E39 530d Performance
Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 5 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 5 Series (E12, E28, E34, E39, E60 & E61)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=46156
Printed Date: 01-May-2024 at 17:12
Topic: E39 530d Performance
Posted By: kbannon
Subject: E39 530d Performance
Date Posted: 30-December-2009 at 16:54
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I had been thinking of changing soon and I don't want to
downsize and yet with juice prices heading upwards I was thinking of moving over to the dark side (i.e. tractor power). What's the E39 530d like as a daily driver compared to the 523i? Power-wise, I think they have a similar enough bhp figure (170 Vs 190) but the diesel presumably has shedloads more torque. I don't measure it but I reckon that I'm getting low 20s in the mpg stakes (commuting traffic) - what could I expect from the diesel in this kind of traffic (I know early 40s are easily achievable on a long run)? What about servicing - the petrol is easy enough to DIY - is there much to playing with the diesel (I have worked on Massey Ferguson & Ford tractors) so I presume not but just want to be sure. What about gearbox. Should I do the double cross and move over to an autobox? Any other buying info that I should know of (out of the ordinary E39 stuff)? ------------- Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual |
Replies:
Posted By: nn_dd
Date Posted: 31-December-2009 at 01:29
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Won't get 40's on an autobox, even on long run - unless you're doing constant 100kph. Drove an auto 523 while my 530d was in for some tlc. The 530d delivers much better performance and much lower fuel consumption. There's much more to go wrong though and none of it is cheap. I've only done 15k in mine since changing from an E36M3 and please for the love of all that is important to you - don't get an auto, i HATE mine and will never get an auto again. They are rare, but manuals are out there, try and source one, you'll be better able to make best use of the 530d's prodegious torque than any auto box can. On the buying front, the autobox must be smooth on the up change and kickdown, listen for rear subframe bushings clunking on rapic acceleration. Most problems are associated with the diesel supply, 3 pumps and then €300 a piece injectors that are common to go when over 100k. just pumped 2k into mine for injectors and ECU + LCM (not a nice bill to get on Christmas eve....) I get 32-35mpg on cross country and motorway miles. Mid to high 20's in traffic and if driven on, manual would give better mpg than that. I'm sure the long term owners can shed more light on the subject for you. ------------- E39 530d Touring |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 31-December-2009 at 17:56
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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 ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: Stone-IslandV8
Date Posted: 31-December-2009 at 18:25
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K
My 540s the auto with Sports and tip control and I don't mind it...kind of suits the car espec in traffic....D when I can't be arsed or want to cruise along, S round town and tip for when I want some urgency. I'm with Andrew on the possible pitfalls of diesel...but dependant on your mileage then could be more cost effective. A few years ago I had a new E46 320D manual which to be fair was a reasonably decent car, 500 miles to a tankful...my only problem, and it could well have been the engine size, was the relatively small power band...as Andrew noticed..not much before turbo kick in then a kick up the rear then absolutely nothing. Had similar in a Bora 1.9TDI and a Passat TDI. ------------- Gentlemen I may not have a brain but I do have an idea Past; E39 540T/E46 328CI/ E39 535/ E39 520/ E36 M3/ E36 318iS jet black Mtech/ E46 320d/ E36 318iS diamond black/ E36 318iS blue Mtech kit |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 31-December-2009 at 19:07
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One thing to bear in mind is that the 3 litre automatics have the troublesome swirl flaps in the inlet manifold. I was told that the manual cars don't have them but that might not be true. Either way it's worth removing them if you buy a car that has them fitted and replacing the crankcase breather assemby as a matter of course. ------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: Dergside
Date Posted: 01-January-2010 at 12:50
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+1 ------------- Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93. Prev: e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci. e39 523i SE. e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE. e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i. |
Peter Fenwick wrote:Posted By: buck26
Date Posted: 04-January-2010 at 20:32
| I had a 530d manual,01, sold it afew years ago,to a brother of mine,to be honest i loved it,motor tax cost was d reason i sold it,thought for a while i was missing out on something buy not a having an auto, until i drove an Auto one weekend,didnt like it at all, mpg was great over 40mpg on a long run.My brother still has it, his wife drives it a lot, and to be honest shes a bit heavy on the pedal,and drives country roads a lot, my brother tells me its very hard on balljoints,and track rod ends,and has replaced them a couple of times. |
Posted By: stephen520i
Date Posted: 05-January-2010 at 11:13
Total BMW mag have done a feature on changing the swirl flap's. If you have them, then get them out they say. They have also covered the engine breather filter change as part of their latest project car an e39 530d. ------------- E34 520i auto leather Previous: E36 93 316i M40 Boston Green |
Posted By: kbannon
Date Posted: 05-January-2010 at 12:01
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Which issue was that in?
