BMW 520 E60 technical specifications. A complete list of BMW E60 problems that the future owner of this “five” will have to face

BMW E60 The 5 Series model range provides high ride comfort and excellent handling. Not much time has passed since the debut of the E60 body, but despite this, not everyone can afford to buy it!

The Bavarians introduced the fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series in 2003. It was a completely different “five”, which combined the elegance and chic of the big “seven”, with the maneuverability slightly inferior to the “three”.

The designer of the E60 body, Chris Bangle, was “mixed into mud” by automotive journalists at the time of the car’s presentation, and the new fifth series was subjected to strong criticism. However, a few months later, they looked at the car completely differently, as they saw a bold step in the non-standard design for BMW. The car still looks sensational today.

The BMW E60 is equipped with extensive electronics, which makes the trip not only comfortable, but also provides a high level of safety. Despite the passage of years since its introduction, the E60 makes a good impression in its body and is still considered synonymous with the prestige and professional success of its owner. And although the car is a tempting offer, when purchasing, it is worth considering that the costs of maintaining the E60 still exceed the financial capabilities of the average resident of our country.

During the 7-year production period, the E60 “five” was updated once (restyling), offered in two body styles (sedan and since 2004), was available with rear-wheel drive and a 4x4 all-wheel drive system (xDrive), It came with a manual or automatic transmission, and of course with various variations of gasoline and diesel engines.

What to look for when choosing a BMW E60/E61 and how to decide which model to choose before purchasing?! Let's figure it out in order.

Appearance

The first acquaintance with the BMW E60 is, of course, visual, and although the appearance of the car does not in any way affect its reliability, it is nevertheless worth giving an example of two slightly different versions. This moment when choosing, perhaps plays an important role for someone.

As mentioned above, during the entire production period the car underwent an update (in 2007):

• exterior - in front, restyled models received a new bumper with a modified shape of fog lights, as well as new front optics. On the side there are new thresholds. The rear end received new taillights, a slightly redesigned bumper and a slightly updated trunk lid;
• interior - the door trim itself was changed in the cabin, the control of the curtains and window lifts was moved to the armrest below, the center console was modernized, an electronic automatic transmission selector with a modern shape was installed (later they were installed on) and an engine start button;
• power units - new generation N-Series engines are installed under the hood;
• problems - it is also worth noting that in the restyled models some problem areas that arose in the 2003-2007 models were eliminated;

Since 2005, the Bavarians began installing a “Start-Stop” button instead of a key on cars.

You can find out how and what is the difference between pre-restyling and restyled models produced since 2007 by visually comparing their appearance using the photos below using the example of a sedan:

The first thing that catches your eye is the bumper; you won’t immediately notice the difference in optics.

The side part did not go unnoticed - the door sills on the restyled version seem to be inflated

In the rear part, changes affected the bumper - its lower part changed its shape slightly, the taillight - received a more modern appearance, the trunk lid - changes affected its numbered part, as a result of which the lock was moved higher

This photo shows that they also did a good job on the interior.

The aerodynamic package M Sport Package looks very dynamic on the BMW E60, and even the diesel 520 sedan looks very similar to the “charged” version of the M5.

At first glance, the cars are almost identical in appearance, but a fan of the BMW brand, in particular the E60 body, despite the photo, will tell you what the characteristic differences are in the M package and the M Series sedan, but if you are just getting acquainted with the world of BMW, then in the picture below photo find 6 differences, where in the first (top) photo there is a BMW 520d with the M Sport package, and in the second (bottom):

Regarding the body itself, it is worth noting that the anti-corrosion resistance of the body in the E60 models is significantly higher compared to its predecessor. A car that has not been involved in serious accidents should not be subject to corrosion. Do not stop your attention on cars that have been in a serious accident, especially for cars with an impact on the front part, since the front part is made of aluminum and not all service stations will undertake the repair of this body element, and what will the restoration of the front part of the car by unqualified specialists lead to? It's not difficult to guess.

The lineup

BMW 520i E60 - until 2007, with a 6-cylinder engine producing 170 hp; after restyling, a 4-cylinder engine with the same power was installed under the hood of the updated model.

BMW 523i E60 - until 2007, this modification was available with (177 hp and 230 Nm). In 2007, the power unit was replaced with the N53 (190 hp and 235 Nm). In the same year it was modified, and the torque increased to 240 Nm.

BMW 525i E60 - just like the sedan, touring with rear-wheel drive, the all-wheel drive version of the 525xi until 2005 was equipped with an M54 engine (192 hp), from 05′ a 6-cylinder BMW N52 engine (218 hp) was installed on the car .With.). After the facelift, the N53 engine was installed with the same power, but 20 Nm more torque. For the US market, this model was offered as the 528i.

BMW 530i E60 (530xi) - until 2005, the car was equipped with an M54 engine (231 hp). In the period from 2005 to 2007, the sedan, as well as the station wagon, was equipped with an N52 engine (258 hp). Restyled versions received a more powerful version of the engine - N53 (272 hp).

BMW 535i E60 is a sedan version with an N54 engine (306 hp) for the North American market.

BMW 540i E60 / BMW 545i E60 / BMW 550i E60 - TOP 3 most powerful production versions of the E60 body, of course, not counting the BMW M5 E60. All three models were equipped, but with different volumes and technical characteristics: 540i (306 hp) / 545i (333 hp) / 550i (367 hp).

The BMW 520d E60 is the most economical and affordable diesel modification of the BMW E60. Since 2005, the car was produced with (163 hp), after restyling it was equipped with a more powerful one (+14 hp).

