MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
We are loking for an estate car or an mpv, had originally decided on a vw touran but the 2 I looked at really didnt inspire me at all so Im back looking around now.
Currently looking a the BMW 520d touring which Ive always liked the look at but thought would be out of my budget.
However Ive seen a few 07 or 57 plates in budget albeit with slightly higher miles circa 90k
do any of you drive a 520d and if so can i get opinions please!!
is 90k a lot of miles for a beemer diesel engine and are servicing cost likely to be higher than your average vw/vauxhall car??
cheers
Steve
bump !!
I've no idea on that exact model. One of my colleagues has just had a turbo go on a petrol 3 series and BMW are asking over £3k to fix it so service costs can be higher!
Oh Surf-Mat, how we miss you!
Re miles - 90k is not a lot for any engine. The thing is, nowadays they don't wear out after a certain number of miles, you have a fixed probability of something expensive suddenly going bang. This seems to happen randomly regardless of mileage.
It's not like you have say 100k miles before it needs a rebuild with big ends, valves, piston rings and all that stuff any more. The rest of the car will die long before that lot goes.
90k's nowt however VAG parts can and do go wrong throwing up some silly bills. Bro in laws 59 plate VW Golf TDI has just had its EGR? and turbo replaced and thats only done 70k.
I'd look at the 520d but also look at the T&C's of aftermarket warranties to make sure whats covered within the engine bay.
Servicewise- BMW Indie specialist 😀
Having seen the way that Beemers coped with 10mm of snow at HTN I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole unless I lived in Nevada.
That didn't take long. Just FYI all RWD cars suffer in snow. It's a decision owners have to make ; do the benefits of RWD for most of the time outweigh the negatives of RWD when it's snows and you just HAVE to drive? I leave my car at home or drive the 4x4 the one or two days a year this is an issue for me.
Bro in laws 59 plate VW Golf TDI has just had its EGR? and turbo replaced and thats only done 70k.
I bet it was just out of warranty? What a ball ache bloody cars are!
Never had an issue in my old MX5's which are RWD.
I think the Beemer issue is having big fat Continental straight-line grooved tyres not 'RWD' per se?
I've owned 2 530d sport tourings in the past, both bought new, first one I put 145k on and the second I put 230k on. Both never ever broke down, caused trouble, failed to start or annoyed in any way. I had a tow bar on the second one and thule roof bars. Ave mpg was 45ish which wasn't bad considering I was towing boats around with them.
Can't rate them highly enough.
IMO Audi are making better cars than BMW these days. 2.0d would seem a little underpowered to me for a 5 series.
We have an 5yr old A6 Avant Quattro 2.7 TDI and the car is in outstanding condition and running really well with 90k on the clock. Terrific long distance car, fast quiet comfortable. Wonderful grip in snow, better than a lot of jeep style 4wds (BMWs and Merc's are terrible btw). Only criticism would be it's tricky to park due to shape of bonnet (front/rear sensors sometimes fitted and worth looking for)
Dealer servicing is reasonably cheap, repairs/major work less so but there are lots of independents.
The current 520d is a gem, but the last shape was a bit underpowered so may have been ragged a bit. That said, it probably did 99% of its 90k under little stress on the motorway with some middle-manager/rep at the wheel.
the model im looking at has the 177bhp engine !!
I had a much older one, 1993 I think. Had over 300k miles by the time it was scrapped in 2007 with no issues except a replaced radiator.
I reckon it would had gone a lot further but it was crashed into and the insurance wouldn't pay for the repairs. 😐
The new engine is only a few more (184), but is much cleaner and seems to pull better.
I have a 318d Tourer as a company car and when it's up for replacement in a year the 520d tourer will be top of my list. cracking cars
dms can remap the model im looking at to 220bhp so if i find it underpowered i can have this done.
will it cost more to service than a "normal" car ie mondeo etc, wont be done at bmw just at my local garage as if we get one we will be keeping it for a while !!
also ive heard the run flats are crap, can you fit normal tyres to it??
You can fit normal tyres yes but runflats haven't been crap for a few years now, I wouldn't run anything else now.
Mine had runflats on it, they were a bit harsh on crappy roads and concrete motorways were a bit noisy, other than that I never had problems with them. You can change them for normal stuff, bit expensive at £220 per tyre but I'd get 60k out of the rears and then swap the fronts over when changing the rears.
