new body style which the S and RS only came with the V8. The TT version was from the previous body style...MY 2003 and prevoius.
+1...keep the RS4....that thing is a beast! However if you do make the switch, definitely stick to the V-8...I say go 550i sport for sure.
+1...keep the RS4....that thing is a beast! However if you do make the switch, definitely stick to the V-8...I say go 550i sport for sure.
I know the TT is the previous body style. If he has the V8, I support you and say: KEEP IT!
(or switch to M5 Touring
)
01-29-2009, 06:52 AM
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Originally Posted by LW78' post='780119' date='Jan 29 2009, 03:03 PM
I know the TT is the previous body style. If he has the V8, I support you and say: KEEP IT!
(or switch to M5 Touring )
(or switch to M5 Touring
)Perhaps a 550 would be a better compromise...
PS. VERY surprised to hear a BMW forum recommending that I stick with an Audi!
01-29-2009, 08:32 AM
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Enjoy the forums! 
Most of the guys around here are CAR guys who love their E60's, but if a worthy alternative is shown they will not hesitate to suggest it! 
