E60 BMW 535D SE - Why This Childhood Hero Car Was The First Cool Diesel

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Today on the channel, courtesy of www.heeltoecar... - a BMW 535D, my childhood dream car - and in this case one with a superb specification. What made it so great? Let's find out!
#BMW #535D #Diesel
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[@9wowable]

I have been after one of these for about 2 years. So hard not to find one that hasn’t been ruined or messed about with by someone with little respect for subtlety. 535D estate is a forever want for me.

[@Snowlads]

It is such a shame I can’t find one on eBay that hasn’t been messed with positively always got black BMW badges and have probably been driven harder than a police car such a shame to see good cars wasted

[@GoldenCroc]

The curse of "too low" prices. It attracts the wrong crowd.

[@husk1c]

where are you from?

[@Snowlads]

@@husk1c the uk

[@husk1c]

@@Snowlads why are you looking on ebay for one, have you tried pistonheads or something else?

[@jbisham8986]

You have to give credit to Bangle . The 5 series has aged so well . Still looks pretty current to my eyes

[@karlwollan9769]

No it hasn't. Still looks awful. Good car though.

[@pradhyudh]

It's ugly,tries too hard.

[@lelmaahn5131]

Sedan is ugly, however the touring looks really good with M-Tech

[@Miki2305.]

Don't mind the idiots in the replies, this thing looks soo good to this day.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@Miki2305. Yep, was good when it debuted, still good. Sleek and aerodynamic look. With M sport the nose is just about unbeatable for a large car if you like more subtle and aerodynamic sporty styling instead of the very agressive one thats so common these days.

[@richyclubsport5155]

My personal 535D on a 57 plate has just turned 300k, bought it with 120K 3 years old from car auction, ex company car, in my 180K the only non service item replaced was the sunroof motor, regular services, oil and fuel filter replaced every 5k been an absolutley brilliant car, got as much as 55mpg on long runs, overhaul around 38mpg, still looks sharp, paintwork is still amazingly gooI'll keep running it until eventually something gives in, if you can find a good one, I'd highly recommend buying one.

[@denisohbrien]

my e60 530d has also just rolled over 300k , and after 10 years of reliable service im now on a mission to keep her clean and running as long as i can. unfortunately with the rollout of LEZ in edinburgh and glasgow her days may be numbered :(

[@HairpinMagazine]

A few months ago I was filming a comparison between e24 635i and e63 635d. I loved the e24, but was very pleasantly surprised with 3.0 twin turbo diesel in e63. Plenty (but not too much) of power and torque, decent mpg. As awesome as diesel engine can be.

[@HorseMeal]

Can never have too much power and torque

[@anidiotinaracingcar]

To me, the first *cool* diesel (in a sedan and doing the same job as your 535d) was the Alpina D10

[@jamessheehy4895]

These cars always drove on rails absolutely lovely! My late father had a 520d was underpowered but still felt executive almost two decades later! He left it to me when he passed but i sold it because of memories and golf mk5 i still have being cheaper to run and repair ❤

[@jamesonslow]

Thanks for signing my engine cover yesterday, James. Now a treasured keepsake. Apologies for descending on you like a crazed groupie, but I wasn't expecting to bump into you. Keep up the excellent videos. All the best!

[@u187146]

I had the F11 model 535d touring which had 313bhp and was the ultimate Q car. Very little could stay with it on an A road or motorway, the acceleration from any speed was phenomenal for a tourer. I rarely got less than 39 mpg, usually into the 40s. ULEZ has rendered these amazing cars unaffordable, so thank you Mr Khan....

[@Driv3n89]

F11 535d facelift is euro 6

[@thepodbaydoorshal]

They're more affordable than ever now, thanks to Mr Khan (actually Boris' idea). Problem is they're now less useable than ever. Or just buy one and avoid London.

[@realmusicreallife]

My x5 40d is a early 40d engine and its not euro 6. It just missed out. But its amazing i love it

[@Taylor40667]

Unusable* Not unaffordable

[@pistonburner6448]

"Very little could stay with it on an A road or motorway" Stop talking nonsense. It's a great car and the engine is great, but that statement is just ridiculous and childish.

[@ZKhweziN]

X5 M50d owner... That engine and it's performance are PHENOMENAL!!!

[@scottp6761]

Jealous man. None in the states

[@biddyboy1570]

I did 100k in a 335d. Brilliant engine. Loved every minute. I'm now in a B58 powered car.