Solid and reliable and understated. Perfect.
I've had the 320d, 520d and now the 330d.
The 2 , 2lts were great on fuel, went forever but the 330d puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.
Change of business very soon means it's being replaced with a Maxi-Life DGS so I don't have to run 2 vehicles.
Other than that - just watch out for wishbone rear bushes and tyres on the staggered alloys.
I test drove 520d and 320d wagons (E61 and E91 shapes). The 5er is a big old car. Fantastic seating for cruising in - proper big armchair feel, but it felt a bit underpowered (this would have been a 163bhp version), so would need driving harder than the 3. While it handles pretty well it's still a big old hefty car, so not so nimble on the twisties. I ended up buying a 320d, but still have a hankering for a 5 - ideally 530d or 535d...
Runflats are shite - get rid of. Get a wheel alignment checked, it'll drive & ride much better if it's set up bob on. Ride will vary from stiff to harsh depending on wheel choice. If economy is a bit off, try cleaning the EGR system, and also check/replace the main and EGR thermostats - the engine runs cool which drags economy down (should be mid 90s - accessible through a hidden menu)
The boot is huge in terms of acreage, but very shallow in terms of height - you might get a bike in without taking the luggage cover out, but it'll be close.
Can all you beemer owners confirm whether or not they actually have indicators?
I always thought it was a legal requirement but although BMWs seem to have the necessary lights I've never actually seen one in action.
Cheers.
Only trouble with any car that already has 90k on is how has it been looked after - and a stamp in the book doesn't count unless they're receipts available.
Be careful as new cars have gone to low servicing in the first +60k, to keep costs down (mainly for leasing companies) - but this can amplify costs later; e.g. 20k between oil changes.
You'd be better not overreaching and spending all your budget, as a £40k car costs £40k money to run, even if you only spent £5k on it.
the model im looking at has the 177bhp engine !!
That *could* mean more longer term issues as wringing more power out of smaller engines will decrease their life over the same but lower output variant.
I assume the old 5 has the same split lid boot as the new one? That is a handy feature especially if planning on loading it up on family holidays.
For ageing BMW I'd be looking at petrol. Infact I just have. Too many potential issues with a Diesel of that milage, petrol is cheaper and faster. Obviously costs more to fuel it.
If you turn all the driver aids off in BMW's they're actually alright in the snow, Its stops the computer sending power to the wheel with no grip through the diff, essentially locking the diff. My dads 2.5 Z4 works ace in the snow.
I'd say go for it.
Can all you beemer owners confirm whether or not they actually have indicators?
Mine has a lever sticking out of the steering column that flashes arrows on the dash board. No idea if they're connected to anything else.
Oh - and winter tyres seem to make all the difference in the snow. (as well as turning the TC off)
As far as the 90k goes - mine's on 110k now and hasn't missed a beat since 83k when I bought it. The only real worry on that gen of engine is turbo failure, but that's a potential issue on any TD. 177bhp is fine, newer ones are mid 180s, and they're remappable to 200+bhp without any extra issues, so long as it's been done well. Mine's been done and it was good for an extra 5mpg (brim to brim) when driven gently, or one hell of a lot faster when driven hard. The only servicing effect it's had is that I change the oil a bit sooner that it says I need to.
Split boot lid is standard I think. It is on the 3, so I'd expect it on the 5.
Not driven the 4-cyl 2.0 ... but the 6-cyl 3.0 sounds amazing... even though it's an oil-burner.
I like to confuse other drivers in mine by not only using the indicators (not sure if they were specified as an option on mine) ... but also by using that first lane that they put on motorways... you might have seen it while you were blindly sat in the middle lane wondering where all the trucks were...
And as someone else has said, for the couple of days a year we get snow... I'll stay indoors (or look into changing my tyres)... then enjoy my driving every other day of the year.
Winter tyres aren't just for when you have snow.
I've had a 320dSE for coming up to seven years. I bought it with 17k on the clock and it now has 169k.
The turbo went at around 100k. This is apparently a common problem. A reconditioned turbo and a local mechanic still cost nearly £1200.
I drove VW's before. Add about 30%-40% above VW for servicing. For example, a standard oil and filter change at the dealership cost me £330. I now pay £120 to a local mechanic.
I got into a number of difficulties in the snow last year. You simply could not touch the brakes or the car did a waltz. I put £400 worth of winter tyres on this year but, to be honest, they made little difference.
