[balfron100]

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?

[robbiep]

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.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by balfron100

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?

BMW I6 engines are great to drive, petrol or diesel.

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.

[balfron100]

Originally Posted by robbiep

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.

All F10 525d are 3.0L engines correct ? mines is 2010

"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?

[robbiep]

Originally Posted by balfron100

All F10 525d are 3.0L engines correct ? mines is 2010

"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?

No, not all F10 525d are 3.0 engines. As I said, the later ones (from 2012 or 2013, not sure exactly) are a 2.0 engine with twin-turbochargers. The same as the 325d (which I've got), the 125d, X3 25d, X5 25d, etc, etc.

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 ?

[balfron100]

Originally Posted by robbiep

No, not all F10 525d are 3.0 engines. As I said, the later ones (from 2012 or 2013, not sure exactly) are a 2.0 engine with twin-turbochargers. The same as the 325d (which I've got), the 125d, X3 25d, X5 25d, etc, etc.

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 ?

No not really, I read the N57 3.0L engines are much more reliable than the n47 2.0L engines. Are you aware of any issues with the n57 engines reliability like timing chains, turbo or general ware.
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?

[HighlandPete]

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.

[robbiep]

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.

[balfron100]

Originally Posted by robbiep

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.

I'm really only looking for a view and info on the n57 engine as I have recently bought a 525d but I do take your point.

[robbiep]

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.

[t_dawg1]

Originally Posted by balfron100

I'm really only looking for a view and info on the n57 engine as I have recently bought a 525d but I do take your point.

I recently purchased a 2011 F10 525d as well so curious to hear how reliable this engine is. I'm not going to get mine remapped as I'm very happy with the stock performance

[balfron100]

Originally Posted by t_dawg1

I recently purchased a 2011 F10 525d as well so curious to hear how reliable this engine is. I'm not going to get mine remapped as I'm very happy with the stock performance

is yours the n57 3.0L ?

[robbiep]

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.

[balfron100]

your V5 log book will show the engine size.

[t_dawg1]

Originally Posted by balfron100

is yours the n57 3.0L ?

Yes it is

[balfron100]

Originally Posted by t_dawg1

Yes it is

What's your thoughts on the n57 engine, I think the F10's a far better car with the extra power from the n57 3.0L engine, just hope its a reliable engine as I hope to keep my 525d for a few years.

[t_dawg1]

Originally Posted by balfron100

What's your thoughts on the n57 engine, I think the F10's a far better car with the extra power from the n57 3.0L engine, just hope its a reliable engine as I hope to keep my 525d for a few years.

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

[un1eash]

Our 2016 520d as the B47 2.0 diesel, its smoother, quieter and has more low down punch then the N47 which I've driven in a E92 and F30.

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by un1eash

Our 2016 520d as the B47 2.0 diesel, its smoother, quieter and has more low down punch then the N47 which I've driven in a E92 and F30.

I'll second that, it's just a shame that it doesn't live up to BMWs claims about economy.

[robbiep]

Originally Posted by IanS100

I'll second that, it's just a shame that it doesn't live up to BMWs claims about economy.

BMW don't make any claims about economy.

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.

[un1eash]

I get 35mpg around town and 50mpg on a motorway run out of the B47 which I thought is pretty good considering the F11 weighs over 1.7 tons