BMW 525d E60 - a more powerful diesel version came with an engine (177 hp). A version with all-wheel drive was offered in 2007, and starting in 2007, both models were equipped with the same engine, but with increased power by 20 hp.

BMW 530d E60 - until 2007, the car was equipped with a 218-horsepower M57 power unit, after restyling it was the same engine, but more powerful (+13 hp).

The BMW 535d E60 is the top diesel model of the BMW E60 5 Series. Just like previous diesel 6-cylinder models, this version received the M57 engine (from 2004 to 2007 - 272 hp, from 2007 to 2010 - 286 hp).

Engine

Theoretically, with a wide range of models and their equipment, everyone will find something for themselves, but in practice, as it turns out, this point is not so simple. The difficulty in finding your future car is not the question of which engine to buy a BMW E60 5 Series with which transmission, but the fact that finding a truly well-maintained copy, in excellent condition, with a reasonable and confirmed mileage will not be easy.

Speaking from the mouths of BMW car owners, “It doesn’t matter what year the BMW is made, what matters is what condition it is in.” And when searching for your car, you can see for yourself

The engine is the heart of the car and one of the most important devices in it, if not the most important, every car enthusiast knows about this. Which engine to choose when buying a BMW E60?

During production, the BMW E60 was offered with a wide choice of engines - 4-, 6-, 8-cylinder petrol and 4-, 6-cylinder diesel engines with different technical characteristics. The E60 also featured the legendary 10-cylinder engine installed on the BMW M5. Many people attribute it to the E60 body, but this is just documentary. The M5 version is part of the M Series family of models, in which even the suspension is different, not to mention the configuration, engine and external differences.

Reliable and problematic BMW E60 engines

From the above list it is clear that the range of “five” engines is very wide. On the secondary market you can most often find petrol versions 520i, 525i and 530i.

The BMW M54 engine is considered to be an old type, although it is not inferior in power and reliability to later versions equipped with direct injection. This engine is more resistant to poor quality fuel, and with proper care it works without any complaints or unexpected surprises. Regardless of which version this engine is installed on, one of the common engine problems is the timing chain. This element stretches over time, which leads to knocking and rattling. Nevertheless, the chain can be adjusted, but unfortunately the problem does not disappear for long and will require replacement in the future. Still, the BMW M54 engine is considered the most reliable engine in the BMW E60.

On N-series engines with a volume of up to liters, the problem is the high oil consumption due to waste - it can reach up to 1 liter per 1000 km, this indicator depends on the condition of the power unit itself. In motors of this series, this problem is eliminated by replacing the caps. Another common problem with engines of this family is a broken timing chain, which needs to be changed every 150-200,000 km.

As for the top modifications with the H62 engine, it is worth noting that the engine does not have a “bouquet” of problems, but when buying a used BMW E60 540/545/550i, it is quite possible to end up with a “worn out” engine. The main problem areas should be noted the presence of excess oil and “scuffing” in the cylinder blocks. The first problem is caused by wear of the valve stem seals after 100,000 km, but the second one will have to be looked for using endoscope diagnostics when buying a car with an N62 engine. If there are “scores”, the block is considered beyond repair.

When buying a restyled E60 equipped with a new generation engine, you must be firmly confident in the good condition of the engine and proper care of it by the previous owner, since these engines, despite their dubious fame, are actually not inferior in reliability to the same line of M series engines, subject to timely and correct maintenance. And perhaps it’s worth noting that a good N-series engine is not only more powerful than the M54, but also more economical. In other words, if you do not plan to take care of the engine in a timely manner, buying only NOT high-quality or NOT original lubricants, parts of engine components (this also applies to the suspension) - and driving a car periodically only refuel and expect any breakdown, then the engine N-series is not for you.

Among the E60 model range with a diesel engine, the most commonly found are the 520d, 525d and 530d.

Unlike the 4-cylinder M47, the 6-cylinder M57 is more reliable, more powerful, and fuel consumption is almost comparable to a two-liter engine.

In the M47, quite often the problem is caused by the turbocharger, 2-mass flywheel, and also the injectors. There are also known cases of problems with the crankshaft, which ended in a major overhaul of the engine or its replacement.

With proper maintenance, such as changing the engine oil, the BMW M57 engine will work for a long time and without any problems. When choosing a car with this engine, first of all you need to diagnose the turbine, since it is the first thing that “suffers” during operation and has a resource of about 110,000 km.

With increased oil consumption on a diesel engine, he says that most likely the crankcase ventilation valve has failed (approximately 80,000 km).

Approximately once every 12-15,000 km, a notification about an oil change will appear on the information board, but experts recommend changing the oil at 10,000 km, and this applies to all E60 engines.

Most gasoline and diesel BMW engines also suffer from low-quality fuel. Therefore, try to refuel at proven network gas stations, and to extend the life of the engine, use only gasoline with an octane rating of 98.

When filling with low-quality gasoline, after 50,000 kilometers the oxygen sensor and fuel pump may fail, and by 100,000 kilometers the catalyst may fail.

Transmission

The gearboxes installed on the BMW E60 are generally quite reliable, especially the mechanical ones, although the BMW E60 is not so much so with the mechanics.

As for the automatic 6-speed, problems are still possible with it, some of them:

• failures in the control program (electronic control unit), which causes some malfunctions, for example, the appearance of shocks when changing stages. Troubleshooting - flashing or erasing errors in the software;
• leakage of plastic pallets;
• “floating” speed is a problem in the torque converter. It is possible to get rid of the breakdown only by repairing the automatic transmission, namely, replacing worn parts;

It doesn’t matter whether the automatic transmission is installed on a BMW, Audi or Mercedes, the automatic transmission itself is more complex in design and demanding to operate, which cannot be said about a manual transmission.

