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01-10-2017, 06:37 AM | #1 |
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F10 525d v 520d
Hi, Any views or opinions on the 525d v 520d F10, I've driven both F10 models and I find the 525d much quieter, smoother and more responsive on the road.
The 520d in comparison feels underpowered and noisy. My view, the 525d is by far the better option of the F10 range by a considerable margin, I wonder how the 535d and the petrol options compare? |
01-10-2017, 07:06 AM | #2 |
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Early 525d were a de-tuned 3.0 unit - basically a 530d-lite.
Later 525d are a twin-turbo 2.0 unit - a tuned 520d. So those will be very different in terms of smoothness, the 3.0 unit a lot quieter and a lot more linear power delivery. |
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01-10-2017, 07:27 AM | #3 | |
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N55 engine in the 535i is a peach of an engine, NVH is at very low levels. I back to back tested a 535i and 530d in the F10. The fact I drive a 535i indicates what I like best. |
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01-10-2017, 08:47 AM | #4 | |
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"Early 525d were a de-tuned 3.0 unit - basically a 530d-lite." what do you mean "de-tuned", should I consider retuning for better performance and fuel economy? |
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01-10-2017, 09:03 AM | #5 | |
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You could get it 'chipped' to close-to-stock 530d figures, technically. However, whether it's really wise to do that, with all the additional stresses it creates, to an engine that's 7 years old is debatable at best. Plus you have to advise your insurance company of the change, so extra premium there. Finally, you'd probably not see any improvement in fuel economy. So a chip would cost you money, informing your insurance would cost you money, you'd probably not get any improvement in economy, and it might shorten your engine's longevity. On the plus side, you get a bit more BHP. Could you afford an engine rebuild ? |
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01-10-2017, 09:25 AM | #6 | |
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I see a lot of F10 2.0L and 3.0L for sale with + 100k miles, think the 3.0L engine would be a better option to consider if buying a high mileage BMW? |
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01-10-2017, 09:39 AM | #7 |
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The other thing to check out if tuning the 525d N57 engine, is the gearbox rating. Without checking, I recall the auto has a lower torque rating in some applications, quite close to the standard engine torque. Would be easy to take it past the limit with tuning.
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01-10-2017, 09:44 AM | #8 |
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The N57 MIGHT generally be more reliable than the N47 - it's hard to tell. Most engines were the 2.0, so those would automatically produce a lot more 'problems', even if the RATE of problems is the same.
If 90% of the engines are 2.0, then 90% of problems will be with the 2.0, assuming the same level of reliability. The lack of numbers of the 3.0 engine will automatically make it seem more reliable, because you're going to hear about problems less often. |
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01-10-2017, 09:54 AM | #9 | |
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01-10-2017, 09:58 AM | #10 |
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The engine is perfectly fine - as long as it's maintained properly. like any engine.
I'm going to be picking up a 2016 530d touring next weekend. It'll be getting intermediate oil changes (so every 9k miles) because I don't like extended service intervals. I used to work in engine oil development, and I honestly don't think that engine oil that's 18k miles old is healthy for engine longevity. |
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01-10-2017, 03:10 PM | #11 | ||
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01-10-2017, 03:51 PM | #12 |
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01-10-2017, 04:55 PM | #13 |
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Just looked it up : BMW announced in September 2011 that the 525d was moving from the 3.0 to the 2.0 unit.
No idea on when it came into build though. |
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01-11-2017, 12:58 PM | #15 |
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01-11-2017, 01:51 PM | #16 |
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01-11-2017, 02:44 PM | #17 |
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So far I'm loving mine everyday of the 6 months iv owned it. Power is superb and super smooth. Iv 6 months BMW warranty left so I'm hoping any big issue will manifest itself before then. Iv 66k on the clock but feels like she has 10k
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01-13-2017, 08:35 AM | #19 |
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01-13-2017, 09:04 AM | #20 | |
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The NECD test which gives the official CO2 / economy figure is the only figure, BY LAW, that the dealers or BMW are allowed to give to you. They have to test to the NECD test protocol, just like every other manufacturer. |
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