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Thread: Noob buying 2010 535i e61 - things to check?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Baltimore
    Posts
    7
    My Cars
    2007 328XI Wagon

    Noob buying 2010 535i e61 - things to check?

    First post here, so HELLO!

    I have what I think is a screaming deal lined up on a 2010 535i x-drive wagon (I believe all 2010 e61s are x-drive?), likely picking it up today. 116k miles, sub $9k, black on black, nicely optioned, clean carfax. I'd like to do a PPI on it; brother is a mechanic but not a BMW specialist (Saab specialist). So, I can easily throw it up on a lift, but not sure what beyond the usual to check. Anything special to the e61 I should be wary of? As of now, no problem indicators on in iDrive, but then again it's an e61. Previously owned an '07 M6 vert (thus the username) that had repetitive issues that drove me insane. And yet here I am getting another BMW. Bring Money With you indeed. I am familiar with fun-to-drive but also pain-inducing-to-own vehicles, like my other toy, a Porsche 928. So, not easily scared away from challenges!

    Assuming it all checks out, I have grand plans to Cobb tune ++++ this sucker to be a fun little sleeper. Might try to fit 20" wheels... but that's later.

    Thanks in advance!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Arcadia, OK
    Posts
    590
    My Cars
    08 328xi
    I am kind of in the same boat looking into e61 ownership though a little farther from pulling the trigger than you are.
    It may help to read the thread above this one about someone looking at an e61 and putting a lot of miles on it.

    From what I've read you can expect to have problems with:
    - valve cover, oil filter housing and oil pan gaskets (but so did my e92 after 150K miles).
    - carbon deposits in the intake that need to be walnut blasted at intervals
    - water pump failure (duh)
    - rear hatch hydraulic failure
    - sunroof drain failure causing damaging water leak
    - air suspension failure
    - coils and plugs (also on my e92)
    - maybe brake light grounding

    There are some things you can do with regular maintenance to offset many of these, keeping various filters cleaned and oils changed regularly.
    I think the bottom line will be if you want to do many of these yourself even if it involved lowering the engine and subframe to remove the oil pan on the xi car to replace a $40 gasket rather than pay $1500 - 2K for someone else to do it.
    Get a code reader and a Bentley and get good at forums too, and hopefully have a good local independent BMW mechanic!
    2008 328xi Coupe
    Sapphire Black/Saddle Brown

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Baltimore
    Posts
    7
    My Cars
    2007 328XI Wagon
    Thanks, Ian. I read through a few similar posts and all of that sounds about right. I've got another 08 535xi local to me that had the sunroof drain problem, which caused a whole slate of problems (EHC air suspension module being the lead issue, among several others). Apparently all of those modules have to be dealer-programmed, so it's not a DIY fix? Could get that car for a song, but worried about future related gremlins.

    I'm actually in a similar boat to that other pondering buyer, though not looking to put on 60k miles a year! Just concerned about maintenance costs, and that's as someone familiar with doing most things myself or with the help of my mechanic brother who doesn't mind my cars occupying one of his lifts for a while, or at least so he says lol. I'm very fortunate he's so patient; enables me to own cars like this.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    FTB, VA
    Posts
    1,495
    My Cars
    M3&318ti, 535xit, 2002
    Maintenance can be expensive on any car if you take it to the shop instead of DIYing. The oil pan gasket is particularly expensive as the subframe has to come down. Turbos do go out. I've done everything (with exception of turbos) on jack stands at the house. If you don't have the time to devote to learning and doing I'd stay away from any used car that doesn't have a warranty.. That being said, if you want work done cheap, drive down to DC, bring a six pack, and we'll do it in my garage.

    BBS RC041/BMW Style 29


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