Chassis

The chassis of the BMW E60 has an almost entirely aluminum structure; it consists of a front and rear multi-link suspension, each of which has 4 levers.

When operating the BMW E60 on a poor-quality road surface, knocking noises may occur; the cause is most likely stretched bolts of the beam and levers. To fix the problem, you sometimes need to tighten the bolts.

In the front suspension of the BMW E60, the stabilizer struts and steering rack often fail; the problem usually appears within 50-80,000 km. Shock absorbers will last 100-120,000 km.

Silent blocks of the front lower arms and steering tips will last up to 100,000 km. Racks of a low-quality brand will make themselves felt in the near future after installation, which will lead to a trip to the service station. Experts recommend installing branded ones, such as Lemförder or TRW.

In all-wheel drive models, the problem area is the front axle shafts.

The rear suspension is more reliable, and the first thing that may bother you is the shock absorbers. As for touring, if you buy a BMW E61 station wagon, it is more subject to loads and less reliable, unlike the rear suspension of a sedan.

When choosing a BMW E60, pay attention to a car without the Dynamic Drive system and “active steering”. In fact, these systems are very useful, Dynamic Drive allows you to reduce the roll of the car, and active steering contributes to more precise handling. But these systems can be very expensive to maintain. So, for example, active stabilizers fail after 30-40,000 km, and replacing one axle costs about 50,000 rubles.

Electronics

Most of the auxiliary functions in the BMW E60 are controlled electronically, namely the iDrive system, which is an internal computer.

Although it is designed to help and create comfort, the reputation of the BMW E60 suffers greatly because of this system.

Most problems can be solved by flashing it, so it needs to be done once a year. Failure of at least one of the sensors can lead to failure of the entire system. To fix the problem, you need to update the software, which will cost about 5,000 rubles. Failure of the car's main computer will require you to pay 30-50,000 rubles, depending on the location of the repair - authorized or not.

Most problems with electronic failures can be resolved by restarting the engine. If the sensor lights up on the display, restart the engine, waiting 10-15 minutes before starting again.

Bottom line

Well, and finally, “Repetition is the mother of learning...” - if you want to buy a BMW E60 at the minimum market price, do not count on the reliability of the car without investing a tidy sum in it.

This generation of “fives” is very reliable with proper and timely care, and your trips will delight you for a long time if you operate the car correctly, taking into account the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

When choosing a used BMW E60 in a pre-restyling body, pay attention to the petrol version with an M54 engine with a 3-liter capacity if you need a car with a powerful engine.

If you want to have a modest, reliable and comfortable premium sedan/touring car, take a closer look at the BMW 520i (M54) with a 2.2-liter engine. Of course, the 2.2-liter E60 is inferior in technical parameters to the 3-liter version, however, the engine of the 520th model is quite capable of delivering pleasure from the trip.

The M54 engine is cheaper to maintain than the N-series engines, and although it is inferior in power, the M-series engine will be more reliable given the condition of most BMW E60s, which are offered on the secondary market today.

N-Series engines do not have a very good reputation among owners, and there is an explanation for this. Since the 90s, for fans of the brand, the BMW engine has been the standard of reliability, power and inexpensive repairs. But time moves forward, and with it the development of automotive technologies, which entail a reduction in CO 2 emissions and a reduction in fuel consumption. Even these two indicators require serious modification of the power unit.

A modern BMW engine, including those installed on the restyled E60, is a structurally complex power unit that requires attention, proper care and quality service. Having saved on the purchase of one part from a low-quality manufacturer, in the future you will have to “exploit” on the purchase of an entire system or some component.

If you want a BMW E60 sports sedan, pay attention to the rare model - the BMW 550i E60. This version came with a large package and a powerful 5-liter engine, but the machine is not cheap to maintain.

When choosing a diesel BMW E60, give your preference to the 3-liter M57 engine. Its reliability has been proven by time, and unlike gasoline engines, a diesel engine is more economical, although it is slightly inferior in power, and in comparison with the 4-cylinder M47, the 6-cylinder engine consumes only a little more, but takes the lead in quality.

I wish you the right choice and a successful purchase.

24.10.2016

Sixth generation BMW E60 was a big step forward in automobile manufacturing. This car not only looked different, but also had fantastic driving characteristics and had revolutionary equipment for its time. And we’re not just talking about the number of options, which are the envy of many modern cars. The fact is that many of the mechanisms of this car are controlled by electronics. But how reliable electronic systems turned out to be in practice, and what to look for when buying a used BMW E60, I will tell you in this article.

A little history:

BMW E60– modification of the fifth series body, which was produced from 2003 to 2009; the predecessor of this body was the BMW E39. In 2007, there was a restyling, as a result of which the car acquired an electronic automatic transmission selector, new headlights, bumpers, and a “Start\Stop” button. In the technical part, three-liter gasoline engines (280 hp and 235 hp) were added. The car is available in two body styles - sedan (E60) and station wagon (E61), there is also a charged version of the M5, which was equipped with a 5-liter V10 engine producing 510 hp, which allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 in 4.7 seconds . The maximum speed of all fives is electronically limited to 250 km/h; without a limiter, the car can accelerate to 305 km/h. The last car rolled off the assembly line in 2009; in December of the same year, the workshop for the production of the BMW E60 was closed for re-equipment for the production of the new F10 model. During the period from 2003 to 2009, the company sold more than a million sedans and 250,000 station wagons.

Advantages and disadvantages of a used BMW E60.

