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My BMW e61 530d money pit - Detailed 4 year ownership story (everything that broke and all costs)

EastEuroCarguy

6,538 views

In my first video I explore my BMW's history in detail to find out what broke and how much it cost me in 3.5 years of ownership. Is an old BMW really as unreliable as people say?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:33 The car
02:51 Purchase experience
04:22 Running costs
20:40 Results
21:44 Rose-tinted glasses

Music used:
1. Lights Out · Jake Monaco
2. snuck · KAESUL

*NO AI used in the making of this video, you will never see AI slop from this channel! I do this for fun.

14 Comments

@Sawubona2007 2 months ago

Bro that is much more expensive than I thought... Thank you for sharing. From Australia.

@davetaylor5501 9 days ago

Was great to watch your video of ownership and the various problems you may encounter. It hasn't put me off wanting one either, currently have a 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport but no longer need 7 seats so want an E61 530

@MartinJones123 2 months ago

Very good video, and can’t believe you have only 3 subscribers, I see this channel going places 👍

@mattotto9949 1 month ago

This was a really interesting video. When I spend money on my high mileage e90 330d too, I also feel the money pit argument, but all I remind myself is what econo box you get for the same money (after what you invested) and it makes me feel better to drive a car that was built with precision and passion.
The e61 is awesome man!

@FiscalWoofer 1 month ago

Excellent video!! I have one and yes it’s not cheap to run, but you do enjoy driving it!

@ГригорийЛапшин-н1ц 1 month ago

Also wanted to mention that dead alternator on that mileage could be just worn brushes. Costed me €5 to fix mine.

@Double-ZERO 2 months ago

Mate 😂 i cant tell you how much this sounds like my E91 🙏 mines a 2006 pre Lci

@maltiveru 8 days ago (edited)

I bought a 2008 bmw e61 530d in 2019 with 120,000km and till today, that is 7 years later I spent €9,100 in repairs and maintenance. They are very expensive to keep them right and up to date. And still it is not completely sorted out.

@ГригорийЛапшин-н1ц 1 month ago

Have similar experience with e39 530i. It has 400.000 on a clock and failed me multiple times: fuel pump, alternator, battery and not starter. SLS also gave me a lot of headaches. I often think about Car Wizard advice to avoid later BMW and by e34 and e36... But in Portugal I had limited choice.

I also learned a lot and did things myself. I recently changed driveshaft center support bearing on the street!

I think I have abusive relationship with this car. I'll either fix it for good or sell for parts.

@attila3556 1 month ago

I have a B7 A4 i bought it in November 2024 for 3000€ I spent more than 2000€ on it and it's still not in like new condition but now its getting close to it if you buy a 15+ year old car be prepared to spend at least 2000-3000€ on it which I didn't know at the time

@Flaggermusmann 2 months ago

Very good and well presented video, and most of all a beautiful car. I’ve only had a e60 for one year and I’m closing in on your amount spent as well, but I love my e60. Btw, have you considered getting Style 172 for yours? With the M-package it gets a more intimidating look, I bought from Latvian guy here in Norway :)

@neohimself 2 months ago (edited)

Nice story and great video, but please educate yourself on the longevity of EV´s. Edit: Now that I watched your video I feel a lot better about the occasional small expenses of my Passat TDI.