e60... any problems and things to look out for?

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c-square

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I am itching to get an e60 525i (either recond ones or local pre-owned) and my initial budget of RM250k-ish might limit me to only the 2004 or older models. As such, I would appreciate if any of you guys/gals out there who owns (or have intimate encounters with) e60 of that age, could share your ownership experiences with the car. More importantly, what are the common problems faced. Don't know how far it is true but I've heard that the earlier versions of the e60 tend to have some issues with their i-drive/electornics, some even gearbox. Also when was the magnesium block introduced and what are the beneficial difference between the magnesium block against the older version ones. BTW, is BMW introducing a new 5 series replacement model anytime soon? Cheers
 
I drive an E60 525i year 2004 Japan recond model. So far no problems. Only had some error messages (faulty lights, active steering, power windows) but found out that everything is fine and actually no fault occuring. So subsequently sent for service and probably they reset the system and it has been fine up to now. Only issue I faced occasionally is the speed sensitive door locks, sometimes the rear door does not auto lock when I start off real slow. You should inspect the tirewall for cracks and chipping, mine did although I did not notice earlier. So it was a waste to have to change all 4 tires (Michelin Pilot Premacy) even though the threads are still nearly 80% usable.

I suppose the magnesium block engine which is of the N52 series is lighter and offer better power and fuel consumption. Hope this input was helpful to you.
 
c-square, I just bought a e60 520i (budget constraints), the only advice I can give you is - make sure you get someone or better still AB to do a overall check on the car. They will give you a quotation on all the items which they remotely think needs to be replaced. THEN talk to them to find out if the components are just suspected or must change - they are very conservative (eg they listed my entire cooling system from radiator to expansion tank but in the end there was no leak, but there was an old stain).
If you are still interested in the car, U can use that quotation to nego with the seller.

There are prices of some of the items which shocked me. For example an active steering rack cost RM10,000. Beware. I've been told these have been known to fail even on a 2-3 year old car.
 
If possible, try to get the new engine model i.e. the magnesium block engine which is with the start/stop button to ignite the engine and get those pre-owned rather than those reconds units.
 
Believe me that if you get a Japanese sedan (ie Accord or Camry) you will end up looking at every E60 that passes you and ask yourself what if?

As for getting a recon car I would be very cautious unless the dealer can give you a 3-6 mth warranty.

Otherwise a car fully serviced at AB with complete history would be better. Also pay them for the complete inspection as suggested by shlim. It costed me RM160+.

Happy Hunting, cant wait to see your car!
 
check for faulty steering column. You ll heard light knocking noise from steering whenever you make a slow turn.
 
c-square;278476 said:
I am itching to get an e60 525i (either recond ones or local pre-owned) and my initial budget of RM250k-ish might limit me to only the 2004 or older models. As such, I would appreciate if any of you guys/gals out there who owns (or have intimate encounters with) e60 of that age, could share your ownership experiences with the car. More importantly, what are the common problems faced. Don't know how far it is true but I've heard that the earlier versions of the e60 tend to have some issues with their i-drive/electornics, some even gearbox.

Also when was the magnesium block introduced and what are the beneficial difference between the magnesium block against the older version ones.

BTW, is BMW introducing a new 5 series replacement model anytime soon?

Cheers

HI.... HOW R YOU... IM KAMAL HERE..IVE FEW E60 RECOND AND ALSO 2ND... ITS A GOOD CAR... IM DRIVING IT, E60 530... SO FAR SO GOOD, ITS BEEM A YEAR IVE BEEN USING IT... PLZ DO CALL ME IF YOU WANT TO VIEW THE E60 525i.... im with the car line.. ive few as i mention it ealier on... here is my number... 012 6111128.... tq.....


cheers.....
 
hi kamal, wld be better if u cld introduce yrslf at the newbies section before u start selling things..............i bet people will greet u nicely dude cheers
 
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