------------- Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual |
Posted By: Dergside
Date Posted: 05-January-2010 at 15:56
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Within the last 6 months iirc. I can probably dig it out at home if you don't have it. ------------- Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93. Prev: e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci. e39 523i SE. e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE. e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i. |
Posted By: kbannon
Date Posted: 05-January-2010 at 19:06
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If you could please D. - no rush as most of the 530d's advertised are bog standard crap whereas if I were to go for one it would need to be a good spec (M-tech, dual climate, leather, etc.)
------------- Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual |
Posted By: nn_dd
Date Posted: 05-January-2010 at 21:58
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KB - are you saying that BMW's are crap unless they have all the bells and whistles on.....tut tut..!!! The car I have now is the first one in about 10yrs with no leather in it and it's lovely in the current weather (even if the bloody car won't heat up !!) ------------- E39 530d Touring |
Posted By: kbannon
Date Posted: 05-January-2010 at 22:33
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not at all but I'm just used to my little luxuries! I am surprised at the lack of high spec 530ds out there - given the size of the engine & the associated tax, I would have resumed the spec would have been much higher! ------------- Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual |
Posted By: nn_dd
Date Posted: 05-January-2010 at 22:35
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Farmers cars ------------- E39 530d Touring |
Posted By: kbannon
Date Posted: 05-January-2010 at 22:47
Should I expect to see traces of silage or old 10:10:20 bags in the boot then? ------------- Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual |
Posted By: dekra
Date Posted: 06-January-2010 at 00:01
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i have had a 530d 2001 193bhp for two years now.its manual.mpg ranges about 42 to 47 and with very light foot 52mpg amazing for 2.9 engine.mate has 528i auto and they have very equal performance after 40 mph.issues i had were turbo 1000euro and fitted myself.inlet manifold replaced which had no swirl flaps.airflow meter.high pressure fuel pump got from brakers 120 euro.general bushings and service.it was king diesel at one time.best car i ever had .they are cheap as chips now but buy with service history. ------------- 530d 540i |
Posted By: jetsetwilly2000
Date Posted: 06-January-2010 at 11:15
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How does the performance compare to your 540i then dekra?
------------- E90 M3 DCT, E46 330d Touring, VW T5 wannabecamper Previous: Disco 3 TDV6, 2x E34 540i6, E34 535iS |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 06-January-2010 at 15:33
Rep mobiles where the status of a big 5 is more important than the spec i.e better to buy a base spec 530d than a high spec 330d... ------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: kbannon
Date Posted: 06-January-2010 at 15:44
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True Peter but over here with our extortionate tax rates, reps tended to have a 520dor maybe a 520i/523i and the bosses had the 3L motors. ------------- Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual |
Posted By: Fooljam
Date Posted: 06-January-2010 at 16:20
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Err, you can see the 530d in your 540i mirror...
