BMW 5series

Baralis1

I'm thinking of buying a 5 series BMW, possibly 2006, diesel engine. Anyone have one of these, what are they like.
Are they any way economic or realiable. What's their bhp and average mpg?

MrDerp

stated figures here:

520d: http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=131417
525d: http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=119713
530d: http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=131142

Gumbo

Baralis1 wrote: »

I'm thinking of buying a 5 series BMW, possibly 2006, diesel engine. Anyone have one of these, what are they like.
Are they any way economic or realiable. What's their bhp and average mpg?

you need to narrow down your search...

520d - 163bhp
525d - 197bhp (approx)
530d - 220bhp (approx)
535d - 272bhp

???????????????
which one you looking at?

blingrhino

buy an auto if you can (standard on a 530)
i had 05 530 was getting regular 30mpg and reliable but turbos do give trouble if not looked after.
my current 520 is the "newer" 177 bhp version ,auto as well but avg 38-40 mpg and has plenty enough power.
even earlier 520 should be enough in the real world in performance terms.
my big gripe about all bmws that ive had is that they seem to blow bulbs regularly??????????

Boskowski

Whats regularly? Does a new bulb every year or two qualify for 'regularly' and anyhow whats the big deal, they're a fiver in Halfords. Would you rather have your head gasket blowing 'regularly'?

dantt7

I have a 2006 520d msport manual, i,m currently getting between 38 - 42 mpg(according to OBC) on a mix of motorway and town driving , i have gotten 46mpg a couple of times on long motorway spins, its been totally reliable, if you want to know anything else pm me , i will answer any qauestions you have as best i can !

allybhoy

Im also thinking about getting a 05 525D or 530d. I currently have a 04 Honda Accord 2.2 iCTDi so i think the 5.20D might feel slightly sluggish compared to the accord. Has anyone on here driven both and if so could they give some comparisons? I like my accord but its time for an upgrade and I really do like the look of the 5 series. I havent driven the 5 series yet (driven a 7 series which was like driving a cruise ship) but I plan on taking a test drive in one soon enough and would be interested in hearing anyone's opinions beforehand.

Also If anyone has any tips on what to look out for or avoid, such as manual vs auto, Differnt specs info, sport\mpac etc etc that would be sweet.

SmithySeller

Have a 06 520 M Sport.

Not a nice ride on pot holed roads. Beautiful on smooth roads. Nice bit of power. Clutch went at 40K which was surprising. The Gear Box is not as smooth as an Audi A4, but still nice.
Overall I get 42 mpg, I dont reset it that often, so 42 is defo average. Likes the Diesel in Traffic though. Ive never had a Bulb go, not yet anyhow.
I would recommend this car for the right price. Oh ditch the run flats and put on ordinary Tyres if going for an M Sport.

SmithySeller

allybhoy wrote: »

I currently have a 04 Honda Accord 2.2 iCTDi so i think the 5.20D might feel slightly sluggish compared to the accord

Im only guessing but I would say the 520 is faster 0-60, higher BHP, and top mph than a 04 Accord even if it is a 2.2.

If would defo be going for a 530 over a 525 for a 05 in Ireland, without doubt

PaulKK

allybhoy wrote: »

Im also thinking about getting a 05 525D or 530d. I currently have a 04 Honda Accord 2.2 iCTDi so i think the 5.20D might feel slightly sluggish compared to the accord.

I wouldn't worry about that, my 04 2.0 diesel has 10bhp more than that 2.2 accord, I think the 2.0 in the 5 series has over 170bhp, so it should be grand

SmithySeller

163BHP up to mid 2007 I think, 177BHP up to 2010, then 183 or something there after....

I didn't think you could get the Accord in a 2L Diesel. You learn something new everyday!!

PaulKK

SmithySeller wrote: »

163BHP up to mid 2007 I think, 177BHP up to 2010, then 183 or something there after....

I didn't think you could get the Accord in a 2L Diesel. You learn something new everyday!!

Your right you can't.

