530d consumption
Discussion
If you are expecting VW TDi levels of economy then think again! Its a big car (though not that heavy) and a big engine - and BMW are not known for their economy. That said, a good run at an average 75 should see early 40's and mixed driving around early 30's. Overall you should get mid 30's from a tankful.
It aint great, but what you get is one of the all-time-great diesels. Its quick, punchy and has vast amounts of torque - plus its a little more economical than the petrol motors. The most economical diesel '5 is the 525d but that model lacks the urge of the 530d.
Personally I couldnt resist the V8 (and they are cheap as chips!). But I know a few people with them and they are more than impressed, though a little peeved at economy. Get a 330d if economy is a worry - its a touch quicker but quite a bit lighter and hence more economical.
As for the engine - have heard some nasty things about turbos blowing. But I would check the service records and see what it says. Hard to tell if its about to so get a warranty if you can. Also, BMW are pretty efficient with their customer service, but only if the servicing is to the letter and nothing has been skipped - so worth checking that too. That said, main dealer you are looking at £1500 to fix, but a good indie is £700! So its a risk. Put the money aside and get the best overall condition one you can find..... they are generally Very reliable cars....
It aint great, but what you get is one of the all-time-great diesels. Its quick, punchy and has vast amounts of torque - plus its a little more economical than the petrol motors. The most economical diesel '5 is the 525d but that model lacks the urge of the 530d.
Personally I couldnt resist the V8 (and they are cheap as chips!). But I know a few people with them and they are more than impressed, though a little peeved at economy. Get a 330d if economy is a worry - its a touch quicker but quite a bit lighter and hence more economical.
As for the engine - have heard some nasty things about turbos blowing. But I would check the service records and see what it says. Hard to tell if its about to so get a warranty if you can. Also, BMW are pretty efficient with their customer service, but only if the servicing is to the letter and nothing has been skipped - so worth checking that too. That said, main dealer you are looking at £1500 to fix, but a good indie is £700! So its a risk. Put the money aside and get the best overall condition one you can find..... they are generally Very reliable cars....
off_again said:
If you are expecting VW TDi levels of economy then think again! Its a big car (though not that heavy) and a big engine - and BMW are not known for their economy. That said, a good run at an average 75 should see early 40's and mixed driving around early 30's. Overall you should get mid 30's from a tankful.
It aint great, but what you get is one of the all-time-great diesels. Its quick, punchy and has vast amounts of torque - plus its a little more economical than the petrol motors. The most economical diesel '5 is the 525d but that model lacks the urge of the 530d.
Personally I couldnt resist the V8 (and they are cheap as chips!). But I know a few people with them and they are more than impressed, though a little peeved at economy. Get a 330d if economy is a worry - its a touch quicker but quite a bit lighter and hence more economical.
As for the engine - have heard some nasty things about turbos blowing. But I would check the service records and see what it says. Hard to tell if its about to so get a warranty if you can. Also, BMW are pretty efficient with their customer service, but only if the servicing is to the letter and nothing has been skipped - so worth checking that too. That said, main dealer you are looking at £1500 to fix, but a good indie is £700! So its a risk. Put the money aside and get the best overall condition one you can find..... they are generally Very reliable cars....
I have a slightly different experience. Ive had my 525d touring auto from new and in 3 years has never bettered 29mpg. V disapointing, get caned on Co Car tax emmisions too!
I bit off topic I know, but here goes. I previously owned a 330ci auto (petrol)
Driven normally with a fair amount of town work I struggled to get 300 miles out of a tankful of fuel.
My 330 D sport auto will, driven similarly, see 420-30 (460-70 if driven really steadily)
The diesel is more relaxing to drive, it doesn't have the immediate throttle response of the petrol for "snap" overtaking situations, but with a bit of planning it is just as quick across country.
The turbos do fail and whilst these are not themselves a problem to replace, I believe their removal can frequently cause damage to the manifold securing bolts/ studs which in turn means a simple job escalates into cylinder head removal and specialist engineering company involvement to remove/ repair the broken studs/bolts. Thus the £1100 job doubles in cost. Get yourself one with a warranty (I think they're about 650-700 quid on the 3 series, so allow a bit extra for a 5. As previously mentioned they are a fantastic engine and have few if any downsides in comparison with the equivalent petrol. As you've probably guessed I'm a diesel convert !
I've covered 65,000 miles in under three years and I haven't lifted the bonnet (It also came with 3 years/60,000 miles free servicing and warranty) the only expense being rear tyres
Driven normally with a fair amount of town work I struggled to get 300 miles out of a tankful of fuel.
My 330 D sport auto will, driven similarly, see 420-30 (460-70 if driven really steadily)
The diesel is more relaxing to drive, it doesn't have the immediate throttle response of the petrol for "snap" overtaking situations, but with a bit of planning it is just as quick across country.
The turbos do fail and whilst these are not themselves a problem to replace, I believe their removal can frequently cause damage to the manifold securing bolts/ studs which in turn means a simple job escalates into cylinder head removal and specialist engineering company involvement to remove/ repair the broken studs/bolts. Thus the £1100 job doubles in cost. Get yourself one with a warranty (I think they're about 650-700 quid on the 3 series, so allow a bit extra for a 5. As previously mentioned they are a fantastic engine and have few if any downsides in comparison with the equivalent petrol. As you've probably guessed I'm a diesel convert !
I've covered 65,000 miles in under three years and I haven't lifted the bonnet (It also came with 3 years/60,000 miles free servicing and warranty) the only expense being rear tyres
sjp63 said:
I have a slightly different experience. Ive had my 525d touring auto from new and in 3 years has never bettered 29mpg. V disapointing, get caned on Co Car tax emmisions too!
Really? A customer has a E60 525d sport and was getting an average of 35MPG for mixed driving. And he doesn't hang around either! I wonder why the difference? Is yours an E39 or E60? The E60 is a slightly newer engine, though I suspect its only minor changes (the recent 3.0d is the big change with all alloy block etc!).
Christ, why do I know these things? I really need to get out more
off_again said:
I have a slightly different experience. Ive had my 525d touring auto from new and in 3 years has never bettered 29mpg. V disapointing, get caned on Co Car tax emmisions too!
Really? A customer has a E60 525d sport and was getting an average of 35MPG for mixed driving. And he doesn't hang around either! I wonder why the difference? Is yours an E39 or E60? The E60 is a slightly newer engine, though I suspect its only minor changes (the recent 3.0d is the big change with all alloy block etc!).
Christ, why do I know these things? I really need to get out more
Mines the previous one to the current one - 52 plate. I think the auto makes a big difference and yes "really" unless the computer lies.
in a 530d auto you'll be lucky to break 30 mpg unless you average more than 60% motorway cruising. If economy is a must, get a manual and then you'll see over 40 mpg average.
Or get a 330d, get it chipped and have the best performance diseasel around - 250 horses, 500Nm torque, agile chassis, excellent cross country performance and 44 mpg!!
Or get a 330d, get it chipped and have the best performance diseasel around - 250 horses, 500Nm torque, agile chassis, excellent cross country performance and 44 mpg!!
I have a 330d AUTO (184bhp, not the newer 204hp)
I do 1800 miles a month at about 40mph average, which means about 70% is 50-70mph.
My trip computer reads 37.1 mpg.
I'm having it chipped to about 230bhp and expect the mpg to stay the same or improve.
The Auto costs me mpg, but the car is *the most awesome* mile-eater I have ever had.
Perfect balance of power/speed/comfort/style/cost and noise! IMHO
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