[chittychitty_bangbang]

Hey Hive Mind,

I recently put a deposit on a 170k mile 2014 F10 535 Msport 6 speed with winters and summers (PS4s) for $8k. (summer car is a 997) This is my highest mileage car ever, and I'd like to take it to 250/300 while heading into the office twice a week and shuttling small humans.

While the pricing is a bit on the high side vs auto 535s the market on a mileage basis, I'd say the car is in phenomenal shape, and the seller checked the boxes because he is the proverbial "old man enthusiast":

The original owner

• took care of all major n55 issues - VCG, Oil gasket, water pump, regular oil / spark / coil service
• 1" of professional service documentation and a notebook documenting each gas-fill.
• lots of life on consumables - tread brakes etc

I've always wanted a larger bmw with a 6 speed. I'm handy and am comfortable resolving most issues and capable of engine out work if needed, though will likely farm that out.

Plans:

• This is meant to be a fun commuter so experience is important.
• The shifter doesn't feel "notchy" as I'm used to and I will rebuild it with new bushings.
• I am thinking about a VRSF or ebay bar and plate FMIC for "headroom" and to keep IATs more consistent.
• The clutch feels really light compared to my 997 - I was thinking about replacing the clutch return spring - maybe my issue with this is that the engagement feels vague
• I will do a muffler delete and straight pipe it for some noise which honestly sounds quite good from videos I've seen. I believe I'm used whatever "drone" that may introduce as I come from noisier cars.
• MHD the car and get into the high 3s on HP, with focus on below the curve area up to around 4500rpm vs peak.

Questions:

• How much n55 compatibility is there across the spectrum? For example there is a 2017 M2 turbo being sold near me for a very reasonable price - (any idea if there is a larger compressor on this guy? manifold seems tubular and engineering notes at release suggests better flow)
• There are several 335i downpipes on the market reasonably priced, wondering if those will bolt up, or I don't really mind refabricating some of the bracketry as long as Vband sizing is the same
• Same goes for charge pipes
• What stage 0 items will you guys want to look for / find some evidence of service within the documentation?
• Are cooling hoses known to die at some point? is the stock radiator adequate to deal with the add'l heat from tuning up the turbos to stage 1+?
• Any other last minute checks on the car before I take delivery (pay the remainder?)
• Original clutch so not sure if tuning will kill it. I don't expect to launch the car, but will open it up from time to time to stretch it's legs on the highway.

Thank you

[Houranimd49]

Originally Posted by chittychitty_bangbang

Hey Hive Mind,

I recently put a deposit on a 170k mile 2014 F10 535 Msport 6 speed with winters and summers (PS4s) for $8k. (summer car is a 997) This is my highest mileage car ever, and I'd like to take it to 250/300 while heading into the office twice a week and shuttling small humans.

While the pricing is a bit on the high side vs auto 535s the market on a mileage basis, I'd say the car is in phenomenal shape, and the seller checked the boxes because he is the proverbial "old man enthusiast":

The original owner

took care of all major n55 issues - VCG, Oil gasket, water pump, regular oil / spark / coil service
1" of professional service documentation and a notebook documenting each gas-fill.
lots of life on consumables - tread brakes etc


I've always wanted a larger bmw with a 6 speed. I'm handy and am comfortable resolving most issues and capable of engine out work if needed, though will likely farm that out.

Plans:[LIST][*]This is meant to be a fun commuter so experience is important.[*]The shifter doesn't feel "notchy" as I'm used to and I will rebuild it with new bushings.[*]I am thinking about a VRSF or ebay bar and plate FMIC for "headroom" and to keep IATs more consistent.[*]The clutch feels really light compared to my 997 - I was thinking about replacing the clutch return spring - maybe my issue with this is that the engagement feels vague[*]I will do a muffler delete and straight pipe it for some noise which honestly sounds quite good from videos I've seen. I believe I'm used whatever "drone" that may introduce as I come [...]

Congrats on your car!

Might I make a note that in my experience, bmw makes rubber feeling shifters and vague feeling clutches. My theory is that it was meant to make the driving experience easier.

1. I’ve been through several N55 powered cars and none of them have given me major issues. I kept up on maintenance of course. I’ve dealt with nearly all the typical issues but again, nothing major or honestly really that bad on the wallet thanks to fcp euro with lifetime warranty.

2. Unsure if 335 dp will fit. Pretty sure there’s a 535 dp out there and should fit fine. I did drive a 6 speed 535 with muffler delete once. I actually liked it. Not loud at all with a deep subtle growl.

3. Get any brand metal charge pipe and it’ll be fine. I went with rvg. Loved it. Good fit. I also did an ECS turbo inlet pipe.

4. Mickey Mouse flange is a problem. Fcp sells a metal one. And since you’re in there, change the belt and belt tensioner. Stock radiator is more than fine.

