Bmw 5 E60 2003 - 2010 - used, experience, breakdowns

Bmw 5 E60

The Bmw 5 Series E60 was produced from 2003 to 2010. The Bmw 5 E60 is a replacement for the Bmw 5 E39, and was replaced by the Bmw 5 F10 in March 2010. Its non-traditional style and many of its features have received mixed reviews. Despite criticism for its exterior design and electronics, this became the best-selling Bmw 5. During its 7-year career, the Bmw 5 E60 underwent modernization and was offered in several versions: as a sedan or station wagon, with rear-wheel drive or 4 × 4 , with manual or automatic transmission, with petrol and diesel engines. Of course, there is the racial "M5".

While its predecessor shares many similarities with the 7 Series, the Bmw 5 E60 was different from the other Bmwa's produced at the time. The Bmw 5 E60 is longer, wider, heavier and bigger than the previous model, which means more interior space.

The Bmw 5 E60 represents a significant step forward in technology compared to the previous generation. The controversial iDrive interface is used to control many aspects of the Bmw 5.

The Bmw 5 is a mid-sized German machine that targets both the sports sedan market and luxury sedan buyers. Bmw can always count on good performance, comfort, the latest technology and great prestige. The fifth-generation Bmw also has these features.

The Bmw 5 with its sporty design has kept its shape extremely well. The tooth of the weather is virtually unaffected by it and remains an extremely attractive car. With modern multimedia equipment it is ahead of the competition. Before buying, check for some typical mistakes that occur especially in diesel engines. Avoid poorly maintained automatic transmissions, which can lead to significant costs.

COMFORT - Bmw 5 E60 

Bmw 5 E60

The overall design of the Bmw 5 E60 is different from the previous model. The outside is much more rounded.

The Bmw 5's cab has a very modern look and the materials are of excellent quality. All controls and touch switches are easy to select, the center console is not cluttered with buttons thanks to the iDrive system, which controls major functions (such as audio, navigation, Bluetooth, etc.). Improved 2007 iDrive system is even simpler. The build quality is superb, the spacious cabin and the modern interior of the Bmw 5 Series which is why it is so popular and highly rated by its owners.

With a four-star Euro NCAP crash test result, the Bmw 5 E60 is below the average of its five-star rivals from Audi, Mercedes and Lekus.

In 2007, the facelift of the Bmw 5 E60 was made, however, without major modifications. The bumpers and interior have been changed. The biggest change was under the hood, namely, some engines were upgraded and some were completely replaced with new ones.

The Bmw 5 car is very well protected against rust, corrosion problems can only occur in areas of improper body repair. Interior quality is also excellent. Furniture and plastic retain quality beyond years of use. The quality of the finish is undoubtedly a great advantage of the Bmw 5 E60.

Driving the BMW 5 E60 is similar to every five, so I would say as with any BMW, except that the rear part will be very difficult to make you "dance" due to the presence of a huge amount of electronics.

TECHNIQUE - Bmw 5 E60 

Bmw 5 E60

The Bmw 5 E60 offers four, six, eight and ten cylinder engines with a power range of between 163 hp (520d) and 507 hp in the Bmw M5. The Bmw 5 E60 / 61 used 24 different engines during its production.
The fact that in the past more than 80 percent of all customers of the Bmw 5 Series opted for diesel-powered types, makes it a great choice of used 520d, 525d, 530d and 535d models.

Bmw often launches new car models with existing engines, and then starts using new engines in the middle of model production.

There are 9 petrol models. These are the 520i, 523i, 525i, 530i, 540i, 545i, 550i, 528i and 535i. Choosing the right gasoline must be tailored to suit your needs. For those who do not depend on good dynamics, version 2.0 R4 with 170 hp, average consumption of 8-9 l / 100 km and high reliability is recommended. The R6: 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 engines burn an average of 2-3 liters more petrol, but provide better performance - the optimal choice is the 525i version with 192 hp or 218 hp. Larger engines are only for enthusiasts who are willing to accept significantly higher fuel and maintenance expenses, to feel the pleasure of driving. The largest engine is a 5.0 V10 from a Bmw M5 with 507 hp.

Of the diesel models, we have the 520d, which was introduced in 2005. It had an M47 engine and developed 163 hp. In 2007, the 520d got a new diesel N47 engine and then developed 177hp. Other diesel engines, 3 of them (525d, 530d and 535d) use an M57 engine of the same volume, so the 525d develops a power of 197 hp with a three-liter engine, 530d to 235 hp, and 535d to 286 hp. The 535d came with a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, while the rest came with a 6-speed manual.
The BMW three-liter diesel engine is reliable and durable, especially the 3.0d with 184 hp. More horsepower, more engine complexity and therefore - more breakdowns. In everyday work, the 3.0 diesel gives a lot of driving pleasure - it is strong as a bull, dynamic and characterized by a high work culture.
Bmw successively modernized the three-liter diesel engine, the changes have been linked not only to increased power but also to reduced fuel consumption. In 2007, the three-liter diesel received a direct injection.