You need to know two facts about the body of the BMW fifth series: the first is that, in terms of weight, the car has an ideal axle pattern (50\50). And to achieve this, the engineers had to make the front part from aluminum (spars, cups, struts, etc.). And since aluminum is attached to a steel frame only by means of riveting, there are times when this connection begins to “breathe” (knocks and clicks are heard when moving). If the car was hit in the front part of the body with damage to the power elements, then no garage service will be able to properly restore the car. For restoration at a dealer, you will have to pay half the cost of the car. But in order to “sell” a damaged car, our craftsmen work wonders, so you need to be extremely careful. The second fact that you need to know about the BMW body is that this car does not rot, since the manufacturer carries out double-sided anti-corrosion treatment, plus the quality of the paintwork is at the highest level. If you see a BMW E60 with pockets of corrosion, in 99.9% of cases it is a damaged car.

Power units.

The BMW E60 has a large range of power units (more than 20), but there is no point in talking about all of them. In the CIS countries, the most widely used cars are the following modifications: gasoline versions - “520i” volume 2.0 (170 hp), “525i” volume 2.5 (192 hp), “530i” volume 3.0 (231 hp .), “545i” volume 4.4 (333 hp) and “M5” volume 5.0 (510 hp). Diesel modifications - “525d” volume 2.5 (177 hp) and “530d” volume 3.0 (218 hp). Cars with 2.0 and 2.5 liter engines can be not only rear-wheel drive, but also all-wheel drive. Most often, power units suffer from low-quality fuel, not only diesel, but also gasoline engines. If the previous owner refueled with low-quality fuel, be prepared to replace the oxygen sensor and fuel pump, and after 100,000 km, the catalyst (but, as practice shows, we simply remove it).

All engines have considerable oil consumption. Consumption up to 0.4 liters per 1000 km, for cars over 6 years old, this is the norm; if oil consumption is more than 0.6 liters per 1000 km, the valve stem seals need to be replaced. Don’t be alarmed if you look under the hood and don’t find the oil dipstick, as some engines have a sensor installed instead that signals the need to add oil. The weakest engine has problems starting in the cold season, and owners also complain about floating idle speeds. The 2.5 and 3.0 engines have proven to be the most trouble-free. In order to extend the service life of engines, the oil should be changed every 10,000 km. The cooling radiator is considered the weakest point (replacement is required every 70-90 thousand kilometers). And to extend its life, do not forget to rinse the radiator with a high-pressure jet of water every time you wash your car, this will help avoid early leaks.

When choosing a diesel engine, you should start by diagnosing the turbine, since, first of all, it suffers from low-quality fuel. The operating life of the turbine is slightly more than 100,000 km, replacement will cost 1500-2000 USD. Also, quite often on used cars (with a mileage of more than 70,000 km), the crankcase ventilation valve fails, resulting in a significant increase in oil consumption. It is worth remembering that the bulk of diesel BMW E60s were imported from Europe, and as a rule, with a mileage of more than 250,000 km. Therefore, if you come across such a car with a mileage of 100-150 thousand km, then there is a high probability that this car has lost mileage or has been restored after a serious accident.

Transmission

The BMW E60 is equipped with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. If we talk about mechanics, then this unit does not have any shortcomings, but the automatic transmission can present a surprise in the form of a software failure, which causes many malfunctions (shocks, jerks when switching from first to second gear). This disease is treated by flashing or erasing the error in the software. There is no reason to refuse all-wheel drive versions; malfunctions of the electromagnetic clutch are very rare.

Salon

The quality of materials and assembly of the interior is at the highest level. Careful owners of cars with 100-150 thousand km mileage have interiors that look like new. But the presence of a large amount of electronics causes many unpleasant moments. The main one is “ I Drive"- a system for controlling most auxiliary functions, but it is precisely because of this smart system that the reputation for reliability of this car suffers greatly. The failure of at least one sensor often leads to a failure of the entire system. In most cases, problems are solved by flashing the main control unit; such a service will cost approximately 50-100 USD. (it is recommended to reflash the main unit once a year), replacement of the unit costs 1500 USD. Many owners call problems with electronics “invisible”, since very often they are solved by simply restarting the car.

Driving performance of a used BMW E60.

There is an opinion that you should not expect any reliability from the E60 suspension, because it is made of aluminum and constantly crumbles. In fact, the problem is of a different nature - this car is bought by insufficiently wealthy young people with an aggressive driving style, who rarely pay attention to the quality of the road surface, potholes, speed bumps, etc. As a result, the suspension needs to be rebuilt after 50,000 km, and since original spare parts are not cheap, many try to save money and buy parts made in China or Taiwan, which have a short service life.

• The stabilizer links in the suspension wear out the fastest and require replacement every 20-30 thousand kilometers.
• The silent blocks of the front lower control arms will last 70-80 thousand km.
• Steering ends, on average, last up to 80,000 km.
• If the car is not constantly overloaded, the shock absorbers will have to be changed every 90-100 thousand kilometers.
• Ball joints and wheel bearings last more than 100,000 km.
• The rear suspension is practically indestructible and requires repair no more often than once every 120-150 thousand km.
• In the Dynamic Drive suspension, active stabilizers fail every 30-40 thousand kilometers.

The steering rack is very weak and can rattle after a mileage of 60-80 thousand km. If the rack rattles, this does not mean that it needs to be changed immediately, since it will cover at least another 30-50 thousand km, and you will have time to collect the required amount for replacement (1000-1200 cu). There is no point in repairing the rack, since it will last for 20-40 thousand kilometers (will cost 150-200 USD).

