BMW F11 535d, because why not?
Discussion
For more time than I care to remember, I've longed for a big wafty estate. With a growing family and having spent the past several years jobbing around in a K12 Micra and latterly an Ecoboost Focus, the desire was getting stronger. Plus my daily commute is now almost 40 miles of motorway and dual-carriageway, so it makes sense - right? I do have a 3.0 Z4 for nice days, but that's no use with three kids and a dog, plus there's always something wrong with at and although it's fantastic to drive when it's working I'll probably move it on in the spring.
As the search got a little more serious, I started looking at all sorts on Autotrader - Mercs, Audis, Jags - but kept coming back to the Bavarian sort. I am biased after all. This went on for months until I finally saw what I was looking for: a one-owner 535d with low mileage and full BMW history (at Park Lane, no less). I almost talked myself out of it, thinking the economy of the 1-litre Focus was much better for the wallet, but after a bit of a YOLO moment I just had to have the BMW and the deal was done.
So here it is, a 2014 535d M-Sport in Sophisto Grey with Silk Grey interior.
The dealer had the 613 alloys freshly dipped and powder coated and they're shod with Bridgestone Turanza runflats, the ride isn't actually that bad.
Spec wise it's not exactly what I wanted, I would've preferred the pro-nav for the larger screen but it's nothing a new Android unit won't fix. But it does have adaptive suspension, which was a must because I would've probably regretted the standard sport suspension in such a heavy car.
Disappointingly just as I was signing on the line, the dealer announced that it only had one key. However, I have discovered the previous keeper's email address and phone number in iDrive (don't tell the GDPR police) so maybe I can track it down. Failing that, it'll need a new key bought and coded.
I've noticed a little fogging on the inside of one of the headlights, which is common on these cars, so that'll get some attention very soon before it goes and blows the control board.
I need to source some rubber mats for the front because they appear to have gone walkabouts somehow. I thought I'd bagged a bargain from BMW direct on eBay, only to receive a message telling me they'd messed up their stock levels.
The aluminium dash trim could also do with replacing too, it's got a bit of a scuff in it that I'd prefer wasn't there, so I'm scouring eBay for one of those too.
After driving it for a week now, I can't believe I kept the Focus for so long. I can see me keeping this for a long while.
As the search got a little more serious, I started looking at all sorts on Autotrader - Mercs, Audis, Jags - but kept coming back to the Bavarian sort. I am biased after all. This went on for months until I finally saw what I was looking for: a one-owner 535d with low mileage and full BMW history (at Park Lane, no less). I almost talked myself out of it, thinking the economy of the 1-litre Focus was much better for the wallet, but after a bit of a YOLO moment I just had to have the BMW and the deal was done.
So here it is, a 2014 535d M-Sport in Sophisto Grey with Silk Grey interior.
The dealer had the 613 alloys freshly dipped and powder coated and they're shod with Bridgestone Turanza runflats, the ride isn't actually that bad.
Spec wise it's not exactly what I wanted, I would've preferred the pro-nav for the larger screen but it's nothing a new Android unit won't fix. But it does have adaptive suspension, which was a must because I would've probably regretted the standard sport suspension in such a heavy car.
Disappointingly just as I was signing on the line, the dealer announced that it only had one key. However, I have discovered the previous keeper's email address and phone number in iDrive (don't tell the GDPR police) so maybe I can track it down. Failing that, it'll need a new key bought and coded.
I've noticed a little fogging on the inside of one of the headlights, which is common on these cars, so that'll get some attention very soon before it goes and blows the control board.
I need to source some rubber mats for the front because they appear to have gone walkabouts somehow. I thought I'd bagged a bargain from BMW direct on eBay, only to receive a message telling me they'd messed up their stock levels.
The aluminium dash trim could also do with replacing too, it's got a bit of a scuff in it that I'd prefer wasn't there, so I'm scouring eBay for one of those too.
After driving it for a week now, I can't believe I kept the Focus for so long. I can see me keeping this for a long while.
samdy said:
For more time than I care to remember, I've longed for a big wafty estate. With a growing family and having spent the past several years jobbing around in a K12 Micra and latterly an Ecoboost Focus, the desire was getting stronger. Plus my daily commute is now almost 40 miles of motorway and dual-carriageway, so it makes sense - right? I do have a 3.0 Z4 for nice days, but that's no use with three kids and a dog, plus there's always something wrong with at and although it's fantastic to drive when it's working I'll probably move it on in the spring.
