Real world mpg late-e61 530i touring
Discussion
Was running a 530i saloon on a 04 and was getting 22 round town and 28.5 on a run if I was semi sensible . Running 56 630i now and am getting about the same but I must admit I have become less sensible because the engine just loves to rev and from 4000rpm onwards just wants to head skywards. Take the BMW fuel economy figures with a pinch of salt as I have come to the conclusion that they can only be obtained by driving like a born again Christian card carrying member of the green party. I test drove an 09 530i saloon with paddles and I think it would be even harder to drive sensibly as having paddles at your fingertips would be too temping. Good choice of car can't fault the saloon the touring is even more usable.
There is a massive difference between the 272bhp direct injection engine when it comes to MPG.
I have not tried the 530i but had the 330i for 2 days and managed 498 miles from a tank, which is just over 38mpg, which I though was amazing, my 335i would only just get over 30mpg doing the same and my older 530i would be about 30mpg too.
In fact my 535d was only returning around 32mpg so approx. 20% worse than the petrol.
People have reported long term averages over 30mpg, which for 6cyl 3 litre petrol engine is pretty damned good I reckon.
I have not tried the 530i but had the 330i for 2 days and managed 498 miles from a tank, which is just over 38mpg, which I though was amazing, my 335i would only just get over 30mpg doing the same and my older 530i would be about 30mpg too.
In fact my 535d was only returning around 32mpg so approx. 20% worse than the petrol.
People have reported long term averages over 30mpg, which for 6cyl 3 litre petrol engine is pretty damned good I reckon.
I've been running a 2008 (LCI) 530i touring for over a year. Currently averaging 30mpg in mixed driving conditions. On a motorway run at 70mph you'll see up to 35mpg.
Engine is lovely and smooth and great when extended - however, it does need to be revved to get the most out of it and lacks a bit in mid-range torque which is not ideal when you're in a large estate that's loaded to the gunwales. Having said that the petrol engine is about 70kg lighter than the equivalent 530d and 135kg lighter than the equivalent 535d / 550i.
Known issues with the direct injection engine are the high pressure fuel pump which can fail. We had ours replaced last summer after the car cut out without any prior warning. Thankfully this happened only on a couple of occasions and not whilst we were on motorway. This is a common problem and BMW are on their 4th version of the pump (check realoem) which is used in all the DI petrol engines like the 335i.
Recently had a couple of other niggles and a mis-fire developed on the engine resulted in the emissions light and engine occasionally stalling. BMW replaced all the injectors and then when that didn't fix the problem replaced a coil and injector on one of the cylinders. So far so good.
I was planning on keeping this car for a long time and it's ironic that I reasoned that a simple petrol engine would have less to go wrong than a turbo diesel with all the related swirl flaps, turbos, intercoolers etc. Difficult to say whether this is a common theme or that I've just bought a lemon!
Please don't let this put you off what is a great engine and economy for a big estate just go in with your eyes open and make sure you get one with a BMW warranty.
I am hoping that it will be now routine maintenance - if not I might have to defect to the dark side and get a diesel (or upgrade to the 550 which is a good old-fashioned low tech / nothing beats displacement engine).
Engine is lovely and smooth and great when extended - however, it does need to be revved to get the most out of it and lacks a bit in mid-range torque which is not ideal when you're in a large estate that's loaded to the gunwales. Having said that the petrol engine is about 70kg lighter than the equivalent 530d and 135kg lighter than the equivalent 535d / 550i.
Known issues with the direct injection engine are the high pressure fuel pump which can fail. We had ours replaced last summer after the car cut out without any prior warning. Thankfully this happened only on a couple of occasions and not whilst we were on motorway. This is a common problem and BMW are on their 4th version of the pump (check realoem) which is used in all the DI petrol engines like the 335i.
Recently had a couple of other niggles and a mis-fire developed on the engine resulted in the emissions light and engine occasionally stalling. BMW replaced all the injectors and then when that didn't fix the problem replaced a coil and injector on one of the cylinders. So far so good.
