Purchasing a used 2010 535xi wagon. Any issues I should know about???

[spunkmtb]

As the post says. I am considering purchasing a used 2010 (Manufactured 12/09) 535xi wagon for $5999.00. It has a very clean Car Fax/service history with no failures or repairs needed as of yet. Vehicle has 131,475 miles. I can get an extended warranty for 4 years 40K miles from Carchex which covers everything except the braking system.

any future issues I should be aware of? Any peculiarities? Any info will help.

Thanks,
Lucas

[pbonsalb]

Buy the extended warranty. Look into the tailgate hydraulics issue and tailgate wiring harness issue. Also the sunroof drain issue that can flood the electronics in the rear. There are also the usual N54 issues. Great cars if you can keep them sorted. Had our 08 for 115k of its 145k miles.

[DaHose]

In full accord with pbonsalb. Particularly about the extended warranty if it covers electronics, and transmission. My extended warranty (06 530XI) covered replacement transmission, AC pump, fuel pumps, coolant overflow, leaking oil pan, leaking valve cover. the tailgate wiring issue WILL happen if it hasn't already. A simple prevention is to remove the metal clip that forces the 90 degree bend on the wires.

Known issues include...
Transmission shifting unusual between 1-2 or 2-3. Usually means rebuild of the valve body.
Water pump fails at around 100K.
IBS (intelligent battery sensor) cable is common failure.
My rear shocks leaked at around 100K.
I recommend just pulling the end plug off the rear sunroof drain hoses, and you remove the risk of leakage. You can access them via the removable panels at the rear. I just pulled up the drain hose till the end popped off, then pushed the hose back down the hole.

I also found that my tail-light gasket was leaking water into the battery area.

Jose

[spunkmtb]

DaHose,

Good info. I purchased the vehicle. The car was discounted $1000 because the electronic tailgate wasn't working. I'll look for the wires. Is there a thread you can point me to? Same question for the sunroof?

[pbonsalb]

First figure out whether it is due to hydraulics or electrics. Then google. There may be older threads here. One is as simple as topping off hydraulic fluid but most are not so simple. Another resource is 5series dot net.

[interalian]

First figure out whether it is due to hydraulics or electrics. Then google. There may be older threads here. One is as simple as topping off hydraulic fluid but most are not so simple. Another resource is 5series dot net.

The most active E60 forum currently is the 'fest'.

[pbonsalb]

Good to know. I think I am a member but had forgotten about bimmerfest.

[esante01]

Hey DaHose, I just bought an E61 as well and the wiring seems to be working fine (crosses fingers). You mentioned the preventative move to remove the metal clips that force the 90 degree angle at the hatch but could you explain this a bit more? Is this clip visible when the hatch is fully open or just when the rear glass is opened? Hoping it's a quick fix that saves me future headaches. thanks!

[DaHose]

The clips are on the lift hinges. Open the hatch, and look at the hinges. The wiring is inside a metal channel, with a clip on cover. that cover causes a 90 degree bend in the wires on full close, which is what breaks them. It looks less finished, but removing the clip altogether, or shortening it so it doesn't push the wires all the way up reduces/removes the strain on the wires. I need to open mine up to repair the wires, and shorten the clip assembly. That will leave it still looking finished, but not bending so hard. I figure even strong hot glue would be fine to hold the clip on.

Jose

[esante01]

Thanks - now I get what you mean. The entire metal, black colored, wire cover that is shaped like a C with an extended straight piece. Realized that my hatch lock wire (gray & yellow) was cut when I started snooping around in there. I'll take you advice and not reinstall those when I get around to doing this repair.

[jclausen]

Get a prepurchase inspection