E39 530d Performance

I test drove two auto E39 530d when looking to change from the auto E39 523i.  Bhp wise the oil burner has about 20 bhp more but torque goes from 245Nm to around 400Nm which is a massive increase, which is what does all the work in the acceleration department.

They weren't as dynamically zinggy to drive as the smaller petrol but the acceleration in 2nd gear once in the turbo range is impressive.  The getting off the line is a bit more sluggish.  On a bootfull of throttle from stationary they both sat and farted about before pulling themselves together and hurling you with a load of torque off the line.

Auto wise, they have the proven ZF 5 speed box which will be generally pretty reliable.  You will know how I bang on about getting them serviced.  I reckon you would have more to worry about in the engine than the transmission.

I would have gone for a 530d but the thought of replacing injectors at £300 each and turbos etc at £2,000 just scared me off them. 

If the reliability was there I would have had one as at the time I was doing more miles but I am doing far less nowadays. 

Performance with economy is very attractive but I couldn't get the noise of a diesel Mondeo out of my head when sat at traffic lights in the 530d hearing it idle....like a Massey Fergusson Tractor......Plus I really hate the smell of the fuel and the exhaust fumes.

Servicing will be more as the engine parts are heavier.  The lub oil will be more expensive too and you will need to change it regularly to avoid the turbo bearings failing which then lead to the engine eating bits of turbo.  You will need to do more miles to get the savings in economy to counter act the increase in service costs.

If you are slightly deaf, have a poor sense of smell and do more than 17,000 miles a year, a diesel may be the right car for you.

In my opinion I just can't see the attraction of a diesel....The E60 535d would however be a different story altogether but will cost considerably more than an E39 530d.

Don't get me wrong they are impressive to drive for a diesel but.....

I would be interested to hear what you decide to do.

Andrew