Looking at buying a 2006 Alpina B5
Currently it is on 97500 miles and still under BMW warranty 'til 100k
As I understand it is not transferable should I purchase the car so I would need a cast iron warranty to go with said purchase.
Any suggestions?
Also approaching 100k miles what is likely to go wrong with the car in the way of springs/dampers/bushes/brakes etc?
As I understand you cannot run an B5 on a shoestring but I do want to know what is likely to go wrong and when?
The supercharger was changed to the newer unit and the correct filters and oils have been used.
What about the gearbox Does it need a 100k rebuild like the one in my E46 B3 did?
Any issues with the 4.4 V8 with timing chain guides etc like the previous E39 4.6 V8?
Anything else to look out for ?
Should the purchase go ahead it would have to mean finding new homes for #108 and #540
Potential B5 purchase
Potential B5 purchase
B3 3.3 Coupe #090
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
What mileage was the new charger fitted? The newer design is better but still wears out in the end!
The gearbox shouldn’t need a rebuild but new fluid and filter should be done if not been done already.
The only warranty I would recommend personally is the BMW Mondial used car warranty. If you register it before 100000 miles you get a lot more covered (named component level). I believe if you pay by direct debit the price won’t change either as the years go by. Not sure if the cover level drops according to mileage though. I think you may stay in the cover level you start on but not 100% sure on this, others may clarify that for you.
Do all the usual checks when buying a used car like checking for oil leaks, all electrics working as normal, brake component useage, bodywork etc. And you should get a great car with an awesome engine.
The gearbox shouldn’t need a rebuild but new fluid and filter should be done if not been done already.
The only warranty I would recommend personally is the BMW Mondial used car warranty. If you register it before 100000 miles you get a lot more covered (named component level). I believe if you pay by direct debit the price won’t change either as the years go by. Not sure if the cover level drops according to mileage though. I think you may stay in the cover level you start on but not 100% sure on this, others may clarify that for you.
Do all the usual checks when buying a used car like checking for oil leaks, all electrics working as normal, brake component useage, bodywork etc. And you should get a great car with an awesome engine.
Range Rover SDV8.
E64 B6s #100 Cabriolet (Now Sold)
Maserati Gransport
E64 B6s #100 Cabriolet (Now Sold)
Maserati Gransport
Get the B5. You'll love it.
Agree with Phils post. But would like to add:
-flush the box but only use ZF Lifeguard 6 fluid
-brakes all round somewhere round 110-120k £2k probably plugs too
-definitely take a warranty this side of 100k
-sterling grey one by any chance?
Loads to go wrong on an E60 plus every goddamn thing needs coding or registering to the car....sometimes BOTH. My.advice would be to check the maintenance parts (brakes, tyres) and the engine bay, gearbox and diff throughly for oil leaks. You can't really predict what E60.issues you might get it. Idrive, parking sensors, alternator, battery drain
Get it right, however, and you've got a magnificent car.
Agree with Phils post. But would like to add:
-flush the box but only use ZF Lifeguard 6 fluid
-brakes all round somewhere round 110-120k £2k probably plugs too
-definitely take a warranty this side of 100k
-sterling grey one by any chance?
Loads to go wrong on an E60 plus every goddamn thing needs coding or registering to the car....sometimes BOTH. My.advice would be to check the maintenance parts (brakes, tyres) and the engine bay, gearbox and diff throughly for oil leaks. You can't really predict what E60.issues you might get it. Idrive, parking sensors, alternator, battery drain
Get it right, however, and you've got a magnificent car.
'Charger got replaced at 40k miles and on 97k now so 60k on the blower
Alpina recommends replacement every 100km or 60k miles.
Do the replacement ones go pop too?
Had new tyres all round Discs and pads all round are fine
CCC unit failed so whole idrive computer thingy replaced under warranty. They blamed the battery so it was replaced too.
It is a very loved and cherished example.
If the warranty will transfer to me as the vendor suggests then I'm pretty sure I'll buy it
From BMW AUC site
No cash alternative or refund is available if you do not wish to receive or wish to cancel this warranty. You may transfer any unexpired period of warranty to another private owner but not to a buyer engaged in the business of purchasing, selling or servicing of vehicles.
Alpina recommends replacement every 100km or 60k miles.
Do the replacement ones go pop too?
