Advise On Buying A 2008 BMW 530D/535D

RobinJ

Hi,
I'm thinking about buying a BMW 530/535D and am looking for general advise. I obviously understand that a car like this is going to cost more to maintain but I'd like to get an idea of general running costs outside of the basic fuel and tax (I do low mileage and the road tax is a fixed cost which I can handle). As a bit of background I always liked big saloons, probably because my dad always did, thankfully I didn't pick up his love for estates! I want something reasonably economical with some power and comfort, I don't like/want an overly sporty cars like an Evo.

As a guide I'd be expecting to do around 16,000 KM a year so I'd be expecting around one service a year. Just as a discussion point I'm going to say around €2,000 per year for a dealer service and parts, e.g. tyres, brakes, etc. How naive am I being?

Also, I see this car on carzone which looks like a bargain but I have heard some bad reports about the dealer. Can anyone give me any specifics on their dealings, if you don't want to post I'd appreciate it if you would PM me?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/535-535D/5013295756294080/advert?channel=CARS

Thanks,
Robin

gollywog

RobinJ wrote: »

Hi,
I'm thinking about buying a BMW 530/535D and am looking for general advise. I obviously understand that a car like this is going to cost more to maintain but I'd like to get an idea of general running costs outside of the basic fuel and tax (I do low mileage and the road tax is a fixed cost which I can handle). As a bit of background I always liked big saloons, probably because my dad always did, thankfully I didn't pick up his love for estates! I want something reasonably economical with some power and comfort, I don't like/want an overly sporty cars like an Evo.

As a guide I'd be expecting to do around 16,000 KM a year so I'd be expecting around one service a year. Just as a discussion point I'm going to say around €2,000 per year for a dealer service and parts, e.g. tyres, brakes, etc. How naive am I being?

Also, I see this car on carzone which looks like a bargain but I have heard some bad reports about the dealer. Can anyone give me any specifics on their dealings, if you don't want to post I'd appreciate it if you would PM me?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/535-535D/5013295756294080/advert?channel=CARS

Thanks,
Robin

Can't help with your query unfortunately, but that is one beautiful lookin car. Looks so comfortable. Best of luck finding your car

heate

That car has a nice spec Xenons and they are actually the comfort seats. A little bargaining to be done on the price as it's not an mSport which is what the typical buyer wants.
As for running costs the car should be sold serviced to you and a years warranty.
So:
Yr 1 : 100-116kms €0
Yr 2 : 116-118 - oil service €200
Yr 3 : 118-132 km's oil service tyres pads - €2k
Yr 4 : 132-150 km's - oil service and a few bits €500
Possible turbo costs somewhere along the line. €1.8k
Will need a gearbox fluid change €250 at some stage

Other than that it's you're not too far off
The €667 tax is a bit of a sweetener v.€1395 for a pre 08'

I'd be aiming to have that car for €20k

Bearcat

250€ for a gearbox fluid change? Ehhh , knock €200 off in my world.

-Corkie-

Bearcat wrote: »

250€ for a gearbox fluid change? Ehhh , knock €200 off in my world.

A VW Golf with a DSG box will cost the same..;)

mullingar

If I had 20k to buy a performance diesel, the 535d will win hands down.

Its an absolute peach of an engine with SOOOOO much torque that it would but a lot of Masey's to shame

Mappable to 360bhp+, 0-60 in 5 secs, 40mpg motorway driving.

Tea 1000

Bearcat wrote: »

250€ for a gearbox fluid change? Ehhh , knock €200 off in my world.

I doubt you'd even get the proper gearbox oil for 50, let alone someone to change it for free.

alpina

All I can really ad is, Enjoy...they are a cracking car! obviously 35d has that extra umph!! if that matters to you & if you can, try & come across an M/Sport solely as they tend not to date so fast...

