Maintenance on 5 series BMW - advice please

cojomo2

Hi Everybody!

I currently drive a small 1.1l car..before this I hade a Pajero 3.2 but reluctantly downgraded for 2 reasons

-Financial reasons
-the missus wanted to learn to drive in a small car.

So, now that the missus can drive, I'd love to change the car for something a bit more substantial, however Im self employed and things are really really bad at the moment.

However, my dad drives a 2004 BMW(new shape, 2.2 petrol auto). He bought it 2 yrs old about 4 yrs ago. Mileage was 40k, in in the last 4 yrs he has put up 25 k(only uses it for golf and long trips, thats it) so currently has 65k miles and is in immaculate condition.

He is changing it, and the dealer only offered him a trade in of 8k(dealer agreed it was a crap price but said was his best offer). My dad is going ahead..I couldn't stand by and see a dealer give him 8k, so I offered him 8 k cash as I know he treats it like a baby and its like new.

So,Im paying for this with savings, and have basically no income at the moment..I have researched the running costs which I am happy enough with but my biggest worry is something major going wrong down the line that will cost a fortune.

As I said, car had 65k miles, I will be holding on to it for 2 yrs and putting up approx 10k miles on it..am I likely to have any major maintenance jobs on it in that time(clutch/gearbox etc)?

I figure that I wont loose much on depreciation considering I'm paying only 8k, really want to go ahead with it but though I'd get the opinion of you guys first, cheers.

Anan1

As you've probably guessed, that's a real 'how long is a piece of string?' question! On the upside, it's auto so no clutch to go. What model is it? Also, your giving your dad €8k for the car is equivalent to a lot more than a garage trade-in value of €8k. If you want to leave him in the same financial position that he would have been in had he traded the car then pay €8k less the straight deal discount on the car he was going to trade against.

cojomo2

Anan1 wrote: »

As you've probably guessed, that's a real 'how long is a piece of string?' question! On the upside, it's auto so no clutch to go. What model is it? Also, your giving your dad €8k for the car is equivalent to a lot more than a garage trade-in value of €8k. If you want to leave him in the same financial position that he would have been in had he traded the car then pay €8k less the straight deal discount on the car he was going to trade against.

Hi , thanks for the reply.

It's a 520i se auto.

Sorry, I wasn't clear..the car my dad wants to buy is 15,750. Dealer originally offered 8k trade in, then when pushed went to 8750, so my dad would need to add 7k cash.

He then asked for the best cash price and was told 15k. So if I gave my dad 8k, he could put the same amount (7k) to it and buy it.

I was hoping to hear that since its been looked after so well, long runs only, regularly serviced, driven with care etc that I shouldn't any major problems in the next 2yrs/10k miles..guess I was fooling myself a bit yeah?

Thanks

Mr Benevolent

Errr, OP I really don't wan't to rain on your parade but are you sure you've thought this through? If you step back a year you can get an E39 5 series for half that, sames running costs and a more comfortable car, not to mention better looking. Also, it's better to buy the last year of a model then the first year of the new model. Secondly, depending on your use the MPG will be pricey - 25mpg at best in that car. You've stated that business is terrible, so why lumber yourself with additional costs at a time like this?

To compare, I recently got a job and was hellbent on buying a car until I realised that I didn't need one at all, so I'm buying an electric bike instead. Similarly, can you afford an extra 1k in costs per year in a dodgy economy with very little work coming in? I know what I sound like btw, but your money is better in your pocket unless there's an overriding reason to upgrade.

cojomo2

Confab wrote: »

Errr, OP I really don't wan't to rain on your parade but are you sure you've thought this through? If you step back a year you can get an E39 5 series for half that, sames running costs and a more comfortable car, not to mention better looking. Also, it's better to buy the last year of a model then the first year of the new model. Secondly, depending on your use the MPG will be pricey - 25mpg at best in that car. You've stated that business is terrible, so why lumber yourself with additional costs at a time like this?

To compare, I recently got a job and was hellbent on buying a car until I realised that I didn't need one at all, so I'm buying an electric bike instead. Similarly, can you afford an extra 1k in costs per year in a dodgy economy with very little work coming in? I know what I sound like btw, but your money is better in your pocket unless there's an overriding reason to upgrade.

Hmm..all valid points apart from the e39..I much prefer the shape of this one..its all leather, electric seats too, am I wrong in thinking its a steal for 8k with 65k miles?

The way I was looking at it , I thought it wouldn't cost me that much extra to run apart from the tax, as I only do around 5k miles(at very most) per year. Then, I was thinking I wouldn't loose out too much on depreciation. My main worry was an big unforeseen repair bill.

My current car is an 06 colt 25k miles..I reckon I can get 5k for this(have possible buyer already). Then myself and the missus would be putting 1.5k each in the pot for the new car. It just seems so tempting..

cadaliac

Confab wrote: »

Errr, OP I really don't wan't to rain on your parade but are you sure you've thought this through? If you step back a year you can get an E39 5 series for half that, sames running costs and a more comfortable car, not to mention better looking. Also, it's better to buy the last year of a model then the first year of the new model. Secondly, depending on your use the MPG will be pricey - 25mpg at best in that car. You've stated that business is terrible, so why lumber yourself with additional costs at a time like this?

To compare, I recently got a job and was hellbent on buying a car until I realised that I didn't need one at all, so I'm buying an electric bike instead. Similarly, can you afford an extra 1k in costs per year in a dodgy economy with very little work coming in? I know what I sound like btw, but your money is better in your pocket unless there's an overriding reason to upgrade.

