Bmw 5 series MPG

[muff666]

Hi
Does anyone know if the 520 and 525 are vastly different in MPG as i want a 520 but theres a gorgeous 525 ive seen but need goodish MPG
Any one surpress my worries
Thanks

[PJ S]

Assuming like for like transmission wise, then you're not going to see a major difference.
The slight negative is it's neither the more efficient and cheaper 520, nor the more desirable 530, if mpg isn't the be all & end all of your buying decision.
So on that front, it may be harder to move on.
If it ticks all the right boxes, and the price is right, then worry about that in a couple of years time, and just enjoy it.

Are we talking diesel or petrol by the way? I'm referring to the petrol versions above, but may be just as valid for diesel.
One thing I remember one dealer saying to me (and I don't think it was in the context of LPG) was the 25 has a head gasket issue, and others have said the 20d isn't a great engine design - their 6-cylinder ones are what they do best.

Just spend plenty of time reading 5 series forums, to see what the regular complaints/concerns raised are, and take it from there.

Edited by PJ S on Tuesday 14th June 18:20

[Fox-]

Petrol or diesel?

Petrol wise they are identical. Diesel wise the 520d is more economical than the 525d.

To be honest though if the fuel cost difference is a deal breaker buy something else because it'll cost you a load in fixing it every time it breaks anyway.

[gizlaroc]

muff666 said:

Hi
Does anyone know if the 520 and 525 are vastly different in MPG as i want a 520 but theres a gorgeous 525 ive seen but need goodish MPG
Any one surpress my worries
Thanks

What year are you talking??

520D
163bhp manual
163bhp old auto box that drinks fuel
177bhp with new zf box that is pretty efficient
180bhp with new 8 speed that can be excellent
180bhp manual that will see 50mpg all day long.

525d
2.5 manual which is OK mpg wise
2.5 auto which is bad, but not all that much worse than the 163bhp 520d auto
3.0 231bhp manual which is better than the 2.5 just
3.0 231bhp auto which again can drink it (by drink it I mean expect around 26-36mpg average)
3.0 F10 with 8 speed auto and will see around 36-42 average


There are massive differences between these cars depending on age and what engine and gearbox they have in them.

[AtomMan]

Surely he is talking about a proper 5 series, i.e. an E34. Not the over complicated dull and miserable F10?!

[Facefirst]

For reference my e39 530i auto is getting 27mpg on mixed driving. I'd expect low 20's for pure town work, nearer 30 on longer runs.

I don't think that is too bad for the size / performance.

[gizlaroc]

AtomMan said:

Surely he is talking about a proper 5 series, i.e. an E34. Not the over complicated dull and miserable F10?!

haha, you don't know just how right you are!