525Tds Vs. 530d

[JakesterUK]

Hi, I'm looking for some advise please, I'm currently looking at two tourers, one is a '97 525Tds with 150k, the other a '99 530d with 180k, both have FSH & are or of similar value bar £700 & like for like condition.

Although the 530 has higher miles, I'm leaning towards it as I like the newer shape, although logic would say buy the one with 30k less on the clock..

Any pointers would be appreciated.

[OllieWinchester]

530d is vastly superior, check the other thread going about the 325tds engine, AFAIK it is a developed version of that engine nestling in the touring you are looking at. My money is on the 530d, watch out for turbo/fuel pump/injector failure with those miles though, perhaps an aftermarket warranty would be a good idea....

[POORCARDEALER]

^^^^ what he said.........my wifes old 530d sport touring auto would do 40 mpg on a run, it did need new turbo and injectors at 105K though.


Great car though

[Mustard]

525tds is a much tougher beast than the 530d from my reading and understanding, though on a later car I'd go for a cheaper petrol model (525i/530i) and pay a bit more at the pumps as a new turbo, injectors etc plus higher purchase price soon swallows any benefits.


Soon (hopefully) If all goes to plan replacing the e34 520i with a E34 525tds, but certainly would NOT replace the 525i with a 525d/530d

all IMHO

[Fox-]

Don't be fooled by cheap purchase price because the 530d is still a hugely expensive car to run without a warranty especially at this sort of pricepoint.

[Gallen (BPH)]

3.0d - IMO there will be absolutely no comparison.

RE: petrol equivelents
You'd really notice a sting on the £MPG as the "5" is a heavy car.
Petrol/Diesel differences are reflected in residuals (I have a 51 plate 530D Sport so yes, I'm a little biased!).

I have had many petrol BMW's and the 6 cylinder petrols "are" juicy for their performance, there's no doubt about it. It would be ok if they were impressively fast, but..... (all in my opinion of course)!

Agree on turbos - I think the earlier models had a turbo problem. Mine had a turbo cirka 15k miles under warantee.

Also, the 3.0D Auto has swirl flaps in the inlet manifold (The manual version does not have them, as far as I am aware). These swirl flaps have been known to work loose without warning and get sucked into the engine, totalling it.

I any many other owners have had my swirl flaps removed (inlet manifold off / remove flaps, replace shafts without the flaps) - you can buy blankers to take everyhting out including the shafts but I just had flaps removed. No notable performance or running differences, but peace of mind.

Enjoy your search

Edited by Gallen (BPH) on Thursday 20th November 14:35