2014/16 530d

[dema]

Hi
I’m looking to replace the current company car in the next couple of months and move to a privately owned vehicle.
There are a few cars in the short list including the 530d saloon or estate (space wise, I’ll be fine with both).
I wouldn’t mind an x-drive model but with a top budget of 17K, it doesn’t look like I can stretch that far.

Have come across a 2016 with 68k miles and a 2014 with 48k miles, both auto and RWD.

Anything to look out for or consider? Reliability, upcoming costs, mpg etc.. I’ll be doing circa 18K a year, mixed journeys from a couple of miles up to 500 at the time.

I’ve come across a few newer models with lower mileage but all have a 2.0d, better for mpg and general running costs I suppose but, can’t help to think that ‘I’ll leave to retreat not going for the 3.0’

Thanks

[Maxus]

dema said:

Hi
I’m looking to replace the current company car in the next couple of months and move to a privately owned vehicle.
There are a few cars in the short list including the 530d saloon or estate (space wise, I’ll be fine with both).
I wouldn’t mind an x-drive model but with a top budget of 17K, it doesn’t look like I can stretch that far.

Have come across a 2016 with 68k miles and a 2014 with 48k miles, both auto and RWD.

Anything to look out for or consider? Reliability, upcoming costs, mpg etc.. I’ll be doing circa 18K a year, mixed journeys from a couple of miles up to 500 at the time.

I’ve come across a few newer models with lower mileage but all have a 2.0d, better for mpg and general running costs I suppose but, can’t help to think that ‘I’ll leave to retreat not going for the 3.0’

Thanks

Hi, I moved out of 520d company cars (f10s and G30) and bought a 640d. The 2.0d cars do a great job and are everything you need. Then you drive a 3.0 6 cyl and realise they are so much better! Smoother, lots more grunt and a decent noise (inside!).

I've averaged 45mpg over the last 28k miles and running costs have been no different to the 2.0d so far apart from road tax at £520pa

I don't think there's anything specific to look out for on the 3.0d engines. On F10/11s, check around the doors for rust (particularly the tops by the window trims). I'd try for an LCI model which came out in 2014. On the 2.0 this added xenons, satnav, nicer steering wheel, nicer wheels. Not sure what was not on the pre lci 3.0.

Very nice cars, great economy and performance and very comfortable. 500 miles in a go no problem. Don't even need to stop for fuel.

ETA - are the newer cars G30s? They feel much more modern and it would be a tough choice for me between a F10 530d and a G30 520d. You'd need to drive both to decide what is best for you.

Edited by Maxus on Monday 24th October 17:03

[dema]

Thank you very helpful, off to find out more on models and LCI.

What was you mpg on the 2.0d ? Last 2 company cars have been a Mazda and a Volvo, both 2.0d 4 pots. Both ok in power but always felt like I needed more torque (hence leaning towards the 3.0).

As I also never had an auto, all BMW comes with a ZF6 or 8? Seems the best auto on the market (more like a manual from the sound of it)

[Maxus]

I averaged c48 mpg on the F10 2.0ds over 150k and 50mpg from the G30 over 60k. My historical commute was A roads and motorway so good for economy.

All come with the ZF8 speed. A superb gearbox. Very smooth shifting and makes use of the engine torque. Really suits the engine and the car.

[scz4]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

^ Really good thread from last month. Can see my comments in the thread.

To summarise, both great cars! Back in the day, I was a strong advocate of the 4 cyl 2.0 when I had my first F10\F11. I convinced myself it was a better choice, cheaper to buy, better mpg, lower running costs, handled better due to lighter front end....... But now....I'd definitely not give up the 30d. In fact we have the same engine in our 3 series and 5 series now.

Only exception would be if I did 80%+ motorway miles with cruise control on, then you may as well be in the 2.0 and take the mpg gains.

[smashy]

Re 2 ltr/3ltr diesel mpg I do about 20k a year I reckon my bought new 2014 330d did just a touch better overall mpg than the 6 months old bought 2007 120d I had

Interestingly I do a 800 tour of Cornwall every year. Twice the 120d came out at 44mpg twice the 330d came out at 45 and 46mpg and my current car a 2018 335d has done it once 44mpg.

the 120d at 2k revs is doing 70mph in both the 3ltrs that is 90mph.

[Wills2]

dema said:

As I also never had an auto, all BMW comes with a ZF6 or 8? Seems the best auto on the market (more like a manual from the sound of it)

It's certainly nothing like a manual it'll have the ZF8 not 6, very smooth, tends to be in the right gear most of the time in automatic mode and locks up the torque converter quickly so can feel nice and sharp when flicking the paddles in manual mode or during kick down etc..

[Tom4398cc]

This won’t make me popular. But from my own experience only, the thing to be aware of with BMWs isn’t so much what are the mpg differences between the 4 and 6 cylinders, but checking very carefully how prone the model/year you are looking at is to timing chain failure. A phone call to Mr Vanos in Darlington or similar specialist could save you a lot of pain. The timing chain went on my 6 cylinder diesel X5 one week out of warranty. But I try not to think about it anymore!