The Bmw 5 E60 is available with 6 speed manual or automatic Steptronic transmissions. SMG Sequential manual transmission is available for drivers who wanted to change gears without clutch.

Aluminum ladder Bmw 5 E60 / E61 is a true technological masterpiece. That's why he doesn't like cheap parts and unprofessional repairs. And it is not particularly resistant to bad roads. Trap repairs are expensive. A very thorough examination of the ladder when purchasing is required.

BMW 5 E60 - Model History:
• 2003 Premiere Bmw 5 E60 (sedan), petrol 520i (170 hp), 525i (192 hp), 530i (231 hp), 545i (333 hp), turbo diesel 530d (218 hp).
• 2004. Caravan version of the turbo diezel 525d (177hp), 535d (272hp), M5 (507hp) introduced.
• 2005 Introduced petrol versions 523i (177 hp), 525i (218 hp), 530i (258 hp), 540i (306 hp), 550i (367 hp), turbo diesel 520d (163 hp), 530d (231 hp), 4 × 4 drive for 525xi, 530xi, 530xd versions.
• 2007 Redesign of Bmw 5 E60, petrol versions 523i (190 hp), 530i (272 hp), turbo diesels 520d (177 hp), 525d (197 hp), 535d (285 hp), 4 × 4 drive for 530xi versions, 525xd, 530xd.
• 2008. New version drives 4 × 4 525i xDrive, xDrive 530i, 525d xDrive, 530d xDrive.
• 2010 - Bmw 5 introduced the next generation.

FAULTS - Bmw 5 E60 

Bmw 5 E60 engines N53 6 cylinders regular - injector failures.

Bmw 5 E60 525i Possible problem with fuel injectors, NOx sensors, bobbins, engine software problems.

Bmw 3, 5 and 6 direct injection petrol engines malfunction the injection system. Symptoms: Engine malfunctioning and engine failure warning light on. In addition, the car can only be driven in safety mode. The BMW models with the 2,5 and 3 liter petrol engines were affected, which are from March 2007. The engines are fitted to the 523i, 325i, 525i, 330i, 530i and 630i. Two reasons for failure are suspected: defective injectors are installed. In addition, the engine control software was causing the problem and needed to be reinstalled.

BMW 5 E60 3,0 258 hp (type N52) - wrong valve clearance. The reason is insufficient lubrication, and the symptom is a loud clatter under the hood. Repair requires removal of the head. The fault is not so widespread.

Clogged oil separator filter - the failure is manifested by the fact that the engine begins to consume a lot of oil, as much as 0.7 - 0.8 liters per 1000 km or ejects it.

Very common failure on 525i and 530i models (for N53 engines) due to frequent injector failures. Nozzle failure results in increased oil consumption and damage to the inner walls of the cylinders, so engine replacement is often required.

Frequent fuel failures of high-pressure pumps on 525i and 530i models.

The turbocharged 535i seems prone to problems with the turbocharger as well as problems with the high-pressure fuel pump of the engine.
Problems with the turbocharger, it seems to be a problem with the "rattle" of wastegates. it is assumed that the problem is caused by the subsequent adjustment of the engine (chipping) of the engine or that by changing the program of electronic engine control this sound can be eliminated.

Early versions of the V8 engine on the 5 Series were known for their oil and coolant leakage due to poor seals on parts such as the valve cover, crankcase and water pumps. This problem is limited to 4,4 liter V8 engines in the 545i by 2005; There have also been complaints of leaks over the 4,8 liter engine used in the 550i in 2006, but newer models have proven better.

With the Bmw M5 the oil pump may not deliver the required oil pressure and the engine may be destroyed.

Some vehicles have lost engine power. Due to a hardware failure within the engine control unit, there is a potential for a loss of engine power. The vehicles were recalled and their control unit replaced.

For gasoline, the problem of ignition coils or individual components of the fuel system (fuel pressure sensor and fuel pump in the tank).

Noise from the engine compartment, even with a new car from the showroom. The solution to the problem involves replacing the belt, pulley and tensioner.

A fault with the high-pressure fuel pump of petrol models can lead to a loss of power without warning and does not occur on Bmw diagnostics. This led in 2010 to the withdrawal of the Bmw 5 E60 and E61 sold in 2007-2010 in the USA.

Recall of Bmw vehicles with six-cylinder 2.5 and 3.0 liter gasoline engines. These are: N51 (1991-1995), N52 (since 2005) and N55 6-cylinder turbo diesel (since 2009). The camshaft timing adjustment unit (VANOS) housing screws for intake and exhaust valve control can be loosened or unscrewed. The engine failure warning lamp occurs in such circumstances, but if drivers experience any loss of power they should contact service immediately.

On all diesel engines in the years 2003/2004, 4 and 6 cylinders, on the suction branch, the vane wings can be broken off and intruded into the engine, resulting in engine failure. It avoids swirling the flaps, but it will then be a less efficient engine. The first sign of an impending whirlwind problem is very poor idling.

