Cars › BMW › 5 Series › E60 Checklist: E60 BMW 5 Series 2004–2010
What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.
The inspection sheet : mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.
Look for 6
Known problems, and how to check for each.
A failed brake booster All years Feel for a hard, stiff brake pedal. CarGurus Worn control arms and bushings All years Feel for vibration under braking and listen for clunks, and look for uneven tire wear. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial) Early iDrive units that fail 2004–2007 Try every iDrive function, and watch for a blank screen or a unit that restarts itself. A seller's guide (unofficial) Cooling system parts All years Look for coolant leaks, and ask whether the water pump and thermostat have been replaced. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial) Oil use and leaks on the V8s All years Look for blue smoke at start-up and oil around the timing covers. A seller's guide (unofficial) Battery drain and electrical faults All years Ask about battery warnings, and try the locks, lights, windows and climate control. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Services to ask about 1
Scheduled work a seller can show records for. The E60's schedule has 2 more services, on its page. Buying shows which are due at a car's miles and age.
Recalls to ask about 18
Recalls filed for these model years, newest first. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.
Recall 23V707000 2010–2011 The aluminum bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 22V119000 2006–2010 The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers fit a wiring harness with a fuse. This replaces and expands 17V683000 and 19V273000. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 19V273000 2006 The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers replace it. This expands 17V683000. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 17V683000 2007–2011 The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers replace it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 17V428000 2006 The front passenger seat's occupant detection mat can fatigue and crack, so the passenger airbag may not deploy as it should. Dealers repair or replace the mat. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 13V564000 2006–2007 The front passenger seat's occupant detection mat can fatigue and crack, so the passenger airbag may not deploy as it should. Dealers repair the mat. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 13V407000 2008–2010 Resistance at the taillights' contacts can damage the connector, so some rear lights work only intermittently or not at all. Dealers replace the bulb carriers. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 12V126000 2004–2010 The positive battery cable's connector may have been fitted wrongly to the trunk floor, so its bolt can loosen and the connection overheat. Dealers inspect and secure it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 10V446000 2004–2010 A check valve in the brake vacuum pump can leak oil, which over time can contaminate the brake booster. Dealers repair it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 10V331000 2010–2011 The fuel level sensor in the tank can become wedged against the tank. Dealers repair it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 08V384000 2004–2006 Cracks can form in the front passenger seat's sensor mat, switching off the passenger airbags and lighting the warning lamp. Dealers rework the mat, and BMW extends the warranty on it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 07V479000 2006–2008 In freezing, dry weather a static discharge at the fuel rails can upset the engine computer and stall the engine. Dealers fit two ground cables. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 06V277000 2006 The lower rubber mount of the rear shock absorbers may not stick to its housing. Dealers replace the rear shock absorbers. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 06V187000 2006 The nuts holding the front control arm and tension strut to the hub may not have been tightened, and could loosen and damage them. Dealers tighten them to specification. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 05V504000 2005–2006 The automatic gearbox's parking pawl guide plate may have been made wrongly. Dealers replace it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 04V575000 2004 Getting in and out can damage the heating mat in the seatback bolster, which can then get too hot. Dealers modify the seat heating circuit. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 04V344000 2004 The engine management control units were not made to specification. Dealers fit a new unit. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA Recall 04V303000 2004 A retention clip at a quick-release coupling on the fuel supply line may be missing. Dealers fit the clip. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
What buyers avoid 2
What owners and the press say to steer clear of.
The boxes are for you: nothing you tick is sent or kept.
