What details should be included when selling N54 E61 M-Sport?
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia, PA
My Ride: 07 530xiT
Engine: N52
I will be putting up for sale a 2010 BMW 535i x-drive ‘Sport Wagon’ with M-Sport Package near the end of the year. Below are some topics I plan to cover in the ad. What other details would you want… if you were considering a long distance purchase?
1. Option list
2. Owner history
3. Service history
4. Critical components replaced (injectors, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket)
5. Status of maintenance items (fluids, belt, brake pads, filters, wipers, battery, tires)
6. Status of electronics (i-level, nav maps, Gracenote database)
7. Areas of wear
8. Photos (exterior, underside, interior)
Any value in waiting until tax refund season to sell?
Opinions on Bring-A-Trailer vs. carsandbids.com vs. eBay or other?
1. Option list
2. Owner history
3. Service history
4. Critical components replaced (injectors, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket)
5. Status of maintenance items (fluids, belt, brake pads, filters, wipers, battery, tires)
6. Status of electronics (i-level, nav maps, Gracenote database)
7. Areas of wear
8. Photos (exterior, underside, interior)
Any value in waiting until tax refund season to sell?
Opinions on Bring-A-Trailer vs. carsandbids.com vs. eBay or other?
Last edited by ripp222; Dec 1, 2020 at 05:16 PM.
There is a good sized audience for long-roofs on BaT--I would be inclined to go that route. Important will be to include thorough pictures, under-chassis images (including wheel wells) will be beneficial too. Scans of service history invoices would likely be appreciated. Measurements for wear components (tire tread depth, brake rotor thickness) is good info to include!
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia, PA
My Ride: 07 530xiT
Engine: N52
Thanks for the advice. I have measurements for wear components (some of which is just a screen capture from CBS in ISTA), but I certainly have some more pictures to take... and maybe a walk around video for YouTube. I think I will pursue BaT first.
Probation Members
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Quincy Washington
My Ride: 2001 ford explorer
This is definitely more information than I have ever had while buying a used car off craigslist. Like the other person said, it depends on what platform you are selling on. Side note, but I have recently began blacksmithing and i have to say Solid Fuel Blacksmith Forges are my favorite type of forge.
Last edited by KarlieBoe; Feb 14, 2021 at 10:49 PM. Reason: added more background info
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia, PA
My Ride: 07 530xiT
Engine: N52
Thanks for asking. I did not sell it. It's still under cover in the garage.
I did take 3 videos, 150+ photos and put together what I felt was a highly detailed description... but the submission to BaT was not accepted. I went back them and even contacted one of their regular E61 sellers. My conclusion is that with the volume of high dollar cars they are hosting weekly, the relatively low revenue generator E61 slots are saved for the sellers who do a steady volume. I could be wrong. I'll put more effort into advertising come April...
I did take 3 videos, 150+ photos and put together what I felt was a highly detailed description... but the submission to BaT was not accepted. I went back them and even contacted one of their regular E61 sellers. My conclusion is that with the volume of high dollar cars they are hosting weekly, the relatively low revenue generator E61 slots are saved for the sellers who do a steady volume. I could be wrong. I'll put more effort into advertising come April...
Interesting that BAT didn't accept you. There is one very prolific E61 seller who does an excellent job finding and preparing these and I can understand if he gets special treatment. That being said, I've seen some dogs go up to. How many miles do you have? There is also Cars and Bids that seems to be gaining ground, but pricing on average seems lower than BAT.
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia, PA
My Ride: 07 530xiT
Engine: N52
About 100k miles. 02/2010 build. Alpine White over Black Dakota. Automatic. So, not a unicorn, but not common.
The E61 prices I see on Cars and Bids just seem average, like what you'd pay at Dealer that took it in on trade. Perhaps when the general public is comfortable with travel (fly in, drive out), demand will increase.
The E61 prices I see on Cars and Bids just seem average, like what you'd pay at Dealer that took it in on trade. Perhaps when the general public is comfortable with travel (fly in, drive out), demand will increase.


