SkiTaxi

Hi All,

A couple months ago, I posted a thread here about possibly drivetrain-swapping my '07 530xiTA to make a 550iT6 (mostly because I don't like automatics much). I had decided to leave my car alone and save money for a Porsche in the distant future, but yesterday I found a 2008 535xiT in Monaco blue/natural brown leather, sport package, and ~critically~ with a 6 speed manual. It was a crazy good price, and had receipts for turbo replacement 25k miles ago (and in accordance has absolutely zero waste gate rattle). I never thought I'd be able to find an N54 6 speed wagon at an affordable price, so when I found this one I had to snag it. It has 163k, but is in great shape for the mileage and makes my pre-LCI wagon look like a beater. I wasn't able to drive it home today (need to get a friend to go with me) and thus I wasn't able to get many great photos, but I will update with better photos later.


(The left headlamp looks foggy in this photo–it's not, I think it's just the angle)



I read on a BaT listing that there are 16 examples in North America in this color combo–any good way to verify that?

Can't wait to put on some better wheels and shine it up. I'll be sad to sell my '07, but the automatic transmission was ruining the car for me.

Hope to learn some great things from this board too, so thanks in advance!

donpb

to the group! Enjoy your stay.

alexbaldy

Nice! Congratulations on your new ride! Looks great!

amesser325

Tough choice, automagic notwithstanding! V8s sound magical and torque is hard to beat but the N54 is a great motor too!
I just bought a 10 535xiT and lament the auto every time I drive it. Hand shakers are a guy's best friend.

Andy

OjaiM5

That is a unicorn! A few minor modifications and it will absoultely fly. Nice score!

esixtyone

Congratulations! I have a near twin (Auto, unfortunately). The Monaco Blue with brown interior is a great combination. Keep us updated!

SkiTaxi

Thanks, will do!

I've discovered a few issues with the car since I returned to pick it up, but luckily they're all relatively minor. The most notable one was a badly-leaking AC condenser, which I was able to fix (replace myself, and get the system professional recharged) for around $300, so not bad. There's also a module keeping the car awake that causes a battery draw, but luckily the IBS sensor seems to shut it down and preserve the battery charge. I've done a little diagnosis, but have some more to do. Also seems like the LCM might be bad, as the headlights stay on whenever the car is running and the fog lamps don't work. Some stuff to sort through, but nothing too serious. Luckily I'm not upset, as I probably paid around half of what it might be worth with those issues fixed.

I enjoyed car on a bit of a road trip to the White Mountains this weekend... camped out in NH for two nights with friends and hiked around. Also had some winding, scenic passes to myself on the way home to Maine, so I got to "test" the car out a bit. This is my 7th BMW, and it combines everything I loved about my 335i6 (mostly the N54) with everything I love about the E60 generation (comfort, size). Such a fun yet comfortable car! Feels a bit special too. The muffler delete and BMS DCI also help with the auditory aspect

Looking forward to more adventures with the E61. I'm thinking up vanity plates at the moment–something to let people know it's a 6-speed and that I'm an enthusiast. Considering SICKSPD because it has a dual-meaning. Open to suggestions!



Too many E61s! Selling my Jet Black '07 in the middle.

antonross

Sexy, sexy, sexy. My 2008 wagon is also originally from New Hampshire. The P/O (an architect from SF) flew all the way across the country to pick her up in NH back in 2015 (no PPI, even) and promptly drove it back to NorCal, then Seattle. The dark blue/tan interior is my fave...GLWTS on the Jet Black '07.