The sports chassis feels good and he sends very straight and tight

Upon seeing the model immediately sold. What a clean look, beautiful lines, beautiful 17-inch wheels fabrieksaf. The interior is fine (sports seats, steering wheel, AUX connection, heated seats). Being a car with low mileage concerns, everything is still very neat. The sports chassis feels good and he sends very straight and tight. In conjunction with sports seats runs this exquisite. The 1.6 engine is reliable and relatively inexpensive to maintain. In addition, it is a motor that pulls fine for a car of about 1000 kg. Want this model but even sportier, go for the FR version. This model features a different steering wheel and gear cover (all equipped with red stitching). In addition, a slightly different looking front bumper and a slightly different rear bumper with parking sensors. In addition, the grille is slightly different, which feature honeycomb pattern. Subtle differences but certainly better in my eyes! Hence I grille, steering wheel and bumper have also made my model. I also wrapped the black dap and wheels painted black. The car is therefore entirely black and white style.

Because it concerns a small car gives it nevertheless sometimes a bit the idea of a shopping car. Though this model (sports coupe) really clearly much better than the "Stylance" variant and the 5 door Ibiza's. He also has the problem that the engine to do some stutters when starting. After being done in new spark plugs to have it improved a lot but never really gone away completely.

The car is ideal for my use. As a student, I have no money for a heavy car with turbo-like (load / maintenance etc.). I am so often alone in bigger I do not so much need. I drive little and especially smaller pieces but he is ideal for .. However when I'm out with friends is it really a small car. Up front you can sit fine (ie with its 2-s) but behind has to be really small and if there are two boys from each 1.90 / 1.95 in need, this is no fun for them.

All in all: go for much horsepower and lots of space then you should leave this course are, but you go for a spirited, sporty car with relatively low road tax and maintenance, this is a godsend. In addition, it is a model that you see relatively little, so you have something special right away. The facelift models are, in my opinion, very successful (other bumper, LED headlights, LED taillights), but these are not fitted with 1.6 engines but especially with the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI engines. They are of course also more expensive.

Since this weekend the owner of an E61 530D Touring LCI High Executive in black metallic.

Past 10 years, always drove an old Mercedes-Benz combi (300TD combi machine W124), indestructible, 450.000km and still going strong, but it had to be replaced.

Reasons for the move:
- the newer Mercedes type W211 I do not think so beautiful and above all a class heavier and therefore more expensive in ERA (500 eur / quarter), and that was to fool me. BMW does more with aluminum making them lighter and also apply 50/50 weight distribution
- I ride for my work a lot in Germany and would therefore nice to drive by. Especially 80-130km accelerate failed or lasted very long with the Benz
- Safety, airbags
- I wanted to ever drive a newer car (no rust)
- I E61 Touring model always found very attractive

short went looking for an E61 touring with 530D engine, automatic, sunroof, sport or comfort seats and Prof Navi and stop / start button.

After several months I managed to find even a fine LCI / facelift model. Which has the newer engine 235PK new machine (poker), window winder logical in the door, Xenon / LED lights, bluetooth connection, something more economical in consumption (on paper!).

Options:
- High Executive
- Active Steering
Here you get used quickly, not even one full rotation of the wheel and you're at the end, handy for street time
- Light package
interior and under the mirrors, nice! Very handy if you parked at a dark place state
- Head up display
Beautiful, you're more conscious of driving displays speed, navigation and cruise control
- Panorama roof
I Wilde necessarily as an option despite horror stories of leakage etc. Wonderful combination and lap of a roof that can be opened. Everything works happy. Even the tilt function is tasty, car remains close but get fresh air. If the strong wind can make the sky closed and you have a small strip which still comes fresh air. What an opportunity.
- Black sky, changing off nicely
- Sports Seats / Dakota leather
That's good shift semi automatic so it still himself forward / backward. Does not bother me, I always have to do. During a test drive with a version with comfort seats I was shocked even the car after boarding / insert key, the steering wheel and the seat is set.
The head seems to me a bit strange, can not be addressed to you in comparison with the old Benz.
- Bamboo black wood interior trim
Seemed like the photo of the dealer not fine, really it's pretty dark and neatly finished with high-gloss lacquer.
- Cup holders
Convenient for cappuccino after refueling
- Hifi System
Not the standard stereo but the hi-fi system. Gives a fairly good sound, the trick is to put full bass and treble open. I prefer original car so keep install separate baswoofer unless this can easily. Bass is not very heavy, but adequate / balanced.
- Navigation Professional
in combination with the iDrive unnecessary equally habituation but then it is self-explanatory. Navigation works properly but DVD / info is dated, and with Google Maps, you get a little more information about traffic jams etc. Do not know yet whether an update to the effort / money's worth. Large screen looks nice anyway.
- No M package
Each to his own taste, of course, but I did not necessarily M package which spoilers round / rear diffuser. Therefore, was a long quest for the most 530D / 535d have an M package. I just liked the lip / spoiler below the rear bumper. And without M package is even more of a wolf in sheep's clothing. A sports car wrapped in a station wagon ;-)

First impressions
To purchase already benefited from this section to learn all of the E60 / E61. I'll be here the next time go to track my findings and maintenance.

