BMW 525/530 touring. Any good?!

[nhartgolfer]

After 8 years of happy Z4 ownership, I will soon be selling my beloved 3.0i E85 (on here naturally!), due to a big change in my circumstances which require that I drive an estate car! The obvious choice as a BMW driver for eons seems to be the E61 or the F11 but I’m really keen to get feedback from any of you on this forum if you have owned or do own the touring car. I’d be happy to hear about the 525 or the 530 and how they stack up being turbo diesel. I’m tempted to go with the older car (E61) because it’s a six cylinder rather than the four of the F11 but maybe that’s a mistake.
Thanks for any input. I realise I could ask the folks on the Bimmer forum, but I’ve trusted your steady advice for years now so I thought I’d give this a try first!

 

[mr wilks]

Id have my F11 2.0d down in top 3 cars I've owned .
Drives really well , cabin spec + finish is as good as any car I've been in & doesn't feel at all.underpowered to warrant me wanting a 6cyl version ( had 330d previously & this 4pot is just as good)
Make sure the car you buy has had more oil changes than the norm & obviously listen & look hard for chain rattle/ smoke on cold start or idle ..

 

[LeeZ4MR]

I had a 2009 E61 520d Touring(only 177bhp though ), and I didn't think that the engine was up to the task of lugging its 1700kg weight around(especially fully loaded). So personally I'd definitely go for a 6 cylinder diesel with the 5 touring.

Apart from the engine though I did really like the car, the interior was nice enough and it drove nicely. I also think what let mine down was because it was a manual, and I think that an auto is a much better fit to a diesel engine.

 

[rdm05z4]

Can't give input on which car or options are best. But if I read you post correct you may have a new born on the way? If so great news best of luck.

 

[davidmudley12]

I have an F11 535d M Sport, cannot fault it at all. Superb engine that pulling very strongly all through the revs and I’d even go as far as to say it is as quick as my 3.0si E85 (in a straight line at least). The refinement and comfort is excellent.

If I could only have one car (as I did for a while) it is the F11. If you get one of the sportier models they are great fun, feeling at the sporty end of the estate car spectrum but without any of the scary running costs of the estate exotica (AMGs, RSs etc.).

If you do looks at the F11 pay special attention to the rear suspension airbags, they’re notorious for developing leaks and need replacing at 60k + miles. Reasonable job to do yourself if you’re handy with tools. Other than that it’s really only the headlight that I’ve had issue with (same moisture issue cursed by so many BMWs). I bought mine 3yrs old from BMW and aside from those two issues it’s run beautifully over the past 6yrs.

 

[LeeZ4MR]

I have an F11 535d M Sport, cannot fault it at all. Superb engine that pulling very strongly all through the revs and I’d even go as far as to say it is as quick as my 3.0si E85 (in a straight line at least). The refinement and comfort is excellent.

I was a big fan of that engine in the F13 640d I had.

It always felt punchy with the two turbos and it was a great match I thought to the ZF8 auto gearbox. It also returned 40mpg overall as well...which I thought was really decent given the performance that it offered.

There is just something about Bmw's 6 cylinder diesels that the 4 cylinders just don't match for me. The 6 cylinders are smooth/punchy and refined in a way that the 4 cylinders just aren't. In saying that though I've read that the current 4 cylinder diesels are far better now than the one I had in my 2009 520d(that was noisy/unrefined and gutless to me).

 

[SiJar]

I would say that the 335d is a fantastic engine for performance and economy, however it’s a lot of engine to go wrong, so I would go for the 330d if performance is not your main target. it’s probably the sweet spot and you should stay away from the 4 cylinder engines in my view. I have had both the 330d and 335d yes the 335d is the better of the 2, however I would be happy with either as they are both excellent engines.

