[6MT guy]

Well, after two years BMW-less, I got back in, with a 2011 BMW 535i, Havanna Brown with Oyster Dakota Leather. I found on eBay, and I am picking it up next weekend from the seller in NJ.
It's a beauty, well-cared for two-owner car, with just 90,000 miles.
Can't wait to pick it up.

I've had four BMW's since my first, that I bought back around 2004:
1994 740iL
2003 530i 6MT
2011 528i
2019 540xi

I loved that 7 series, but as it got up in miles, the repairs started to be more frequent and more expensive. The 530i was fun, but on the roads around Washington, DC, the sport suspension was just too stiff, and made the driving a little uncomfortable. The 528i was sort of a stripped down model, without seat heaters, etc, and after 4 years or so, I bought the 540xi new. It was agreat car, with wonderful driver interface for the nav, phone, etc, but the nanny shaking of the wheel and adaptive cruise were annoying to me, and I didn't like having to turn them off in order to avoid them. So after a minor accident during the pandemic, I sold it back to the dealer. Now, after looking for a while, I found what I think I really always wanted. A 6 speed manual F10, with all the goodies.

[ChiltiCoatl89]

Welcome back! Very nice choice!

[StradaRedlands]

Great color combination!

[poverty.f10]

Welcome back buddy. If you need a list of things to check there’s lots of resources here. Most basic things include:

-valve cover and/or gasket
-oil cooler and ofh gaskets
-rod bearings(depends on mx history)
-oil pressure sensor leaking
-thrust arm bushings (front control arms)

[6MT guy]

Originally Posted by poverty.f10

Welcome back buddy. If you need a list of things to check there’s lots of resources here. Most basic things include:

-valve cover and/or gasket
-oil cooler and ofh gaskets
-rod bearings(depends on mx history)
-oil pressure sensor leaking
-thrust arm bushings (front control arms)

Thanks, poverty!
It's been a while, and this is a good list to start with, to make sure I keep this one on the road for a good long time.
I'm picking it up next weekend, and can't wait to drive the manual.... I've had two automatic F10's , and just know the manual will be a lot more fun!

[jarsdad1]

I have the same car (minus the 6-speed and x-drive). Great driving car.

[6MT guy]

Originally Posted by poverty.f10

Welcome back buddy. If you need a list of things to check there’s lots of resources here. Most basic things include:

-valve cover and/or gasket
-oil cooler and ofh gaskets
-rod bearings(depends on mx history)
-oil pressure sensor leaking
-thrust arm bushings (front control arms)

Since you provided this first list, what about the water pump? I've read that because it is electric and not mechanical, it can go out without warning, and was thinking it might be wise to replace as a preventative maintenance item.
Thoughts? Is it straightforward for a somewhat competent DIYer? Or buried somewhere requiring major engine disassembly to replace.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by 6MT guy

Since you provided this first list, what about the water pump? I've read that because it is electric and not mechanical, it can go out without warning, and was thinking it might be wise to replace as a preventative maintenance item.
Thoughts? Is it straightforward for a somewhat competent DIYer? Or buried somewhere requiring major engine disassembly to replace.

For your watching pleasure...

These seem incredibly short videos and imagine the actual repair takes hours.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by 6MT guy

Since you provided this first list, what about the water pump? I've read that because it is electric and not mechanical, it can go out without warning, and was thinking it might be wise to replace as a preventative maintenance item.
Thoughts? Is it straightforward for a somewhat competent DIYer? Or buried somewhere requiring major engine disassembly to replace.

I've only done it on N52 engines. On those it's a very straightforward repair. Easier than I thought it would be. I did radiator and all hoses at the same time.

[Shrimpy]

Nice looking car 6MT. I bought my first BMW (535I) last November, early build 2011, 6spd manual also. Mine had 119,000 miles at purchase, now at 129,000. First BMW for me as I was a Dodge Cummins guy for many years, just got bored with them. This car, so far, has been absolutely fabulous!!!! I have done manual trans and differential fluid changes along with 2 oil changes (I am a 5K mile oil changer). OFHG and OCHG are scheduled for refresh/change in the next two weeks, my valve cover gasket and PCV hose look good. Congrats on the new ride.