2004 BMW 530i - Opinions?

bf

Looking to change my car and had a test drive of this today

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/SE-AUTO-/200905191656426/advert

Its an Irish car, has a full BMW history and well specced. I've had a look at the UK option but the Revenue value the car at the guts of €30k with 36% VRT! I also have a trade in (2007 Passat) which restricts me taking the boat to the UK. I don't do huge amount of mileage, so the petrol/not being a 530d is not an issue for me.

Have to say my heart is smitten after driving it, just wondering what peoples opinion of the car is? What would be a reasonable cost to change or failing that a good alternative?

BF

Rich1691

Have you had the Passat priced anywhere? I'm not sure how much it would be worth in a trade in but it might be something to check out.

pipsqueak

Its a gorgeous car, Only thing would put me off is the leather. wouldnt be everyones cup of tea. Taxed/nct as well. looks good

zing

Looks like a nice car alright - not mad on the leather colour but each to their own. Parking sensors & integrated bluetooth are nice - I wanted both when I was buying and had to do a fair bit of hunting for a car that had both. No CD changer but then a lot of people seem to be ripping them out and installing the ipod/mp3 connector in the glovebox in it's place (it's on my todo list and looks fairly straight forward).

One thing to bear in mind though in these financially challenging times. I've a 525i auto and average around 25/26 mpg which is fairly crap but then I don't do a huge amount of mileage so can live with it. With a auto 530i you'll prob be in/around the same ball park. If you go with a manual you'll get a bit better fuel consumption but if you went for say a manual 530d you should be in/around the 40mpg mark iirc. I've not double checked that figure for a 530d but you might want to research fuel consumption for them. In hindsight I'd probably have gone for a diesel.

bf

Wasn't sure about the leather when I first saw the pics, but they actually don't do it justice & it looks much better in the flesh.

In terms of a trade price for my own, I'm braced for the worse and figure that looking at around €5k to change would leave me happy, maybe not the dealer :P

CharlieCroker

Have you driven the 530d? I've driven both.

Forgetting about the whole mpg thing, I actually prefer driving the diesel. The petrol has a lovely straight 6 sound and enough poke but I found the diesel a better overall cruiser with the higher torque. Resale will also be a lot higher with the diesel but I still wouldn't turn down the petrol.

If your happy enough with the deal you can get, well wear, but bearing in mind that the NCT is up in 3 months I'd be getting them to re-test it before you take it away.

Gumbo

lovely car OP, and im the opposite to the above, i like the leather colour

only downside to the car is the high motor tax but 230bhp and a straight 6 under the bonnet should make you forget about the tax bill!

iggy

CharlieCroker wrote: »

Have you driven the 530d? I've driven both.

Forgetting about the whole mpg thing, I actually prefer driving the diesel. The petrol has a lovely straight 6 sound and enough poke but I found the diesel a better overall cruiser with the higher torque. Resale will also be a lot higher with the diesel but I still wouldn't turn down the petrol.

If your happy enough with the deal you can get, well wear, but bearing in mind that the NCT is up in 3 months I'd be getting them to re-test it before you take it away.

Nct is not up til 5/10.

nice looking car but I would get dealer to put on a nicer set of wheels if he wants the sale..
hope it works out... good luck

tom-d

Nice car but would ya go for an m-sport kit something like this:

http://cars.rte.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1296880

And its cheaper

Have a look at this too its on sale:
http://cunninghamhiggins07.webzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1138399

Big Nasty

oilman wrote: »

why dont ya try a 2008 520d

Because it's diesel and it wouldn't pull ya outta bed in comparison?

niceirishfella

Super car is the 5 series. I have one, on my 3rd actually.
A thing to check before you buy - make sure the bluetooth is compatible to your current mobile phone handset. A real bugbear for new 5 series owners if it don't pair right. Check and see before you commit.
Still, magic car.
Make sure its complete, full stamped service book, toolkit, everything. It'll make it easier to sell going forwards.The leather and walnut kinda works and blends - depends on tastes.

tom-d

niceirishfella wrote: »

A thing to check before you buy - make sure the bluetooth is compatible to your current mobile phone handset. A real bugbear for new 5 series owners if it don't pair right. Check and see.

Think id just buy a new phone for my new car!

