New E61 530xi Owner
01-24-2017, 04:26 AM
#1
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Location: Martinsburg, WV
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My Ride: 2006 530xiT, 2001 325ciC, 1989 325iC
Model Year: 2006
New E61 530xi Owner
Hello, all. I am posting up to make an introduction after browsing the site for a while, pre-purchase.
While this is my first 5 series, I have had a slew of other Bimmers in my driveway, now and in the past. I currently have a 1989 325iC (lots of mods) and am building/readying a 1997 328iC as well, and after driving a passed-down 2008 TL that I inherited from my wife when I traded my 2011 WRX in on a new 2016 MDX for her, I finally got rid of the soul-less TL and bought an E61 yesterday.
I had wanted a 5 series for a while but was stuck on wanting a 5MT version, yet for years I needed AWD for my commute (100 miles per day to the top of a mountain in the MidAtlantic region) and recreational activities (snowboarding). Last year I had to have knee surgery and while I can still drive an MT, the doctor recommended at least one automatic in my car rotation, thus I traded in the WRX and took over the TL as a daily driver. I made it 10 months of bland driving before I finally decided on the 530. With the option of an automatic on the table the 5 series was back in play.
I originally considered an E90/91 but it was no larger than the WRX and smaller than the TL and with growing kids, that was an issue. The E61 checked every box. I also considered a 535 model but after talking to a lot of owners and some well-respected mechanics, I decided on the 06-07 530 models. This made it necessary to look at older cars than if I went with the 535, but in the end getting the N52 was the best option for me.
Since I still have the E30 (with significant mods, including a stroked 2.7L motor) and with the E36 coming to the road soon, I wanted a car with practicality but a soul and the E61 was it. I loved the look of the E61 (far better than the E60) from the beginning, and when I found my desired color combo with high miles, I was hesitant but excited. In typical BMW-enthusiast fashion, i reached out to my E30/36 experts for guidance and they referred me to the regional expert on E60/61s for guidance on the chassis. Of course, that woudl turn out to be the same guy selling the E61 that I desired.
Despite it having about 20-30K more miles than I wanted, the car was very, very clean and drove better then ones I had tested that had far less miles. The deal was solid, so I pulled the trigger yesterday.
The car has a few small issues, but nothing that I can't fix with DIY and a couple afternoons.
First "mod" installed:
Obligatory gas pump shot:
A few family portraits:
While this is my first 5 series, I have had a slew of other Bimmers in my driveway, now and in the past. I currently have a 1989 325iC (lots of mods) and am building/readying a 1997 328iC as well, and after driving a passed-down 2008 TL that I inherited from my wife when I traded my 2011 WRX in on a new 2016 MDX for her, I finally got rid of the soul-less TL and bought an E61 yesterday.
I had wanted a 5 series for a while but was stuck on wanting a 5MT version, yet for years I needed AWD for my commute (100 miles per day to the top of a mountain in the MidAtlantic region) and recreational activities (snowboarding). Last year I had to have knee surgery and while I can still drive an MT, the doctor recommended at least one automatic in my car rotation, thus I traded in the WRX and took over the TL as a daily driver. I made it 10 months of bland driving before I finally decided on the 530. With the option of an automatic on the table the 5 series was back in play.
I originally considered an E90/91 but it was no larger than the WRX and smaller than the TL and with growing kids, that was an issue. The E61 checked every box. I also considered a 535 model but after talking to a lot of owners and some well-respected mechanics, I decided on the 06-07 530 models. This made it necessary to look at older cars than if I went with the 535, but in the end getting the N52 was the best option for me.
Since I still have the E30 (with significant mods, including a stroked 2.7L motor) and with the E36 coming to the road soon, I wanted a car with practicality but a soul and the E61 was it. I loved the look of the E61 (far better than the E60) from the beginning, and when I found my desired color combo with high miles, I was hesitant but excited. In typical BMW-enthusiast fashion, i reached out to my E30/36 experts for guidance and they referred me to the regional expert on E60/61s for guidance on the chassis. Of course, that woudl turn out to be the same guy selling the E61 that I desired.
Despite it having about 20-30K more miles than I wanted, the car was very, very clean and drove better then ones I had tested that had far less miles. The deal was solid, so I pulled the trigger yesterday.
The car has a few small issues, but nothing that I can't fix with DIY and a couple afternoons.
First "mod" installed:
Obligatory gas pump shot:
A few family portraits:
Last edited by phenryiv1; 01-24-2017 at 09:41 AM.
01-24-2017, 09:02 AM
#2
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Welcome to the dark side, lol! You've come to the right place to discuss your wagon. Be sure to check out the Touring section. Post some pictures when you get a chance. We'd love to see it!
01-24-2017, 05:52 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Martinsburg, WV
Posts: 62
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My Ride: 2006 530xiT, 2001 325ciC, 1989 325iC
Model Year: 2006
Welcome to the dark side, lol! You've come to the right place to discuss your wagon. Be sure to check out the Touring section. Post some pictures when you get a chance. We'd love to see it!
I spent a lot of time in the Touring section pre-purchase and am expecting more time there as things come up.
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