 

[nhartgolfer]

As always, you guys have come up trumps with some great advice! It’s really great to hear how happy you are with your touring models and it sounds like I might not have to completely give up on enjoying my time behind the wheel!
Now, it’s just a matter of finding the right one...............the search begins

 

[MACK]

Depending on exactly why your looking at the 5 series estate. The 5GT might also be worth considering

 

[mr wilks]

you should stay away from the 4 cylinder engines in my view.

What makes you say that ? I have to admit i was plagued with the same view until i bought our F11 , testdrive totally changed my thoughts & after `8 months owning i wouldn't even consider changing for a 6 cyl version .

 

[mr wilks]

I have an F11 535d M Sport, cannot fault it at all. Superb engine that pulling very strongly all through the revs and I’d even go as far as to say it is as quick as my 3.0si E85 (in a straight line at least). The refinement and comfort is excellent.

I was a big fan of that engine in the F13 640d I had.

It always felt punchy with the two turbos and it was a great match I thought to the ZF8 auto gearbox. It also returned 40mpg overall as well...which I thought was really decent given the performance that it offered.

There is just something about Bmw's 6 cylinder diesels that the 4 cylinders just don't match for me. The 6 cylinders are smooth/punchy and refined in a way that the 4 cylinders just aren't. In saying that though I've read that the current 4 cylinder diesels are far better now than the one I had in my 2009 520d(that was noisy/unrefined and gutless to me).

I also have had the E61 in 177bhp auto guise & honestly they bear no resemblance in any way to the later F11 , the 8spd ZF box is a treat , the 180bhp standard feels like its way more potent ( i had intended a remap to 235 but it really doesn't need it ) in sport mode the throttle response is superb , so is the ride & handling , i've had too many Bmw models to count but i do know for sure this is the best i've owned barring possibly the manual 35i :wink:
Easy does 45-50mpg , cheapo ved ( £135) & far cheaper to buy pro rata than 6 cylinder versions that for me offer very little extra over it .
Mine has a better spec than the 6 series i had HUD , adaptive xenons , pro nav , heated sport memory seats , fold mirrors on key , comfort access /go , voice control etc
Additionally the sport seats are just THE most comfortable Bmw seat ive experienced , drive position + dash layout is great & they go from 30mph to 90mph with zero increase in road noise or wind noise i can find no negatives with mine or anything i would want to swap .

 

[Silverstar]

you should stay away from the 4 cylinder engines in my view.

What makes you say that ? I have to admit i was plagued with the same view until i bought our F11 , testdrive totally changed my thoughts & after `8 months owning i wouldn't even consider changing for a 6 cyl version .

Reliability maybe? In general BMW 4 cylinders have been less reliable than their 6 cylinders (barring the N54).

 

[mr wilks]

you should stay away from the 4 cylinder engines in my view.

What makes you say that ? I have to admit i was plagued with the same view until i bought our F11 , testdrive totally changed my thoughts & after `8 months owning i wouldn't even consider changing for a 6 cyl version .

Reliability maybe? In general BMW 4 cylinders have been less reliable than their 6 cylinders (barring the N54).

They all have issues to be wary of , id take a 4cyl single turbo Bmw over a 6cyl twin turbo if potential fail / cost was a priority .
Whichever model you have to do your homework & buy well or either 4 or 6 cylinder will cost you plenty

 

[nhartgolfer]

I have an F11 535d M Sport, cannot fault it at all. Superb engine that pulling very strongly all through the revs and I’d even go as far as to say it is as quick as my 3.0si E85 (in a straight line at least). The refinement and comfort is excellent.

I was a big fan of that engine in the F13 640d I had.

It always felt punchy with the two turbos and it was a great match I thought to the ZF8 auto gearbox. It also returned 40mpg overall as well...which I thought was really decent given the performance that it offered.

There is just something about Bmw's 6 cylinder diesels that the 4 cylinders just don't match for me. The 6 cylinders are smooth/punchy and refined in a way that the 4 cylinders just aren't. In saying that though I've read that the current 4 cylinder diesels are far better now than the one I had in my 2009 520d(that was noisy/unrefined and gutless to me).