Mine isn't an accord

rabbitinlights

blingrhino wrote: »

my big gripe about all bmws that ive had is that they seem to blow bulbs regularly??????????

blingrhino

at least 3 or 4 bulbs a year and in fact the light is on again on the dash this morning but yet all lights deem to be working?
maybe it is so used to coming on every 3 or 4 months it felt left out

Bodhan

mmmmm 535d, ohh I'd like that..

Gumbo

SmithySeller wrote: »

163BHP up to mid 2007 I think, 177BHP up to 2010, then 183 or something there after....

I didn't think you could get the Accord in a 2L Diesel. You learn something new everyday!!

September 2007 to be exact
This is when the LCI was introduced and all X20d engines went from 163bhp to 177bhp.

Heroditas

blingrhino wrote: »

at least 3 or 4 bulbs a year and in fact the light is on again on the dash this morning but yet all lights deem to be working?
maybe it is so used to coming on every 3 or 4 months it felt left out

It's a software flaw apparently. My 05 523i regularly tells me the front right parking light is not working but there's nothing wrong with it.
A mate of mine has the same issue with his 5 Series too.
Apparently it's a known issue but can be costly to fix.

mfceiling

blingrhino wrote: »

buy an auto if you can (standard on a 530)
i had 05 530 was getting regular 30mpg and reliable but turbos do give trouble if not looked after.
my current 520 is the "newer" 177 bhp version ,auto as well but avg 38-40 mpg and has plenty enough power.
even earlier 520 should be enough in the real world in performance terms.
my big gripe about all bmws that ive had is that they seem to blow bulbs regularly??????????

Try every fcuking second week.
Today it's the rear right number plate one.
It's either headlight/number plate/brake

Also - 2007 520d touring.

Rear tail gate opens on it's own (and keeps opening when you slam it closed - always when you sit down and close the drivers door)
Fly wheel went after 3 months (from new)
Date/Time knocks off every couple of days.
Bulbs - see above.
Eats tyres
Not that great on fuel consumption
Expensive main dealer servicing
More warning tones than a health and safety meeting.


Would i get another one - that's a big no...

Rojomur

Just going to add my two pence worth. I imported a 2008 520d m sport with 38,000 miles on clock last February. Havnt looked back. 177 bhp and tax €156. just bear in mind that a lot of BMW's from UK are ex fleet cars and have 5 year/100,000km service pack included in price. This means you don't have to pay for normal service parts/oil/ filters etc. This wasnt even advertised on website when i looked it up!! It wasnt until dealer in castleisland put key in computer that he gave me good news. Saves a fortune when Joe duffy Bmw was quoting €460 for a fluid and oil change. (ahearns castleisland was €230 for same job by yhe way!!! ) I got my car from carshop.uk Cardiff and it couldn't be easier. The deal is done beforehand over the phone. Just show up with sterling draught and pick up car. Flight from Dublin was €60. Company pick you up at airport . After picking up car its 2 hr drive from cardiff to ferry in where you get to really drive the car on!! 0-60 is 8.3 seconds!! . fishguard to rosslare was €175. Two hours back to dublin and what ever diesel used. Had car on road in ireland for €27,000 VRT paid and all (4,800) Saved €9000 on dealer prices at the time. I personally have had no trouble with mine. Trip computer says 45 mpg average and I'm 70/30 town/ motorway driving. Not bad for a low emissions/low tax 2l diesel car!!! As I said back looked back yet. :-)

mickob16

Ive a 525d M-Sport 05.Apart from high tax,low mpg and crazy servicing costs its best car ive had.Getting rid of run-flats when they worn and getting a remap when she out of warranty but 177bhp is enough for Irish roads.

Mine seems to have this fault with telling me a light gone.Will put up with it rather than selling the house to get it fixed!!!

Rojomur

Baralis1 just remember to work out future running costs ad regards servicing, tax and economy. If you keep car for four years it really is worth stretching to a 08 model. Tax is 156 v 600 for '06 per year. '08 model much more economical- 55 mpg on long runs if you keep speeds and at theoment you could have one on road for €17,000-22,000 of you import your own and depending on model + as i said if it cones with free servicing its a no brainer. The 08 2L diesel really had good poke!!

blingrhino

todays problem is the run flat indicator is on again- i checked all pressures which were all fine and reset the thinge magig-seems ok now.