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Posted By: jetsetwilly2000
Date Posted: 06-January-2010 at 16:33
think I'll stick then 
------------- E90 M3 DCT, E46 330d Touring, VW T5 wannabecamper Previous: Disco 3 TDV6, 2x E34 540i6, E34 535iS |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 06-January-2010 at 18:09
Yeah and it gets smaller and smaller, you can tell it's still there from the smoke that comes out the back ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: dekra
Date Posted: 07-January-2010 at 16:37
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yes jetseat it is slower than my 540i.but it will travel twice as far on same amount of fuel.530d does not have lsd vary dissapointed about that mabey the m sport models have .does anybody know . ------------- 530d 540i |
Posted By: jetsetwilly2000
Date Posted: 07-January-2010 at 16:54
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Yeah I guess I knew that, just wondering how much slower. I've been in a 330d which was damn fine until it ran out of puff, but never ran it back to back against my 540i to gauge it properly. My 540 doesn't have lsd either! Apparently the TC renders it redundant!! Ludicrous decision. I'm sort of passively shopping for an S315 off an 840CI... ------------- E90 M3 DCT, E46 330d Touring, VW T5 wannabecamper Previous: Disco 3 TDV6, 2x E34 540i6, E34 535iS |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 07-January-2010 at 17:19
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The only BMW cars to have LSDs are the M models, as the yes the traction control does render it somewhat redundant. Same reason as the why the X5 doesn't have a locking centre diff. The traction control shifts the power to the wheel with the grip...well that's the theory.... ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: jetsetwilly2000
Date Posted: 07-January-2010 at 17:56
Aye, that's the theory  In practice when you want to use the lsd to apply power evenly to the wheels, you end up with the brakes on. 4x4's without locking centre diffs are silly too - I'd never take one anywhere near mud (not that X5's would go there anyway).------------- E90 M3 DCT, E46 330d Touring, VW T5 wannabecamper Previous: Disco 3 TDV6, 2x E34 540i6, E34 535iS |
Posted By: dekra
Date Posted: 07-January-2010 at 21:34
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so than bmws with lsd should work properly with traction control switched off ------------- 530d 540i |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 07-January-2010 at 21:39
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Yes but I would be a bit scared driving a M model with the traction off. Christ mine is scary enough to drive with the traction off, shudder to think what an M would do to you, ending up going backwards thru hedges in a big fireball springs to mind! On the track would be a different thing altogether. ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: dekra
Date Posted: 08-January-2010 at 00:55
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i know what mean been there done that .i was thinking of our slippery conditions at mo it would be nice to have better traction.time for the 525ix to come out and play if anybody has one still. ------------- 530d 540i |
Posted By: jetsetwilly2000
Date Posted: 08-January-2010 at 10:56
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Not sure about now but E34 Sport models had LSDs. TC that can be set to be less paranoid would probably be best. Atm I wouldn't be without my TC! But ideally I'd like an lsd to have the option. I know that once or twice on private roads my car has triggered the TC mid-bend and at any speed it really upsets the car, in a way that an LSD just wouldn't. Proof of the pudding for me was my 535iS - LSD but no TC, and more rewarding to chuck about. And no, the suspension wasn't better - it had been lowered and was actually a bit crap compared to the 540, nervous turn-in and a bit snappy on real-world roads, but still nicer at the limit. The 540 feels lovely right up to the limit, and then if there's any speed involved the TC makes it lurch like someone's just dabbed the brakes (funny that). Maybe drive-by-wire cars are better since they can back off too, but I'd still rather have an LSD than not. ------------- E90 M3 DCT, E46 330d Touring, VW T5 wannabecamper Previous: Disco 3 TDV6, 2x E34 540i6, E34 535iS |
Posted By: dekra
Date Posted: 08-January-2010 at 17:39
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just getting back to anyone buying e39 530d.there is a filter for the turbo located under the air filter .this must be changed .this is one of the causes of turbo fail.also use castrol magnetic oil and try letting engine heat up and cool down before driving and also before switching engine off 30 secs to min should do where possible .if i didnt do so much milage i would buy 2002 525i sport manual .decent mpg and reliable.most e39 are geared for 145mph no matter what engine except v8 of coarse. ------------- 530d 540i |