Matt Simis

zing wrote: »

Looks like a nice car alright - not mad on the leather colour but each to their own.

pipsqueak wrote: »

Its a gorgeous car, Only thing would put me off is the leather. wouldnt be everyones cup of tea.

Wow, I was going to post (ironically) the best thing about that car is the leather. You can get plenty of models with dullsville black leather, this one at least has something above and beyond. Im sure in person it looks fantastic.

oilman wrote: »

why dont ya try a 2008 520d .. they are about 35000 euro .www.desperateparktrading.com have alarge stock of them....156 euro a year tax and 50 mpg

You made the same moronic suggestion for the bottom of the range model twice now, shill, go away.*


* Actually three times now, for some reason you quoted the OP and bizarrely within the quote added in your little advert, on your very first post. Either conniving or just not on "de interweb" much?

niceirishfella

Matt Simis wrote: »

You made the same moronic suggestion for the bottom of the range model twice now, shill, go away.

Awwwwwww......whats with the name calling?:(

Matt Simis

niceirishfella wrote: »

Awwwwwww......whats with the name calling?:(

Eh.. Shill isnt a "bad name", its an occupation..!? One that isnt welcome on forums, by its very role outline.

joeperry

It's a nice car, also worth having a look at the 2005 model as these have the new engine 250+bhp :cool: and better economy,smoother too.

Either engine will make you happy.;)

Stevie Dakota

oilman wrote: »

why dont ya try a 2008 520d .. they are about 35000 euro .www.deerparktrading.com have alarge stock of them....156 euro a year tax and 50 mpg

Curious that the 'blue' 520d is left hand drive and a US model where you can't buy the 520d, who are these jokers?

shaywest

nice car but i wouldn,t buy a car from rathdown mts.
i,ve heard a lot of horror storys about them
maybe you have dealt with them before and are happy to deal with them
if not maybe you should check them out first

paul larry

just wouldnt be crazy on th beemers. changed recently and looked at the 320d, 320cd, 330 and the 520d. couldnt get what i wanted and eventually paid 11k stg for a 2007 accord. fully loaded. £6k stg to bring over so total of £17k stg and altho 2 of the boys have bmw's, my car gets more looks!!!!
just a lil something for u to consider. but if it must be bmw, buy the 520d in uk. do ur level best to get rid of the pasat for cash, cos uk spec is ten times better, thats from experince! check out ur man charles hurst, who does trade in with roi vehicles!!!!

CharlieCroker

iggy wrote: »

Nct is not up til 5/10.

nice looking car but I would get dealer to put on a nicer set of wheels if he wants the sale..
hope it works out... good luck

Sorry, my bad. I like the SE wheels though. Think they're the best looking on a 5 series without the M-Sport kit

niceirishfella

Matt Simis wrote: »

Eh.. Shill isnt a "bad name", its an occupation..!? One that isnt welcome on forums, by its very role outline.

its the "stupid f'ing" comment i was referring to.:rolleyes:

Seth Brundle

Matt Simis wrote: »

You made the same moronic suggestion for the bottom of the range model twice now, shill, go away.*

If there is an issue with another poster then report it but don't abuse the poster in the manner that you did.

joeperry

oilman wrote: »

why dont ya try a 2008 520d

Because it's smiles per gallon he wants,and also his neighbours won't be cursing him every morning he starts up his tractor :eek:,they will be envious of his smoothly purring 6 cylinder powerplant :cool:

Matt Simis

niceirishfella wrote: »

its the "-" comment i was referring to.:rolleyes:

Oh I know what you were referring to.
A poster is only as good as his word, a shill has neither word nor honor and therefore doesnt warrant respect. They arent even people, just mouthpieces. And as I said, such blatent shilling is quite contemptible. IMO of course, not Boards rule set.*. Obviously I dont regard actual boards members in that manner.

*which I broke obviously

Seth Brundle

well they are gone now!
back on topic folks

robtri

I have driven the 530i before, and I must say it is a fantastic car to drive, slightly better than the 530d, BUT i would agree with everything that has been said, the 530D will stand you better in the long run, cheaper to drive and much much easier to sell or trade in.....