[@marcelhartmans]

@@biddyboy1570 Wich one do you “like” most? I have a 635D and also looking that way a bit…

[@biddyboy1570]

@@marcelhartmans the B58 car is much better. It's not a fair comparison as the 335d was great when it came out. Things moved on and the M lite will return the same MPG as the diesel but has the option to switch to much better performance in sport mode.

[@davinajodhasingh]

Thank you James for doing a video on the E60. This is quite a unique specification as you said. I remember i was 12 when i first saw an E60 and it was M-sport and i loved it. My dad would later have a 530i msport which was a company car and the first BMW i drove. Later in life, i bought a 550i and two years later traded it for a newer and less problematic 535i, which i still have. It was only as i got older that i learned how divided people were on the styling. Ive always liked it and i think it has aged well when comparing styling to everything else today. With care and updating the iDrive, the E60 doesnt feel, drive or look outdated. I plan on keeping mine forever and in the family. I occasionally check the classifieds to look for any low mileage and/or unique spec'd E60s.

[@RajAjimal]

I have this very car. Absolutely stunned to find it on KZbin! I've overhauled a lot of the mechanics now and given it some serious maintenance with OEM parts. It runs a treat ☺️ She now has CIC and a SAT shifter too! Having active steering and dynamic drive, specifically on an LCI, is incredibly hard to come by.

[@eddy45686]

That will Last you a while. Great engine m57

[@markscars1069]

OY57 VUN was mine for the first two years of its life. Tickled by DMS to 320hp and 500lb/ft it was magnificent. We sliced across Europe in it during March 2008 and it returned 45mpg everywhere. Mine had the later headrest design and other bits n bobs. Only changed it for an M5. My late father always claimed it was faster away from roundabouts than my 550 Maranello. Oddly enough, HE didn’t get 45mpg out of it…

[@eddy45686]

Should’ve kept it mate. Seems it’s been looked after even now

[@The-Sea-Dragon-1977]

I had 2 F10 530d back to back when new. Best was Andorra to Somerset in 11 hours. 811 miles at an AVERAGE speed of 72mph and still returning 37mpg. Phenomenal cars.

[@Harry-cv7ue]

I absolutely loved my E92 335d, had all the emission deletes, with just those got a dyno tune for 380bhp and nearly 800Nm, sold last month and got a GR Yaris. The Yaris is endless fun, but I do miss the amount of torque that can rip your face off, if anyone is wondering if a 335d or 535d is worth getting, M57 only! Yea do it, you’ll have more fun in that than anything else, and also get crazy good mpg!

[@odyssey814]

You should've kept it

[@simonwright6163]

Nice, is stage 2 worth the expense over stage 1? Considering it for my 535d LCI.

[@mironsamoborec943]

I have a 535d(2007 stage 1+ around 340 hp) currently sitting at 418xxx km. I get really good mpg and pulls like a truck. Yesterday i was racing with a newer bmw 6 series probably a tuned 630d od 640d(he was smoking like a locomotive) and he couldn't shake me off. I love it

[@A.A1995]

The twinturbo sounds especially good when straight piped. Usually they can be found heavily modded, remapped and with gearbox problems due to people driving them the wrong way. Sometimes you see one in original condition but always with high milage. These have been on the highway a lot. They are not worth buying here unfortunately. In the Netherlands, we pay 2500 euros (2100GBP) a year to just have one sitting on the driveway. Still have my 330d with M57N. It can go a long way if you respect the nature of a turbocharged diesel.. it needs to be at temperature before you give it the beans. Cold starts sound loud and industrial but at 90C, the engine idles very quiet and runs super smooth like a 6 cilinder should. They are getting rare and that is the main reason I still drive M57

[@Danny1282]

Hi there I had a m57 e93 325d and sold it at 170k then treated myself to a 635d 78k on clock paid high but is a totally original car, just had the diff and gearbox done so hoping for a few trouble free years out of it with oil changes at mot time not based on service indicator, Shame there not ulez compliant

[@antongruszecki3069]

Love a 535D! Ended up buying a car off Chris after watching one of your reviews and then checking out what he had available a few month back. Highly recommend him if you fancy treating yourself 👍

[@Gorbyrev]

Brilliant and notorious Pistonheads comment royalty the 535D though perhaps the first cool diesels were Peugeots, the 205 D-Turbo and the 306 D-Turbo. Come to think of it the Citroen ZX Volcane TD was also really cool.