I was planning on keeping this car for a long time and it's ironic that I reasoned that a simple petrol engine would have less to go wrong than a turbo diesel with all the related swirl flaps, turbos, intercoolers etc. Difficult to say whether this is a common theme or that I've just bought a lemon!
Please don't let this put you off what is a great engine and economy for a big estate just go in with your eyes open and make sure you get one with a BMW warranty.
I am hoping that it will be now routine maintenance - if not I might have to defect to the dark side and get a diesel (or upgrade to the 550 which is a good old-fashioned low tech / nothing beats displacement engine).
Crash2k said "simple petrol engine"
I'm concerned about this C2k. The latest versions of the engine ie N53 appear to be anything but simple, in an effort to chase headline mpg figures. I currently run a M52TU, which is an old engine but solid as a rock. 34 mpg on a motorway (manual transmission) without too much fuss. When mine finally dies I think I'll get the first generation N52 rather than the N53 with the direct injection.
Recent BMW straight sixes used to be built to go on for ever if taken care of (and cooling system replaced). I just wonder how many 150 000 milers we will see of the new generation engines
I'm concerned about this C2k. The latest versions of the engine ie N53 appear to be anything but simple, in an effort to chase headline mpg figures. I currently run a M52TU, which is an old engine but solid as a rock. 34 mpg on a motorway (manual transmission) without too much fuss. When mine finally dies I think I'll get the first generation N52 rather than the N53 with the direct injection.
Recent BMW straight sixes used to be built to go on for ever if taken care of (and cooling system replaced). I just wonder how many 150 000 milers we will see of the new generation engines
Thing is, as the time goes by they work out exactly what is the problem and then parts are available and normally pretty cheap too and you don't have to pay for diagnosis either.
You will read horror stories about every car out there, I think unless the failure rate is something ridiculous then just buy what you really want.
You will read horror stories about every car out there, I think unless the failure rate is something ridiculous then just buy what you really want.
NoelWatson said:
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Hi Noel,Sorry to hear that you are having similar issues with your 330i. I remember reading your threads from last year when I was deciding whether to ahead with my 530i purchase or not - guess I should have paid more attention!
Out of interest are you still running it and have you had any further issues? I am hoping now that the HPFP has been replaced with the latest design that it will just be 'consumables' such as coils and injectors going forwards. As Gizlaroc says in his post, I hope that BMW will iterate out the faults and problems in their design. Price that we have to pay for a high-efficiency, large capacity petrol car - having your cake and eating it so to speak...
As this is our only car and I have a 5 month old new-born, safety and reliability are at the top of my priorities. I have considered recently:
1) Going to the dark side and getting a diesel - potentially swapping one set of problems with another e.g. swirl flaps, turbos, intercoolers, HPFP etc. and potentially more to go wrong later down the line
2) Getting an older pre-LCI / non-DI variant and losing some of the mpg / performance benefits with the N53 engine
3) Swapping brands - had a test drive in the new E250 estate recently but I couldn't get over how harsh the 4-pot diesel was. Also interior (without the optional leather pack) didn't feel like it was fitting a car that costs over £35K
4) Moving to a 550i Touring or an E63 estate - former are rarer than hen's teeth and insurance for the latter was an additional £1K a year (assume it will be similar for 550i). Also, depreciation and running costs on both would be eye-watering.
For now, I'm going to stick with what I have and take out the extended BMW warranty (~£650pa)...
Would be interested to hear your thinking - feel free to PM me if you prefer.
cheers,
John
crashS2K said:
NoelWatson said:
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Hi Noel,Sorry to hear that you are having similar issues with your 330i. I remember reading your threads from last year when I was deciding whether to ahead with my 530i purchase or not - guess I should have paid more attention!
Out of interest are you still running it and have you had any further issues? I am hoping now that the HPFP has been replaced with the latest design that it will just be 'consumables' such as coils and injectors going forwards. As Gizlaroc says in his post, I hope that BMW will iterate out the faults and problems in their design. Price that we have to pay for a high-efficiency, large capacity petrol car - having your cake and eating it so to speak...