Whatever you choose, great car/engine(Must have FSH)
Have fun;);)

TheBazman

I have a 2007 LCI 535d M-Sport with 190k kms on it. I much prefer the look of the M-sport rather than the SE but that is a matter of preference. I have had no major issues at all with it and can safely say it is the best all round car I have had. I drive around 120kms per day around 70 - 80% motorway and get between 30 & 35 mpg but close to 40 is achievable (altho v boring).

I tend to service mine every 25k kms which is around every 8 or 9 months and I get mine done at an Indy. TBH once a car is out of warranty I think Indys are the way to go. A standard oil service, filters etc will set you back 200 - 250. (As a guide the same service on my wifes 520d at a main dealer was over 400)

I'm still on run flats and I know there are strong feelings about them here but I'm quite happy with them mainly as I do mostly motorway driving so I dont find the ride a problem. They are expensive though - a decent make runflat (245/40 R18) will set you back around €260

Mine is remapped aswell for the past 20k kms or so (343bhp) and the difference is noticeable, altho' in fairness it's far from a slow car to start with.

I recently got the swirl flaps blanked mainly for peace of mind - Given the type of driving I do I dont think they would have been an issue but given my mileage is getting up there I think prevention is better than the cure.

The tax on mine is on the old system so it is a pain but a 2008 will be around half of mine.

I took mine to the Nurburgring in convoy with a Porsche 911 and 3 stripped out e34 M5s and it more than held its' own (pre remap) - the way it gains speed in such a linear fashion is v impressive. As I said above it is one of the best all round cars on the road.

jhegarty

RobinJ wrote: »

Can anyone give me any specifics on their dealings, if you don't want to post I'd appreciate it if you would PM me?

I bought a car there and would never go back.

godtabh

TheBazman wrote: »

I have a 2007 LCI 535d M-Sport with 190k kms on it. I much prefer the look of the M-sport rather than the SE but that is a matter of preference. I have had no major issues at all with it and can safely say it is the best all round car I have had. I drive around 120kms per day around 70 - 80% motorway and get between 30 & 35 mpg but close to 40 is achievable (altho v boring).

I tend to service mine every 25k kms which is around every 8 or 9 months and I get mine done at an Indy. TBH once a car is out of warranty I think Indys are the way to go. A standard oil service, filters etc will set you back 200 - 250. (As a guide the same service on my wifes 520d at a main dealer was over 400)

I'm still on run flats and I know there are strong feelings about them here but I'm quite happy with them mainly as I do mostly motorway driving so I dont find the ride a problem. They are expensive though - a decent make runflat (245/40 R18) will set you back around €260

Mine is remapped aswell for the past 20k kms or so (343bhp) and the difference is noticeable, altho' in fairness it's far from a slow car to start with.

I recently got the swirl flaps blanked mainly for peace of mind - Given the type of driving I do I dont think they would have been an issue but given my mileage is getting up there I think prevention is better than the cure.

The tax on mine is on the old system so it is a pain but a 2008 will be around half of mine.

I took mine to the Nurburgring in convoy with a Porsche 911 and 3 stripped out e34 M5s and it more than held its' own (pre remap) - the way it gains speed in such a linear fashion is v impressive. As I said above it is one of the best all round cars on the road.

So what are your yearly running costs (including service but excluding tyres, brakes etc) and then stuff like tyres, breakes etc?

I've said it before I'd love to get a car like this but running costs would put me off totally

I could live with tax and service (saab tax is €660 approx and about €190-250 for a service), tyers about €400-500 all round and insurance about €500

If I could get a 5 series around that price for yearly costs I would go for it

TheBazman

godtabh wrote: »

So what are your yearly running costs (including service but excluding tyres, brakes etc) and then stuff like tyres, breakes etc?

I've said it before I'd love to get a car like this but running costs would put me off totally

I could live with tax and service (saab tax is €660 approx and about €190-250 for a service), tyers about €400-500 all round and insurance about €500

If I could get a 5 series around that price for yearly costs I would go for it

Well most of them are above - tax c 1400, prob a set of tyres each year c 1100, servicing if just oil etc c400, if brake pads etc prob c1100 - 1200. Beyond that it's diesel and I put around €100 a week into it. Bear in mind I do around 45k kms a year. You'd need to work it out for yourself depending on your own commute etc.

