Taffytim

Hi all

Im looking at buying a E61, my budget will mean its a pre LCI. Is there anything to look out for? Is there a buying guide I could use?

Ive test driven 1 so far and it was a M sport version, the ride seemed a little harsh, small bumpes in the road seemed to be felt through the seat. Is the SE version a little comfier?

Thanks
Tim

The_Sauce

Do they have a modified M Sport rear bag setup on these? I just got one, full maintenance records and a PPI by a local BMW dealer and the car passed with flying colors. Its a 2006 by the way, and I love it.

omega_man

Tim - worth going for the LCI if you can stretch. I'm not sure what the word is on dropping engine spec to make this affordable - probably not (i.e. don't go from a non-LCI 530 to an LCI 525!)

Really good buying guide for the 3 Series here:
BMW E36 Buying Guide (M3 but applies to all)

You can use that as a basis for checking the E61. I'm looking for one myself right now and not found anything more specific than that.

Honest Jonn site has a good writeup on the used E60 and E61 including what to look out for. Otherwise check parkers.co.uk there are loads of user reviews, price guides and other bits of information.

Blobby

The ride might be harsh dues to the car running on run flat tyres, these have very tough side walls and very little flex, added to the M-sport suspension will give a hard ride. Normally changing them for non-runflats will make it better.
There are a lot of things to look for, thermostats, sunroof drains, swirl flaps, rear suspension pumps (e61), to name but a few. Have a look on the forum(s) and see what everyone is asking questions about and see if they are common. It would help if you knew someone who lives close who has one