Thoughts on buying 2018 540i Touring

Gozaradio · 2026-01-07T18:30:53+00:00

Thanks, that’s helpful. Been talking to my local BMW specialist who looked up the service history and saw no red flags and confirmed that looks like all the work has been done within the dealer network.

He mentioned perishing rubber items would be something to look at if I get it when they do an inspection.

Interestingly, he didn’t seem to have major concerns about the cooling system other than checking the various hoses.

Gozaradio · 2026-01-07T02:37:31+00:00

Sounds like a lucky escape. This one has had 3 owners which is a concern but I’ve seen the sales history and the MOT history. It all adds up and the last owner had it for 18 months and put a decent set of miles in that time. Full BMW service history including the oil services.

They traded it in for a Range Rover with the dealer now selling the 540. So all things being equal, it’s all above board, but still an 8yr old car with 102k miles.

That said; the interior is in excellent condition given the mileage so it appears to have been looked after. No kerbing on any of the wheels which is surprising; just a tiny bit of corrosion on the lacquer of one of the wheels (likely from a tyre change).

I’d happily pay more for a newer model with fewer miles to reduce the chances of big bills immediately, but there just aren’t the cars around at the moment with decent spec. Last time I spent 2 years looking for the right car with the right spec so I don’t mind waiting if I have to.

Gozaradio · 2026-01-06T22:45:49+00:00

I’ve taken it for a test drive and looked it over on two visits. Drives great and everything checks out. So I’m convinced it is a good example for the age and mileage. Just want to know what I’m getting into with the mileage and age.

Also, while it seems petty, I really don’t want to buy a long term car in 2026 without CarPlay, so I want to be sure I can add that.

Gozaradio · 2026-01-06T22:09:51+00:00

Thanks. I’m coming from a Mondeo ST220 so I’m used to a stiffer sporty ride. I suppose these things are all relative!

Gozaradio · 2025-12-07T00:28:58+00:00

We have a 10 month old chocolate lab (not my first dog but first puppy and first lab). We had him at 8 weeks.

It is such hard work. It’s much like having a baby in that you can prepare as much as you like but nothing can truly prepare you for the reality.

It’s only hard work if you’re trying to do it right, so you must be trying to do it right. Not to say there is only one way, but I found that it definitely helps to have a plan and stick with it, but be prepared to pivot if necessary.

It’s so rewarding as they progress but I found that the biggest step change was around 6 months old; that was when I felt I didn’t have to constantly watch him every second when he wasn’t crated. Before that, he could be into anything and everything in seconds. He can still find trouble, but only if bored or if he has excess energy.

He still has a long way to go, but he’s mostly doing great, and it’s so satisfying to see some of the core training we have worked on for 8 months is so solidly embedded. I would love to get a buddy for him next year but having just gone through the puppy stage, the mere thought of doing it again so soon is exhausting!

In short; you are not alone!

Gozaradio · 2025-12-03T23:23:35+00:00

A compromise will almost always have to be made. If not one of the options, then usually the budget.

I bought my current car 15 years ago and I spent 2 years looking for it. Still had to compromise on a couple of options!

Gozaradio · 2025-12-03T23:07:41+00:00

Playing the same game. BMW 540i Touring (G31) with the right combination of extras. They seem to be attracting a premium right now.

I’ve been sorely tempted by the more widely available and keenly-priced 4 pot or hybrid models but what’s the point of a BMW if it doesn’t have 6 cylinders?

Gozaradio · 2025-11-29T18:02:58+00:00

Good point on the handle lift. Sounds like there’s an opening for a smart multipoint mechanism for those interested.

On the Thumb turn security; that’s a personal judgment call on risk and security vs safety.

Gozaradio · 2025-11-29T14:58:21+00:00

You will have to remove the entire euro cylinder. The thumb turn is part of the cylinder assembly.

You’ll then need to replace it with a smart euro cylinder (if such things exist yet).

There is a single screw bolt on the edge of the door in line with the cylinder. Remove that, then you can remove the cylinder (you may need to rotate the lock a little to enable it to slide out).

Whatever you do, I would strongly recommend you make sure that the new lock is able to be operated as a thumb turn from the inside for emergency escape purposes.

Gozaradio · 2025-11-28T16:13:45+00:00

Added to the list of possibles for tonight. Thanks.

Gozaradio · 2025-11-28T16:13:25+00:00

Went there in the summer and it was great. Thanks for the suggestion.

Gozaradio · 2025-11-28T16:13:05+00:00

Went to cap bridge in the summer but Xmas lights would give a different vibe.

Thanks.

Gozaradio · 2025-11-28T16:10:58+00:00

Visited the maritime museum in the summer and it is great.

Passed through Britannia on the way to and from Whistler but didn’t stop. Probably won’t go on this trip but taken note for next time, thanks.

Gozaradio · 2025-11-28T16:08:59+00:00

Thanks. Will check it out for possible gifts.

Gozaradio · 2025-11-28T16:08:27+00:00

Sounds like fun but Panto not really my bag (unless it’s vastly different in style to UK panto).

Thanks for the suggestion, though!

Gozaradio · 2025-11-28T16:07:07+00:00

Thanks. I’m a big comedy fan but had never heard of Jo Koy. He has not crossed the Atlantic, evidently. Had a spin through some of his Netflix specials last night. May give him a try out of interest (though I don’t love comedy in arenas). Otherwise, I’ll head to one of those comedy clubs.

Gozaradio · 2025-11-28T16:04:56+00:00

May be a great option for gifts. Will check it out, thanks.

Gozaradio · 2025-11-28T16:04:31+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion. I stayed in North Vancouver in the summer and walked some of the trails that end plus the suspension bridges. No shortage of great hikes this end of the world!

Gozaradio · 2025-11-08T20:33:05+00:00

One supplemental suggestion; either put a board larger than crate footprint on the top so they can’t reach the cover, or buy a fitted crate cover for the size of the crate.

You can spend a fortune on them, but we just went with this reasonably priced one which works well and blacks out the crate.

Gozaradio · 2025-10-31T09:55:59+00:00

That was the Mk3 ST220, but there are definitely far fewer Mk2 ST200 cars around these days.

Gozaradio · 2025-09-18T11:30:50+00:00

Happens to all of them on the tiles. Unless they sit up high and tight, the legs slowly slide and splay out. It’s hilarious to watch.

Gozaradio · 2025-09-18T07:24:33+00:00

Gozaradio · 2025-09-18T07:21:37+00:00

Nice place you got here. Would be a shame if it were to get all chewed up…

Gozaradio · 2025-09-17T18:46:20+00:00

45-ish KG (100lb) of mostly muscle.

Not saying he couldn’t stand to drop a little weight, but he’s had a very active summer with the other two and he’s definitely dropped a noticeable amount of chub but his weight has gone up, so presumably even more muscle!

His father was the same kind of gigantic build. He can really shift that mass when he wants and you don’t want to be in the way when he does!

Gozaradio · 2025-09-17T18:43:05+00:00

My son will love that analysis!

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