I also have had the E61 in 177bhp auto guise & honestly they bear no resemblance in any way to the later F11 , the 8spd ZF box is a treat , the 180bhp standard feels like its way more potent ( i had intended a remap to 235 but it really doesn't need it ) in sport mode the throttle response is superb , so is the ride & handling , i've had too many Bmw models to count but i do know for sure this is the best i've owned barring possibly the manual 35i :wink:
Easy does 45-50mpg , cheapo ved ( £135) & far cheaper to buy pro rata than 6 cylinder versions that for me offer very little extra over it .
Mine has a better spec than the 6 series i had HUD , adaptive xenons , pro nav , heated sport memory seats , fold mirrors on key , comfort access /go , voice control etc
Additionally the sport seats are just THE most comfortable Bmw seat ive experienced , drive position + dash layout is great & they go from 30mph to 90mph with zero increase in road noise or wind noise i can find no negatives with mine or anything i would want to swap .

Thanks for the detailed input!
I certainly won’t hesitate now to look at the F11’s
Always hard to change after years with the inline six!

 

[M340]

On the F11, I understand there are two variants of the 520D. The earlier car with the N47 and later LCI with B47. Apparently the early ones have timing chain issues and it’s an engine out job? And the B47 is the one to go for. But overall, F11s seem to offer much more bang for buck (especially inside) than F31s.

I went G21 last year and I absolutely love it.

 

[Jameszy]

On the F11, I understand there are two variants of the 520D. The earlier car with the N47 and later LCI with B47. Apparently the early ones have timing chain issues and it’s an engine out job? And the B47 is the one to go for. But overall, F11s seem to offer much more bang for buck (especially inside) than F31s.

I went G21 last year and I absolutely love it.

I think by the time the F10 and F11 came round, the N47 timing chain guides had been sorted. It was mostly models between 2008 and 2010 I believe.

That said, it would have to be a petrol for me. We had a 2006 E61 525i (the 218 BHP version) which was excellent. This was the 2.5 litre, no the detuned 3.0 that came after it. Never really felt out of puff, and had good straight off the line shove.

If I were buying now, for me it would have to be either be the E61 545i/550i or the F21 535i. The V8s get poor milage around town, but I don't do many miles and this car would be mostly used for motorway (so similar mpg to the straight sixes). One of the last opportunities for a fast V8 estate before they stop getting made! The 535i are about twice the price though...

 

[M340]

A friend was looking at an F11 and told me it was pre 2013 cars affected? But regardless I’m with you and would be going straight six anyway, defines the character of a BMW for me

 

[Crazy Harry]

We run a 16 plate 520d touring as the family work horse. Miss the load capability of the Galaxy it replaced height wise (but that was more like a transit with the seats out) but otherwise the load area is about the same. Its moved the kids to and from Uni and machinery for me; and we can get a fitted cage in the boot for two GSDs.

Fuel economy is as good as the Galaxy - both diesel around 50mpg and will still cover the ground in 'sport'.

 

[brillomaster]

How big a change in circumstances are we dealing with here?!? A 5 series estate is a big car... big enough for a family of 4 with teenage kids to go touring on the continent for 2 weeks...

if you've just the one kid on the way or perhaps you're getting a dog, a 3 series estate would be better to drive than a 5, which is more luxo barge... and cheaper to buy too.

 

[Jameszy]

How big a change in circumstances are we dealing with here?!? A 5 series estate is a big car... big enough for a family of 4 with teenage kids to go touring on the continent for 2 weeks...

if you've just the one kid on the way or perhaps you're getting a dog, a 3 series estate would be better to drive than a 5, which is more luxo barge... and cheaper to buy too.

One of these - perhaps £7k too much though!

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012096939582?body-type=Estate&fuel-type=Petrol&radius=1500&postcode=e78as&minimum-badge-engine-size=3.0&sort=price-asc&make=BMW&include-delivery-option=on&model=3%20SERIES&advertising-location=at_cars&price-from=500&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&page=1