As the search got a little more serious, I started looking at all sorts on Autotrader - Mercs, Audis, Jags - but kept coming back to the Bavarian sort. I am biased after all. This went on for months until I finally saw what I was looking for: a one-owner 535d with low mileage and full BMW history (at Park Lane, no less). I almost talked myself out of it, thinking the economy of the 1-litre Focus was much better for the wallet, but after a bit of a YOLO moment I just had to have the BMW and the deal was done.
So here it is, a 2014 535d M-Sport in Sophisto Grey with Silk Grey interior.
The dealer had the 613 alloys freshly dipped and powder coated and they're shod with Bridgestone Turanza runflats, the ride isn't actually that bad.
Spec wise it's not exactly what I wanted, I would've preferred the pro-nav for the larger screen but it's nothing a new Android unit won't fix. But it does have adaptive suspension, which was a must because I would've probably regretted the standard sport suspension in such a heavy car.
Disappointingly just as I was signing on the line, the dealer announced that it only had one key. However, I have discovered the previous keeper's email address and phone number in iDrive (don't tell the GDPR police) so maybe I can track it down. Failing that, it'll need a new key bought and coded.
I've noticed a little fogging on the inside of one of the headlights, which is common on these cars, so that'll get some attention very soon before it goes and blows the control board.
I need to source some rubber mats for the front because they appear to have gone walkabouts somehow. I thought I'd bagged a bargain from BMW direct on eBay, only to receive a message telling me they'd messed up their stock levels.
The aluminium dash trim could also do with replacing too, it's got a bit of a scuff in it that I'd prefer wasn't there, so I'm scouring eBay for one of those too.
After driving it for a week now, I can't believe I kept the Focus for so long. I can see me keeping this for a long while.
That looks superb; that interior is just As the search got a little more serious, I started looking at all sorts on Autotrader - Mercs, Audis, Jags - but kept coming back to the Bavarian sort. I am biased after all. This went on for months until I finally saw what I was looking for: a one-owner 535d with low mileage and full BMW history (at Park Lane, no less). I almost talked myself out of it, thinking the economy of the 1-litre Focus was much better for the wallet, but after a bit of a YOLO moment I just had to have the BMW and the deal was done.
So here it is, a 2014 535d M-Sport in Sophisto Grey with Silk Grey interior.
The dealer had the 613 alloys freshly dipped and powder coated and they're shod with Bridgestone Turanza runflats, the ride isn't actually that bad.
Spec wise it's not exactly what I wanted, I would've preferred the pro-nav for the larger screen but it's nothing a new Android unit won't fix. But it does have adaptive suspension, which was a must because I would've probably regretted the standard sport suspension in such a heavy car.
Disappointingly just as I was signing on the line, the dealer announced that it only had one key. However, I have discovered the previous keeper's email address and phone number in iDrive (don't tell the GDPR police) so maybe I can track it down. Failing that, it'll need a new key bought and coded.
I've noticed a little fogging on the inside of one of the headlights, which is common on these cars, so that'll get some attention very soon before it goes and blows the control board.
I need to source some rubber mats for the front because they appear to have gone walkabouts somehow. I thought I'd bagged a bargain from BMW direct on eBay, only to receive a message telling me they'd messed up their stock levels.
The aluminium dash trim could also do with replacing too, it's got a bit of a scuff in it that I'd prefer wasn't there, so I'm scouring eBay for one of those too.
After driving it for a week now, I can't believe I kept the Focus for so long. I can see me keeping this for a long while.
Re headlights; take the top covers off, get a hair dryer on low and dry them out and then tape some silica bags in with strong tape, that'll; help to keep them dry. Swap the bags out every 2-3 months etc
As for a key; Boyd of Pixel's Fixed is your man (just Google him); he travels all over the UK and he'll soon have a new key cut & coded for you for a lot less than a main dealer
As for mats; they're here via Cotswolds BMW: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113743768784?fits=Car+M...
Use 'festivefun' to get another £5 off
Thanks all. I'll try and keep the thread updated as I go.
