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Thread: Shopping for a 5-Series Wagon

  1. #1
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    Shopping for a 5-Series Wagon

    Hey Guys - so I've outgrown my Audi S4 wagon and with a growing family, need to "upgrade" to a larger one. As the 3-Series is essentially the same size, I've had my eye on some 5-Series wagons. We already have a SUV and since I hate being so high up and actually enjoy driving, I want a clutch and room for the dog too.

    The criteria for me (which is non-flexible) is it has to be a MT, less than 100K miles, and AWD.

    That said, I understand the last year the MT's were available in the 5-Series wagons was 2010 - is this accurate? I can't find any 2010's but am willing to go down to an 07 or so if the mileage is low enough and it's in good condition. What is the main difference between the 07-10 wagons? I don't want crazy specifics, just engine difference, HP, interior, etc. Can the 535 iX haul ass like the S4? If not, can you tune/chip it to get more HP? Any information would be much appreciated!

  2. #2
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    Last 5 series wagon was 2010 for US market.

    - - - Updated - - -

    JB4 or Cobb tune and other mods available. Even single turbo conversions. N54 is a great engine. Can make 700 on stock block.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by jomama View Post

    The criteria for me (which is non-flexible) is it has to be a MT, less than 100K miles, and AWD.

    That said, I understand the last year the MT's were available in the 5-Series wagons was 2010 - is this accurate? I can't find any 2010's but am willing to go down to an 07 or so if the mileage is low enough and it's in good condition. What is the main difference between the 07-10 wagons? I don't want crazy specifics, just engine difference, HP, interior, etc. Can the 535 iX haul ass like the S4? If not, can you tune/chip it to get more HP? Any information would be much appreciated!
    I just sold my 2007 530xiT with MT last week. pbonsalb is right, the last BMW Wagon was the 2010 535xi. It did come in a MT version, but I think there are only like 300 total E61's (2006-2010 wagons) in the US with MT. All of the E61's are AWD.

    If you really want to go "fast", your S4 will trounce an 06 or 07 530xiT, and likely beat an untuned 08-10 535xiT by 0.2 seconds. Tuned, the 535xiT will be in the 5.2 sec range, down from around 5.8 seconds. The 530xiT (2006-07 model) is slow to 60, about 6.8 seconds. but it comes alive in the powerband range.

    The E61 is a fun grocery getter, but it is not without it's reliability issues.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by mbhurley View Post
    I just sold my 2007 530xiT with MT last week. pbonsalb is right, the last BMW Wagon was the 2010 535xi. It did come in a MT version, but I think there are only like 300 total E61's (2006-2010 wagons) in the US with MT. All of the E61's are AWD. If you really want to go "fast", your S4 will trounce an 06 or 07 530xiT, and likely beat an untuned 08-10 535xiT by 0.2 seconds. Tuned, the 535xiT will be in the 5.2 sec range, down from around 5.8 seconds. The 530xiT (2006-07 model) is slow to 60, about 6.8 seconds. but it comes alive in the powerband range. The E61 is a fun grocery getter, but it is not without it's reliability issues.
    While I’m not looking to win any drag races out in the suburbs, for practical purposes (dog, kid + 1, etc.), the only car that fits my current criteria is a MT, speedy Eurowagon. I’ve gone from a 04 V70R (top-end fast but like any Volvo, heavy and not very nimble) to now a 08 S4 Avant – an amazing car, just a bit small. So the upgrade will be to any 2007+ 5-Series AWD wagon, only looking at MT’s.

  5. #5
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    535xiT with MT is only way to go

    Quote Originally Posted by jomama View Post
    While I’m not looking to win any drag races out in the suburbs, for practical purposes (dog, kid + 1, etc.), the only car that fits my current criteria is a MT, speedy Eurowagon. I’ve gone from a 04 V70R (top-end fast but like any Volvo, heavy and not very nimble) to now a 08 S4 Avant – an amazing car, just a bit small. So the upgrade will be to any 2007+ 5-Series AWD wagon, only looking at MT’s.
    The 07 530xiT will be a slow slug compared to the S4 Avant and you will be wanting more speed the minute you say "I Do" and drive one. Get the 08 to 10 MT 535xiT and chip it to make it comparable in speed to the S4, but bigger. Good luck finding one.

  6. #6
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    The automatic is a very good one and works great with the responsive small turbos. Seamless power. The auto and manual are about equal in acceleration. But if you must have a manual, look patiently and across the country. I have seen several for sale over the years.

  7. #7
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    I recently met a BMW mechanic at Euroenvy Autowerks near Charlotte NC who had a 2006 or 2007 E61 530t MT for sale. Can't think of his name, but you could call the shop at 704-788-3876 and ask for him. He has made some nice upgrades.

  8. #8
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    Also, I would strongly suggest sticking with '09+ just from a technology standpoint. The older iDrive is really inferior, in my humble opinion. I went from and '06 to an '09 recently, and it was night and day.

  9. #9
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    Ideally I'd like a 2010 MT, AWD E61 but I haven't seen one in months. Recently, I've only seen 07 530's in MT for sale.

  10. #10
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    Be patient. A 535xit is so much more fun than a 530xit.

