How many miles will a BMW 5 series 530D do?

[kungfugerbil]

So you want a European executive saloon, leather and toys, decent economy and under 5 grand?

Saab 9-3 1.9TiD Vector [150] 4dr Cream Leather,Facelifted model 2007

Better bet in every way than a leggy old barge, under budget, 60k miles, newer...

[warrenboon]

Going to look at (and hopefully buy) an oldish BMW with 130k on the clock tomorrow. It has full service history and looks in mint condition.

Is 130k on the clock even a lot for a diesel BMW?

I regularly run cars in the 100K-150K zone and as long as it's a reasonable quality car to start with and it's been looked after you should be fine. I would try and stick to something around the 100K though. Find the spec you want (should be plenty to choose from) make sure it's a nice example with a proper service history, and if the price looks about right (i.e. not too high AND not too low) and there are no specific concerns, buy it! At the end of the day if you're buying a car for just 4-5 grand you need to set your expectations accordingly, but you will still get a lot of car for the money.

Bear in mind though, these 5 series were 30K+ when new, and servicing costs will generally still be in line with the new price. Personally at this price/age I wouldn't bother continuing with BMW servicing/maintenance. I have BMW service bills from the previous owner that still make be cringe (seriously, who would take their BMW to a BMW dealer for new tyres!). Find yourself a good independent (or do some of the easier stuff yourself if you're that way inclined).

HTH

[warrenboon]

I said earlier I am not after engine size - I am not trying to make up for any deficiencies....

Main thing is the BMW drive and comfort.

There are 2 cars at that garage I will be going to see:

Used Bmw 5 Series Saloon 530d Se 4dr Auto in Warrington, Merseyside | Cottrell Motor Co Ltd

and the earlier one.

That looks tempting, you don't get many of the MEGA SPEC variants, usually just the SE spec.

And it's FAB...

[eek]

Why has no one yet answered the question truthfully.

The mileage currently sat on the forecourt +1 mile.

[northernladuk]

So you want a European executive saloon, leather and toys, decent economy and under 5 grand?

Saab 9-3 1.9TiD Vector [150] 4dr Cream Leather,Facelifted model 2007

Better bet in every way than a leggy old barge, under budget, 60k miles, newer...

If you are gonna get that you might as well go for the convertible. Once of the best looking 4 seater convertibles around IMO, particularly at the price.

Forget handling and economy, convertible will add mucho smiles per mile. Wouldn't have another hard top again personally.

[d000hg]

FFS not another aging boring BMW on the road.

Logic (not your strong suit I'll admit) says it is already on the road and will be on the road regardless if he buys it or someone else does.

[kungfugerbil]

If you are gonna get that you might as well go for the convertible.

true enough, but a ragtop adds on another 2-3 grand (for the same age/miles etc) taking it out of our OPs budget (although anything not from Munich is already off the page anyway)

[northernladuk]

true enough, but a ragtop adds on another 2-3 grand (for the same age/miles etc) taking it out of our OPs budget (although anything not from Munich is already off the page anyway)

Oh I am not so sure about that. Maybe a grand with a little more mileage maybe but not that much. And as I say, the grin factor make it worth it without a question. I can understand how someone that doesn't have a convertible might not understand and think you can have the hood down much but once you have had one you will be coverted... (see what I did there!!)

Saab 9-3 1.9 TiD Vector 2dr Diesel Convertible 2007

[kungfugerbil]

Oh I am not so sure about that. Maybe a grand with a little more mileage maybe but not that much.

That example had it's last service at 83k, gawd knows what it's on now... For a drop top of the same quality as the one I listed, you are looking at 7k plus.

I absolutely agree about ragtops by the way, my previous a4 cab was jolly nice.

[ZARDOZ]

Going to look at (and hopefully buy) an oldish BMW with 130k on the clock tomorrow. It has full service history and looks in mint condition.

Is 130k on the clock even a lot for a diesel BMW?

I wouldnt consider a car with that sort of mileage unless it was a temporary banger for a few months.

20 yrs ago 100k=car almost dead. These days of course you get longer but high powered diesel engines are under a LOT of pressure with turbos. Other things are going to be going too, suspension,exhaust,electrics, all you will do is keep the local mechanic in work and well paid work too!