5. Stage 0 items mainly plugs, coils if you need them. I think you’re smart enough to know to tackle all the maintenance items first. If you want some unsolicited advice, do a few mods at a time. This way, you experience the car stock first and really get to know it. As time goes on, each little mod that is done you’ll be to feel the difference and appreciate the mod more. I kept my car mainly stock except what I mentioned above. I had 2 biggest ball busting issues with mine: the passenger front axle loves to tear boots (I went though 6 axles I believe) and the oil filter housing and cooler gasket constantly leaked, I changed them 7 times. I finally purchased an entire new unit before this issue was solved. Other than that, the car was solid for me from 50k miles to 115k when I sold it. And I only sold it because my wife had a baby and I needed the money.

[chittychitty_bangbang]

Originally Posted by Houranimd49

Congrats on your car!

Might I make a note that in my experience, bmw makes rubber feeling shifters and vague feeling clutches. My theory is that it was meant to make the driving experience easier.

1. I’ve been through several N55 powered cars and none of them have given me major issues. I kept up on maintenance of course. I’ve dealt with nearly all the typical issues but again, nothing major or honestly really that bad on the wallet thanks to fcp euro with lifetime warranty.

2. Unsure if 335 dp will fit. Pretty sure there’s a 535 dp out there and should fit fine. I did drive a 6 speed 535 with muffler delete once. I actually liked it. Not loud at all with a deep subtle growl.

3. Get any brand metal charge pipe and it’ll be fine. I went with rvg. Loved it. Good fit. I also did an ECS turbo inlet pipe.

4. Mickey Mouse flange is a problem. Fcp sells a metal one. And since you’re in there, change the belt and belt tensioner. Stock radiator is more than fine.

5. Stage 0 items mainly plugs, coils if you need them. I think you’re smart enough to know to tackle all the maintenance items first. If you want some unsolicited advice, do a few mods at a time. This way, you experience the car stock first and really get to know it. As time goes on, each little mod that is done you’ll be to feel the difference and appreciate the mod more. I kept my car mainly stock except what I mentioned above. I had 2 biggest ball busting issues with mine: the passenger front axle loves to tear boots (I went though 6 axles I believe) and the oil filter housing and cooler gasket constantly leaked, I changed them 7 times. I finally purchased an entire new unit before this issue was solved. Other than that, the car was solid for me from 50k miles to 115k when I sold it. And I only sold it because my wife had a baby and I needed the money.

I gotta say - this is a phenomenally helpful reply. Your unsolicited advice is much welcomed and well-received. I've not read about the Mickey Mouse before and will ask about / look into it.

With regard to clutch and shifter feel and the design intent of isolation - I think I need to maybe test drive another 535 to gauge if this feels similar. People have used the term "buttery" vs "notchy" on this shifter - I guess what I felt could be described as buttery.

You sound very patient between how you dealt with your axle and oil gaskets issues - good practice for young children!!

I'm picking up the vehicle today and am quite excited.

[ctcarbonari]

Congrats on the (F10) 6MT!!! That's a nice find.

I hope the purchase goes smoothly. btw, most of us love pics!

+1 to replacing the coolant hose flange (aka the Mickey Mouse flange) w/ an aftermarket billet aluminum style. The "usual suspects" sell them - FCP, ECS, Turner, etc.

Also not a bad idea to add an aftermarket Crank Seal Guard as well. It's cheap insurance against the unlikely (but possible) event of your accessory belt getting sucked thru the crank seal.

When it comes to Dps & CPs I don't think there's much crossover between the 335 & 535. I really wanted to purchase my aluminum boost pipe from ER but they don't make one for the 535 (but do for the 335). If you plan on running higher boost pressures then getting an aluminum CP should be early on your to-do list. The plastic CPs have been known to crack under stock loads.

Again, Good Luck with the purchase!

[Houranimd49]

Originally Posted by chittychitty_bangbang

I gotta say - this is a phenomenally helpful reply. Your unsolicited advice is much welcomed and well-received. I've not read about the Mickey Mouse before and will ask about / look into it.

With regard to clutch and shifter feel and the design intent of isolation - I think I need to maybe test drive another 535 to gauge if this feels similar. People have used the term "buttery" vs "notchy" on this shifter - I guess what I felt could be described as buttery.

You sound very patient between how you dealt with your axle and oil gaskets issues - good practice for young children!!

I'm picking up the vehicle today and am quite excited.

Let me rephrase. I can combined nouns rubbery, buttery, and notchy all in one. My current 135i has brand new oem bushings and it feels that way. I’m unsure if there’s any way to change it but it doesn’t bother me much. The clutch feel is fine but whoever broke it in before me made it engage way too quick. I hate it.

I loved my 535 so much that I had plenty of patience to work on it. It was such a good car to me. I would easily get another F10 - I’m ready to experience the M5, but my wallet isn’t.

As far as all your gaskets go, don’t even touch them until you see leaking/seeping. Don’t breathe on them either. Lol

Oh, btw, the throttle on these cars is abysmal. Lags a lot. Made rev matching impossible. More like rev mismatch. But there are pedal tuners to help that I’m sure.

[Shrimpy]

Congrats on the purchase (hopefully)!!! I bought a 535i, 6spd almost exactly one year ago, paid exactly what you are for mine. 119K miles, two owners. Mine did not come with a lot of maintenance records, and I took a leap of faith as this is also my first BMW.