[dema]

All very helpful thanks!
For the money, I think I’ll be looking at an early f10 with 50/60k on the clock

[Maxus]

Value for money, have you considered a 6 or a 7? A nice move out of a company car to something more special. Pretty much the same engine as a 530d but in a different set of clothes. The 6 is a lovely car inside just no good if you transport 5 people regularly.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209260...

[helix402]

That age of 530d will have an N57. They do suffer from timing chain and main bearing failures.

[Touring442]

I saw a 2015 535d with 88,000 miles and the timing chain very well worn. It had the inevitable remap however. The improved B57 debuted in the 2016 G30.

[Lucas_Wxm]

scz4 said:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

^ Really good thread from last month. Can see my comments in the thread.

To summarise, both great cars! Back in the day, I was a strong advocate of the 4 cyl 2.0 when I had my first F10\F11. I convinced myself it was a better choice, cheaper to buy, better mpg, lower running costs, handled better due to lighter front end....... But now....I'd definitely not give up the 30d. In fact we have the same engine in our 3 series and 5 series now.

Only exception would be if I did 80%+ motorway miles with cruise control on, then you may as well be in the 2.0 and take the mpg gains.

That thread was mine, I’ve put some money down on a 530d touring. Ticks so many boxes. 50bhp less than my 335i but a lot more torque. A 6 cylinder bmw is a must. Had a 120d many moons ago and that was very agricultural.

The 2.0d does throw up a lot more availability, but if you can find the correct 3.0 which ticks boxes, then I’d do that. I’ve also gone for a lci model as xenon lights came as standard and the updated steering wheel. Makes the interior look much better imo. Also aim to get pro nav, will have the bigger dial in the Center console along with the widescreen nav.

[dema]

Thanks everyone, it seems that a LCI will remain out of budget for now😔. Doing 18k a year, I’m trying to look for a fairly low mileage model.. would be happy to hopefully be in a position to upgrade in a couple of years instead (another reason for not wanting to borrow money).

Having had a quick look around, the below seems to tick most boxes ( I don’t actually mind the look of the GT)

https://www.precisionmotorgroup.co.uk/used-bmw-5-s...

https://www.precisionmotorgroup.co.uk/used-bmw-5-s...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205256...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203243...

Proving that all FSH etc… which one would be the best one?

[d_a_n1979]

dema said:

Thanks everyone, it seems that a LCI will remain out of budget for now??. Doing 18k a year, I’m trying to look for a fairly low mileage model.. would be happy to hopefully be in a position to upgrade in a couple of years instead (another reason for not wanting to borrow money).

Having had a quick look around, the below seems to tick most boxes ( I don’t actually mind the look of the GT)

https://www.precisionmotorgroup.co.uk/used-bmw-5-s...

https://www.precisionmotorgroup.co.uk/used-bmw-5-s...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205256...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203243...

Proving that all FSH etc… which one would be the best one?

What is your budget and how far are you willing to travel?

What do you really want? A GT (a good mix of the 5 and 7); a 7 series (fantastic build and quality) or a 6 series (a good mix of the 5 series but a more sportier car)?

Looking at those links, for me you should consider the 640D Gran Coupe and the F01 730D 7 series also...

[dema]

Hi,
Budget is 17k, annual mileage 18k per year mix journey ( short and long).
Space wise, it is only 3 of us, average 500lt boot would be sufficient, anything more it’s a bonus, but need a 4 door.
Never owned a high mileage car and based on my annual mileage I’m considering something with 50/60K on it.
I know a can’t be picky but.. dark interiors is preferred due to the child…
Happy to travel for the right car. Would prefer buying from a garage. Previous cars have been bought from ‘known owners’ within car forums.
I’ve looked at the 640d online, the boot is on the smaller side and not yet sold on the front end ( this might change when I see one on the flesh, not many around here).
I’ve not considered a 7 series, I like the look of them. Wouldn’t those be ‘luxury cars’ which come with ‘luxury’ maintenance costs?

Thanks

[d_a_n1979]

dema said:

Hi,
Budget is 17k, annual mileage 18k per year mix journey ( short and long).
Space wise, it is only 3 of us, average 500lt boot would be sufficient, anything more it’s a bonus, but need a 4 door.
Never owned a high mileage car and based on my annual mileage I’m considering something with 50/60K on it.
I know a can’t be picky but.. dark interiors is preferred due to the child…
Happy to travel for the right car. Would prefer buying from a garage. Previous cars have been bought from ‘known owners’ within car forums.
I’ve looked at the 640d online, the boot is on the smaller side and not yet sold on the front end ( this might change when I see one on the flesh, not many around here).
I’ve not considered a 7 series, I like the look of them. Wouldn’t those be ‘luxury cars’ which come with ‘luxury’ maintenance costs?

Thanks

I ran an F01 730D & currently looking to get back to one…

Project here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I don’t do the mileage, but as for parts/repairs etc… They share a lot of parts with the 5 & 6 series, so parts are easy to come by & cheap enough (decent parts - TRW, Lemforder, Febi, Meyle, Moog etc)

No need to buy OEM BMW unless absolutely necessary!

For your needs; I’d absolutely consider one & test drive a few if you can, same with the F10/F11 5 series & see what you think…