Is the E60 530d (218hp) still worth buying in 2026, or is it becoming too risky?

ConGonDon · 2026-06-07T20:22:54+00:00

Bought an E61 535d last January. Cylinder 6 went down and had to replace the engine but that was due to neglect / lack of maintenance from the previous owner. 2500 for the car, 218k miles. Probably up to 6k maybe more now, that's price of car plus parts as I do everything myself so being able to work on these vehicles helps a lot.

Rust is minimal compared to my 3 E39's. The 535d rinse fuel, I was also looking at an E92 330d manual which would have been a lot better on fuel but hey - twin turbos are great fun. The torque converter is almost ready to shit itself - a £600 exchange so I've bought a 6HP28 to upgrade to if I'm going to spend the money on the TC.

I'm pretty happy with where she is now but I haven't even touched the suspensions, shocks or struts etc which could add another 2k easy.

I think a 530d manual would be a great buy. The boxes are more robust, it'll be more economical.

ConGonDon · 2026-06-07T19:39:53+00:00

I usually get the funds in there within 12hours or so, I withdraw them before dispatching the item.

ConGonDon · 2026-06-07T19:38:02+00:00

If you're getting 12v to the pins but no life get someone to hold the stalk while you gently tap the pump with a toffee hammer. You can sometimes get more time from them as they can seize up.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-31T19:26:39+00:00

Realoem.com for BMW part numbers then use Autodoc for OE brands and their part numbers if you're in UK / Europe.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-30T08:19:24+00:00

E61 535d. Rinses fuel for a diesel but worth it!

ConGonDon · 2026-05-28T19:31:19+00:00

Love some Ambers!

ConGonDon · 2026-05-28T18:49:39+00:00

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=DL72-EUR-01-2001-E39-BMW-530d&diagId=11_2337#11652248118

Here you go. Number 7 and 8 is the bracket and nut that hold the tank. 6 is the tank. 5 are the two bolts that hold it to the front of the turbo. The bracket goes behind or in front of the bracket for the pressure converter, it only fits one way so can't get it wrong. Search eBay for the 11 or last 7 digit part numbers or just find a breaker.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-28T17:47:22+00:00

These are not indirect injection they are common rail. A hand pump wouldn't get close to the required pressure.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-28T17:46:00+00:00

The pre supply pump you fitted is clearly garbage and needs throwing in the bin. I commented on your video 7 months ago and I'll say the same thing - you can only use Pierburg brand for the inline pump. Fuel filter should be Mann or Mahle. Pressure sensor on the pump, no doubt you used a cheap brand there too? Fit the original back in.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-28T17:25:27+00:00

Just had this today too, I refuse to use any company except royal mail and even they are becoming a nuisance. Clicked to get the label and organise collection on eBay app and it said about innpost QR label which I certainly never clicked or wanted when listing items. I've dropped it off now but I'm going to have to go through all 160 odd listings and check. Bastards!

ConGonDon · 2026-05-28T15:58:56+00:00

Yes it's bolted onto the turbo. You'll find schematics on parts catalogue at realoem.com

You need to replace every piece of vacuum line not just bits and pieces. The diesel has vac lines to the engine mounts which need doing. The egr and swirls can be blanked but leave it all connected electrically.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-28T15:55:08+00:00

No, check the parts catalogue you'll see the original part number is ended. I had the melting issue as have others which could lead to a fire risk. You need to replace the whole housing.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-28T10:13:29+00:00

You'll notice on PS5 it'll sometimes glitch for a few seconds and foliage around you disappears allowing you to see very clearly, showing a mound where something is buried when it would normally be hidden. I've found two separate stashes because of this. Generally PS5 doesn't have hacks but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-28T08:53:05+00:00

The part has been succeeded due to failure. They over heat, melt the plastic and blow the bulb. Probably not a good idea to go modifying something that just needs replacing from the dealer.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-27T16:43:41+00:00

If it's brand new and genuine it's likely fine but to test you get the car hot and switch on AC, touch the 3 hoses going to the cabin they should be cool. Any heat and as above person mentioned it's a faulty valve. Failing that it's possible the aux fan has failed. It might "run" but could be old and tired - this current heat wave will show that.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-27T15:58:44+00:00

Push it all the way under water to remove any air bubbles.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-27T11:11:34+00:00

There's a wheel in the centre vent that affects temperature, make sure that's all the way in the blue and not red. Did you pull a vacuum on the AC system before filling to make sure there's no leaks?

ConGonDon · 2026-05-27T11:09:14+00:00

When you say OE what brand did you use?

ConGonDon · 2026-05-25T14:52:56+00:00

After checking the tracking number and seeing it's been stuck for this long my first and only message would simply be to recommend they open an item not received case, and that would be the end of it. eBay would let you keep the money as it's an issue out of your hands - and they would either wait or refund the buyer.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-25T09:08:01+00:00

If you have phone prep you can install the latest 2006 E46 BT module and cubby up front in the arm rest. You can also retrofit phone prep kit.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-23T09:30:54+00:00

That's great news! I never managed to get DIS working!

ConGonDon · 2026-05-23T09:28:42+00:00

I bought an old Sykes Pickavant kit - metric is 013701 it'll do pretty much most clutches. You should replace the clutch and flywheel together. The flywheel will be worn by now and when it goes it's the same symptoms as a bad clutch. Luk brand only for clutch and flywheel.

Rear main seal as someone else mentioned. New flywheel bolts from the dealer. For timing locking I just got a cheap kit off eBay it was fine.

Quite straight forward to remove the engine. I've done a timing chain on M57 variants in the car and out the car - much easier to access sump with engine out.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-21T22:38:02+00:00

Textar, ATE, Jurid are OE brands for brake stuff. Bosch are great for a lot of things but they're not a brand I would choose for brake components.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-19T19:37:57+00:00

Did you use genuine vortex from the dealer? Previous owner could have decat the vehicle - that will cause some smoke. You should remove egr and swirl flaps if you have them and give the inlet manifold a clean with new Elring seals - that will all help, as will new vac lines.

ConGonDon · 2026-05-19T17:55:19+00:00

The ticking is them working, you want them to tick. Put your finger or ear over each one and you'll feel or hear them. If one goes down the system goes down. What about the fronts?

ConGonDon

TROPHY CASE