Anyone have a BMW 5 series (pref 2007)

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lawrenceots

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I'm looking at one of theses, seem to be able to get a reasonable one with about 70 - 80k on the clock form 1007 for up to about 7k, which isn't bad.

Couple of questions -

How is the iDrive to use - I know its been updated to a hdd method since then, so just wondered how bad it actually is - will I be able to my iPhone with it for bluetooth and music etc?

Secondly, what screen sizes are used for idrive on those models - I've soured the web but don't seem any the wiser! Ar they 5", 6" etc? How do people find them, are they okay and sharp?

Secondly, lots of models I've looked at on auto trader for example, seem to have Parrot hands free installed - now surely thats not needed, as the idrive has the communcaiotn option on the menus, or is there a reason for this?

If anyone has any point or has one, that'd be great! Thanks!
 
Hi

I've got an E60 that I've had from new, now on 155k miles.
I find the iDrive very easy to use - the only distraction is that I've got to look down at the buttons.
IIRC a pre-2007 will be a non-LCI car (LCI is BMW's term for their mid-life facelift). The iDrive controller is very different on a non LCI car.
Screen sizes vary depending on what options are fitted. Resolution wise I don't think any of them are anything special.
You need to look into your options for using your iPhone. As std the car won't have bluetooth. I paid extra for an iPod connector when I spec'd my car, and still had to buy the BMW special cable....
There is a comms option in the iDrive menu but make sure the car has that option fitted. Mine does not - has the phone buttons on the wheel, options in iDrive but without the optional modules it's all dead.

Overall I've been really pleased with my e60. Even at 155k miles I've got rattles/creaks/groans in the interior.

What engine size are you looking at? Generally speaking the six cylinder models are more reliable than the four cylinders (mine is a four cal diesel).
 
This would be probably the best I'd be looking at, a. It pricey for me, I'd prefer something up to about 7k even if it's older. Engine wise, I'd just go for the 2 liter for economy and insurance - it's pretty expensive otherwise! What year is yours?

I just found my dream car... Search for yours via Auto Trader #DrivenByMe
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201503272107984?atmobcid=soc3





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Mine is a 2009.
The four cylinder engine has not been without its problems. Mine is 155k with only regular servicing but tales of swirl flap ingestion and timing chain failure are rife (though who knows what % of the population these stories account for).

Be aware that although BMW uses condition based servicing this could mean a 2 year 20000 mile interval. Too long IMHO.
 
Are you sure you want an SE version? I would have thought the M Sport looks a million times better and is more desirable.
 
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If you're going for BMW try to get a 525D, 530D or even a 535D if budget can allow. The better engines are the 6cylinder ones and don't be put off, they are still great with fuel consumption. I've tuned my 330D to 354 bhp, 760nm of torque and I still average 45mpg on an enthusiastic run on mixed roads.

I say the 6cylinder engines are better but the 4cyl ones are still good. The main problem is the internet, if there is something bad happening you can be sure to read about it somewhere, you never hear the good stuff. It's just pot luck if you get a bad one or not, just the same as every other manufacturer.

Timing chain breakages didn't really happen till after 2007 when they revised the engine slightly. Swirl flaps have always been a problem but you can get them blanked off and never have to worry about them breaking and getting ingested. I wouldn't fuss too much if it's not an M-Sport. All the difference is between them and the SE model is fancy bumpers/skirts, wheels and slightly stiffer and lower suspension. If you're not fussed about getting nicer looks or a harsh ride then stick to the SE.

I can't help you with the I-drive much because i've only owned this one BMW, but I find it easy to use (on other cars I've driven) but the screens also vary in size. I bought a model without I drive and I put my own after market satnav/dvd unit in which has everything I want. I've managed to build in some TV monitors into the headrests for the kids. don;t know if you can do that with the I-Drive.

There's loads of 530D's round your way with about 50-70k miles and half the price of the one you listed above. A bit older though but the more desirable engine.
 
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lawrenceots said:
This would be probably the best I'd be looking at, a. It pricey for me, I'd prefer something up to about 7k even if it's older. Engine wise, I'd just go for the 2 liter for economy and insurance - it's pretty expensive otherwise! What year is yours?

I just found my dream car... Search for yours via Auto Trader #DrivenByMe
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201503272107984?atmobcid=soc3







Sent from my iPhone
Click to expand...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/.../fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l

Have a look at the options I selected at the side, a lot of cars there for good money. Modify to your own postcode etc. I just used one in Wrexham.
 
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This doesn't specifically answer your question but might be useful nevertheless:

If you want the full specification of a particular BMW and its options, you can enter the last 7 digits of the VIN into this website www.bmwvin.com

If you only have the reg number then you can use the BMW site to give you the VIN, here: www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/Login/Index

It's quite useful to see the exact spec of a car as some of the adverts can be vague. Plus you will be able to look out for enhanced bluetooth connectivity options.

I recently sold a 2006 E60 530i MSport - you can use the reg ML06 UES and VIN B994119 - as an example to check the spec with the sites above. It didn't have the bluetooth option so I used a third party thing which plugged into the aux socket and worked well enough (although no phone book). I've replaced it with a 2011 F10 535D SE and the enhanced bluetooth on that works really well. I now prefer the more discrete look of the SE to the MSport but I suspect we are a different generation :) so horses for courses. The ride in the MSport, especially with early runlats is very firm. I replaced the runflats in mine with ordinary tyres and it made a bit of difference but not much. I found it was very skittish on poor surface country roads in the wet.

I've also heard a few horror stories about high mileage 520D and timing chains and can certainly recommend the 6 cylinder engines. I wouldn't rule out keeping an eye on cars through the BMW Used Approved channel - I think there's a good dealer (halliwells?) in North Wales - they might be getting some good models in PX that they would want to shift quickly and they do haggle. Good luck!
 
Thanks for the information, some good tips there! I do preferably want the newer shape as I do like the look of it really.. M sport and de spec, does not add much to the inside like I drive features etc from what I can tell, so not too fussed really!
 
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