Result:

The BMW E60 is a very interesting option for purchase, not only in terms of appearance and dynamic performance, but, thanks to German reliability, and build quality. And if you approach the selection of a car correctly, then you will have only positive emotions from operating the car. The BMW E60 is a popular car not only among car enthusiasts, but also among car thieves, therefore, be sure to check the car at the MREO (State Traffic Safety Inspectorate).

Advantages:

• Exterior and interior.
• Quality of paintwork.
• Large selection of power units.
• Reliability

Flaws:

• Electronic system failures.
• Cost of original spare parts

BMW's paintwork is very durable, and no traces of rust should appear even on the oldest 2003 examples. If there is corrosion, this is a direct indication of an accident and subsequent poor-quality repairs. The interior finishing is also durable. And if the mileage is a little more than 100 thousand kilometers, and the leather of the steering wheel and seats is already worn, run away from this specimen - the mileage is very low. By the way, the mileage is written on several blocks at once, and it is not easy to completely destroy traces of twisting. In addition, the entire official service history of the car can be found at any dealership, even without service documents.

Be sure to find out whether the positive wire has been changed. The cars of the first years of production had poor insulation and the wire shorted to ground, which sometimes led to a fire. For station wagons, check the functionality of the panoramic roof. After six to seven years, the folding mechanism warps and jams. You also need to carefully monitor the condition of the drainage holes. If they become clogged, you can flood the engine control unit. The generator is reliable, but sometimes after 150 thousand the bearings begin to hum.

Engines

In the fifth generation of “fives” from the first years of production (2003 - 2005), under the hood you can still find in-line “sixes” M54 with a volume of 2.2 liters, 2.5 or 3 liters. One of the few weak points is the crankcase ventilation system valve that clogs after 80–100 thousand kilometers. You shouldn’t delay replacing the ventilation, otherwise the seals will squeeze out due to increased pressure. Some cars also experience interruptions in the operation of the VANOS variable valve timing system.

In 2005, the M-series retired, and its place was taken by the N-series line of sixes with a magnesium cylinder block. New engines have lost not only weight, but also reliability. First of all, the 2.5-liter N52 engine is at risk. If in previous “sixes” high oil consumption depended on the state of the crankcase ventilation system or the time the tachometer needle was in the red zone, then the new engine drains oil by default. Sometimes its consumption exceeds a liter per 1000 kilometers. The culprit is the piston rings that are already present after 70–80 thousand kilometers. If you delay repairs, the oil-resistant converter that comes complete with the manifold will require replacement. The situation is further aggravated by the absence of an oil dipstick, whose role is played by the level sensor. It’s just that the information takes quite a long time to update (up to 15 minutes), so topping up and checking the oil level can take a lot of time.

The three-liter unit is also not without sin. Instances older than 2008 were noted by valve knocking when warming up. Due to poorly designed oil channels in the cylinder head, the hydraulic compensators operated dry. In November 2008, the head was modified, and the problem became a thing of the past. Like the M-series, the N52 and N54 engines do not feature a reliable crankcase ventilation valve. Only now this very valve has been stuffed into the valve cover, and it will have to be replaced together with it.

Eight-cylinder versions with N62 engines (models 545i and 550i) were noted for frequent breakthroughs in the cooling system pipes located in the camber of the block. It is also worth changing the valve stem seals preventively - once every 150 thousand kilometers. Otherwise, very soon, due to oil starvation, scuff marks will appear on the cylinder walls. There are also modifications of the 535i brought from overseas with a twin-turbo six and direct injection on our market. The turbocharger is reliable, which cannot be said about the injection pump, which rarely survives up to 200 thousand kilometers.

A quarter of cars in Russia run on heavy fuel. The range opens with the 520d model with a cast-iron M47 four producing 163 hp. The greatest danger in these engines is the swirl flaps, which at 180–200 thousand kilometers can break off and fly straight into the intake manifold. To avoid early overhauls, owners remove them and then re-flash the unit. Later, this unit was replaced by the new N47 turbodiesel. The problem with the swirl flaps is gone, but the risk of running into major repairs remains. For some engines, after 140–150 thousand kilometers, the timing chain located on the rear wall broke, which promised a real “Stalingrad” in the engine. So, if during inspection you hear a characteristic knock at the rear of the engine, it is better to choose another copy.

The most popular among diesel modifications were the 530d with 3-liter in-line sixes of the M- and N-series. The M57 engine was noted for cracking of the steel exhaust manifold. Many experts advise installing a cast iron part from the previous generation E39. Turbochargers for four-cylinder engines last up to 200 thousand, and for sixes - 250–270 thousand kilometers.

Transmission and chassis

On the 5 Series there are three 6-speed gearboxes (manual and two automatic). Traditional mechanics are very reliable and their service life is quite comparable to the service life of a car. Even the clutch rarely requires attention before 200 thousand kilometers. With automatic transmissions the situation is more complicated. The E60 was equipped with two hydromechanics - the Jim 6L45 and the ZF 6HP. The American unit is reliable and, provided the oil is changed every 100 thousand, will not bother you for a long time. But there are more questions about the 6-speed ZF. The “five” had two modifications - 6HP19 and 6HP28. Already by 100 thousand kilometers the plastic pan begins to sweat, which becomes deformed with age. Replacing the gasket is not enough; you will have to change the pan. But that's not so bad. At the same mileage, the valves of the complex mechatronic unit become clogged and the latter fails. All this is accompanied by strong vibration and shocks when switching. It happens that an expensive block can be repaired. To avoid expensive repairs, it is better to change the set of solenoids every 100–120 thousand kilometers for preventive maintenance. The second place in the hit parade of breakdowns is occupied by the torque converter, which operates in blocking mode most of the time, which affects the service life. Another problem is caused by the oil pump, whose bushings wear out. If you start the problem, there is a risk of running into a major overhaul of the gearbox with the replacement of all clutches and drums.

