What bmw to get?

SirSparky

New member
Hey guys, Iam in the market for a new car and bmw has jumped onto my list of choices...

Iam looking at getting a diesel, Either 320d,520d or 530d. Year model is from 2006 till about 2008.

What are things to look out for. Iam use to petrol so i dont know anything about diesels and this will be my first one....advice please

And thank you in advance
 

ChefDJ

///Member
You're gonna love the power and economy mix of a diesel :clapper:


I'm biased towards 5 series, so my advice would be 530d. The 2.0d in such a massive car might leave you frustrated sometimes and the 3.0d is not really that much heavier on fuel at all.

Plenty power in a big, comfortable car with brilliant economy figures and you couldn't ask for more :rollsmile:
 

TurboLlew

Honorary ///Member
530D Gets my vote as well. I have heard of diesel particulate filters becoming clogged or otherwise damaged when using substandard diesel. I am not sure if there are any other issues apart from a sunroof. One of my staff had a 530D with 250000km and no major issues (though that's a sample of one)
 

cOlDFuSiOn

New member
I would eliminate the 520d - it should never have been made IMHO..

Definately look at a 530d or then the 320d. The mix between power and economy is great for everyday driving! Good luck with your search..

If you find a decent E39 530d MSport.. Post the link, I promise I won't buy it :roflol:
 

SirSparky

New member
hehe...thanks...nice to be back....i come on now and again to see whats happening....


SirSparky said:
hehe...thank...nice to be back....i come on now and again to see whats happening....
 

ChefDJ

///Member
cOlDFuSiOn said:
I would eliminate the 520d - it should never have been made IMHO..

Definately look at a 530d or then the 320d. The mix between power and economy is great for everyday driving! Good luck with your search..

If you find a decent E39 530d MSport.. Post the link, I promise I won't buy it :roflol:



I think he wants an E60.


You looking for an E39 530d m-sport in white with black leather and style 66 rims with a towbar?

:fencelook:
 

sash

///Member
my vote is ..... 530d. As chef mentioned.., about the best combination you can get of power and economy within the price range.

I got mine in Dec 2012, did preventative maintenance including the following
oil Service with all filters
been doing intermediate oil services
did front LCA bushes
removed DPF
changed brake fluid
Gearbox service at ZF with new filter and oil

Been running fine since. Have done the following also
Remap
Bypass egr(software)
76mm exhaust

Had to change the dampner pulley in April but thats it.

Done about 42000km and over 35000km of that on the remap. I doubt i would ever drive a non remapped diesel....
My average consumption can be seen in my sig below and that is over the 42000km. I love the consumption when i drive on long distances, but sometimes the consumption on just busy traffic seems a bit high, but i attribute that to the auto box and my heavy 19in wheels.

I would consider selling if the offer was in my ballpark
 

Solo Man

Well-known member
I fully agree with Sash. 530d E60 is the one you want! Great to drive, nice and solid to live in and the consumption, or rather, lack of it, is out of this world. I have seen 18,1km/l on my drive from Gauteng to Durban and from Durban to Hermanus i got 16,7km/l, at 120 (only myself in the car) Nice and strong and i have only decatted it so far. Am considering having it chipped. The big bonus is they are very well priced for the buyer as they are waaaay below book value if you buy private. Also, they are put together in Germany and the way the doors close you realize what quality you have. Went from E39's to E90 and back into E60 and doubt if i will ever leave the 5 series again. Very very nice car to drive. Mine is a non m-sport and i am more than happy with the decent suspension/ride. Does not look as good as a m-sport version but i love the car as is.
 

SirSparky

New member
any known turbo issues on 530d?
I would prefer a manual...bit scared of auto...auto boxes dont last as long in my opinion...had bad experience in the past
 

ChefDJ

///Member
E60 530d manual is rare. Nothing wrong with an auto.

My E39 auto (supposedly problematic) has 282k km on.

Turbo... There's always that expectancy of it going. I consider it a wear and tear item. Replaced mine not long ago for 9k with a brand new unit, but I was lucky. You'll look at 12k to 15k for a new replacement IF it goes.
 

sash

///Member
SirSparky said:
any known turbo issues on 530d?
I would prefer a manual...bit scared of auto...auto boxes dont last as long in my opinion...had bad experience in the past

No issues with turbo, this does not take into consideration modded cars or bad driving habits like not letting the turbo cool down after driving hard or driving hard when cold.
 

SirSparky

New member
right, if iam going to get a beemer again it seems iam leaning towards a 2007 or higher 320d. I have been reading about timing chain issues overseas....any takes on this over here in good old SA?
 
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