[@ChrisSmith-mu1we]

Had a Dark green 3 door volcane up to about 140k. Lots of fun for a diesel at the time.

[@Suprahampton]

I had a 306 D Turbo, loved that car

[@DontPanicDear]

He’s the Volcane TD was a cool car. I went petrol though, as that engine was even more tempting to me! The Citroen BX19 TRD was the first desirable diesel car from the PSA stable. Even nicer to drive, with that ride! Steering and braking were also memorable.

[@YounesLayachi]

Always get a kick whenever I spot a 35d or the later 40d and M50d. Didn't understand why BMW put 3 turbos on a 3 L instead of using a V8 but now I do

[@pentagrammotorsport]

We had the E60 530d SE and it was an absolutely superb machine. Supremely comfortable and incredibly competent on the motorway. Surprisingly agile on the back roads and oh so practical.

[@dodoebk4711]

A5 3.0 TDI V6 is also really cool best sounding diesel with a proper exhaust

[@mc4130]

Absolutely nostalgic (even though we’re not talking a long time!). I had an e61 535d and it was mind blowing. I moved onto an f11 535d (after toying with an M5 Touring, but actually, real world vs maintenance costs, I went with the d). Miss my E61. Everyone was surprised just how quick, refined and undiesel like it was. Going from cruise to maximum attack, it didn’t even change gear, just kicked you in the kidneys and asked you to hang on. More mental than any car I’ve owned since for a pure masterclass in torque. Miss it.

[@grahamhassall3408]

I had a 520D Msport a real sheep in wolfs clothing! I then bought an 535D Msport 2016 euro 6 which I have had for 6 years and no longer really need but I can't sell it as it is just superb especially when you press the go pedal (and my other car which I have now moved on was a 911 so I like to think I know what a quick car is)

[@mc4130]

Love the fact that those that know, know. (I.e the exhaust pipes)

[@scottp6761]

Well said. Yep

[@siraff4461]

I was never put off by diesels and I remember a time in the late 90's when things like a 306 with the XUDT was almost worthless. A twist of a screw on the pump and it was a pretty good hot hatch - far outperforming a lot of the petrol offerings from the time. The same went for a few of the earlier td's.

[@michaelyounes29]

Fuel pump?

[@Rookiereece]

yes fuel pump@@michaelyounes29

[@siraff4461]

@@michaelyounes29 Yes. On the 306 the early ones had an anti-tamper cover made of tin then it was a simple matter of how much smoke/power do you want. The later ones require taking an inspection screw/cover out and adjusting the metering screw behind it. The Vauxhall/Isuzu 1.7td was similar to the early 306 layout and again you could take it from a wheezing, gutless wonder to something reasonably quick. Well for its day anyway. Remember this is when most warm/hot hatches didn't make much more than 100hp anyway so a 306 chucking out 120-130hp worth of turbo torque was right in the mix. With a bigger intercooler, turbo and a drill out of the main fuel regulator you could go to 150+hp but then the gearboxes started eating themselves with much hard use. For context the Golf GTi 8v which was common back then was rated at 113hp, the 205 1.6 was 104hp, the Astra GTE 8v 118hp and so on - all with much, much less torque. We could say its not fair to compare n/a to turbo but there weren't many turbo cars about back then - notably the R5GTT was 120hp but other turbo cars tended to be much larger and more expensive. A turned up 306 could still do 50+ mpg driven sensibly and was a good run for anything short of 16v stuff.

[@michaelyounes29]

@siraff4461 That's amazing information. Thanks for taking the time to write that. I would have never known. I remember my mate has a 205 1.7 diesel I bet that would have been tunable using your method!

[@gaffnaldo1]

​@@siraff4461great write up, I understood it all. Sadly, the golden era is gone

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

The e60 is such a weird platform it’s leaps and bounds ahead of the e39 in technology terms but in materials quality terms it’s way behind

[@GoldenCroc]

High spec Facelift ones arent too bad, but the early ones were shocking coming from an E39, yes. They were on a cost saving mission.

[@benwinfrey]

About 10 years ago, I had a 530D saloon from this era, it was loaded with extras, it was also an SE. God I loved that car, wish I still had it. Nearly 40mpg without trying, and madly quick for an exec express. Quiet, refined, classy, big boot, great stereo. Life was good.

[@ozhoneybadger]

And now what you got

[@GaryP747]

2013 535d M sport for just over 12 months and 30,000km/year I could not be happier with it! ✌👍

[@Shockz_BE]

Mine recently broke down after years of loyal service. Drove it myself from 98.000 km's to 249,000 km's and aside from 1 turbo and a electric window malfunction not much maintenance costs. (except your usual oil changes and maintenance), and for some reason just alot of cheap light bulbs. Hard to find a good one that's "(lower)'' mileage and not messed around to much with. My Fuel pump obliterated and metal shavings were found everywhere so the costs of repair was to high then what it's worth. It's probally running again in an Balkan country now haha. I had 2 of them a sedan (blue) and one touring (black) (1 crashed) but they aged like fine wine specially with M-Pack.

[@duffydon1741]

This car will easily do 500 000km easily

[@Shockz_BE]

@@duffydon1741 I know, but i had bad luck.

[@joshuameier8049]

My dad had one of These around ten to fifteen years ago. The way it covered Miles on the Autobahn was just special. Thats a proper (Diesel-)granturismo

[@grahaml7687]

Have one exactly like this but ditched run flats.7 years and still great!

[@xxtriplex95]

Love your videos, no brand favorism, simple edits, streight to the point and real. Good job🎉

[@Spenny909]

And about the car, the ownership, and the driving experience.

[@qiqeh]

Owned a E60 530d long time ago. Since then I adore the BMW 3000cc diesel engines. Bought an E70 afterwards, an F32 and my current F01.

[@paulallwood6033]

My dad had a 530d of this generation 5 series. He got it remapped, my god, that thing could go some after that!!!

[@maclauk]

After 11 years with it I'm just about to sell my 2006 E91 335D. It has the same drivetrain and infotainment. You're spot on about the effortless nature of the performance. The fuel economy is better than you achieved in normal use, good on motorways but drops dramatically when you play with it. I'll be sorry to see it go; if I had a car barn if keep it.

[@ashmeada]

You can see how far diesel engines have come, my M340d saloon did 62.1mpg on a trip to London recently from South Wales, mental given the performance on offer from this model!

[@leejeongtaek]

My 09’ 535 d is still one of my favorites (among 50 rides) truly all arounder and looks even prettier in these days, lol

[@mrgee007]

I still have my 2007 E60 535D though the sport version. Bought it from BMW when it was 4 years old and I still love it 11 year on with 120,000 now on the clock. Have had a stage 1 map which pushed the 286BHP to 350BHP and 680NM with EGR and CAT's all in place, and everyone that goes in it is surprised how quick the old girl still is. All I do is change the oil every 6000 miles and run it on super diesel, but with the new ULEZ that came out a few days ago 3 miles from where I live, I don't know what the future holds with love affair of the 535D?

[@joeseeking3572]

slightly off topic, but I have a very loaded 2010 535x M Sport 6 speed with everything on this list and possibly some extra bits and bobs. 130k miles, and I've refused to trade it several times. It just keeps making me smile - I am connected in this machine in the way that successive generations just don't do. Granted, it's a 6 (I've had and have a V8), but just love rowing through the gears - the car wants revs - max power at 5800 rpm. Yet torque for flexibilty even at slow speeds. Interior materials have held up remarkably well, as have the electronics with the exception of a head unit packing it in around 90k (replaced). The L7 sound was then and is now fantastic. Yes, it needed coils - probably could have gotten that under a recall I'd missed - and I had to do the walnut shell blasting once. Still looks good with a wash. People seem not to like this gen (perhaps the early models were less friendly), but I love it.

[@atripsix8469]

Picked up my 530D E61 around 2 weeks ago for the grand price of £795. Runs and drives beautifully but needs some cosmetic touch ups and a wheel speed sensor but in the process of giving it a full service as something tells me it’s been a tad neglected over the 140k miles it’s been driven 😅

[@iamthatguy8207]

Had an E61 lci with a stage 1 map and it was marvelous. Great machines.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

'Had'... now have something better?

[@James-ld2jc]

Very nice car and a good review. Strange how the wheels look absolutely tiny now...

[@usandutz]

A Carbon Black E60 535D with the M spec and Style 172 19'' wheels was my very first BMW. Adored that car.

[@Thanos.m]

You just reminded me of a childhood memory some family friends had an e60 535 and one time they took me on a 80 mile journey I distinctly remember I was leaning forward speaking with the passager at front seat and the driver decided to overtake at that moment I was shoved back in my seat it felt so unbelievably fast back then

[@lbnewell23]

Surprised to see you at shedfest yesterday jay and I must say your Maserati is a beautiful spec in wonderful condition

[@fabianhenrich4697]

Diesel is a great technology and far far better than any electric crap and you will not convince me otherwise. My mothers Passat does 1350 km in one tank of fuel. Diesel also easily made if you dont want to pump oil out of the ground.

[@dalerollinson]

I felt the enthusiasm for diesel performance cars started via Top Gear with the E43 330i vs. 330D battle

[@longtailgt]

Tbh, Top Gear during the earlier seasons (I'd say upto 2009-ish) reviewed and praised many diesel cars. Remember Clarkson's diesel Jag XJ in the Switzerland to Blackpool one tank of diesel race?

[@kixkal]

Just went to watch a 535d estate with double panoramic, ventilated and heated seats, dynamic steering, led lights all around... It had the black carbon like trim that looks almost better than the wood, imo Absolutely machine. Incredible pull, great presence and spacious. Can't believe I walked away😂. After watching the video, I'm tempted to go back and buy

[@Traumahawk007]

Have 2008 E64 635d just been the most perfect car and still admired by many

[@eagle_and_the_dragon]

I bought an A5 with the 3.0 TDI. On decent roads I'll get low-mid 40s mpg-wise. Motorway and Dual Carriageways' tend to hover at 55mpg. On a recent holiday from Mid Wales to Farnborough, I achieved 47mpg. Combine that with a 64L tank, and you can get some properly-good miles out of the thing.

[@mudemmeonick]

No one cares about your overpriced VW parts bin claptrap.

[@yetzbiker4995]

the 535d fuel economy is great on highway but when you start going around town with it, it starts getting alcoholic. but for the power and the comfort its really good. managed to do 6.2l/100km on a 1100 km trip and i enjoyed every kilometer of it. so i think that the consumption aint that much of a problem if you do lots of highway

[@jamessheehy4895]

Hey james I believe i may have mentioned before having access to a E34 B10 Alipina unfortunately non turbo and auto and with a horribly loud exhaust i’ll be in touch, also a 812bhp bmw x5m comp in perfect spec stock look and a 7.5 gtd golf i love to bits ❤

[@weeevilswine]

This makes me really happy to see you finally get a 535d on, love mine to bits

[@weeevilswine]

Also 5.5k for a car with that spec is brilliant

[@afrousel4731]

E46 330d was without a doubt the first cool diesel we didn't have to wait until the E60 to use that label... 🤦‍♂

[@JJVernig]

Was that the car where Jenson Button was caught doing >240 kph on the French Autoroute? That was the first cool diesel IMHO.

[@afrousel4731]

@@JJVernig It was indeed. I own one (6-speed manual, 204 hp, Touring) it is glorious.

[@BmwCCCrepairsUK]

Timeless design. And the m57 engines are bulletproof 👍💪

[@chickenpie9698]

Got to drive one of these a few months ago and what a car it was for a first automatic to drive!

[@Izrealeu]

Back in 1992 I bought my first regular car, a 1990 Mercedes 190D 2.5 Turbo. That was at the time a pretty cool Diesel... And actually imho still is. :)

[@pistonburner6448]

Are you kidding? No, it was not cool at all...

[@Izrealeu]

@@pistonburner6448 That's ok, I never was really that cool...

[@sheeshman9713]

@@Izrealeu as a 22 year old college student, I think that is a pretty cool car you bought back then. As time goes on I think cars like that become even cooler. A Mercedes 190D 2.5? sign me up!

[@Izrealeu]

@@sheeshman9713 That was my first regular daily when I got my license at 18, my first car I bought when I was 14, a 1959 Pontiac. Modern cars have less character I believe, but... opinions... everyone got one ;) Cheers

[@sheeshman9713]

@@Izrealeu I wholeheartedly agree. I don't know much about Pontiacs but any car from that era is a classic in my eyes. I bought my first car last year. It's a 1996 Mercedes E280. Just couldn't bring myself to buy some boring modern hatchback :)

[@mawaboutcars671]

This video came at literally the perfect time. I'm going to view a 535d LCI Touring tomorrow afternoon!

