BMW and M Power Owners

NVP · 10 Sep 2022 at 20:28

Ah yeh my bad :cry:

chanjy · 10 Sep 2022 at 20:55

Did like my 535d. Compared to the 30d it had much less lag and great pick up low down. Noticeable at junctions and traffic lights, but on the move at sensible (legal) speeds there wasn’t much difference. Fuel economy wasn’t great but I wasn’t driving to max mpg either.

NVP · 10 Sep 2022 at 21:00

My F11 535d was probably my most economical car, ever! Astounding car, that came with astounding bills.

That reminds me, I still have my flush fit thule roof bars for the F11, something for MM perhaps? Do you think there'd be interest, or should I just throw them on ebay?

turbot1984 · 10 Sep 2022 at 23:42

chanjy said:
Did like my 535d. Compared to the 30d it had much less lag and great pick up low down. Noticeable at junctions and traffic lights, but on the move at sensible (legal) speeds there wasn’t much difference. Fuel economy wasn’t great but I wasn’t driving to max mpg either.

Yeah, sounds better than 530d as well, a proper growl. Madness that BMW don't put the 340hp diesel in latest model.
I do miss paying £150 car tax though.

[TW]Fox · 11 Sep 2022 at 07:43

turbot1984 said:
Madness that BMW don't put the 340hp diesel in latest model

They do, they just don't sell it in the UK.

Not noticed any difference in sound between 530d and 535d, nor would I have expected to given they are the same engine and differ only really in the number of turbochargers.

almoststew1990 · 11 Sep 2022 at 11:25

almoststew1990 said:
Not to jinx you but my 2003 330ci failed today on... The drivers seat not moving forward/back. No idea if its the motor or button or what that has broken, it's been in the same position probably since the last MOT.

I'd worked ( /paid) to get it into good shape but It's always got a trick up it's sleeve!

Today's gift from the car is a trail of what I think is power steering fluid (judging from the whine and resistance in the steering) when popping out to the shop

turbot1984 · 11 Sep 2022 at 13:21

[TW]Fox said:
They do, they just don't sell it in the UK.

Not noticed any difference in sound between 530d and 535d, nor would I have expected to given they are the same engine and differ only really in the number of turbochargers.

Different exhaust system did it. Remember the 2 back pipes on 535d?

[TW]Fox · 11 Sep 2022 at 13:30

turbot1984 said:
Different exhaust system did it. Remember the 2 back pipes on 535d?

I doubt it made much difference. Certainly not noticeable in any I drove. They sounded exactly the same to me?

It's a diesel saloon, no element of the engine was tuned for good sound

even the petrol ones never sound like they've given any thought to exhaust noise like they do in a 3 series.

DRZ · 11 Sep 2022 at 13:41

[TW]Fox said:
I doubt it made much difference. Certainly not noticeable in any I drove. They sounded exactly the same to me?

It's a diesel saloon, no element of the engine was tuned for good sound even the petrol ones never sound like they've given any thought to exhaust noise like they do in a 3 series.

I remember the day we did back to back runs out in my 535d and your 530d. Basically the same car except for a little bit more shove from the 35d. I don't think they sounded different either, nor did my subsequent 640d.

turbot1984 · 12 Sep 2022 at 13:29

[TW]Fox said:
I doubt it made much difference. Certainly not noticeable in any I drove. They sounded exactly the same to me?

It's a diesel saloon, no element of the engine was tuned for good sound even the petrol ones never sound like they've given any thought to exhaust noise like they do in a 3 series.

I never had a F11 530d, so can't compare ... but to me G31 530d is quieter overall.

rossrlg · 12 Sep 2022 at 14:31

Does anyone has a ballpark figure on a reasonable cost to cut out the rear arches on an E46, weld in new ones and do the paintwork? I have an estorial blue 320d that needs them doing. I have been quoted a smidge over 2k which seems rather heavy. Thanks

ChrisD. · 12 Sep 2022 at 14:35

I had my Integra DC2 done about ten years ago and it was ~£1500 from memory at mates rates, so £2k today seems about right. Whether it's worth it on an E46 320d is another matter.

Phemo · 12 Sep 2022 at 15:54

floatindolphin said:
Just re read the letter, yep EGR cooler replacement. 4 hr job. How much would that cost if I was paying?

A sizeable chunk for sure. I had my recall completed on August 24th. They don't only replace the EGR cooler but the EGR valve too, so it's at least nice to know there's a brand new valve there. I'm pretty sure the valve alone is a couple of hundred quid or thereabouts.

ChrisD. · 13 Sep 2022 at 15:39

11.9% APR on AUC cars now with PCP, that's utterly ridiculous. Not sure when it changed but I'm sure it was 8.9% before which was bad enough.

Robbo · 13 Sep 2022 at 15:42

ChrisD. said:
11.9% APR on AUC cars now with PCP, that's utterly ridiculous. Not sure when it changed but I'm sure it was 8.9% before which was bad enough.

Yeah it's very high. Some dealers do have lower rates but most of them claim it's the FCA's fault and they can't do anything about it.

Banks are doing PCP's at around 5% these days.

[TW]Fox · 13 Sep 2022 at 16:11

ChrisD. said:
11.9% APR on AUC cars now with PCP, that's utterly ridiculous. Not sure when it changed but I'm sure it was 8.9% before which was bad enough.

It's always been expensive in my experience and it has rarely resulted in any sort of deal that offsets the higher cost. I've always asked just in case...

Robzere31 · 13 Sep 2022 at 16:46

ChrisD. said:
11.9% APR on AUC cars now with PCP, that's utterly ridiculous. Not sure when it changed but I'm sure it was 8.9% before which was bad enough.

When I purchased my 430D back in 2020 I was offered a PCP or HP both at 10.9%
I politely declined & borrowed the money from my bank at 2.9%

ChrisD. · 13 Sep 2022 at 17:19

Robzere31 said:
When I purchased my 430D back in 2020 I was offered a PCP or HP both at 10.9%
I politely declined & borrowed the money from my bank at 2.9%

Try getting a bank loan for a G80 or F90.

Robzere31 · 13 Sep 2022 at 17:55

ChrisD. said:
Try getting a bank loan for a G80 or F90.

Funny you should say that, just looking into financing an M4

gEd · 14 Sep 2022 at 00:16

A couple of months ago, I finally sold on my 03 Volvo V70 T5 after 16 years of ownership and with 176K on the clock. It was a great car but it was time to move on.
Given the state of used prices, I got a good price for it and then paid top dollar (don't ask) for this 2018 G31 530D with 50K from a BMW dealer.

I've wanted a touring for absolutely years, always loved the shape of them (and I always drive estates).
The cabin is a really lovely place to be and the car is a joy to drive and I'm over the moon with my first ever Beemer.
As well as being my first BM, it is (after driving for 36 years) my first ever diesel. I always swore I'd never have one and I don't really do the miles to warrant a diesel but I believe the 30D is the right engine for this car (and for my needs).
The 30D really is a gem, as is the incredible 8-speed auto. It's also (like almost every car on the road) significantly more economical that the T5 was (42 vs 28) which was also a key consideration for selling the Volvo, now I no longer have a company fuel card!
(I do sometimes miss the sound of the T5 engine though but I'll get over it).

On top of the M Sport pack, I think (but not 100%) the only optional extra are the comfort seats (and why I bought this precise car). Oh and the MS badge delete which I'm happy with. It doesn't even have electric folding mirrors.

So there you have it. Not a fire-breathing M car, just a lovely car for a guy racing towards 60 who's always wanted a Touring.