2010 BMW 535d (E61) Touring M Sport

The car that did more than any other to make the idea of a performance diesel acceptable: the BMW 535d.  Indeed, it was the first ever diesel car to be welcomed onto the Top Gear test track! The fifth-generation of BMW’s 5-Series (E60 as a saloon or E61 as an estate or ‘Touring’) was produced from 2003 to 2010 and is ageing like fine wine. Even though Chris Bangles’ design was at first widely critiqued, the E60/E61 was well accepted and still looks good for its age.

The E60 generation introduced various electronic features to the 5-Series, including iDrive, head-up display, active cruise control, active steering and voice control. The E60 also was the first 5-Series available with a turbocharged petrol engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission and regenerative braking. New safety features (some as options) for the E60 included adaptive headlights, night vision, active headrests, Lane Departure Warning, and high intensity emergency brake lights.

In 2007, there came a model face-lift and the introduction BMW’s fuel-saving Efficient Dynamics programme (that means regenerative braking, a gearshift indicator and active aerodynamics – meaning flaps over the air intakes don’t open when the engine is cold).

Today, the 535d has something of a reputation - with its twin-turbo version of the 3.0-litre M57 straight-six engine, allied to a 6-speed SMG-ll gearbox, there is 282bhp and 428lb ft of torque to enjoy. Impressive figures even by today’s standards.

The car presented here is a 2010 BMW (E61) 535d Touring M Sport which has an enviable service history to back up its modest 66,227 miles in the hands of just two previous owners. Our vendor has recently entrusted the car to the very capable Darragh Doyle, an ex-F1 Mechanic, and BMW guru of ‘Everything M3s’ in Banbury. In August 2022, some £12,000 was spent to ensure this Touring is now in the best possible health. This work included a full engine, gearbox, and differential service (the latter with the fitment of a Wavetrac ATB spool), a custom remap, swirl flap and EGR cooler delete kits, a new water pump and thermostat, new turbo vacuum lines, new Bosch glow plugs, new belts/filters/fluids, a new crankshaft damper pulley, rear suspension air bags replacement and new BMW front brake pads. 

With a complete service history from new, low ownership and a great specification, this highly capable ground-breaking estate, is the epitome of a Q-car – a discrete appearance, with go anywhere, do anything abilities, allied to a turn of pace and power to rival much more obvious machinery – all at a very tempting guide price.

(Please note that the registration 'T88 CCL' will not come with the car, it will revert back to 'YE59 VFD'.)