Posted By: oilman
Date Posted: 08-January-2010 at 17:50
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One thing about the oil, Magnatec doesn't meet the BMW LL98 spec that the oil should do. The LL98 oils are synthetic and Magnatec isn't. These are better ones to go for http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-684-bmw-longlife-98.aspx - http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-684-bmw-longlife-98.aspx ------------- Use the code BAVBOARD and get 10% Club Discount email: sales@opieoils.co.uk Phone: 01209 202944 |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 08-January-2010 at 18:03
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Quite right Let the diesels idle for a few seconds to allow (cool) oil to get to the turbo bearings. If the turbo has been spining from high engine revs and you turn the engine off the engine stops dead as so to does the oil pump thus no oil is being pumped around the system and more importantly to the turbo bearings but the turbo is still spining due to its momentum. That is spining in bearings that are not getting fed with oil. Do that often enough and the bearings wear prematurely causing the turbo blades to come into contact with the casing and hey presto, the engine eats its own turbo blades. ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: dekra
Date Posted: 08-January-2010 at 19:50
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on the oil issue castrol is recommended by bmw .also it says on my filler cap castrol edge turbo diesel 0w-30 .my mistake earlier on magnetec. the castrol website says edge td oil is ll04 spec. ------------- 530d 540i |
Posted By: oilman
Date Posted: 08-January-2010 at 20:06
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Yes, Edge is a good choice. The Edge oils exceed the LL98 spec and the 0w-30 is a very good oil. The Edge TD 5w-40 and Edge TD 0w-30 are both LL04, the Edge 0w-30 is a LL01, but any of those are fine. ------------- Use the code BAVBOARD and get 10% Club Discount email: sales@opieoils.co.uk Phone: 01209 202944 |
Posted By: dekra
Date Posted: 08-January-2010 at 20:33
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expensive to buy but worth it.my oil level is amazingly slow to drop .9 months since last oil change must do it soon again.is it possible to put lesser grade oil as the mileage creeps up for example my car has 195000miles now .oilman maybe you can shed some light on this. ------------- 530d 540i |
Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 11-January-2010 at 21:28
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interesting read.
having a 528 myself and driven it 7 times to Germany in 2009 I was tempted to look for a 530d. I am surprised in the different mpg figures people post. One is very good, the other not much better than my 528. Given the price difference of the oil burner over the petrol, one needs to do a fair amount of miles just to break even. I think I stay clear for now and keep the Petrol. Maybe a decent 540 with lpg....  ------------- E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg..... |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 12-January-2010 at 08:32
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Exactly! I just can't see the attraction unless you are doing, from what I've heard, atleast 17,000 miles a year.
------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 12-January-2010 at 09:23
another thing they can't compete with is the smooth running of a BMW 6 cylinder petrol engine. ------------- E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg..... |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 12-January-2010 at 15:46
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Dekra,
You mentioned a filter for the turbo under the air filter, I havbe no idea if this has been changed at service, do you have a part number? Ta. Uwe, on a long run with few stops, you should always get 40mpg with an E39 auto, a few more with a manual. My 530d auto has averaged just under 36 mpg over 21000 miles in mixed driving. ------------- E30 M3 Macao blue metallic Evolution 2 E39 530d Sport Auto, Aegean blue Edition, Sat Nav, TV, comms pack etc. E39 540i Auto, Sat Nav, TV, leather, luxo barge |
Posted By: dekra
Date Posted: 12-January-2010 at 18:37
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sorry no access to part numbrs m3nally but someone on here should have it .it is main dealer only part.bmw will know what your talking about.the filter costs 70 euro in ireland.i use my manual 530d in country and main roads currently avg mpg is 42mpg ------------- 530d 540i |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 13-January-2010 at 08:30
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Go here for part numbers http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do - http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do Enter last 7 digits of the VIN in the box next to "Serial Number". ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 13-January-2010 at 10:33