  11. #11
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    I know of a jet black 2007 E60 530xit 65k miles and asking $16k
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  12. #12
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    +1 on this

    Quote Originally Posted by pbonsalb View Post
    Be patient. A 535xit is so much more fun than a 530xit.

    My 530xiT MT was fun in the 40-80 mph range, but a slug below 40.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by mbhurley View Post
    My 530xiT MT was fun in the 40-80 mph range, but a slug below 40.
    as an 07 530xiT owner, this is very true. mid range is great, but off the line is a little disappointing.

  14. #14
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    Have any of you guys driven a 07+ MT S4 Avant? Would the 530xiT be that much slower all around? I know the 09 3-series wagon I drove last year was quite a bit slower and I can't do that. I jumped to the S4 from a MT 04 Volvo V70R - that sucker was not that fastest off the line (its a Volvo) but man, did it have some giddy-up once it got going (40+).

  15. #15
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    Slooooooooooooooooooooow

    Quote Originally Posted by jomama View Post
    Have any of you guys driven a 07+ MT S4 Avant? Would the 530xiT be that much slower all around? I know the 09 3-series wagon I drove last year was quite a bit slower and I can't do that. I jumped to the S4 from a MT 04 Volvo V70R - that sucker was not that fastest off the line (its a Volvo) but man, did it have some giddy-up once it got going (40+).
    Forget the 530xiT if your coming from a S4 Avant. Not even close re: speed. 530xiT 0 to 60, 6.8 sec, S4 Avant 5.4 ish. The 530xiT feels slow off the line (it is), but around 3-4K on the tach, the motor comes alive. My neighbor has a S4 Avant, and I just recently had a 530xiT. Night and day as far as fast performance. The 535xiT is a totally different animal. Chipped, it it's a rocket grocery getter.

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by mbhurley View Post
    Forget the 530xiT if your coming from a S4 Avant. Not even close re: speed. 530xiT 0 to 60, 6.8 sec, S4 Avant 5.4 ish. The 530xiT feels slow off the line (it is), but around 3-4K on the tach, the motor comes alive. My neighbor has a S4 Avant, and I just recently had a 530xiT. Night and day as far as fast performance. The 535xiT is a totally different animal. Chipped, it it's a rocket grocery getter.
    Awesome input, thanks a lot. So no more 530's then!

  17. #17
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    what you want is a 535xi, tune, downpipes, intercooler and some e85 and you are making over 400whp
    - 2008 BMW 535i - 2007 SUZUKI GSXR-750 - 2003 BMW 745i SOLD -

  18. #18
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    Actually, the ultimate would be the single turbo conversion and 600 rwhp.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by pbonsalb View Post
    Actually, the ultimate would be the single turbo conversion and 600 rwhp.
    We'd be entering the RS6 Avant/M5 Touring territory with that kind of HP. Not that I wouldn't love it but the pooch might not enjoy getting pinned every time I downshift.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by jomama View Post

    We'd be entering the RS6 Avant/M5 Touring territory with that kind of HP. Not that I wouldn't love it but the pooch might not enjoy getting pinned every time I downshift.
    Entering? I'd say with the stock turbos you'd do well against m5 touring and rs6s. 600hp with the 535 weight and you're walking m5s.
    RIP Jess or the idea of Jess or... what OT was.. or whatever...

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by KingDavidsCourt View Post

    Entering? I'd say with the stock turbos you'd do well against m5 touring and rs6s. 600hp with the 535 weight and you're walking m5s.
    Can you tune a 530xi as easy, with the turbos and such? I don't need 600hp but a cool 400+ would be nice.
    2010 BMW E61, MT, Miro 111 (Stage 1 BMS JB4 upcoming...)
    2008 A4 Avant 2.0T, MT, Stage 2+ (AWE Tuning, Koni FSD/Eibach), BBS CK (sold)
    2004 Volvo V70R MT, Flash Green/Atacama (sold)
    2004 VW Touareg 4.2L V8, 19" AHTEO's
    1998 A4 Avant 2.8L MT (totaled)
    1995 90 Cs Quattro MT (sold)

  22. #22
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    It will eat up the price differential. You are better off with the 535xit.

    If you insist, ESS Tuning makes a supercharger kit for the N52, but it won't get you near 400 rwhp and the power is mostly top end with a centrifugal.

    http://esstuning.com/bmw/e60-61-5-series/

    No turbo kit for the N52 that I am aware of.

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by pbonsalb View Post
    It will eat up the price differential. You are better off with the 535xit.

    If you insist, ESS Tuning makes a supercharger kit for the N52, but it won't get you near 400 rwhp and the power is mostly top end with a centrifugal.

    http://esstuning.com/bmw/e60-61-5-series/

    No turbo kit for the N52 that I am aware of.
    So, like you said, wait it out. Will do.

  24. #24
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    So many 530's and AT's out there! Ugh...

  25. #25
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    Patience my young Padawan

    Quote Originally Posted by jomama View Post
    So many 530's and AT's out there! Ugh...
    They (535xi) will become available. It may take months, but when one comes up, you will need to pounce as soon you find one. You are looking nationwide, right? I bought mine from California and I live in Massachusetts.

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