The car is, however, fantastic to drive. I thought of changing at the end of last year and test drove a 5 series, a standard A4 and an A4 Quattro but they couldn't match the driving experience of the 320d, even with huge mileage on it.
Go for it I say but buy with your eyes open to the increased running costs.
Would consider those auto-sock things first anyway... but I get your point. With temps and conditions fluctuating so much in the UK (or certainly where I am in the UK), it's tough to seriously consider keeping two sets of tyres.
I reckon the 5 series touring is probably the most complete car on sale right now. The lease is up on my current everyday car at the end of the year and I'm sorely tempted by an M550D touring, might even get a Euro model, from what I hear they are going to be 4WD. Perfect car?
The most unreliable 4x4 is apparently the A6 AllRoad. Self leveling suspension seems a real problem and is big money to fix. I'd look at a Subaru Legacy, very reliable but fuel costs can be a bit on the high side.
With any newish modern (manual) diesel buy one that's had the clutch and dmf done or expect a bill of £1k or even more (at an independent on a bmw) to get it done sooner rather than later. If the turbo goes that'll be another £1k to spend.
If your mileage isn't massive the benefits of the fuel economy benefits of a diesel can be wiped out very quickly! Check how much more petrol car you get for your money too!
Maybe I had a piggy Legacy then. Economies of scale means that post-04 Subarus are ****ing expensive to maintain. Pre that it was by-wire(?) Stuff so cheapish to fix. Post that and walking into a down market (that even kia would laugh at) show room and paying eyewatering bills.....
Stick to the Beemer. At least you don't have to travel far for a dealer.
Have run a 520d for last 18 mths and love it. V comfortable, huge inside though do have to drop the rear seats to get the bike in without taking the wheels off.
Split rear window/boot is really handy.
Still use BMW dealer for service as is company wheels and that is pricey, however wifes 3 series goes to an Indy and isn't a lot more than her MX5 was at a specialist indy.
Drove it through lots of snow last year on normal tyres with no issues getting stuck. Just need a very light right foot and sense.
I much preferred the Msport as the ride on the standard 1 was a bit soggy for me but I do spend a lot of time on country roads.
Tried A4 and A6 but the sterring just wasn't as nice although the interiors were nicer.
Will replace it with another 1 but think I might get the 530d next time if possible. Test drove a 535d and that was fun!
[url= http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5203/5241791203_72dbcf4163_o.jp g" target="_blank">
Can all you [s]beemer[/s]audi owners confirm whether or not they actually have indicators?
FTFY 😉
I had a 320d Touring which I traded in for a Saab 9-3 Sportwagon at 104k miles. Seemed to be just wearing in... wish I'd kept it, apart from the small boot which for a drummer is not ideal
I got rid of the Saab 9 months ago when it was due a new cambelt - £600+ and labour on top of that (plus 4 new tyres and a routine service)!
Cam chain BMW engine would not have needed that. Would have needed the tyres at some point though
oh and yes, the orange lights at each corner do work
thanks for all the replies but now im in a bit of a dilema !!!!
current car is a 2006 06 vectra 65k on the clock and fsh.
p/x against a 2007 57 520d with 89k on the clock which is up at 9k and ive been offered a paltry 2750!!!
looking at the same car as mine on autotrader/ebay and they are selling for between £5500 and 6k so why the low offer.
as im going to get so little for my car im in two minds as wether to just run it for another year and maybe lose perhaps another 600 quid or what ???
we really need the boot space of an estate and also more rear leg room as my kids are kicking the shit out of the back of the front seats in the vectra!!!!
just out of interest how would a 520d compare to a passat estate or even a new insignia tourer???
before you think about p/x, see what webuyanycar will offer. I bet it's more than a trade in.
Problems with the Vectra are (1) it's a Vauxhall (2) it's an old model no longer in production. Both add up to lower residuals than any similar sized German car, even if that is also out of production.
renton - Member
thanks for all the replies but now im in a bit of a dilema !!!!current car is a 2006 06 vectra 65k on the clock and fsh.
p/x against a 2007 57 520d with 89k on the clock which is up at 9k and ive been offered a paltry 2750!!!
looking at the same car as mine on autotrader/ebay and they are selling for between £5500 and 6k so why the low offer.