There is another gearbox: robotic SMG III, found on charged versions from BMW Motorsport - M5. Its main problem is the quickly “burning out” clutch, which cannot withstand the pressure of the monstrous ten-cylinder engine. To replace it, you will have to remove not only the box, but also the entire exhaust system. Therefore, repairs will cost a lot of money.

Every sixth car is equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive. There are no special problems with it, but after 200 thousand kilometers the electric motor of the transfer case malfunctions. Another “feature” of all-wheel drive versions is the rapid wear of brake discs, which wear down after 35–40 thousand kilometers. The reason is in the algorithm of the system itself - for its work, xDrive actively uses the brake mechanisms, braking first one wheel and then the other. But the leakage of the front oil seal of the rear gearbox does not depend in any way on the type of drive.

The durability of the suspension on the E60 (as well as many BMW models) largely depends on operating conditions, which are often far from ideal. However, with the exception of bushings and stabilizer struts, which live no more than 60–80 thousand kilometers, most elements reach 120–150 thousand kilometers. At this distance, shock absorbers sometimes leak. At the same time, change the ball joints and silent blocks of the front levers, fortunately there are original repair kits. If you decide to take a Touring station wagon, be sure to check the functionality of the rear air suspension, which is equipped with many Touring cars. Dirt entering the system kills air cylinders and the compressor within 150 thousand kilometers. At the same mileage, the steering rack begins to knock. It’s bad if this happens with the “active” Active steering rack with a variable gear ratio, because it costs like a cast-iron bridge. Although most often the source of the knock is the steering shaft driveshafts.

Is it worth it?

To sum up, we can say that the fifth series in its fifth generation has fundamentally lost the reliability of its predecessors. And now you will have to pay for the right to own a used business class not only during purchase, but also during operation. But the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 of those years also do not shine with outstanding reliability. And they are close in price. The ideal versions of the BMW E60 are with M54 inline sixes, but the most recent examples turned 11 years old this year. However, the rule “a BMW has no mileage, but only condition” still works.

Buyers simply like the combination of comfort and handling, which is unattainable for cars in a lower class. However, age is already beginning to take its toll, and more and more often cars end up in the hands of those who buy BMWs “for cheap” and save on maintenance in every possible way, and this will soon affect the model’s reputation in the most negative way - there are many examples of this.

A replacement for the series, which had managed to prove itself from the best side, was carefully prepared. And the most serious tasks were set for the new machine. Firstly, it had to strengthen the brand’s position in the USA, where the tastes of buyers are still different from European ones. Secondly, it had to be more comfortable, more dynamic and... and more sporty, oddly enough. And, of course, the interior had to become richer, better quality and provide expanded opportunities for individualization. BMW designers coped with the task brilliantly, as usual. A new body, more durable and with an all-aluminum front end, new suspensions, this time not only more expensive and more complex, but also more reliable, and new levels of engine power, a wide selection of V8s under the hood and a whole V10 for the M5.

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BMW 535d Sedan M Sport Package 2005

Separately, it is necessary to mention a new approach to the design of machine electronics. The iDrive system is used here, which first appeared on the seventh series E65 in 2001, which includes not only a control and monitoring unit with a touchpad and a huge number of service functions and settings, but also optical cables for combining many units into a network, the ability to connect with online service center and many other advanced features. High-speed data buses made it possible to introduce options such as adaptive cruise control with radar, an infrared night vision system and a projection of instrument readings onto the windshield. And, of course, the chassis has become “mechatronic”, that is, using the capabilities of electronics to improve the performance of mechanical components, which raises the level of active safety to previously unseen heights.

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After such an introduction, it would probably be possible to end the story, because for most owners the “very best” factor is already a sufficient reason to buy. But given that the minimum age of such machines will soon exceed five years, and the complexity of the design is very high, you may still want to learn a little more about the “wonderful” machine.

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Body

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The fact is that the entire front part is made of aluminum. Not just the suspension cups or mudguards with the fenders and hood, but everything, including the side members, cups, the upper part of the engine shield and the subframe. This made it possible to lighten the car and put large engines under the hood without compromising handling, but it added a lot of “surprises” for fans of new technologies performed by BMW. First, if there is a disaster, recovery will be expensive or very expensive. If only because aluminum parts are expensive and cannot be repaired by regular service. Most repair shops won't be able to attach and paint them. You need a service that can weld, rivet and glue aluminum parts, so not even every dealer body shop is suitable for restoration. And very often, the owner of a BMW will have to contact the body shops of competitors in the premium segment, for example, an Audi dealer, since they have been working with aluminum for a long time and have more equipment. However, things are slowly moving forward, and aluminum technologies are “making their way to the masses.” Maybe in five years the average body shop will finally learn how to glue aluminum parts and connect them with rivets.

The bad news for E60 owners is the fact that they will have to contact a body shop that works with aluminum not only after an accident - banal corrosion of aluminum in places of contact with steel and potholes on the roads often cause weakening of the front end fastenings, which manifests itself in knocking and deterioration of controllability and, of course, passive safety of the car. Glass cracks, the steering wheel wobbles - all this may be the result of damage to the body. And such problems need to be corrected immediately, because it happens that the front end “tears off” - some of the fasteners come off, and the joining surfaces become bent, which requires replacement of parts. By the way, body steel behaves better than aluminum in terms of corrosion resistance, and rust is still rare here, excellent primer and good quality paint almost guarantee the absence of problems in this area. Another trouble is that the optics leak, both front and rear, and the glass is very soft, they easily “rubbed” and crack just as easily. And the plastic of the bumpers is flexible, but in winter it is too prone to cracking, and the complex internal structure can come off with minor impacts. Fortunately, this is not yet a problem for an expensive car, but cheap copies from “thrifty” ones are already assembled with screws.

Interior and electrical

The interior electrics are generally reliable; the only big complaints are the quality of the panoramic sunroof mechanisms on the E61 station wagons and the rear window wiper on them. “Small things” such as the short service life of the heater fan, sometimes faulty climate control drives, the creaking of the steering column and photochromic mirrors are not even worth remembering. The main problem with all cars is that part of the electronics that is tied to iDrive and is responsible for more serious functions. In addition to the banal wear and tear of sensors, for example, in the steering column module, temperature sensors and the like, the system also fails due to faulty wiring, “hanging” blocks on the bus, errors in the controller itself (moreover, there is no dipstick, but a faulty oil level sensor will allow you to easily ruin the engine). The situation is worse than with Windows fifteen years ago - you need to update every year, one “glitch” is replaced by another, and there is no end in sight to the problems. Moreover, these problems do not cost a penny; a review from a friend of the owner read: “After a hundred thousand I stopped counting, it’s a year and a half.” This includes the cost of searching for failed electronics and purchasing new units, which, by the way, is not necessarily successful - standard diagnostics are not always able to give an accurate diagnosis. So you can’t do without a truly understanding technician, and the dealer often cannot help, despite excellent technical equipment. Of course, all problems are multiplied a hundredfold in the presence of “collective farming”, abnormal “music”, alarms, when the interior is flooded at dry cleaners and failures of hatches and glass (the climate is sometimes so foolish).

There is no hope for a happy future, just be prepared to invest.

Sometimes cars drive for years without breaking down, sometimes you’re unlucky, and it happens that a more recent copy causes more trouble. You shouldn’t count too much on restyling; the frequency of occurrence and the number of electrical problems are approximately the same on all cars, except for the very first two years of production.

Suspensions and steering

It is much more difficult to come to terms with the malfunction of the active steering rack; its price is now about three hundred thousand rubles, and it can start knocking again after a mileage of 20 thousand kilometers. True, without any special consequences for some time, but if it starts to leak, then serious repairs are inevitable. A replacement from ZF costs 180 thousand. In general, it’s better to install a regular rack altogether; it lasts three times longer, and costs from 40 thousand rubles for a restored ZF version and about a hundred for a completely new one.

Motors and gearboxes

In 2007, the engine line was updated again. This time, the in-line “sixes” of the N53 series acquired a low-resource injection pump, highly dependent on the quality of gasoline, and at the same time extremely capricious direct injection nozzles, which provided owners with a fundamentally new level of headaches. For example, it was now easy to catch a water hammer without even driving into a puddle. After all, the reason for this could be a “leaking” nozzle, which poured two hundred milliliters of fuel into the cylinder. In terms of service life, everything is similar to the N52, but the 2.5 engine finally eliminated the problem with coking of the piston group, and now the service life of the 2.5 and 3.0 engines is almost equal, and if the fuel equipment did not fail, then the piston and liners could well to live up to a mileage of 200 thousand, which, compared to modern BMW engines, is generally not bad. The fate of the owners is made a little easier by the fact that the N53 does not have Velvtronic, which means there is no hassle with regular replacement of its drive and errors of this unit. Well, the N54 series turbo engine, which appeared in 2007, turned out to be no better in reliability than naturally aspirated engines, which is logical. Added to the problems of the injection system were difficulties with the ignition modules, now they failed twice as often, and the turbocharging itself, which required more careful maintenance. But the service life has increased due to “heavier” pistons and more frequent maintenance, and if the car has not been “burned out” too much, then oil consumption and wear will be less than on the N53.

I don’t want to talk about the only in-line “four” in the family, which appeared in 2007. Because the N43 series engine gave rise to criticism even on the third series, and even on the heavier “five” it does not please with either traction or reliability. This one is just one of those that already in the third year of operation eats oil in liters. The “Viates” under the hood of the fifth series also turned out to be not very successful. I have already mentioned the N62 series motors and their features in the review. The “maslozhor” here is mainly a consequence of “plug” operation and the death of oil scraper rings, but the design is very complex, “Velvtronik” for eight cylinders is three times more fragile than on in-line engines. As a result, the typical oil consumption is one liter per thousand already by the age of five, and if you don’t catch it in time, then very expensive repairs. Fortunately, with low oil consumption, the problem is completely solvable - replacing the valve stem seals, switching to oil with better detergent properties and non-coking, lowering the operating temperature - and now the engine is alive again. Unfortunately, there are very few BMW owners who are technically literate, so they will drive until the end, believing that “there must be oil,” so it’s difficult to find a car with such an engine in good or at least reversible condition; it’s easier to look for one with an in-line “six.”

Transmission

All-wheel drive here is xDrive, which means there are all the problems that I already wrote about in the review - after 100 thousand mileage, the car with a guarantee turns into rear-wheel drive, and with active pedaling, even earlier. The automatic transmissions here are also all tested, with the younger engines there are ZF 6HP19, with the older ones - the slightly more powerful 6HP26. I also already wrote about them; problems with shaft vibration and insufficient oil pressure make them noticeably less reliable than five-speed automatic transmissions from the same manufacturer, and increase the cost of repairs by at least the amount of work required to replace worn bushings. The overall resource can be considered no more than sufficient; such boxes usually cover a hundred thousand kilometers, but almost certainly not 250. Of course, the more often the oil is changed, the greater the chances for a happy automatic transmission life.