It takes some getting used to be a BMW rider from Mercedes. BMW also has another image.
The first 1000km to and through Germany were promising. Wait a beautiful car and what torque. One gas and drive without difficulty an illegal speed (EN ...)
140km / h and cruising speed is difficult, relaxed and very quiet in the car. And pushed in the back of the mega couple is being addictive.

Consumption:
- When driving at 140kmh cruise control, ie enter 1 to 14, fine for such a heavy engine.
- In the city and little by gases much less this quickly towards 1 at 12.
- I wonder if there really have much difference in Pre LCI and LCI diesel consumption. 12.99 versus 14.71 is said in the books and here on week car database.

The car was given when purchasing a new MOT, in turn, new handlebar, 4 new tires, new brake pads around so hopefully first 30.000km no major maintenance costs.
Let's see if the BMW diesels are as reliable as those from Mercedes.

Comfort and performance are very good, reliability and user charges on meeting because now I can not estimate yet. It will all be fixed more expensive than the old Benz but I factored.
Impression after the first 10.000km (228.000 km)

10.000km more
particularly by working in no time driving around 10.000km with the 530D.
Well get used to the car. My plan is to drive at least 100.000km it.
In comparison to mn old Mercedes is a great complete change. Where to start?

Interior
The sports seats are great and offer good support so you can drive long without stopping.
In the Benz I sat on the chairs, here you sit in it. Someone said a car you step into a BMW pull up. Is pretty.
Interior is nice and quiet, light is beautiful in the evening / night, also by additional light package. Beautiful car.
Unfortunately, the left pad is loose so it is fixed with screws put, this, I would still adjusting the new original rings.

Exterior
Like the E61 really worked very well, always found a nice car. Drive for 10 years station wagons, Combi to Benz, now touring. Remains intact, such open separate window of the rear door. Use it too much because I'm not used yet that this is done. When I opened it the first time I saw that unfortunately sits on both sides under the rubber beginning rust. Even though I was hoping to ride a rust free car. Let make Mss once.

After two weeks there was someone geschampd against it while I was not home. 3 very small dents are on the left rear door. This can hopefully dent removal without syringes are removed. However, huge bales if you just got a new car ....

Panorama roof works great, especially now in the summer, good open-top driving. Button, press the key if you do lock it is also great, everything closes automatically, windows and roof.

Motor and drive
motor with 500Nm torque and 235pk course a world of difference to the Benz doubling the power. Benz was 3 liter diesel with only 113pk / 192Nm short, not fast but oh so reliable.

Trips to Frankfurt, with hills / inclines, no problem for the BMW, he flies up the mountain, on cruise control he remains stable at 130-140kmh and draws well. Fine idea that you always have a lot of power, typically driving 140kmh on cruise control. If there turns up a fast guy, I also give some gas with no trouble (with the Benz always exciting and awkward moment for lack of power ...)

Consumption after 10.000km average 7.7l / 100km so first at 13. During the highway driving I get one 14 (7.1km / 100km at 140kmh) Very good for a BMW with so much power. Looks like he rides between 160-180kmh the best.
But also by pulling equally switches ie only at 160 and at 200, do not say normal! (er, compared mn old Benz)

Car sends very tight, also by active steering easily in the city and / unpark. No comparison to the more baggy of the Benz. Understand very well that once you have ridden you will not easily go back a BMW. Seems sometimes that I no longer go back ;-)

For two weeks, a ticking sound at idle, comes from the front. With a little gas is the way so it looks like something dragging. Soon let make.

Overall, very happy with the car and I drive more tasty.
Ready for Winter (233,000 km)

After only a few weeks to have the vehicle released, I heard a tap on the motor / engine compartment so to speak.
Since I had taken six months warranty gone back there in the purchase to the garage where I had bought it.
Yesterday, the crankshaft was replaced under warranty and the car is quiet again and the tick is gone. Fortunately.
In addition, immediately below it's put winter tires. On the Internet, bought a set of 138 BMW wheels, the best wheel for this car I think.

The car is still fantastic. Driving fast when I feel like it, but usually constant 140kmh in Germany is a delight. Still find the finish of the car is very beautiful and enjoy it. On autumn days with sun tasty the sunroof open. Mn old Benz I'm not forgotten. The BMW is still a car this time, though he's already 7 years old.

We go happily through the winter! Heated brace yourself!

Now only once the machine rinse and those pesky 4 small (3mm) dents from a shopping cart show remove (restyle?) Does anyone know a good address this near Amsterdam?
New MOT and Battery (241.000 km)

Car again received new MOT and have also replaced batteries. Original BMW battery still sat in the factory and gave only 60% power.