But if I had that sort of money, I would take a little more time, sell the passat and go for the 535D... twin turbo.....272bhp and lots and lots of torque.. now that beats the 530i....

here's one in the uk..
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/BMW/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-51-240-4294967202/advert.action?R=200905112693851&distance=319&postcode=SW11+1dj&channel=CARS&make=BMW&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=&vehicleRegLetter=

bf

shaywest wrote: »

nice car but i wouldn,t buy a car from rathdown mts.
i,ve heard a lot of horror storys about them
maybe you have dealt with them before and are happy to deal with them
if not maybe you should check them out first

Shay could you PM me, I haven't dealt with them before so woudl be interested to hear your experiences.

Thanks for all the advice so far, I am going to look at 1 or 2 more 5 series before committing to this one, provided the cost to change is right! Not really looking for a 520d, and the VRT on 525s and up seems to be prohibitive and deals can be done in Ireland for the same kind of money at the moment

Seth Brundle

robtri wrote: »

I have driven the 530i before, and I must say it is a fantastic car to drive, slightly better than the 530d, BUT i would agree with everything that has been said, the 530D will stand you better in the long run, cheaper to drive and much much easier to sell or trade in.....

But if I had that sort of money, I would take a little more time, sell the passat and go for the 535D... twin turbo.....272bhp and lots and lots of torque.. now that beats the 530i....

here's one in the uk..
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/BMW/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-51-240-4294967202/advert.action?R=200905112693851&distance=319&postcode=SW11+1dj&channel=CARS&make=BMW&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=&vehicleRegLetter=

The torque in the 535d is up in M5 territory.
If Jeremy likes it then it must be good!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUvVuABeE6Q

Matt Simis

robtri wrote: »

..

But if I had that sort of money, I would take a little more time, sell the passat and go for the 535D... twin turbo.....272bhp and lots and lots of torque.. now that beats the 530i....

here's one in the uk..
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/BMW/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-51-240-4294967202/advert.action?R=200905112693851&distance=319&postcode=SW11+1dj&channel=CARS&make=BMW&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=&vehicleRegLetter=

Yeah, there actually doesnt seem to be much of a premium price wise over the 530d for the 535d. And taxing it is the same here as they have the same CC engine.

Anan1

kbannon wrote: »

If Jeremy likes it then it must be good!

I wouldn't buy a mousetrap on his recommendation, TBH. His business is low-brow entertainment, not cars.

I'd have a 530i over a 535d, personally.

HashSlinging

That leather is just awful, tasteless. ..killing the car.. I can just picture the sugababes singing - "he's got the ghey" to here come the girls..

Other than that nice car.. would 100% pick the petrol based on 10k miles per year.

robtri

performance figures for 530i
0-60 6.3 to 6.8 sec's depending on model
254 to 268 BHP
Torque up to 236 lb-ft


performance figures for 535D

0-60 6.3 sec to 6.4 sec depending on model
268 to 281 BHP
Torque up to 428 lb-ft

Anan1

robtri wrote: »

performance figures for 530i
0-60 6.3 to 6.8 sec's depending on model
254 to 268 BHP
Torque up to 236 lb-ft


performance figures for 535D

0-60 6.3 sec to 6.4 sec depending on model
268 to 281 BHP
Torque up to 428 lb-ft

If it's all about acceleration, buy a motorbike. Me, I like refinement - and if I have to get up 0.4 of a second earlier to be on time to 60 then so be it.

HashSlinging

Good point that.

robtri

Anan1 wrote: »

If it's all about acceleration, buy a motorbike. Me, I like refinement - and if I have to get up 0.4 of a second earlier to be on time to 60 then so be it.

I like power and refinement, and think the twin turbo 535d offers a bit more than the straight 6 530i.... but they are both fantastic cars to drives and I would be completely happy with owning either one...

Stevie Dakota

The 530i has one of BMW's best ever engines, and lest we not forget, petrol straight sixes are what once defined BMW's. The 535d is a weapon, but the the 530i is perfection.

HashSlinging

Pink seats = "he's got the ghey"

Matt Simis

HashSlinging wrote: »

Pink seats = "he's got the ghey"

They arent pink, thats the camera flash and your monitors screwed up colour/brightness settings. I do Colour Calibrations if you want to fix that. :cool:

Pink Leather:
Tan Leather:

Anan1 wrote: »

If it's all about acceleration, buy a motorbike. Me, I like refinement - and if I have to get up 0.4 of a second earlier to be on time to 60 then so be it.