Particular filter diesel problems and consequently turbine problems most commonly at 320d, with the Bmw 5 used often for short distances in cold weather.
Particular filter failure occurs on diesel at 120 to 000 km. If problems occur, the car should not be continued as the increase in pressure in the exhaust can stop the turbine from turning, causing the turbine bearing to overheat and damage.

Problems with the control chain on the N47 2.0 liter diesel are due to the extended oil change interval. The problem can occur around the fifth year of vehicle operation and about 150000 km. From 80000 km onwards, it is best to change the oil every 15 000 km maximum.

On the Bmw 5 525d, the clutch and flywheel run like a 3.0 engine and are much longer than the flywheel on the 520d, which often causes problems.

Bmw 5 525d crashes more often than the 525d or 530d.

The engine starting problem with the Bmw 5 530d can be caused by a problem with the camshaft position sensor located on the top of the engine.

The 3.0d six-cylinder in-line engine is considered by many to be a much more reliable 2.0d engine. And even if something goes awry, it will be quite a bit of a blame. After 300 km there are problems with the injectors, which can be repaired fairly cheaply.
Sometimes a problem with the fuel pump. In addition, with high vehicle mileage, there is a real risk of failure of the turbocharger, but due to the high cost of the new turbine, it is necessary to overhaul the used turbine.

As for the floating flywheel, which is the Achilles heel to many modern turbo diesel, it also breaks down in the Bmw. The situation is similar in the case of crankshaft pulleys, and more precisely, torsional vibration dampers.

General warning about automatic transmissions: Whether you have a full Bmw service booklet, it will never change the oil in the automatic transmission at regular service stations. Many of these gearboxes fail about 120 km - 000 km often out of warranty. It is recommended to change the oil every 150 km or preferably at every other service.

The noise when changing gears between P and R or N to 530d suggests that the automatic transmission is worn out and needs to be replaced.

When the tire sucker is fitted with a metal cap, the TPMS valves are prone to failures due to the corrosion effect between the valve metal cap and the metal valve. This is easily prevented by installing plastic instead of metal valve caps.

Gap clearance - Bmw 5 E60 owners like to force the power steering by turning it in place, which, with wide tires, is detrimental to both the tires and the steering.

Disc wear - the problem lies in the fact that the brakes need to stop a car weighing more than 1,7 tons, and BMW drivers usually drive hard. As a result, the discs (especially the front ones) wear out quickly, and this can easily determine how the car is driven and maintained.

The electrical problems with the Bmw 5 E60 are: mirror-adjusting electric motors, tailgate switch, or window electric motor control. It should be noted, however, that these shortcomings are rather sporadic.

There is a problem with the electronic control unit located in the styrofoam below the spare wheel, where it is vulnerable to water penetration into the trunk.

Clogged water drains in the back door allow sludge to form, fill the door with water and cause electrical problems and drain the battery.

The first Bmw 5 models often have problems with i-Drive management by the end of 2003, in principle the problem was solved.

Low battery power caused by poor connection (incorrectly mounted battery cable, loose cable on connector) to battery cables, leads to false readings on the instrument panel, automatic transmission failure warning, to various other false messages on the instrument panel, including cancellation of the last lights, can also cause the engine to stop or fire in the boot. This should be corrected by the vehicle recall service, but also the recorded failures in the ECU should also be cleared.

On some Bmw 5 E60s equipped with seat heaters, excessive contact with the reinforced sides of the front passenger seat backrests when entering and exiting a vehicle can damage the heating mat found in this area. If this happens, excessive heat may be present at this location when seated. The heating mat may damage, or melt a small hole in the underside of the backrest on the side. When this happens, the smell of burning will be felt and a small amount of smoke will be noticeable. In some cases, a small hole in the side of the backrest may damage the clothes of the seated passenger. In rare cases, this can lead to minor or superficial skin injury.

Possible microprocessor errors in the airbag control unit can cause output signals from the control unit to appear immediately after the ignition is switched on. In adverse conditions, this can lead to security components and the security system can be activated. Vehicles with this problem were recalled to service.

bmw repairers report rusty brake pipes at 90000 km with the Bmw 5 525i. Some cases of corrosion of brake pipes on cars only after 6 years.

The shape of the tank washer fluid reservoir causes the sediment to collect in the narrower sections at the bottom, where there is little movement of the fluid to dilute. The pump then becomes more and more blocked. The flow is limited so that it cannot spray the liquid on the sprinklers.

Keep in mind, if you notice peeling paint on the outside of the rearview mirror, don't panic, this problem is almost standard code bmw 5 60.

CONCLUSION

Bmw 5 E60 - if you leave out the weak 2.0 diesel, the "five" proved to be a durable car. Advantages of the model? Robustness, attractive appearance, good corrosion protection of the body, comfortable interior, generous equipment, wide selection of engines, excellent handling…

Do not expect operating costs to be low, however. Yes, you can use cheaper replacement and the services of independent mechanics, but remember that they need to be experts in modern equipment and experienced. Improper debugging can put you in more serious trouble (including financial ones).

Used Bmw 5 prices - review

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!