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      11-30-2012, 06:06 AM   #7
red-max
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Drives: 520d M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: UK

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Davie View Post
Hi all,

Prospective BMW owner and new here.

Looking for advice regarding a 6 cyl 5 series, turbo diesel.
Planning to arrange a test drive soon but would very much appreciate any advice beforehand.

All info welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

Dave
Hello Dave,

Perhaps if you give us some idea of the age and/or price range you're looking at, it might help narrow it down a little.

In general, you probably can't go too far wrong with a 530d, but the 535d is even better (depends if you want power or economy though).

I hope I don't upset anyone here, but perhaps one model to avoid is the older 525d which was a de-tuned 3 litre. Not that it was a bad engine, but it had the weight of the 3 litre with less power. I think the new 525d is now a 2 litre with twin turbos (but I'm not 100% certain), so no longer a 6-pot.

I had a 530d and a 335d, both great engines, but I dropped down to the 2 litre 320d, and soon 520d, to get better economy. I've been quite happy with the performance of the 2-litre diesel, but have to admit the 4-pot does sound like a tractor at idle and low speed.
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2018 G30 520d M Sport with M Sport Plus - Mediterranean Blue
Previously: 2015 F32 430d M Sport, 2012 F10 520d M Sport, 2009 E92 320d M Sport, 2006 E92 335d, 2004 E60 530d, 2000 E39 525d, 1997 E39 523i
Appreciate 0