bmw 530d

flexo786

flexo786

flexo786

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Joined
9 May 2007
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1,100
Hi
My dads looking at buying a bmw e60 525 or 530d and was wondering are there any forums people can recommend to read up on the issues with them and that also have a classifieds section

thanks
 
What sort of mileage is he doing? It might be worth looking at the efficient dynamics petrols rather than compromising with an oil burner if he's not doing huge mileage.
 
I might be able to help here :)

I have an E60 530d.

On a casual run, I get early 40mpg mixed motorway / A road. Keeping a firm fix on the speedo on the motorway I can achieve late 40s or even 50mpg. This obviously drops the minute you leave the motorway.

The E60 was lifecycle improved (LCI) in April 2007 but this didn't reach cars in the UK market until 57 plate. I have seen one LCI on an 07 plate. Equally, I have seen one pre LCI on a 57 plate (although these are usually special order cars). General rule of thumb is 57 plate onwards equals LCI.

The 525d is also a 3 litre straight six (LCI) same as the 530d but has pretty much similar fuel economy although the 530d is quite more powerful. The pre LCI 525d was a 2.5 litre 177bhp. The LCI 525d is 197bhp.

2009 plate saw the addition of the CIC hard drive based iDrive. Better by far over the CCC drive unit I have (as Fox will be able to add).

LCI offers better interior, slightly different layout and different bumpers / lights on SE models. M Sport models offers the same as above bar the bumpers (which are the same on both LCI and pre LCI).

There was an issue with swirl flaps on the 6cyl diesel units, but this was on early cars and was resolved in 2007. The LCI diesel (of the 530d) recevied an engine enhancement. Pre LCI was 218bhp, LCI was 235bhp. There was also a run of 231bhp 530ds available too but these don't seem that common 2006-2007 production only.

Auto boxes were improved on the LCI models too.

Happy to answer any questions. Plenty of cars on Pistonheads or BMW AUC to look at.
 
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looking to spend upto 14.

currently seen an 2008 530d m sport with satnav and leathers at 13k. mileage is high at 92000 so just wanted to see what the common problems are with this
 
Wicksta said:
What sort of mileage is he doing? It might be worth looking at the efficient dynamics petrols rather than compromising with an oil burner if he's not doing huge mileage.
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mileage is probably around 10-15k but he prefers the diesel engines so petrols out unless i see a fully loaded one at a decent price that i can convince him to get
 
Sure, around town I see about 30mpg. Sometimes less, as I'm an acceleration junky. Sometimes more if I'm generally pottling around in 4th.

For 10-15k miles, I would strongly consider a 530i if you can find one. Blissfully less likely to go wrong although bar a turbo replacement (which was a dealer issue) and sticking auto box selection lever on mine, I've not had any problems what so ever.

Remember, I think the E60 still allows you to purchase the extended warranty up to 100k miles, but I have heard of cases where the turbo is under strict caveats in this warranty and has not always been fully covered by the warranty.
 
Lucero said:
These E60 was lifecycle improved (LCI) iun April 2007 but this didn't reach cars the UK market until 57 plate. I have seen one LCI on an 07 plate. Equally, I have seen one pre LCI on a 57 plate (although these are usually special order cars). General rule of thumb is 57 plate onwards equals LCI.

The LCI diesel (of the 530d) recevied an engine enhancement. Pre LCI wabts 218bhp, LCI was 235bhp. There was also a run of 231bhp 530ds available too but these don't seem that common 2006-2007 production only
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The 530d was 218bhp until 2006 when the new keyfob was introduced then it moved to 231bhp. The LCI was produced from March 2007 and the 530d got a slight power hike to 235bhp. Nearly every car on an 07 plate will be an LCI , a few unregistered cars will be earlier models on 07 plates but I have only ever seen one.
 
My brother in law averaged 39 MPG overall in his e60 LCI 525D and is currently getting 47MPG average with his F10 525d! *

He lives on motorways & drives like a grandad! :D

* Assuming the OBC is not talking bull...

The 530D is the one of choice, but it has to be said, the 525D is a fine car in its own right. Buying used though, you may as well opt for the bigger engine.
 
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Dandle said:
The 530d was 218bhp until 2006 when the new keyfob was introduced then it moved to 231bhp. The LCI was produced from March 2007 and the 530d got a slight power hike to 235bhp. Nearly every car on an 07 plate will be an LCI , a few unregistered cars will be earlier models on 07 plates but I have only ever seen one.
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Really?? When I was looking specifically for a LCI, I had to look at 57 plates as virtually all 07 plates I looked at were pre LCI
 
Lucero said:
Really?? When I was looking specifically for a LCI, I had to look at 57 plates as virtually all 07 plates I looked at were pre LCI
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I just had a quick look on the BMW AUC site and apart from the March 2007 registered cars (of which there is quite a few for obvious reasons) pretty much all 07 plate cars seem to be LCI.

Suffice to say "The E60 was lifecycle improved (LCI) in April 2007 but this didn't reach cars in the UK market until 57 plate." is pretty innaccurate in all respects. :p
 
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I would get a 535d. 'Cause I did. Negligible difference in running costs versus the 525d/530d but typically better equipped. Bit more expensive to buy but I think it's worth it.

I wouldn't consider buying an E60 without a BMW warranty.
 
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