E39 525d

[Crook]

Good afternoon,
Can anyone advise on what these are like WRT fuel economy/reliability and also towing weights please?
Many thanks,

[Fox-]

Economy is exactly the same as the more powerful 530d - so low 30's tops around town, early 40's on a Motorway run.

Reliabily is average - the turbos are known to go, the automatics have swirl flaps which break down and get ingested by the engine, writing it off, and the injectors can be troublesome.

If you are going to get one you may as well get the 530d - the running costs are the same.

[kentmotorcompany]

Most people would say get the 530d, which means the 525d is often overlooked, so you can get good value for money when buying the car.
I would say be open to either, and give yourself more choice.

[Jw Vw]

Get some blanking plates to solve the swirl flaps issue, fairly cheap fix. Good cars but as Fox says a 530d is a better car with better performance with similar running costs and mpg figures.

[bolide]

2002 525 Diesel Auto Touring: I get 30 in town, 40 on a run and 50 on a long run (Brighton to Manchester & back) cruising at around 80

Reliability has been 100% in the last year but I have replaced a split rear airbag spring (I did both), deflapped it (DIY, £40 parts), replaced the oil separator and hedgehog (standard faults), changed the gearbox oil and replaced a pair of front bushes that always wear. Most of that was initial post-purchase prep to get it reliable

I like it a lot and would recommend a 525 or 530. get the right spec for you, though - there are lots of options & specs

Nick Froome

[Max M4X WW]

What is the difference between 525d and 530d? Map? Turbo? Injectors?

[Fox-]

Max M4X WW said:

What is the difference between 525d and 530d? Map? Turbo? Injectors?

Errr the 525d has a 2.5 litre engine and the 530d has a 3 litre engine? Thats a pretty fundamental difference right there.

[Max M4X WW]

Apologies, I'd always thought they were both 3.0 like the newer generation models.