[@bengenovese6591]

I’m 27. Feel so old watching this thinking about watching the famous Top Gear 535 vs 535d drag race as a kid when these were new

[@trut52]

Many people say it's a bad design but just look at its direct competitors from that age. So much fresher and nicer, well rounded and more premium feeling than any other german brand at the time.

[@AnnatarTheMaia]

Diesel clatter is music to my ears.

[@polaris6933]

It's worth noting that the active/dynamic/whatever-it's-called steering thing is notorious for its failure rate and how expensive it is to fix. It's definitely worth considering if you're looking to buy a car that has it. Something I learned from another of Jay's videos, by the way.

[@ianmowbray3284]

I have a 2017 x3 35d stag1 330bhp 700nm 0-60 in 5 sec and I get 30mpg out of it. great fast suv.

[@546268]

I had an 02 530d and it was awesome. I drove it all over Europe and at 100mph it would still do 40mpg, at 80 it would do nearer 50.

[@fachzentrumkfo]

Mine is gone since 2015, was a 08 Facelift and dare I say... even though i owned many BMWs afterwards... it was my best Beemer. Awesome Design which still looks comtemporary. My sister totaled it but it saved her.

[@brenglover72]

I looked at one of these but plumped for the 4.4 V8. It lacks the low down stump of the diesel but has a nice sound and you dont get clouds of black smoke when you boot it.

[@steverobinson7650]

I have a 530d manual saloon in pre-lci msport flavour. Great car for the money but go in with your eyes open because although they don’t go wrong all that often, it can be a bit eye watering when they do. The auto boxes can and do fail, resulting in a four figure bill. Mine as a manual needed clutch and flywheel - not cheap. The worst was the 6 new injectors it needed. Another four figure bill. It did improve the mpg by about 5 miles though. But, when it’s working, still a joy to commute distance in, handles really well, and mine, even with a single turbo goes like a stabbed rat. Oh, and still rides really well, even with msport suspension and 19” wheels. Possibly something to do with the wheelbase as previous 1 and 3-series cars I’ve owned were not nearly as good, the 1 being particularly uncomfortable on the county roads where I live.

[@paulparker8298]

Never seen such an immaculate interior with that light scheme! Looks brand new

[@earlofsmeg]

I remember Clarkson raved on and on how he hates the looks of it, but I actually like the looks of it.

[@Sentymentkok]

It looks as sexy as jayemm

[@earlofsmeg]

@@Sentymentkok 😆

[@richardpeters4086]

I love this era of reviews.

[@mre7862]

I sold my 2014 F11 535D in March and although I don’t miss the myriad of problems it gave, I do miss the torque of the thing. From standstill or a slow roll it was absolutely ballistic and could shame some supposedly much sportier and prestige vehicles.

[@brianiswrong]

Judging by the headrests it also has the million way adjustable comfort seats. Just about the most comfortable car seat I have ever sat in

[@geraint8989]

The E39 5-Series (particularly with Sport/M5 styling) was stunning - E60 was the beginning of the end for BMW design. The next 15 years of all BMW models could have passed for Toyotas with badges and kidney grilles removed.

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

A lovely review that avoided teary eyed nostalgia.

[@deano24v]

Bloody love my 535d. Currently on my third of the F11 vintage.

[@adriaanserrao2016]

I desperately want one. The E60 is still my dream car. And the m57 535d is my favourite but we didn't get it in south Africa only the 530d but i have promised myself a facelift 530d will be my next car.

[@KujezZi]

To remove most of the sunroof noise, one should replace the seal on it. It will do wonders for the noise and you can drive with the cover open again.

[@andrewdubose9968]

I used to have an E90 335d. Absolutely loved it. Too bad we’ll never get a car like that in the US again. 😢

[@wiua9811]

Recently bought a 2009 530d Business edition... Now I get to look at an E60 every day :D

[@caleidoo]

A 525tds already did this to a lesser extend - that in line 6 sound was like no other diesel. Sure it had turbo lag and mileage was never good. But it was sporty for a diesel, even the sound was. And those who bought the 143hp engine mounted in a 3-series, got even more fun. You could even drift it.

[@seasidegalaxystreet]

The first car I bought was a BMW 5 series E60 535D Msport LCI and I had no license. I just jumped straight in!