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Thanks Andrew,
I was being lazy, but on looking for 20 minutes, all I could find was the regular air filter here http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DL82&mospid=47 545&btnr=13_0799&hg=13&fg=20 ------------- E30 M3 Macao blue metallic Evolution 2 E39 530d Sport Auto, Aegean blue Edition, Sat Nav, TV, comms pack etc. E39 540i Auto, Sat Nav, TV, leather, luxo barge |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 13-January-2010 at 12:32
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Yeah that was the only filter I could find too. ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: dekra
Date Posted: 13-January-2010 at 15:47
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mybe there is a reason for this.if i owned a bmw dealership i would be more than happy with people getting thir failed turbos replaced.can you imagain how many diesel bmw have got turbo replacment poss engine 320d for example.i think thats why the second hand values are so low for prop the best engines in the world that they could have been. ------------- 530d 540i |
Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 14-January-2010 at 14:24
I get to around 28-30mpg with the 528 over a longer period. Never seen more than 35-36mpg on the motorway at cruising. Considering the size of the car and the autobox I don't think this is that bad. All as long as you don't put your foot down. In town only, I have had 20-22mpg How does the 540 compare to this? ------------- E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg..... |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 14-January-2010 at 15:17
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On my 545 (same engine as the E39 540) I get between 32 and 36mpg on M'way cruises and between 26 and 28mpg around town. Advancement in engine electronic fripery fitted to the E60 4398cc lump gives a huge improvement in mpg condsidering the size of the engine. Towing, I'm looking at 21-22mpg ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: jetsetwilly2000
Date Posted: 14-January-2010 at 15:39
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Indeed, things have moved on. My E34 540i Touring (M60 4.0) gives 27 on a run, 25 average over 20k miles of weekend trips and not much else, and I try not to think about it in town!... On the subject of towing, my old disco used to do 25-28mpg no matter what. One week I used a tank of diesel running around town - 28mpg - and then towed a car trailer down to Cambridge from Edinburgh - 28mpg - and hauled an MGF back up - 28mpg! I guess the bungalow aerodynamics and mass make minor excrescences insignificant! ------------- E90 M3 DCT, E46 330d Touring, VW T5 wannabecamper Previous: Disco 3 TDV6, 2x E34 540i6, E34 535iS |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 15-January-2010 at 16:51
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Andrew that is some improvement with the same engine!
I got average of 26 mpg on my auto E39 540 over 18k miles before I swapped for the oil burner. ------------- E30 M3 Macao blue metallic Evolution 2 E39 530d Sport Auto, Aegean blue Edition, Sat Nav, TV, comms pack etc. E39 540i Auto, Sat Nav, TV, leather, luxo barge |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 15-January-2010 at 19:04
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That's what technology does for you. It also means more to go wrong, more difficult to tell whats wrong, more expensive to fix, blah blah blah. But it's worth it purely for the V8! ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 15-January-2010 at 19:17
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I do miss the V8, theres no doubt about it. ------------- E30 M3 Macao blue metallic Evolution 2 E39 530d Sport Auto, Aegean blue Edition, Sat Nav, TV, comms pack etc. E39 540i Auto, Sat Nav, TV, leather, luxo barge |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 18-January-2010 at 08:35
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What about a V8 diesel? That might be an acceptable way to go over to an oil burner, hmmmm. ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: kbannon
Date Posted: 18-January-2010 at 21:10
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I'm starting to dismiss the oil burner idea following this thread. I'd save money on fuel alright but with the extra 30% in motor tax and the extra in servicing it would negate any fuel benefit. Also the change in sound may hurt my ears. ------------- Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 19-January-2010 at 08:13
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Thank gawd for that! ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 19-January-2010 at 09:50
