Any 01/02 525D owners? mpg?

[burriana]

A neighbour is thinking of getting around an 02 525 TDS but was asking about MPG. Now mine is a 98 with 224k miles on so probably not a true indication.

I know the new shape diesels are absolutely superb on performance AND economy ... but what is a rough average for the last of the older shape please?

I only get 28 on a run out of mine, but it gets driven "enthusiastically" everywhere!

I reckon on a mix of urban and semi-rural driving (5 mile country trip to work) he should get 35-40? Is that close?

thanks.

[CommanderJameson]

Given that I get a combined figure of 29 and a bit in my 528i petrol, I'd expect the 525d to turn in between 35 and 40 doing the same thing.

[Mustard]

The later E39's used the same engine as the latest 5ers (though they keep tinkering with it)

Dont make the mistake of confusing the 525d with the earlier 525tds as these are different animals (great as the tds engine was when it was launched the 525d/530d is superior)

Your your estimate of 35-40mpg is about what i'd say

We toyed with a 525d when we got the 525i Touring, but extra outlay (£1500-£2000) coupled with the relatively low milage it does , plus the increase mechanical parts to go wrong (dont think there as reliable as the tds.... turbos , injectors fliling (over £200 a piece x 6!)etc commonly failing

The our petrol 525i auto doing a similar journey to what you describe turns in 25mpg

[burriana]

He currently has an A6 2.4 Quattro saloon and for the relatively short trips that they do, usually short journeys the fuel consumption is ridiculous, he reckons about 15-20 mpg!

By saying that the later 525d engine is not as robust as the 525 TDS, is it still a reliable engine on the whole?

[Mustard]

Turbo failure is a lot more common (and can have bad results) and with more complex intercoolers and very high pressure injectors 'when' things go wrong it can be pricey

Yes on the whole from what i gather it is reliable, but I think a certain amount of care is required to ensure longivity (similar procedures to petrol turbo cars)

Audi 2.4 is notourisouly a 'bad' engine for economy vrs power, the 1.8T makes alot more sense and sells better

Edited by Mustard on Sunday 19th August 13:04

[burriana]

I'll let him know ... but after looking at my TDS he couldn't believe how much more room it had in the back than his A6.

[Scockers]

I run a 2004 E39 525d Sport Touring Auto and can only achieve an average of 29-30 mpg.

Not great in my opinion. My old E46 320d Auto Touring managed 42 mpg

[StuB]

The modern diesels need motorway miles to be economical Al.

[Pork_n_Beem]

My E39 530D touring manual is recording 36.6 long term average, i do 20,000 miles a year mix of short and long journeys.
I know there is a big difference in economy with the autos when they are driven around town.
The 530 can be driven around in 5th it pulls so well which i think is why the economy is so good.

[burriana]

Cheers guys .. looks like a 2002 525D may be nearer the mark at 30mpg.

The last week I have been taking mine quite easy just to see what a difference it makes, and over two and a half tanks of fuel I have managed av' 33, 34 and am currently on 37mpg after this mornings's run to work with cruise set at 70.

Beats my usual 27/28mpg, but it does become a tad boring

[tankplanker]

How are you guys working out your mileage, with the on board computer or via mileage against derv put into the car?

I ask as my trip computer on my E61 525D says that I got 34 mpg on the last tank yet when I worked it out against the amount of derv put in I actually got just under 40 mpg.

[burriana]

Might have a go at that ... I fill it up every other day so shouldn't be too hard to forget.

Will somebody remind me again in a few days please