What is "refinement"..? The d is more likely quieter to drive. The i is noisier and burbles nicely at idle (I assume).
Is being quiet on the road refined?
Is using fuel in an efficient manner refined?
Then surely you like the wrong engine.

I remember 5th Gears review of the 635d (same engine as 535d) and they described the "skin flint" juice car as changing their opinion of diesels, it made the petrol versions (ie the 630i, same as the 530i) seem "antiquated". Their words. It was smooth, fast, quiet, efficient and refined.

They arent chalk and cheese though, undoubtedly they are fairly similar at the macro level. I just cant picture the d being unrefined at all. I was very impressed with the idle noise on a 530d (same engine) a while ago, genuinely didnt sound like a diesel. It just didnt.

Of the 3 (530i, 530d, 535d) Id have the 535d, remapped in some eye-catching colour with an MSport Kit (or something OEM+) with some ever so slightly unorthodox wheels... seriously fun toy then.

Of the 530i or 530d I might be swayed on the petrol, but throw the 535d in there, its head and shoulders above the other 2.

dazzerb

I have a 2004 530i with sports package and have two things to be aware of (both you may already know).

1. the controls on this car are probably the least user friendly of any car I have have ever driven. I hate that there is no temperature gauge and that the steering wheel blocks your view of the indicators. Speaking of which where does one start with the dorky indicator lever! Years later and I still do not know how to use it. Changing stereo with the idrive wheel also requires just way too many steps and I think I am quite a smart person but you need to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to work the climate control and heater!

2. Does the one you are looking at have run-flat tyres? If so be prepared for the cost of replacing them.

HOWEVER on the flip side the car is such superb fun to drive and you forget about all the quirkiness very quickly as it handles and drives so beautifully. I never get tired of driving it!

Go for it - you will not regret it!

golfguy

30,000 for a 04 are you right in the head you can get a 530d 04 for about 22,000

Chergar

Just for the sake of taking the piss out of the recession.. may i recommend an e39 540i sport over an e60 SE. such as this one.. http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/850573.htm

which is not sold by the way... as i was in touch today. it has a number of benifits.. such as being proper fast... has a very good bit of kit such as TV and sat nav, which appears to be very missing in most e60's that are nice. it will handle like it's on rails.. and one could never ever look bad in this car. but then it is old, and there is a bit of age snobbery out there.. but highy recommend this car. if i dont buy it myself

Matt Simis

Chergar wrote: »

Just for the sake of taking the piss out of the recession.. may i recommend an e39 540i sport over an e60 SE. such as this one.. http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/850573.htm

That is very nice.. but why buy a 540i for nearly £8k when e39 M5s are available under £9k? If you are going big engine, might as well go all the way.

Seth Brundle

Servicing and parts on an M5 would be way higher than on a 540i!
Still an M5 would be a nice way to scare off the green canvassers at the upcoming local elections

Anan1

Matt Simis wrote: »

That is very nice.. but why buy a 540i for nearly £8k when e39 M5s are available under £9k? If you are going big engine, might as well go all the way.

You can't have an autobox in the M5.

robtri

Anan1 wrote: »

You can't have an autobox in the M5.

thank god for small mercies....... manual all the way

Anan1

robtri wrote: »

thank god for small mercies....... manual all the way

For you or for the OP?;)

Chergar

robtri wrote: »

thank god for small mercies....... manual all the way

as the Virtures of a manual in an m5 are all there to see and no angurment can be made from it. an M5 is not exactly a 5 series if you know what i mean, it's a sports car, a proper sports car. Which is great, but its not what you want all the time.. and i think a 5 series, especially a 540 is an auto car. The manual gate doesnt even look right in the car. but this isnt an argument of manual v auto. And although the price says 8grand.. i don't think that car would see the road again for more then 5k.

pipsqueak

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/853666

sport and 3k cheaper!

bf

pipsqueak wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/853666

sport and 3k cheaper!

Nice! only thing is its manual & it appears to be a private sale, so i doubt he'll take my trade in...

I have been doing some background checks on the car and it looks fairly clean, only thing is that the wishbones were replaced under warranty in 2006, any guidance on this from BMW afficianados?

tom-d

tom-d wrote: »

Nice car but would ya go for an m-sport kit something like this:

http://cars.rte.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1296880

And its cheaper

Have a look at this too its on sale:
http://cunninghamhiggins07.webzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1138399

first car is unreal lookin...