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30% more tax for a diesel!! I'm not sure the servicing is that much more expensive though... ------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: jetsetwilly2000
Date Posted: 19-January-2010 at 09:55
A friend has a rangey TDV8, does sound rather decent. And I remember long ago being in an oldsmobile 5.7l diesel from the fuel crisis days, which made all sorts of interesting noises, but then those engines were desperately fragile so maybe it was just knackered! ------------- E90 M3 DCT, E46 330d Touring, VW T5 wannabecamper Previous: Disco 3 TDV6, 2x E34 540i6, E34 535iS |
Posted By: kbannon
Date Posted: 19-January-2010 at 09:58
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The taxover here on pre-2008 cars is engine CC based! €935 for a 523i (2494cc) and €1,293 for a 530d (2998cc) http://www.clarecoco.ie/Motor_Tax/Private_Cars_09.html - see here According to previous posts, diesels can cost more to service due to the heavier parts ------------- Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 19-January-2010 at 10:02
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Ah, but then a 530i would also result in a big increase in tax then. As for servicing, i'd ring a few places and get some prices. I've seen a few manual 530ds around but I'm not sure I could buy a BMW and not have the lovely straight 6 sound that you get with a petrol engined car. ------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 19-January-2010 at 10:42
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Exactly, that's the whole point of a BMW, a lovely straight 6. Nice and smooth, quiet and powerful. Not lumpy, smelly and rattley! ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: Dergside
Date Posted: 19-January-2010 at 11:38
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I've seen a few dogs of BMW's over the years fitting that description that weren't even diesel! ------------- Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93. Prev: e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci. e39 523i SE. e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE. e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i. |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 19-January-2010 at 19:27
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I've seen a few dogs too, but none that had wheels! ------------- E30 M3 Macao blue metallic Evolution 2 E39 530d Sport Auto, Aegean blue Edition, Sat Nav, TV, comms pack etc. E39 540i Auto, Sat Nav, TV, leather, luxo barge |
Posted By: MAC7
Date Posted: 07-May-2010 at 20:53
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I just sold my E38 728i Sport and bought a E39 530D. I thought I was going to see a huge jump up in performance & economy over the 7, enough to overcome the clackety sound of the diesel. What I was not prepared for was the lack of oomph compared to my 7 over 80mph. The big 7 wafted up to 138 on the Autobahn and the 5 seems slow & loud before the turbo has warmed up and seems flat when I push it a bit. had it up to 125 but it is nowhere near as rapid as my wifes 530i Sport E39. Once again I think I have "bought the wrong car" I also miss the sweet sound of the petrol. I used to have a E39 525i which i loved. all this talk of detonating turbos and swirl flaps is making me worried. G ------------- Alpina/BMW addict, there is No known cure!!! E39 525iSE E38 728i Sport E39 530d SE (current) the wife's cars E39 530i Sport (current) E39 523i SE E36 316i |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 10-May-2010 at 08:09
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Your oil burner would have much the same bhp as the E38 and crucially much more torque so it should be quicker and more responsive than the E38. Sounds like you have a problem as it should me more than a match for the 2.8i in your E38. It's also a smaller barge so power to weight ratio will be better on the E39. They should return over 40mpg on a good run. The 3.0 petrol E39 would eat the 3.0 diesel E39. The ones I have driven were indeed swift and could make progress quickly...if you could live with the noise, the smell and the fear of as you say detonating turbos and swirl flaps. ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 10-May-2010 at 15:25
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MAC7,
I agree with Andrew, sounds like something wrong there, you should have it looked at. I had a turbo hose pop off, (mechanic didn't tighten it up properly after changing a thermostat) thought the thing had blown up, and it was really gutless. Maybe you have an airleak somewhere. If I boot it doing 60 there isn't much that will keep up with the diesel. I think mine has had a mild remap before I got it as it knocks out 208bhp and 353 lb/ft on a rolling road. It never feels slow, though is nowhere near nice sounding as the old 540i. ------------- E30 M3 Macao blue metallic Evolution 2 E39 530d Sport Auto, Aegean blue Edition, Sat Nav, TV, comms pack etc. E39 540i Auto, Sat Nav, TV, leather, luxo barge |