As this is our only car and I have a 5 month old new-born, safety and reliability are at the top of my priorities. I have considered recently:
1) Going to the dark side and getting a diesel - potentially swapping one set of problems with another e.g. swirl flaps, turbos, intercoolers, HPFP etc. and potentially more to go wrong later down the line
2) Getting an older pre-LCI / non-DI variant and losing some of the mpg / performance benefits with the N53 engine
3) Swapping brands - had a test drive in the new E250 estate recently but I couldn't get over how harsh the 4-pot diesel was. Also interior (without the optional leather pack) didn't feel like it was fitting a car that costs over £35K
4) Moving to a 550i Touring or an E63 estate - former are rarer than hen's teeth and insurance for the latter was an additional £1K a year (assume it will be similar for 550i). Also, depreciation and running costs on both would be eye-watering.
For now, I'm going to stick with what I have and take out the extended BMW warranty (~£650pa)...
Would be interested to hear your thinking - feel free to PM me if you prefer.
cheers,
John
Not sure if you read my post where I mentioned that BMW are blaming coil packs (or injectors - can't remember which) on Bosch, so the problem(s) potentially occur(s) on other German brands
1. I am also half tempted by the 245bhp diesel, but don't think it would offer the enjoyment of the N53
2. I wouldn't run a BMW (even N52) out of warranty, and it may be getting steep to cover an older car
3. The new 350 petrol is supposed to be very good
4. E63 estate - now you're talking! Drove one at Brooklands and they have almighty punch off the line.
NoelWatson said:
John, Still running it, and to be fair, it hasn't had any major issues in the last ~six months. The only thing that troubles me slightly is that it stumbles a little on startup - worry that this is the HPFP playing up. I've gone for the £520 pa top level warranty with no excess, and assuming I get a decent number on the dyno on Sat, will keep it for at least another year.
Not sure if you read my post where I mentioned that BMW are blaming coil packs (or injectors - can't remember which) on Bosch, so the problem(s) potentially occur(s) on other German brands
1. I am also half tempted by the 245bhp diesel, but don't think it would offer the enjoyment of the N53
2. I wouldn't run a BMW (even N52) out of warranty, and it may be getting steep to cover an older car
3. The new 350 petrol is supposed to be very good
4. E63 estate - now you're talking! Drove one at Brooklands and they have almighty punch off the line.
Likewise, am going to run it for at least another year and see how it holds up. I've only had it for 15 months and need to flatten the depreciation curve. I reckon it's lost about 8K in that time which was more than I was expecting but I guess in this climate no one is looking for this type of car and everyone wants a diesel. Not sure if you read my post where I mentioned that BMW are blaming coil packs (or injectors - can't remember which) on Bosch, so the problem(s) potentially occur(s) on other German brands
1. I am also half tempted by the 245bhp diesel, but don't think it would offer the enjoyment of the N53
2. I wouldn't run a BMW (even N52) out of warranty, and it may be getting steep to cover an older car
3. The new 350 petrol is supposed to be very good
4. E63 estate - now you're talking! Drove one at Brooklands and they have almighty punch off the line.
Am disappointed on the reliability. I was hoping that this would be a keeper and run it into the ground for the next 7 years or so but the issues I've had (and particularly the type of issues) are undermining my confidence in it. Last thing I want to be worrying about is the wife having the car cut out on her on the fast lane of the M1 with the baby in the car and having an accident.
I've heard that the new (W212) E350 has been suffering similar issues with injectors and there is no permanent fix available as yet. I fear that these types of problems will plague all 'high-efficiency' cars given the pressures that they need to operate at to meet mpg / CO2 targets and the sophistication and complexity of the technology involved.
I fear the only solution is to go 'low-tech' (and big displacement!) Will keep an eye out for a 550i Touring and wait for the E63 to fall into my price range (which is going to take a while!!)
Let us know how you get on with your dyno and keep in touch if you have any more problems with your N53.
crashS2K said:
Will keep an eye out for a 550i Touring
I bought my 550i M Sport Touring last month. Not only was I lucky to find a touring, but it's also an ultra rare manual. The perfect daily car. If it helps, I average about 24mpg, get 29mpg on a long steady run and never seen worse than 21mpg. The manual probably helps and it's a LCI model. scz4 said:
I bought my 550i M Sport Touring last month. Not only was I lucky to find a touring, but it's also an ultra rare manual. The perfect daily car. If it helps, I average about 24mpg, get 29mpg on a long steady run and never seen worse than 21mpg. The manual probably helps and it's a LCI model.