JJJJNR

nice sleeper with a 520D badge.

RobinJ

Thanks for all the advise. It seems that the expenses involved are what you'd expect for a car like this but not over the top.

A couple of questions come to mind as a result of the some of the comments. Firstly, what is the general feeling on remapping and are there any reputable companies around and home much does it cost (average)? Secondly, with regard to the M Sport, is the ride uncomfortable due to the lower, harder suspension? Also I do a little bit of fishing, would the lower suspension be a big problem on lanes etc?

Unfortunately, it seems I might be better of staying away from the car mentioned in my original post.

Robin

TheBazman

There are a number of companies around Dublin that do remaps eg autoremap. The difference is noticeable but if this would be your first time driving a 535d then there is no point remapping it straight away - wait for a year or two.

The m-sport is firm but again it depends on what roads you are driving on - you could go for an m-sport and stick non run flats on it which would make it a little more comfortable. I have had 4 m-sport models at this stage but have never driven an SE so cant really say if that would be much different

mickob16

I have a 525d M-Sport on runflats and although you would notice the firmer ride i wouldnt say it's uncomfortable.I drove a 535d before and it's an animal of a car.There's so much torque you may not need a remap but i got mine done and there's a big difference.My advice would be to take your time picking one and then get used to having a huge smile every time you put your foot down:D...IMO the msport is way sportier looking than the standard one.Best of luck with whatever you buy.

The Guvnor

As said gorgeous car and great to see someone not after a 520d se with the low road tax!

heate

With regard to remaps it's not a necessity it's a quick car as it stands and I've always been a fan of leaving cars designed with €BN budgets as is.
As regard the mSport of your on motorways and N roads all day long go for it otherwise an SE has a more complaint ride.
Remov the run flats and buy a space saver (there's room in the boot) - at the next tyre change.
I had a 530i se on 18's and found the ride to be generally excellent if still not super smooth as you'd find on a 7.
There is a handling compromise (ish) but dynamically it's still a sports saloon.

The Bishop Basher

I have a 535 and wouldn't dream of buying one that wasn't M Sport. I didn't even know they came in SE.

Regarding the ride on run flats, it's a nightmare. As said above, get standard tyres and a space saver.

And as for your decision to get a 535, you'll never look back. It's a savage car, comfortable, quick and handles like its on rails not to mention all the extras.

Good luck with your search.

Bearcat

Tea 1000 wrote: »

I doubt you'd even get the proper gearbox oil for 50, let alone someone to change it for free.

Ok, I appreciate that but the gearbox is just a standard auto and a fluid change of 250€ just sounds wildly excessive.

Odlums

<SNIP>

the culture of deference

Bearcat wrote: »

Ok, I appreciate that but the gearbox is just a standard auto and a fluid change of 250€ just sounds wildly excessive.

8.5 litres of oil. More if it is flushed properly.
You will also need a specialist with a level garage thats as clean as an operating theatre.

I got mine done at an auto gearbox spec. garage off the long mile road near musgraves.

Dublindave2

Having had 3 x 530D Sports, a 530i SE a 525TDS and a 5201, I wouldn’t buy an SE. You will just look at every M Sport, and regret your choice. 530D will relieve you of your license quickly enough.

DSC00551.jpg

Matt Simis

I find the SE suspension on every BMW that had it Ive been in to be woeful, they all need MSports setups IMO.

Also my mother has a 535d, no specific problems other than generic BMW Touring issues. Get rid of the swirl flaps however.

aristotle25

Bit late but thought I would add in my experiences to date with the 535d.

It is a great car, obviously miles ahead of any of my previous cars (ford focus, skoda octavia). I would prefer the m-sport lookwise but also because of the tighter suspension.

