5 Series - Which Engine?

[bob1179]

If you can do it, a 540i or a 550i.

Though I like big wafty V8ness with a hint of serious 'urge' when it's required.

[pgilc1]

noumenon said:

Was in a 2.0d auto as a passenger. I have to say, I was expecting it to be underpowered. I was quite surprised by the pickup, which I felt was good enough. If it really does 50mpg, that's quite astonishing.

I think the auto will average 42-45mpg. Firstly, it doesnt have stop start, secondly, the auto box seems to reduce economy by 5-8mpg

[MazDave]

Yep 42-45 is what my 520d Auto gives me.
600miles on a tank.

[matt uk]

If you like your e39, have you considered picking up a last of the line 2003 e39 Champagne edition (though the one I found you below may need that awful wood replaced...)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/560932.htm

ETA, that sticker price is VERY optomistic in the current climate..

Edited by matt uk on Tuesday 9th September 12:46

[Pickled Piper]

istoo said:

i know its a bit of thread resurrection but what did the chap go for in the end?

hi I'm the chap that started the thread It probably is no surprise to hear that I'm still driving my E39. Had a look round some cars. Didn't drive them. I came away without any of them calling, "buy me, buy me".

I'm probably going to stay as I am for another year unless a bargain drops into my lap.

pp

[ITP]

What you want is a 530i petrol 2005 model onwards (lightweight 258bhp engine). I have this engine in my 330i and its excellent, 26mpg local runs, 35 mpg a-roads/m-way. Proper straight 6 BMW sound, smooth, wide powerband, reliable. Arguably the best current (mass) production engine overall.

[noumenon]

ITP said:

What you want is a 530i petrol 2005 model onwards (lightweight 258bhp engine). I have this engine in my 330i and its excellent, 26mpg local runs, 35 mpg a-roads/m-way. Proper straight 6 BMW sound, smooth, wide powerband, reliable. Arguably the best current (mass) production engine overall.

Did the engine appear with the e60? Or can it be found in the e39?

[istoo]

this all came about i had only considered an E46 330ci for myself last year, but baby number three ruled that out. but i have had a shift in my philosophy, wifes A6 avant can go, its been a mighty servant and a very good family wagon and does everything well. I wasnt taken by the new A6 and we both felt the E60/61 was a better car all round. Although the only tihng that put me onto the 5 was my borther bought a E39 528, i drove it and was amazed how good it was, dropped my preconceptions of it being a wafty old man car, hang on i am turning into a wafty old man.. discuss!

I do like 6's i must admit, had 3 V6 audis, you get used to a smooth engine.

530i was my initial choice as well but economy is becoming more important doing 15-20k or so a year in it. did know it was revised though, from what age is that?

[ITP]

2005 model on is the revised engine. It won't be as economical as a diesel but it will be closer than you think on longer runs/motorways etc, well over 30-35, whereas a 6cyl diesel would be 35-40. BUT because everyone is currently petrified by the thought of a 3 litre petrol car (without bothering to check how good/bad it is on fuel) you will get one much cheaper than a diesel, result!

[istoo]

i agree on the economy, and a lot has to do with the driving you do and style of driving...
i would expect high 30's from the tdi and low 30s for the petrol equiv. Hoping the tdi will see well over 40 on longer runs. I do know from owning equiv petrol desiel big audis that the general running the tdi is only a bit better than the petrol counterpart. the bigger difference i find is if you hoon it, the petrol economy DIVES, and the desiel goes down just a little.

i also plan on a manual, i know the 5 seems more popular with the Auto, would i expect to pay less or more for a manual?

Need to start trying out the engine types to get a real feel for it. That last thing i want to do is buy a 5xxx and with i had bought a different one.

But thinking back on this, is the revised 3.0 petrol lump one of hte dynamic efficeny jobs? I have heard they are very efficent but have seen s afew other threads along the lines of well not as much as you might expect.. or is that marketing hype.

Edited by istoo on Wednesday 10th September 13:06

[runt]

matt uk said:

If you like your e39, have you considered picking up a last of the line 2003 e39 Champagne edition (though the one I found you below may need that awful wood replaced...)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/560932.htm

ETA, that sticker price is VERY optomistic in the current climate..

Edited by matt uk on Tuesday 9th September 12:46

That looks like a nice unmolested car, my E39 530i was the best saloon I had driven, glorious straight six, rapid,beautifully balanced,lovely detailing everywhere,you can motor very quickly and safely in these,mine felt like new when sold on at 38k miles, I imagine the 5.0 V-8 M5 must be the ultimate four door yet..?

Paul/runt

[joelk]

Isn't there a simple "rule of thumb" that can be applied to your decision making here?


THE BIGGER = THE BETTER


Some may try to argue otherwise, but I can't think of an example in the range where this isn't the case.

[matt uk]

joelk said:

Isn't there a simple "rule of thumb" that can be applied to your decision making here?


THE BIGGER = THE BETTER


Some may try to argue otherwise, but I can't think of an example in the range where this isn't the case.

hmmm, I would find it hard to make a case for the 535i V8 ahead of the 530i. But I am biased

[istoo]

ok let me put it another way, is there an engine to avoid?

I am pretty sold on the (M)sport models, they just sit really well. But do carry the premium, handling comes first for me then out right speed.