2008 E60 535i with 240,000 freeway miles

[BrassDrummer]

Before you get started, I’m a BMW master technician. I know about the turbo rattle problems, high pressure fuel pumps, etc. changed many out myself.

I’m looking at a 2008 535i with 240,000 miles, all freeway. The current owner drives from Sacramento to LA every weekend.

With that in mind, how would you feel about buying this car? That’s super easy on the turbos, super easy on the transmission, and ridiculously easy on the engine.

Thoughts? Rest of the car body looks very clean, interior looks very clean as well.


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[MIKYZZ4]

If I was interested in upgrading from a 97-528i to an 08-535i,
and the vehicle was in the condition you described,
while possessing the skills you have,
I would definitely be intrigued by that vehicle,
and considering it for purchase.

Post pics when you make the decision!

[Bcbp14]

As a bmw master tech, I kinda feel as though we should be asking you.

[BrassDrummer]

As a bmw master tech, I kinda feel as though we should be asking you.

Haha, I see newer cars. Indy shops and super fans see the older cars. I figure I’d ask and see if anyone’s had any experience with an over 200K freeway miles car


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[JayArras]

If a BMW is well-maintained, most feel that 300k is very attainable.

[pshovest]

As more N54/N55 turbos enter the used car market, I'm looking for a good simple method to check for waste gate rattle. How do BMW Master Tech's check?
Do N55's have the same rattle issues?

Thanks

[Norskie]

There's more to it than just having the skills and knowledge.
You also need to consider whether you have the tools, space, time and money for parts.
Do you enjoy working in your garage when you get home from work? Or would you rather spend your time on your hobbies?
How about a backup vehicle or other method to get to work when your E60 needs a multi-day repair?

Personally, if I were a BMW master tech, and this has an automatic transmission, I wouldn't buy it. I would rather spend the money on something else more reliable with a lower cost of ownership, even if it didn't drive as nicely. Yes, I'm a 6MT-Bigot, and feel that once you're looking at automatic transmissions there is much more competition for my dollars; more so if I lived in a place like California where AWD wasn't important.

[BrassDrummer]

As more N54/N55 turbos enter the used car market, I'm looking for a good simple method to check for waste gate rattle. How do BMW Master Tech's check?
Do N55's have the same rattle issues?

Thanks

Not nearly as bad. The easiest way to check an N54 rattle is on a cold startup. Open the hood, have someone else start the car, and you’ll definitely hear it if it’s there.


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[BrassDrummer]

There's more to it than just having the skills and knowledge.
You also need to consider whether you have the tools, space, time and money for parts.
Do you enjoy working in your garage when you get home from work? Or would you rather spend your time on your hobbies?
How about a backup vehicle or other method to get to work when your E60 needs a multi-day repair?

Personally, if I were a BMW master tech, and this has an automatic transmission, I wouldn't buy it. I would rather spend the money on something else more reliable with a lower cost of ownership, even if it didn't drive as nicely. Yes, I'm a 6MT-Bigot, and feel that once you're looking at automatic transmissions there is much more competition for my dollars; more so if I lived in a place like California where AWD wasn't important.

That’s kinda what I’m leaning towards. I have other 2006 525 or 2008 528 options around 130-140k miles.


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