[@kamilianos]

The black fuel :) I guess this description comes from the black label on the fuel pump itself, nothing to do with its lovely bright color ! Slippery it is , and not as flammable as petrol (ex petrol station worker here). Diesels were my choice at some point, even the 320D F30 made more sense and appeal to me than petrol equivalent 320 or 420i, purely based on experience with fuel consumption and torque. I had them both regularly as rentals (brand new ) , so I did not have to think about reliability, residuals or anything else ! My heart and foot simply said '' DIESEL'' . At the time, it felt that anything below 250 BHP or less than 8 cylinders was better in diesel format. Rewind a few years forward and diesel is the Satan, polluter, unreliable heap of joke and something the world wants to erase from the face of the earth. AGENDAS AGENDAS. The diesel was killed with DPF and government agendas. The biggest downside for me was the time it took to warm up and pump the heat into the cabin. The Sound did not matter to me. I drive a petrol hybrid today but I am inches away from switching to 6 cylinder diesel BMW . They are a bargain thanks to the AGENDAS.

[@steadfastandyx4947]

I had a 5 m sport touring 530d. 57 reg. I'm sure I'll never have a better car.

[@ryu411]

E60 supremacy!!!! I’m not biased or anything!!

[@harryspeakup8452]

It was a massively impressive car when it came out, but a long time before the Germans did cool diesels the French did. Even as someone who's owned a slew of BMWs, in terms of coolness I'm always going to see of this as a late-comer tryhard compared to the 20 years earlier 1982 Citroen CX 2.5 turbo-diesel. They were IMMENSELY cool.

[@flyingbeep]

Yay! I was hoping you were in the works of making a video on the 535d after the last one!

[@KaylemXx]

I’ve just literally the other day bought a LCI E61 535d SE Touring in the same colour, with the same wheels.

[@alexpaleolgos]

Great video Jay! I had the pleasure of buying a car from Chris and he is a Gent! The stock he has is amazing and super well priced !

[@user-ro2nq7gp9l]

Nice, please do the e90 320d next. Those were good sellers, drove well and had decent performance for the time.

[@wolves1247]

My dad had one - it was awesome

[@kamilkierski7971]

I have an e60 530d lci and on motorway you get around 52mpg town 34mpg 6 speed manual. Very impressive for a heavy car with so many Nm of torque

[@ricequackers]

I have a G31 530d, the interior of the E60 feels so immediately familiar to me! My car just feels like an improved version of the 5s that came before it.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

6:52 I must say I think the non-M Sport looks nicer.

[@tonybhogal8112]

I hated this shape 5 when it first came out, but as others have said, it's aged so well

[@laelsroom]

It was great meeting you at ShedFest on Monday!

[@Azurael]

I had an E60 525d auto without any of the extra gubbins and it had the nicest steering of any car I've owned. I could get just about 40MPG out of it on my boring 40 mile work commute but it was slow, I found the 6HP unbearable in day-to-day use and it was suffering from death by a thousand cuts by being a functional car but having way too many minor issues to be worth fixing I now have an F11 535d and the gearbox, outstanding practicality, much better interior and 45+ MPG when driven sensibly more than offset the loss of feel from the rack in a practical daily driver. The entertainment in all older BMWs is easily fixed with a £2-300 Chinese Android replacement for the in-dash screen (which can still show the original CCC/CIC interface if needed.)

[@anidiotinaracingcar]

It's missing the night vision and ACC to impress your secretary

[@bombardier6033]

The E60 is such a gorgeous car. This spec in particular is very nice since it's not like a lot of 535d's you see around, with the M sport kit and big wheels.

[@samcourt6228]

That fuel economy is poor; my remapped E92 335i isn’t much worse. The CCC screen can be upgraded with a screen from Andream for about £250 which will hive you CarPlay and Andream Auto plus touchscreen functionality should you want it. You can still dive into the OE system if needed.

[@lennyvalentinoSchiaretti_lvs]

The first cool diesel was way back the Bmw E36 325tds with 143 hp. I still remember what a surprise was, back in 1995, to read those numbers in a diesel! This list could also include the Golf IV TDi (with the red "i")...and going back the Mercedes W124 300TD and the Volvo 760 td...all of them in different times were the fastest or the most powerful Diesel in the market.

[@christohees9150]

Still got my 530d e60 amazing car