I'm set on purchasing a 530i manual with about 50k mi. I'll be buying in June, and before I set it in stone, I wanted to ask people that already own this car what types of problems they typically run into. I can't afford to spend too much time/ money on maintenance. I'm looking to purchase the car for around $20k. Problem is it's very difficult to find a 530i in that mileage range, and manual is even harder to find. I live in socal, and would highly prefer the CPO warranty which I believe is up to 100k mi (i could be wrong). I'm not really sure what the CPO covers, but I will be researching that. I'm a college student, which is part of the reason my time is limited. I do my own oil changes and stuff which is pretty simple, and look forward to advancing on to more involved tasks if they should rise. I know that the clutch typically gives up at around 70k or so, depending on how it's treated, but I'm pretty sure the CPO covers that? As long as the car isn't fouling up every other week, I should be fine. Any suggestions are helpful. Thank you.

bump!!

i wanna know too..i'm lookin to get somethin around an 01-03 540i with about 65k or less miles

CPO is 6 years/100k from in service date. Some 2003 were probably sold in late 2002 so the in service date plus 6 years will make the CPO expire this year. There are very few 2003 manual 530i at dealers. You can do a USA BMW dealer search at bmwusa.com

I would just by used one owner all records low mileage. You will have to search hard for even that.

Cooling system. Radiators are prone to cracking.

CPO is 6 years/100k from in service date. Some 2003 were probably sold in late 2002 so the in service date plus 6 years will make the CPO expire this year. There are very few 2003 manual 530i at dealers. You can do a USA BMW dealer search at bmwusa.com

I would just by used one owner all records low mileage. You will have to search hard for even that.
Yeah, they nearly impossible to come across, I have 4 months to find one in good condition, with preferable color choices. I guess CPO is useless in this case.

Cooling system. Radiators are prone to cracking.
Radiator should be a fairly easy DIY, how much do they go for...
Now the cooling system, i have no idea about... $parts? $labor? Thanks.

ive got a 530i so ill chime... i replaced my rad, all maintenance including the vc gasket and cvv in the last 6months of owning if your not willing to so the labor yourself or if you dont have a good indy not the best car for you or youll be better off buying new... cause the 3-4k ive spent in maintence is making it worth the money cause my mom gave me the car.... keep good check of the car and take car of things early will save you money.... id say if i foud a 2003 530i manual for a great price i would def jump on it... its rare and especially if its sport and cold weather.... yummmm

Don't have a manual, but my 53Oi SC has now 47k miles on it with only a Battery, FSU and bulb replacement costing less than $200.00 in almost 6 years. I bought it new so I know the maintenance history. Buy one with documented maintenance history and preferrably one that has not seen icy and snowy winters and garaged when not in use. Good Luck.

530's are pretty reliable. Cooling system issues can happen, but the inline 6's don't run as hot as the v8's so you should be ok if the car has been well cared for. That's a great car..I say go for it.