I would add differential and transmission oil changes to your list unless that has already been done. I had VGC and OFHG done early summer before a 1,200+ mile trip. Neither was leaking, just weeping, but did it anyway. I use my car as a daily driver, and plan on keeping it for at least a couple more years until i retire.

It is a great car I feel!!! As a first time BMW owner, the information available about maintenance seemed a little overwhelming at first, but I'm getting more comfortable sifting through it. I feel with the first owner's documentation, you are getting a very well cared for car. Good luck!!

[chittychitty_bangbang]

Carbonari and team - Here are some pics of this old gal - sorry for bad re-sizing on my part:













I think this car will do what we intend for her to do:
- commute a few days a week
- haul two children to daycare
- go on some weekend outings
- all above in comfort and isolation

But, watching some of the old clive owen clips of big 6-speeds from yester-year, i wish the F10 drove a bit more dynamically:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBgFrlvUbLY

As a driver's car i think there are a few things that are missing:

- Absolutely agree on horrid rev-matching Houranimd and overall sluggish feel from motor. An aggressive heel toe doesn't get enough of a blip to actually match on a downshift. It needs a throttle remap / lighter flywheel / something.
- I wish the steering felt less floaty. Would love if the electronic steering can be tuned for more feel. I need to check the control arm bushings and maybe add some toe out at the front to help turn-in.
- It sounds like the m550d/m5 sway bar combo helps.
- It needs more power and theater in stock form but this can be fixed after all the stage 0 work / clutch / muffler delete.
- I won't breathe on any of the gaskets!!

Shrimpy you got a heck of a deal, I wish I had your comment as a data point to the seller early in our conversations. He was such a sweet old man, I felt like I was taking his daughter's hand in marriage, I couldn't justify any negotiation after speaking to him for a while.

[chittychitty_bangbang]

After driving this car for a bit, I'm beginning to warm up to it's character. Between the lackadaisical throttle response, higher turbo sweet spot, and it's heavy steering, this is more of a cruise missle (maybe more cruise ship) than a fighter jet. More joggers than bib shorts. It's super quiet, my kids fall asleep more often, and we can listen to our 80s soft pop playlist at a gentler, softer volume because old.

On the flip side, she does still hustle once you really wrestle it a bit, or carve an on/off ramp at higher speeds, but all of the driver sensations just make me want to drive gently. It seems more natural to granny shift at below 2k rpm around town - even if that means a minivan or large SUV beats me out of a light. Maybe the character of the ZF8 with shorter gearing is different.

My charge pipes and MHD arrive today - so I'll see how that changes things - the low down torque will definitely add pep. Given what I'm learning about the car, I may just get a catted downpipe (nix the straight piping), adjust tune, and add a pedal extension to help heel-toe, and call it a day.

[Houranimd49]

Originally Posted by chittychitty_bangbang

After driving this car for a bit, I'm beginning to warm up to it's character. Between the lackadaisical throttle response, higher turbo sweet spot, and it's heavy steering, this is more of a cruise missle (maybe more cruise ship) than a fighter jet. More joggers than bib shorts. It's super quiet, my kids fall asleep more often, and we can listen to our 80s soft pop playlist at a gentler, softer volume because old.

On the flip side, she does still hustle once you really wrestle it a bit, or carve an on/off ramp at higher speeds, but all of the driver sensations just make me want to drive gently. It seems more natural to granny shift at below 2k rpm around town - even if that means a minivan or large SUV beats me out of a light. Maybe the character of the ZF8 with shorter gearing is different.

My charge pipes and MHD arrive today - so I'll see how that changes things - the low down torque will definitely add pep. Given what I'm learning about the car, I may just get a catted downpipe (nix the straight piping), adjust tune, and add a pedal extension to help heel-toe, and call it a day.

There’s one thing I noticed about bmws, I’m unsure if many will agree. This is from my collective 10 years experience of owning various BMWs…. They’re ok off the line, but acceleration at highway speeds they’re absolute beasts. My old 535 indeed a heavy car but from speeds 65-110mph, you couldn’t convince me of its true weight. My e82 same deal and I can even say the same for my X3. All of them equipped with the N55. The F10 in particular is a highway king (or queen, pronoun preference is yours to choose). I do recommend you safely experience the car in the higher revs at highway speed and you’ll know what I mean. My guess is 6th gear at 70mph is 2500rpm or so…. Drop down to 5th and see where you end up on the speedo in a blink of an eye.

The auto trans is really good. I like it paired with the n55. But I noticed that if you mash the accelerator, sometimes I wouldn’t feel that the engine is giving 100% power. Unless in sport mode and with the shifter to sport. Sometimes I toggle to sport just to get better throttle feel on highway passing and then go back down to comfort. The manual in my e82 can feel like this but alas no sport mode in those.

If I had to recommend dp … catted. Catless is stinky (I have it on my e82) and for a car like the f10, doesn’t suit it. You should know, the car will be significantly louder on cold starts but it’s not that bad when driving around/cruising.