Sorry but i do not agree. The newer shape is a better car imo. There is a reaon that there is a price difference between the two types.
Anyway, the OP prefers teh newer shape, as would I and it will also have better residuals.
25 mpg is poor but I don't think thats correct either. I was of the assumption that it was better than that.
OP - go for it. Good value car at the price. The Diesels have the issues with turbos etc and it is an Auto so no issues with cluch as said before.
It will not be as easy to move on later because its a 2.2 (tax) but you have to accept that.

Arthur Scargill

OP I had a 04 530d upto recently. When I was getting it I had similar thoughts to you about the cost of repair and maintenance. Bottom line is I found I could handle the running costs fine fuel,tax, servicing etc.. but if something goes wrong .......... Serious Wonga required :eek:

My advice is get the car fully checked with computer analysis etc before you decide and best of luck.

Stevie Dakota

Given that you know the history of the car you are in a good position. As for late e39 V early e60 that is down to preference, both are fine cars. e39's are far from trouble free so don't be swayed by the Rose tinted brigade. Your E60, despite being an early model will have had any early adopting issues resolved long ago.

You are heading into preventive maintenance on the cooling system and BMW autos can start needing some love around the €100K mark.

Routine servicing is not prohibitive but if things do start going wrong you need to be aware that big bills may await. The car is thirsty and you will need to find a trustworthy Indy.

Good luck with it.

Anan1

cojomo2 wrote: »

Hi , thanks for the reply.

It's a 520i se auto.

Sorry, I wasn't clear..the car my dad wants to buy is 15,750. Dealer originally offered 8k trade in, then when pushed went to 8750, so my dad would need to add 7k cash.

He then asked for the best cash price and was told 15k. So if I gave my dad 8k, he could put the same amount (7k) to it and buy it.

Perfect.

cojomo2 wrote: »

I was hoping to hear that since its been looked after so well, long runs only, regularly serviced, driven with care etc that I shouldn't any major problems in the next 2yrs/10k miles..guess I was fooling myself a bit yeah?

Thanks

You can never really tell with an older car. That said, I think your chances with the car you describe are as good as they can be. Do your figures on the running costs, add a bit for safety, and if you're sure you're comfortable with that then I can't see why you wouldn't go for it. Only you know your finances, but you clearly like the car, and the idea doesn't set any major alarm bells ringing for me.

voxpop

Confab wrote: »

I'm buying an electric bike instead

For Shame

cojomo2

Arthur Scargill wrote: »

OP I had a 04 530d upto recently. When I was getting it I had similar thoughts to you about the cost of repair and maintenance. Bottom line is I found I could handle the running costs fine fuel,tax, servicing etc.. but if something goes wrong .......... Serious Wonga required :eek:

My advice is get the car fully checked with computer analysis etc before you decide and best of luck.

Thanks for the advice/replies everyone.

I assume only an official BMW dealer can do the computer diagnostics check? I rang one there, 85 euro and he said all it will do is give you a snapshot of the vehicles health, he stressed that if the result is all good, something could still go badly wrong a few months later...

My dad doesn't use an official dealer for servicing - he uses the smae mechanic as I do, who seems to know his stuff..I wonder would it be better just to ring him and ask him about the condition of the car, since he has been servicing it for the last few years?

Thanks

Arthur Scargill

Most back street mechanics have portable diagnostics or at least can get their hands on one. You deffo don't have to go to main dealer. I accept health check is only a snapshot but i'snt it better to know mileage left on pads and discs, ball joint wear , shocks , etc etc etc

Leonard Hofstadter

If the car has never given trouble up to this point it is unlikely to do so now.

While I agree with those who say the E39 is a better car (a well maintained E39 with a nice six cylinder petrol engine is heaven), the E60 is still a bloody good car, and is without any doubt a more reliable one too.

If you're sure you can afford it, then go for it OP.

In terms of preventative maintenance, I would get the AFT (automatic transmission fluid) changed soon enough (no real hurry with only 65k on the clock but it should be done within the next year or so), it is supposed to be "sealed for life" but autoboxes can fail in these without the AFT being changed. Other than that, E60s are a perfectly reliable bus.

cojomo2

Thanks for the advice everyone...

Bought the car and I absolutely love it...

My only worry is the fuel consumption..its crazy...I've been driving it very sensibly ,and best average mpg I'm getting (according to idrive) is 21.9:eek:

My dad only used this for extra urban driving, ( mine is all urban) , and he was averaging 28 mpg..

Still, I only cover about 5 k miles a year so I can put up with it.

Regarding the auto transmission oil, considering that I know the car has been treated great, regularly serviced etc, and the mileage that I will be doing, is this something I can look at doing a couple of years down the line( when there will be about 77k miles on the clock)?

Thanks:)

kermitpwee

I could be wrong on this but i thought bmw auto boxes were sealed for life. Anyway good luck with the car. With the small mileage you are doing you should be fine, also you know who had the car befor you and thats worth its weight in gold.

Big Nasty

cojomo2 wrote: »

My only worry is the fuel consumption..its crazy...I've been driving it very sensibly ,and best average mpg I'm getting (according to idrive) is 21.9:eek:

My dad only used this for extra urban driving, ( mine is all urban) , and he was averaging 28 mpg..

Still, I only cover about 5 k miles a year so I can put up with it.

I would have expected better than that from a 520!

I get about 15mpg urban driving in a '99 735.