Running cost for me are:

Tax: 1390 per year
Insurance: 900 fully comp per year
Oil\filter change from dealer: 200 (I do this every 10,000 km)
Tyres: about 250-300 each!
Aircon refresh (the aircon gas needed to be refilled): 100
Wheel alignment: 160
Air & fuel filter: about 130 each I think it was
Fuel: You can get 40mpg on motorway but expect 30-35 for a mix of motorway\city. The more city driving you do the less mpg you get.

Of course there are bigger running costs and if you can I would buy from a BMW dealer with a warranty.

All I can say is I wish I bought one years ago. The surge in power, handling, size, comfort, looks, acceptable economy, - it has everything I want in a car anyways.

Also make sure you get the LCI version of the car (came out around March 2007).

I have driven a few 530s and you basically get the exact same car and engine except for one less turbo. You can notice the difference in acceleration but its small and not an issue (maybe 0.8 seconds longer to get to 60mph but still can get there in less than 7 seconds). Everything else is the same handling etc.

Leonard Hofstadter

They're a really awesome car to be honest. Personally I'd prefer the 530d because it's still very quick and one less turbo means one less thing to go expensively wrong. But if you're not as worrysome as me, enjoy the 535d:D! Still though, only the most demanding of driver could consider the 530d to be deficient power wise.

Personally, because I don't do a lot of miles, I would like a nice M Sport pre-facelift 530i petrol (post facelifted petrols are a disaster with injectors and coil packs so diesel every time from there on), I know it's obviously a lot slower than a 535d, but it's a naturally aspirated BMW straight six petrol, and that's worth a lot more than all the horsepower and toruqe of a 535d:D! A 530i would be dirt cheap as well with the current mentality towards diesels. You can't beat the sound of a six cylinder petrol when it's on song!

That's not taking away from how good the diesels are diesels though and there's a good reason why they're the default choice for anyone looking at a car of that size with more than a Paddy spec boggo four cylinder diesel.

RobinJ

Thanks Aristotle, another useful post!

Slaanesh

I started looking at 535D's after seeing this thread. This pic reared it's head on carzone and I lolled a little:

GavMan

Dublindave2 wrote: »

Having had 3 x 530D Sports, a 530i SE a 525TDS and a 5201, I wouldn’t buy an SE. You will just look at every M Sport, and regret your choice. 530D will relieve you of your license quickly enough.

DSC00551.jpg

You don't live in Tallaght by any chance??

RobinJ

Slaanesh wrote: »

I started looking at 535D's after seeing this thread. This pic reared it's head on carzone and I lolled a little:

Yeah, I saw this as well and thought it's very funny also! You think he would of taken the picture again, especially with what he's looking for it!

Captain Speed - The petrol cars are certainly good value with current attitudes. However the larger petrol engines are even rarer than the big diesels ;-)

Idbatterim

might make sense to import from the uk, see below...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/northernireland/search/used/cars/bmw/5_series/postcode/bt39jp/radius/1501/keywords/535d/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/sort/priceasc/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-age/up_to_4_years_old

Johnnyp56

Hi
If you have already found and brought one, please ignore my post.
I purchased an early 2009 (58plate) 535d M Sport with the LCI engine and I have been very very pleased with it. Constant 35mpg with all miles being done on short journeys. When I drive it longer distances the mpg is far greater. a recent 250 mile round trip on motorways returned 48mpg even with ?mph :rolleyes: being attained on many occasions.
The car is stock with 19" rims so I am not looking forward of having to put two rear 275/30/19 tyres on it when they eventually need doing at over £300 each.
Service intervals are very good so I expect that I will only be servicing it every 18months to 2 years with an oil service only costing circa £200 at main dealer.
Make sure you give it a blast at least once a month to keep the DPF clean or they can be expensive to replace (according to posts on here)
They have 282 bhp out the box and 482 ft/Ib of torque, more than a Ferrari 360, even with the low profiles it is still very a smooth ride. 70mph at 1500 revs.
Go for the one with the multi button idrive as it offers a few a better user experience.

aristotle25

Johnnyp56 wrote: »

Service intervals are very good so I expect that I will only be servicing it every 18months to 2 years with an oil service only costing circa £200 at main dealer.