Earlier also stopped this year at a BMW 5 Series event and at last let the three small dents / seeds dent removal, very happy.

Tiptop car is back and ready for many / long rides (by Germany).

Unfortunately, only off the water hose from the rear window washer jumped so do I need more time to the dealer. Fortunately (yet) a further line break in the rear, the rest all works yet. Well bales of course ...
Cable break Tailgate / Panoramic roof leaks (247,000 km)

Cable break tailgate / Panoramic roof leaks
I thought with LCI models lesser burden of having nothing but the truth.
What was found? 2 cm of water in the tank which is located on the battery. That wiped off but the right indicator remained solid. Ai. Then driving at 140kmh in Germany suddenly see all the counters and software reset icon. Ai, a shock.
Dealer advised the BMW specialist, BMW specialist advised a male that makes cable breaks for less, but again was on vacation, and I was also on vacation ... with the BMW. Eventually, after a lot of different messages on the CCC decided to make the BMW dealer. Expensive but replaced everything with original cables (slightly longer) and BMW dealer invoice.
Panoramic roof drainage revealed the strainers though not more so quite strange that there was still water toward battery. (I trust, therefore, not quite ... and will certainly continue to monitor after a car wash)

- Windshield rear new hose - is working again
- Oil sensor (oil mode) so turned out just yet well
- New BMW logo on the hood, another was not pretty more
- BMW Kentekenplaathouder let assemble

oil & filter
I had to go 4.500km but there was anyway, but also new oil and filter.
Fuel filter and air filter replacement also proved not to be replaced when purchasing turn last year.

A spicy bill, but made everything again. A happy driver. Tomorrow on holiday and nice make mileage.

Some action is still open to let the automatic transmission coils at ZF.
Door Handle - Sensor - Exhaust Pipes - everything ok again (252.000 km)

New door handle
During the trips I took particular note laptop bag from the passenger seat and then took the shoulder strap with the door handle, broken.
So ordered in recent weeks as a species Dukes of Hazzard each stepped into my car. (window open, grab handle outside, then window shut again) Jieeeeeehaaa!
Now again made 130 euros including installation.

Diesel air while driving - Sensor replacement
After replacing the fuel filter, I had occasionally suffered from a diesel air in the car.
After verification it was found that a sensor completely missed that automatically shuts the heater valve at odors. Again let reassembly
50EUR

Drainage Pipes panorama
After a high amount mn had replaced harnesses behind, I had yet to heavy rainfall suffer from water to the battery in the tray above it.
Again urged BMW to leave this checked because they were said to have removed the sieves.
Just turned out that she had not been removed and is still just performed. Hehe, now I'll just let him back out in the rain without worry to worry.
0 Euro - leniency
Return ticket Spain (262,000 km)

Just returned from a return Spain - near Valencia.
That's exactly what such a car like this is made. Long car rides. Together with his wife and child long cruising on highways.
Given also that the car has a gyro sensor. If you drive up the mountain with the machine, he stays longer in high gear.

First day came to Southern France. At hotel showed me the panorama still slide / vent had been standing position. By pressing a button he stuttered, but remained open. Delicious than the first day vacation .... But again try after 10 minutes and then closed the roof just good.
Then roof disused, turned again just ok.

Sadly, on New Year's Eve was put a scratch with a key of some 1.50 meters, both front and rear left. Grrr. Returns this week.
Update 22.01: Made - 500 eur

BackTrack went smoothly on the cruise control 140kmh.
At 4.500km - an average of 1 in 14.0. Fine!

When fueling is then radius: 1160km ;-)
rinsing machine (263.000 km)

This afternoon at ZF Delfgauw Rinse the automatic transmission, new filter with new oil. Never before had been replaced but bin was still in order. Immediately also features new oil differential. Good service!
Mn to-do list is now almost empty car runs great. Now hopefully 100.000 carefree kilometers away with it.
Costs for maintenance / repair / loss (265,000 km)

All in all, had each other considerable cost so far. 3500 eur in 2 years:

Maintenance:
200 - New batteries - was first battery
500 - Large turn
200 - set of rims for winter tires
650 - AUTOMAATBAK coils / diff oil change - never done before
1550 EUR

Repair:
150 - Gas springs tailgate replaced
in 1100 - Harnesses tailgate replaced
50 - Sensor indoor
--- - Drainage sunroof
1300 EUR

Damage:
130 - Door Handle links - (fault)
60 - Spot repair 3 dents cart
500 - Scratch vandalism front / rear
690 EUR

If you divide falls into three categories so bad ....
New MOT and bellows (271,000 km)

Just returned from the annual MOT.

Did the BMW dealership to do this time because wanted them good too went to look at the panodramadak. Universal garage can not really. They have smeared him as tilting as ever has to cost you a new roof from 3800 euros, so that we do not.