Just bought this 4-12-14 in Columbus, OH

[Alegius]

Got a great deal on this well taken care of '05 530i. Although it had 115K when I got it, as you can see, it is in immaculate condition. Lowered, came with wheels pictured on it and the stock wheels have snow tires-ready for winter! AC Snitzer spoiler on rear window and rear trunk! The only things I plan on doing are upgrading all of the speakers to MB Quart, adding a JL Audio 12W6, and an additional amplifier. It does need a new foglight bulb. Aside from that, nothing else needs to be done....I am satisfied.



This is my 5th BMW and my 2nd 5 Series:
'97 528i (Bought from collector in Columbus Ohio after '02 Custom Civic was totaled) See photos
'95 325i (Bought new when leaving Wuerzburg, Germany)
'84 318' (Bought new when leaving Nuremburg, Germany)
'74 1802 (Bought at Auction while stationed in Nuremburg, Germany)

[Alegius]

Originally Posted by Alegius

Got a great deal on this well taken care of '05 530i. Although it had 115K when I got it, as you can see, it is in immaculate condition. Lowered, came with wheels pictured on it and the stock wheels have snow tires-ready for winter! AC Snitzer spoiler on rear window and rear trunk! The only things I plan on doing are upgrading all of the speakers to MB Quart, adding a JL Audio 12W6, and an additional amplifier. It does need a new foglight bulb. Aside from that, nothing else needs to be done....I am satisfied.



This is my 5th BMW and my 2nd 5 Series:
'97 528i (Bought from collector in Columbus Ohio after '02 Cusrom Civic was totaled) See photos
'95 325i (Bought new when leaving Wuerzburg, Germany)
'84 318' (Bought new when leaving Nuremburg, Germany)
'74 1802 (Bought at Auction while stationed in Nuremburg, Germany)

Just scheduled a 'Used Vehicle Inspection' at the local BMW dealer for $250. Will keep you posted on what we find.

Future Mods:
Sport Mode button install from roskinc (YouTube)
Dennison Smartlink for Android
Angel Eyes - 7000K LED
Fog Lights Upgrade

Feel free to post comments, Thanks!

[Alegius]

Well.....got the inspection completed for $125 and found the following issues-which I plan to get a secon opinion:

• Replace R&L thrust arm - bushings cracked
• Replace lower control arm - bushings cracked
• Replace right outer tie-rod end - worn
• Replace valve cover gasket - leaking
• Replace oil pan gasket - leaking
• Reseal oil filter housing - leaking

I never noticed any oil on the ground so I'm thinking the leaks are only moisture buildup and the dealer trying to make some money. The car rides smooth as hell so I'm not sure where the suspension issues come into play. I guess with the amount of miles, this is a common issue with BMW or just about any other vehicle. Anyone have any ideas?

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Alegius

Well.....got the inspection completed for $125 and found the following issues-which I plan to get a secon opinion:

• Replace R&L thrust arm - bushings cracked
• Replace lower control arm - bushings cracked
• Replace right outer tie-rod end - worn
• Replace valve cover gasket - leaking
• Replace oil pan gasket - leaking
• Reseal oil filter housing - leaking

I never noticed any oil on the ground so I'm thinking the leaks are only moisture buildup and the dealer trying to make some money. The car rides smooth as hell so I'm not sure where the suspension issues come into play. I guess with the amount of miles, this is a common issue with BMW or just about any other vehicle. Anyone have any ideas?

All of those are common suspension issues with the E60, especially the 'thrust arm' (actual name is tension strut).

If there was one thing on that list I might be inclined to hold off on, it would be the oil pan gasket. The oil filter housing leak is very, VERY common for the M54 engine. Sometimes they will puke oil all over everything and make it look like you have more oil leaks than you actually do, especially given its location relative to the oil pan gasket towards the left front of the engine.

Good luck with the car.

[Alegius]

Thanks Kyle. I will check cost on the oil filter housing leak. I'm also going to check through posts about steam cleaning the engine.

[TWMPerformance]

Very pretty car. There's just something about a big sedan that make them so appealing.

Renato
Team TWM Performance