And thanks for the tips about the key and mats. I actually bought a rear set, but perhaps I can return them.
danb79 said:
That looks superb; that interior is just
Re headlights; take the top covers off, get a hair dryer on low and dry them out and then tape some silica bags in with strong tape, that'll; help to keep them dry. Swap the bags out every 2-3 months etc
As for a key; Boyd of Pixel's Fixed is your man (just Google him); he travels all over the UK and he'll soon have a new key cut & coded for you for a lot less than a main dealer
As for mats; they're here via Cotswolds BMW: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113743768784?fits=Car+M...
Use 'festivefun' to get another £5 off
I believe the xenon headlights are sealed units, but I've yet to investigate.Re headlights; take the top covers off, get a hair dryer on low and dry them out and then tape some silica bags in with strong tape, that'll; help to keep them dry. Swap the bags out every 2-3 months etc
As for a key; Boyd of Pixel's Fixed is your man (just Google him); he travels all over the UK and he'll soon have a new key cut & coded for you for a lot less than a main dealer
As for mats; they're here via Cotswolds BMW: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113743768784?fits=Car+M...
Use 'festivefun' to get another £5 off
And thanks for the tips about the key and mats. I actually bought a rear set, but perhaps I can return them.
Mr Tidy said:
That must feel so wafty after a Fiesta and I love the contrasting interior colour!
Shame you've been having issues with your Z4 though (I'm on my 3rd Z4). Depending on what they are and where you are you might be able to get some help on z4forum.
Anyway enjoy your 535d.
Typical Z4 woes: leaking door cards, cracked MV2s and alarm issues! I'm slowly working my way through them.Shame you've been having issues with your Z4 though (I'm on my 3rd Z4). Depending on what they are and where you are you might be able to get some help on z4forum.
Anyway enjoy your 535d.
stevemcs said:
Nice, estates are so much better than any form of suv. Keys - the last time I ordered one they were around £160 and no coding needed, the key was cut and set up in the I drive.
Is that direct from BMW? That's better than I expected.samdy said:
Thanks all. I'll try and keep the thread updated as I go.
And thanks for the tips about the key and mats. I actually bought a rear set, but perhaps I can return them.
The caps are where the bulbs are replaced; so it's those you undo and fit the silica bags to.danb79 said:
That looks superb; that interior is just
Re headlights; take the top covers off, get a hair dryer on low and dry them out and then tape some silica bags in with strong tape, that'll; help to keep them dry. Swap the bags out every 2-3 months etc
As for a key; Boyd of Pixel's Fixed is your man (just Google him); he travels all over the UK and he'll soon have a new key cut & coded for you for a lot less than a main dealer
As for mats; they're here via Cotswolds BMW: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113743768784?fits=Car+M...
Use 'festivefun' to get another £5 off
I believe the xenon headlights are sealed units, but I've yet to investigate.Re headlights; take the top covers off, get a hair dryer on low and dry them out and then tape some silica bags in with strong tape, that'll; help to keep them dry. Swap the bags out every 2-3 months etc
As for a key; Boyd of Pixel's Fixed is your man (just Google him); he travels all over the UK and he'll soon have a new key cut & coded for you for a lot less than a main dealer
As for mats; they're here via Cotswolds BMW: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113743768784?fits=Car+M...
Use 'festivefun' to get another £5 off
And thanks for the tips about the key and mats. I actually bought a rear set, but perhaps I can return them.
Mr Tidy said:
That must feel so wafty after a Fiesta and I love the contrasting interior colour!
Shame you've been having issues with your Z4 though (I'm on my 3rd Z4). Depending on what they are and where you are you might be able to get some help on z4forum.
Anyway enjoy your 535d.
Typical Z4 woes: leaking door cards, cracked MV2s and alarm issues! I'm slowly working my way through them.Shame you've been having issues with your Z4 though (I'm on my 3rd Z4). Depending on what they are and where you are you might be able to get some help on z4forum.
Anyway enjoy your 535d.
stevemcs said:
Nice, estates are so much better than any form of suv. Keys - the last time I ordered one they were around £160 and no coding needed, the key was cut and set up in the I drive.
Is that direct from BMW? That's better than I expected.Exactly what I did for my father in laws F10 530D
Oh; and research the fabled yellow grommet
NomadicTurbo said:
Great car OP!
I have a 2014 530d.
As Dan says, watch out for the headlight water ingress, I have the adaptive Xenon's and water blew the circuit in mine, £2300 to be replaced all in.
I had the same on my F11 535d with water ingeress (both lights and footwell).I have a 2014 530d.