Because dealers are cheeky, robbing gits! 😉
If you are going to p/x your car you are going to have to accept that you are going to get a much lower price than if you sell privately. However, you get the money/discount against the one you want to buy) there and then and you don't have the hassle of trying to sell your existing car privately, which can be time consuming and disheartening at times.
What about a Volvo D5 estate. Plenty of specialists around, very safe kiddie carriers, Audi engine I believe plenty of pull and capable of high miles.
Where are your ebay prices from? Check completed auctions for an actual idea of what they're going for. £5.5k for what you've mentioned sounds like a huge amount!
looking at the same car as mine on autotrader/ebay and they are [s]selling[/s] ADVERTISED for between £5500 and 6k.
FTFY.
steveh ive been watching ebay for a while and the last 10 cars the same as mine have gone for the prices i quoted.....
2006 vectra 1.9cdti 150 bhp sri
65k
fsh
3 owners
car sales place down the road from me sold the same model as mine but the estate version and 72k for £5500 last week.
saying that the ones on there currently are around between £4500 and £5500
how much am i likely to lose if i keep the car another year???
will only put around 7k more miles on it!
You will spend another year of your life driving a Vectra!
I too had 1 before the Beemer arrived and god it is so much nicer to get into and drive than the Vectra.
Whats that worth? Intangible but I suppose I do 20 k a year so am in it a lot more than you would be.
we will only be doing roughly 7 -8 k miles a year now so not sure if diesel is the way to go !!
definitely not at such low mileage.
I do about 18-20k a year. My BMW & Saab were both diesels, 42mpg at best on the combined urban/motorway commute. 60 litre tank at 140p/litre at today's prices, £84 per tankful. 8 days from fill to fill, 550 mile max range, typically 520.
I'm now driving a Citroen C4 1.6 petrol, getting 34-36mpg; 50 litre fill up at 130p/litre, £65 per tankful. 400 mile max range, 6-7 days between fill-ups.
OK, that extra £19 goes a further 120 miles or so, but I bet it evens out over a year. Yes the diesels were cheaper to tax, but more expensive to service.
Even at 20k miles a year I'm not sure diesel is significantly cheaper to run than petrol, not on an older less efficient engine anyway. Less than 10k a year & petrol almost certainly a better bet
Main problem would be finding a non diesel 5 series Touring, think something like 90% sold 1 year were 520d! I really wanted a 525d last time but just couldn't find any 🙁
I might have missed a trick here, so sorry if old news - but, is randomjeremy really SurfMatt?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Even at 20k miles a year I'm not sure diesel is significantly cheaper to run than petrol
If you are only getting 42mpg then sure. 52mpg in my Passat makes a lot more sense.
Always liked them later shape 5 series estates. Need a fairly heavy car to tow a caravan. 90k on one of them is nothing. It is s worry though, the scale of potential bills from modern diesels. We have an old Mondeo that's very clattery now, but it keeps on going. Nearly 170k on the clock. I put it down to the kind of use it gets, 40 mile motorway blasts three times a week.
bikebouy - Member
I've owned 2 530d sport tourings in the past,Ave mpg was 45ish which wasn't bad considering I was towing boats around with them.
Find this pretty hard to believe tbh
.
7 -8 k miles a year
Then I'd say the 3lt in petrol or do they do the 5series touring in 540 flavour? 
[i]we really need the boot space of an estate and also more rear leg room as my kids are kicking the shit out of the back of the front seats in the vectra!!!![/i]
Having had the same Vectra as you, and now have a 535i you'll find that there is no more room in the back, especially due to the transmission tunnel.
From a money perspective, just buy roof rails and a box for the times you need more space. And as said before, cost-wise you're moving into far dearer territory...
And diesel vs petrol, and only 8k pa there isn't much in it:
8k pa / 25mpg * £1.35pg = £1960
8k pa / 35mpg * £1.42pg = £1475
8k pa / 40mpg * £1.42pg = £1290
The BMW petrols are pretty cheap to run, just fuel and oil/filters - everything else is normal car costs, especially older ones are you can use specialists and non-OE parts are readily available.
What about a E class Merc estate?
Thanks for the replies .
Although only doing 8k a year now our circumstances could change in the next couple of years which could doyble the mileage im doing hence why still would need a diesel.
Love to keep the vectra but we need an mpv or estate for the dog to make it easier for him to get in and out.
Quite suprised you think the 520 has no more leg room than the vectra. The vectra estate has 5 more inches compared to my hatch so thought the beemer would match that.