Just seen a BMW 530d that i'm thinking of buying, all the reports on internet seem good 40-50 mpg and 184 Bhp. They all seem to rave about how good it is but can't find much on any common problems with them, anyone got any experiance with them or are they as good as i'm starting to think they are.
Any advice please
Oh its a 2001 model with 85,000 mile

Mate has one. He had to replace a couple of injectors, but got the usual "never seen that on one of these before sir" comments from BMW - so don't know how common that is.

Is it the facelift model? common rail?

when i was after one i was warned the injector pumps give up at 100,000 and are a tad pricey,apart from that usual german bullet proof engineering

Injectors, pump and front suspension seem to be the main problems, basic mechanicals are sound and capable of big miles, proper BMW history needed though.

Cheers
Alex

I'd be surprised if you could get 50mpg with normal (i.e. not granny-like) driving though.

However, you can up the fueling and they go like the clappers. There was a modded 530d in one of the gumball rallies and it was holding it's own with the supercars.

I've got the new 525d touring (estate to you and me) and its a stonking car. Just under 180bhp, and a wall of torque. Not massively sporty" but certainly adequately quick. Will cruise all day at 100mph+, and you'll still get out feeling refreshed. Returns about 35mpg all in, and I do tend to press on ... but I don't think you'd ever see the right side of 40mpg - these are big cars. Mines at 45k in 2 years, and *nothing* has gone wrong at all. My only grumble is the run-flat tyres that are fitted as standard to the new cars - they completely ruin the ride of the car - complete lack of compliance.
Hope that helps
Cheers
Richard

I've got a spanking new 525 and the cup holder sticks. German engineering ?

If I try to eject the cup holder to test it, with no drink in the car, it works perfect, but if I try to eject it to actually put a drink in it, then it won't open.

Other than the cup holder and the run flats, it has to be one of the best cars I've owned. Managing to get 32mpg.

I have a 530D with 198,000 on the clock,
it normally returns 40mpg, a bit less if knocking around the doors. It has had the injectors done, a new injector harness ( common fault), new front struts, heater/aircon control unit (common fault), the rear suspension bushes are now shot, the digits on the dash display are breaking up (common fault) & the handbrake is a pain.
Apart from the above it is a damn fine car, has the original exhaust & clutch, which is good going as I have towed race cars all over the UK with it. It has had pads, discs & consumables but I think thats it.
I would recommend one, by the way mine is now for sale if anyone is interested, it is a Sept 2000 530D sport, any offers?
Ian

Thanks for the replys, i thought the MPG was a bit optamistic as i've got a peugot diesel now and that only average 45mpg. Might go and have a good look at it in the week