As Dan says, watch out for the headlight water ingress, I have the adaptive Xenon's and water blew the circuit in mine, £2300 to be replaced all in.
Footwell sorted with the rubber gromet replacement.
I took the lights out, baked them in the oven to remove the water and resealed (althouygh I could not see any entry point for water). Fine for two days then back to the same issue. I moved the car on, with the fault declared, as it was not cost effective to repair.
However, it was a great car.
Awesome, congrats on the purchase samdy it looks fantastic. Peak 5 series estate styling for me, but then I am biased as I picked up a 2012 535i Touring back in the summer. Love the silk grey leather too, as it really brightens up the interior compared to mine which is black.
The BMW rubber mats linked above were in my car when I picked it up and they are excellent quality.
@danb79 - thanks for the tip about key fobs as my spare one doesn't work. I thought it just needed a battery but no joy.
The BMW rubber mats linked above were in my car when I picked it up and they are excellent quality.
@danb79 - thanks for the tip about key fobs as my spare one doesn't work. I thought it just needed a battery but no joy.
samdy said:
Mr Tidy said:
That must feel so wafty after a Fiesta and I love the contrasting interior colour!
Shame you've been having issues with your Z4 though (I'm on my 3rd Z4). Depending on what they are and where you are you might be able to get some help on z4forum.
Anyway enjoy your 535d.
Typical Z4 woes: leaking door cards, cracked MV2s and alarm issues! I'm slowly working my way through them.Shame you've been having issues with your Z4 though (I'm on my 3rd Z4). Depending on what they are and where you are you might be able to get some help on z4forum.
Anyway enjoy your 535d.
Keep checking those headlights on your 5 Series though!
I got chatting to another BMW owner earlier this year at my BMW Indy whose 13 year old 520d needed a new Xenon headlight for the MOT due to water ingress he hadn't dealt with. He was quoted £1,300 but the Indy found a used one for half that, but he was still in pain given how much the job would cost as a proportion of the value of the car.
It may not be long before a dead Xenon headlamp makes an older BMW uneconomic to repair.
My shed 2005 330i has Xenons!
I have a pre facelift F11 530d that is now in its 4th year with me (a record!) and it’s just a brilliant all rounder that I’ll find hard to replace. Bought as a BMW AU car it needed a new engine a month into my ownership and at 60k miles due to main bearing failure (not unknown on the N57 engine I believe) which I put down to a faulty oil sensor that showed a full oil level on the idrive when in actuality it was below minimum (the car has an old fashioned dipstick so you can check) and if previous owners only relied on the display they would run the oil dangerously low but this is only my guess. Anyway, a new engine and 40k miles later everything is tickety boo!
I now have the headlight misting and have a new OEM item in the boot ready to go on. This cost £680 as a special offer without the electrics which will be swapped from the old light; it’s an adaptive version so is more expensive than the standard item. Replacement is reasonably easy but my local garage will do the job for £150 which is tempting given the time of year!
Very envious of your interior; mine is black with black trim which I find too dark.
Anyway, hope you enjoy the car and have many trouble free miles.
I now have the headlight misting and have a new OEM item in the boot ready to go on. This cost £680 as a special offer without the electrics which will be swapped from the old light; it’s an adaptive version so is more expensive than the standard item. Replacement is reasonably easy but my local garage will do the job for £150 which is tempting given the time of year!
Very envious of your interior; mine is black with black trim which I find too dark.
Anyway, hope you enjoy the car and have many trouble free miles.
Sn1ckers said:
...which I put down to a faulty oil sensor that showed a full oil level on the idrive when in actuality it was below minimum (the car has an old fashioned dipstick so you can check)...
This is interesting, my iDrive shows the oil level is "too high" but it's just on the max on the dipstick. samdy said:
Sn1ckers said:
...which I put down to a faulty oil sensor that showed a full oil level on the idrive when in actuality it was below minimum (the car has an old fashioned dipstick so you can check)...
This is interesting, my iDrive shows the oil level is "too high" but it's just on the max on the dipstick. I had the same issue with my xenons in my 2010 F11 530d. Berkshire Motor Works (highly recommended) drilled a drain hole into the bottom of them and when I sold the car a year and a bit later there was very minimal signs of fogging even on the worst rainy days (I also taped silicon packs inside the access cap for the lights).
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