More details please (and pics)! Fuel economy is better than i was expecting - was thinking high teens and 20mpg at best - i don't believe the 550i is DI so no HPFP or injector issues if I'm not mistaken? Are you happy with your purchase and how long were you looking for / much did you pay if you don't mind me asking for year / mileage? Feel free to PM me.
Thanks,
John
crashS2K said:
More details please (and pics)! Fuel economy is better than i was expecting - was thinking high teens and 20mpg at best - i don't believe the 550i is DI so no HPFP or injector issues if I'm not mistaken?
Are you happy with your purchase and how long were you looking for / much did you pay if you don't mind me asking for year / mileage? Feel free to PM me.
Fuel economy really isn't bad given the engine size. I had an E39 540i before this, then fluttered with a E61 530d for a month beforehand but just didn't get on with it. I only averaged 30mpg, 38mpg on the motorway and 22 round town, just now worth the compromise of a diesel. Are you happy with your purchase and how long were you looking for / much did you pay if you don't mind me asking for year / mileage? Feel free to PM me.
By luck I wasn't looking for long. I was looking at M5 tourings, but the running costs scared me and I wanted to keep some money spare for running a track\weekend car in the future. I was browsing the BMW approved car list and came across this manual 550i touring, with Logic 7, heated seats, NAV, the perfect spec (except for the bamboo dash).
Anyway, I love it. Brilliant car and handles very well once up to speed on the country roads, very stable. Has all the toys and munches up the miles. I paid £24k for it, it's a 57 plate with 36k miles. It was bought from a BMW dealer so came with a 1 year warranty. I've since bought the 19" rims and will keep the 18's for my winter tyres. I know this car is going to depreciate quite badly, but what the hell, it's worth it. My only negative comment is it's very quiet, far too quiet. My V8 E39 540i sounded much nicer.
Not sure if they suffer from those problems you mentioned. I will always have a BMW warranty so don't care too much. I figured it'll be more reliable than any BMW diesel and auto gearbox combination, especially one the miles start to creep up.
BMW told me only 8 manual 550i tourings were sold in the UK in 2007 so good luck with your search
Edited by scz4 on Wednesday 8th June 10:16
Very nice and in my ideal colour too! Just checked on realoem and your car doesn't have the high pressures fuel pump or injectors on the LCI direct engine cars like mine so should be ok.
8 550i tourings in a year eh? Guess I have my work cut out for me!
Will be keeping a lookout for your reports!
Cheers,
John
8 550i tourings in a year eh? Guess I have my work cut out for me!
Will be keeping a lookout for your reports!
Cheers,
John
crashS2K said:
8 550i tourings in a year eh? Guess I have my work cut out for me!
8 manual tourings, if you want an automatic it should be a little easier, not much though. Do you have a S2000? Just guessing by your username
I really fancy picking one up later this year for a weekend\track car. A car in total contrast to the 550i. Yes, well guessed! I did run a S2000 for over 18months when they first came out back in 2002.
Lovely car, fantastic engine (particularly with airbox lid removed) - although you did need to cane it to get the best out of it - that was never a chore with it's snappy gearbox.
On-limit handling was never it's strong suit - tended to roll / snap-oversteer although I gather the later generations were much better through suspension tweaks.
Would be interested in slapping a turbo / supercharger on one to pep up the lower end of the rev range and when you don't feel like ragging it all the time. Think you did the same to your Z4 so might be worth investigating?
Lovely car, fantastic engine (particularly with airbox lid removed) - although you did need to cane it to get the best out of it - that was never a chore with it's snappy gearbox.
On-limit handling was never it's strong suit - tended to roll / snap-oversteer although I gather the later generations were much better through suspension tweaks.
Would be interested in slapping a turbo / supercharger on one to pep up the lower end of the rev range and when you don't feel like ragging it all the time. Think you did the same to your Z4 so might be worth investigating?
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