Objective and most informative reviews from BMW E60 owners that will help you decide whether to buy this car or not. How reliable and convenient is it for everyday use, or more for “driving”.

A little about the car

For some reason, many people think that the E60 is the choice of bandits and racers, or rich Caucasians with gold UZIs. But, as statistics show, the majority choose this “five” as a family car. By the way, the E60 has an excellent leather interior, but if you do not yet own this beauty, you can do the same, in principle.

Review of BMW 5 E60 530D
Ilgiz, Ufa

In three years of owning this car, I have not been disappointed in it one bit. A three-liter diesel engine is something. It’s in no way inferior in dynamics to gasoline engines, and consumption has never risen above 10 liters per 100 km, and in general, after my Subarik I got used to it quickly and there shouldn’t be any problems changing spark plugs :)

“I like everything about the car - from the suspension’s perception of the road to the soundproofing of the interior. I can start in third gear, entertaining my friends.”

The leather interior didn't disappoint either. Practical interior and high-quality materials that are not afraid of dry cleaning. The only problems I can name are minor squeaks that appeared in the cabin with the help of our beautiful roads.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review of BMW 5 E60 530D
Peter, Moscow

I'll start with what I don't like about this car. The first and most significant drawback is that at the service they rip off three skins from you for servicing the car.

“A regular oil change costs a lot of money. Eight liters of oil and a filter cost around $500. And if you change the air and fuel filters and brake pads from time to time, get ready to say goodbye to one or two thousand dollars.”

In total, so much money is spent on maintenance per year that you can buy a new domestic car. My engine also likes to eat oil. About 1 liter per 10 thousand kilometers, but this is more of a diesel problem.

As for the positive aspects of the BMW E60, I have never had a more comfortable and reliable car. In addition, it is also economical. There are almost 250 horsepower under the hood, and a speed of 200 km/h is not a question for him at all. But the savings are relative, because after service updates there is no money left at all.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Review of BMW 5 E60 530
Alexey, Nizhny Novgorod

The car knows how to make a good impression and maintain it throughout the entire ownership cycle.

“Of the minuses, I can only note a somewhat harsh suspension. But on 18 discs it cannot be different. There are no more complaints about the car"

Torquey engine, clear automatic transmission that shifts without jerking or slowing down. The kick-down mode is exhilarating and forces the body to produce adrenaline. And leisurely driving is a particular pleasure. Softness, smoothness and comfort are just such sensations.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review of BMW 5 E60 535
Sergey, Irkutsk

In principle, the machine is not bad, but I can’t confidently recommend it to everyone.

• Firstly, gasoline consumption in city mode does not drop below 15 liters. In winter, in traffic jams it is all 17 liters.
• Secondly, the suspension is much stiffer than I expected.
• Thirdly, maintenance is incredibly expensive, and this is a fact with which hardly any of the owners of this car will argue.
• Fourthly, the ground clearance is so low that the bumper constantly touches the curbs, and parking tightly to them is a whole science.

Actually, I expected more.

Rating: 6 out of 10

Review of BMW 5 E60 520i
Slava, St. Petersburg

I'm happy with my car. It has never let me down yet. German reliability is evident. Powerful and maneuverable car. Equally practical for city driving and highway driving.

You can confidently go out to overtake, there is enough power reserve, and there has never been any doubt about this.

You can also start from a standstill at a traffic light so that most of the cars are left behind. At the same time, the car is very comfortable, the interior is soundproofed well, which is rare for modern cars. The loan will be repaid for another 3 years.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review of BMW 525i
Andrey, Minsk

I was afraid that the power of the 2.5 liter engine would not be enough to pull two tons of weight. It turned out not. 218 horses do a great job. And the gas mileage isn't that great. In the city - no more than 12 liters, but on the highway you can easily fit in 10.

“One of the shortcomings is the presence of crickets in the cabin. The door trim and front panel creaks"

Maybe I'm being picky, but it's true. This shortcoming has to be “cured” with an audio system, which is not the best. Frankly weak sound, not at the level of the price category this car falls into.

As for driving performance, they are excellent. The car confidently holds the road at any speed, takes turns perfectly, and you don’t even feel that the rear-wheel drive is pushing a colossus weighing two thousand kilograms.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review of BMW 5 525d
Pavel, St. Petersburg

The car suits me in all respects. Starting from engine power to the quality of interior trim. Despite the fact that my interior is not leather, it looks expensive and very decent.

There are all the necessary options that do not distract attention from the road. And a certain laconicism in style is what really makes the car a classic business-class sedan.

The only drawback is the expensive maintenance, which is determined not so much by the quality of consumables as by the brand of the German car brand. A very high score, no Japanese can do it.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review of BMW 5 E60 520
Ivan, Ryazan

85 horsepower per ton of weight is an insignificant figure for this car. Moreover, she is in a class whose representatives should not be so low-powered. The figure itself is 170 hp. impressive.

But in reality it is not enough for this car. I'm kicking myself that I bought a car with such an engine. All other characteristics are satisfactory.

Rating: 6 out of 10

Review of BMW 5 E60 320i
Dmitry, Vladivostok

1. Disadvantages: engine power, stiff suspension, dubious quality audio system, low ground clearance, numerous “crickets” in the cabin, obscenely expensive maintenance.
2. Advantages: engine efficiency, high-quality interior, excellent gearbox performance, good sound insulation, excellent road stability, spacious interior for driver and passengers of any size.

Rating: 7 out of 10

The editors of the site passionately love this car and wish everyone who is thinking about buying it to sign up for a test drive and decide whether you need it or not.