Had new tyres all round Discs and pads all round are fine
CCC unit failed so whole idrive computer thingy replaced under warranty. They blamed the battery so it was replaced too.
It is a very loved and cherished example.
If the warranty will transfer to me as the vendor suggests then I'm pretty sure I'll buy it
From BMW AUC site
No cash alternative or refund is available if you do not wish to receive or wish to cancel this warranty. You may transfer any unexpired period of warranty to another private owner but not to a buyer engaged in the business of purchasing, selling or servicing of vehicles.
Last edited by ali on Thu Apr 05, 2018 11:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
B3 3.3 Coupe #090
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
With reference to the charger. Some last way longer than 60k miles some have done over 100k miles whilst others fail earlier. Nothing mechanical lasts forever though. There is no surefire way of knowing what yours will be like.
Just check there is no oil in the outlet side of the intercooler (there is a drain plug fitted) and hope the previous owner was sympathetic to how the engine was used I.e not revved hard until properly upto temperature.
Using the correct oil filter and having regular and timely oil changes is the best insurance to longevity imho.
It is easy to become consumed with the charger issue but in reality you are only likely to see the issue once in all probability if at all and if you have the warranty make sure the charger is covered then you can relax about it abit more.
Just check there is no oil in the outlet side of the intercooler (there is a drain plug fitted) and hope the previous owner was sympathetic to how the engine was used I.e not revved hard until properly upto temperature.
Using the correct oil filter and having regular and timely oil changes is the best insurance to longevity imho.
It is easy to become consumed with the charger issue but in reality you are only likely to see the issue once in all probability if at all and if you have the warranty make sure the charger is covered then you can relax about it abit more.
Range Rover SDV8.
E64 B6s #100 Cabriolet (Now Sold)
Maserati Gransport
E64 B6s #100 Cabriolet (Now Sold)
Maserati Gransport
Nope, not for public divulgence as technically the car isn't for sale to the general publichap wrote:Any details on the b5 ali colour spec?
I'm going to buy it subject to confirmation from BMW that the warranty will transfer to me and an independent inspection. If all that goes smoothly then I should be a B5 owner very soon
B3 3.3 Coupe #090
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
Spokeat length today with BMW warranty and they confirmed as is on a d/d at the moment the current warranty cannot transfer to me.
I have to take out a new one which on 97k miles is £200/month Once over 100k miles it's £3,500 per year
Given the springs and dampers will need doing in the near future, brakes will need doing and a big service in 5k miles then there's £5k in maintenance in the next 2 years so £13k on top of purchase price to run it for 2 years just doesn't add up
Told the seller best of luck but the maths just don't work given the warranty price
Had it been on 80k miles would have been a different story but for now it ain't happening.
The car in question is B5 Touring #056 Jacodas old car
I have to take out a new one which on 97k miles is £200/month Once over 100k miles it's £3,500 per year
Given the springs and dampers will need doing in the near future, brakes will need doing and a big service in 5k miles then there's £5k in maintenance in the next 2 years so £13k on top of purchase price to run it for 2 years just doesn't add up
Told the seller best of luck but the maths just don't work given the warranty price
Had it been on 80k miles would have been a different story but for now it ain't happening.
The car in question is B5 Touring #056 Jacodas old car
B3 3.3 Coupe #090
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
Aye I'm gutted I just can't make the sums work especially when you can have a 2011 D5 with 70k miles and a fullwarranty for similar moneyhap wrote:What a Shame Ali but when u put the figures down it's plain and simple
Love that touring b5 though
It is a stunning car
B3 3.3 Coupe #090
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
I was under the impression that if you take the DD route for the BMW warranty it doesn’t go up. Others here may be able to clarify but that was my understanding. Also you stay on the cover that you start the policy on and won’t be downgraded in cover as the miles increase.
Range Rover SDV8.
E64 B6s #100 Cabriolet (Now Sold)
Maserati Gransport
E64 B6s #100 Cabriolet (Now Sold)
Maserati Gransport
Yes new blower and engine at 39k miles with a £33k bill !!!!Broch wrote:Did this one not have an engine rebuild in Dundee not long after he'd bought the car?ali-bumble wrote:The car in question is B5 Touring #056 Jacodas old car
Onzie
Out of curiosity what would people put as a value to this car given the miles and forthcoming maintenance ? I just feel it is too much of a gamble to run without a warranty !!!
B3 3.3 Coupe #090
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098
D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098