You really should be changing the oil a lot more frequent than up to 2 years. Change oil and filter every 7-9k miles I would say as it is one of the most important things you can do to maintain the engine.

Johnnyp56

The good news is I only do max of 5k miles each year, one of the few benefits of working from home.

Gumbo

Johnnyp56 wrote: »

The good news is I only do max of 5k miles each year, one of the few benefits of working from home.

then i would be changing the oil once a year :eek:
along with the air filter and clean out the breather filter and EGR valve.

Jimbob 83

I would love a new shape 530d/535d for my next (sensible) car

Blazer

aristotle25 wrote: »

You really should be changing the oil a lot more frequent than up to 2 years. Change oil and filter every 7-9k miles I would say as it is one of the most important things you can do to maintain the engine.

agreed...I change my oil approx every 12,000 kms in between the service interval. Better for the turbo.
No need to change the filter every oil change though although like you said 2 years is really putting your engine at risk.

Gumbo

Blazer wrote: »

agreed...I change my oil approx every 12,000 kms in between the service interval. Better for the turbo.
No need to change the filter every oil change though although like you said 2 years is really putting your engine at risk.

I would change the oil Filter every time you change the oil.

-Corkie-

kceire wrote: »

I would change the oil Filter every time you change the oil.

Definitley considering they are so cheap. Its like washing you feet and putting on dirty socks..

Blazer

Blazer wrote: »

........
No need to change the filter every oil change though although like you said 2 years is really putting your engine at risk.

As the lads have mentioned it's worth doing the filter too. Especially when you're adding so little to the cost as the oil is the significant cost. Filter change on them is so handy too. Shame to contaminate nice new oil with the shtuff in a used filter.

MetzgerMeister

RoverJames wrote: »

As the lads have mentioned it's worth doing the filter too. Especially when you're adding so little to the cost as the oil is the significant cost. Filter change on them is so handy too. Shame to contaminate nice new oil with the shtuff in a used filter.

Don't you mean contaminate it less since not all the oil is ever drained out, there's usually some left in the oil coolers/balance shaft.

Jimbob 83

Just do a flush every few changes

RoverJames

RoverJames wrote: »

As the lads have mentioned it's worth doing the filter too. Especially when you're adding so little to the cost as the oil is the significant cost. Filter change on them is so handy too. Shame to contaminate nice new oil with the shtuff in a used filter.

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Don't you mean contaminate it less since not all the oil is ever drained out, there's usually some left in the oil coolers/balance shaft.

Nope, don't mean that at all.

No doubt there will be a dribble or so of the old stuff in the system but that would be quite small in comparison to a filter full

It's practically impossible to completely avoid contaminating the new oil, to contaminate it with an oil filter full of old oil is a shame and easily avoidable :pac:

bazz26

Johnnyp56 wrote: »

The good news is I only do max of 5k miles each year, one of the few benefits of working from home.

This is exactly the reason I dread low mileage cars. Some owners think because they don't use the car that much that it doesn't need at least an oil/filter change that regularly. A recipe for disaster further down the road imo.

The Pontiac

I agree.

Just learn how to change the oil and filter yourself. It's easy (and enjoyable), and the most important thing in a car's service schedule. It costs less (in most cases) than a full tank of petrol for a BMW. It'll prolong the life of the car. Keep the receipts and show the next buyer - you will then reclaim all of the costs, and more.

It's a false economy (and laziness) not to.

Voodoomelon

I've had my car 4.5 years and have only racked up 30k miles. Have still done 6 oil changes, it's an absolute must with low mileage and short journeys.

Blazer

kceire wrote: »

I would change the oil Filter every time you change the oil.

I really must learn that..will save me about €100 each time to do it myself.

Armin_Tamzarian

Those service intervals are pretty bad.
I'd do less than 4k a year in my car and it'd get serviced at least once a year.

What's the tax like on a 535d?