G31 540i - B58 longevity?
Discussion
Hi again, I recently asked about G31 530ds, thinking that at my price point of <=£20k the 30d would be a safer long term bet. However a B58 also greatly appeals. How do the two engines fare as they go beyond the 100k mile mark?
I don't do huge miles, but there will now be 6 to 10 round trips from Poole to Birmingham for 3yrs ferrying our daughter to and from uni. I thought the 30d would excel at this, but then one AdBlue related issue would likely more than negate any fuel savings.
Are B58s tough. The Internet suggests they are quite robust. Anyone run one to 150k miles?
If of interest my only other candidate is a Leon 300 ST mk3.5 as boot space is same if not better than a G31. 540i and Leon's are about the same price actually with the later steadfastly refusing to depreciate!
</waffle>
Thanks again.
I don't do huge miles, but there will now be 6 to 10 round trips from Poole to Birmingham for 3yrs ferrying our daughter to and from uni. I thought the 30d would excel at this, but then one AdBlue related issue would likely more than negate any fuel savings.
Are B58s tough. The Internet suggests they are quite robust. Anyone run one to 150k miles?
If of interest my only other candidate is a Leon 300 ST mk3.5 as boot space is same if not better than a G31. 540i and Leon's are about the same price actually with the later steadfastly refusing to depreciate!
</waffle>
Thanks again.
Got a 530d (albeit 2017 F11) and a Supra with B58.
B58 is well matched in the Supra and whilst it does have decent low down torque, it's nothing like the initial shove of the 3.0 diesel. For me the 30d suits the nature of big family wagon much better, effortless. MPG in B58 is quite staggering for what it is, perhaps not when you add 400kg and x-drive though.
Had the B58 for 3 years ( approx10k miles) and 30d for 5 years and 45k miles, no problems with either.
B58 is well matched in the Supra and whilst it does have decent low down torque, it's nothing like the initial shove of the 3.0 diesel. For me the 30d suits the nature of big family wagon much better, effortless. MPG in B58 is quite staggering for what it is, perhaps not when you add 400kg and x-drive though.
Had the B58 for 3 years ( approx10k miles) and 30d for 5 years and 45k miles, no problems with either.
SlowV6 said:
Are B58s tough. The Internet suggests they are quite robust. Anyone run one to 150k miles?
The engine is considered one of BMW's best ever engines. 150k isn't that mileage, there's an X7 in America north of 300k. If you're not doing many miles, less say less than 15k pa, take the Petrol.https://www.tiktok.com/@adam6two6/video/7520743231...
Just change the oil more frequently than BMW tell you to do so, I tend to do any of my cars every 8/10k depending on what of journeys I use them for. It's a much better engine than the VW one, plus the G31 is a nicely place to sit. I have a Golf in the family, but it's not the same level of refinement.
Edited by bigdom on Saturday 15th November 21:18
Our family car is a G31 540i. The engine had some development crossover with Toyota, which I think helped in the reliability dept. Ours is at 68,000 and we have had no issues other than needing to top off the coolant on occasion.
I have heard of no major engine issues at higher mileages. The coolant issue seems to be common across all B58s. Some people have genuine leaks, and in other cases the engine just appears to use a small amount, or perhaps the cap isn't sealing well. Time between my last top off was about a year.
I would have the engine over the 30d with no second thoughts. The B58 gives the G31 a sporty feel, nice (but muted) sound, and enough low down torque that you could never complain. With AWD, it goes like a scalded cat from a stop, and on the highway you can enjoy reving it out a bit. The car feels much more upscale than a corresponding diesel, IMO.
My second car is an M2C, and I enjoy the 5er just about as much.
I have heard of no major engine issues at higher mileages. The coolant issue seems to be common across all B58s. Some people have genuine leaks, and in other cases the engine just appears to use a small amount, or perhaps the cap isn't sealing well. Time between my last top off was about a year.
I would have the engine over the 30d with no second thoughts. The B58 gives the G31 a sporty feel, nice (but muted) sound, and enough low down torque that you could never complain. With AWD, it goes like a scalded cat from a stop, and on the highway you can enjoy reving it out a bit. The car feels much more upscale than a corresponding diesel, IMO.
My second car is an M2C, and I enjoy the 5er just about as much.
Very happy with my G31 540i as a family bus. Enough power to make it still feel quick when it’s full of people and holiday luggage/covered in bikes, but very economical (40+ mpg on a run), comfy and nice to drive when it’s not.
Mine’s on 65k and have been running it for nearly 3 years.
Mine’s on 65k and have been running it for nearly 3 years.
scz4 said:
It doesn't though. The B58 is one of the best engines BMW has ever made, and it has the ancillary benifit of not being a diesel stinker.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff