Thinking Of Buying A New 530d
Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> No problem with my gearchanges. Took the car to the dealer THursday for oil > top up and headlight adjustment, all covered by service plan, and they > washed all the bugs off the front too( and the rest of the car.) Must say > the service is much improved from my last experience when I first got my > 330. I had emails off to BMW NZ etc then, guess I wasn’t the only one > complaining. I suppose I should let BMW NZ know my thoughts now too. > My CD "problem appears to be related to having put a CD in the dash mounted > drive. This is the CD it plays, whenever it does it when I’m not expecting, > and it plays from the start. > Are you happy with your car now? ( and service experience?) > Leong
Not happy…gearchange is just slightly better, but it’s far from perfect. They replaced On Board Monitor (apparently there’s recall – mine was working fine). Power steering is having the same vibration and I am getting some rattles from the back….I had to have tracking unit installed and surely they didn’t put everything together properly. Will follow up with dealership tomorrow about this gearchange, I am still driving in manual mode all the time.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Not happy…gearchange is just slightly better, > but it’s far from perfect. > They replaced On Board Monitor (apparently > there’s recall – mine was working fine). > Power steering is having the same vibration and > I am getting some rattles from the back….I had to > have tracking unit installed and surely they didn’t > put everything together properly. > Will follow up with dealership tomorrow > about this gearchange, I am still driving in > manual mode all the time.
I hope you have a good service advisor, who will keep working on it till the problem’s resolved, now that it’s obvious that it won’t be done right first time!! Leong
Response:
> Took it for a software upgrade this morning, it will be at the dealership > until > Thursday, apparently they need some new parts (for a software fix). Will > post > if gearchange is okay when I get it back. Your car changes fine ? > Alex
No problem with my gearchanges. Took the car to the dealer THursday for oil top up and headlight adjustment, all covered by service plan, and they washed all the bugs off the front too( and the rest of the car.) Must say the service is much improved from my last experience when I first got my 330. I had emails off to BMW NZ etc then, guess I wasn’t the only one complaining. I suppose I should let BMW NZ know my thoughts now too. My CD "problem appears to be related to having put a CD in the dash mounted drive. This is the CD it plays, whenever it does it when I’m not expecting, and it plays from the start. Are you happy with your car now? ( and service experience?) Leong
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > Do you find some sort of vibration on the steering wheel when you try > to > > > quickly go from one lock to the other ? > > > Alex > > > 2004 530dA > > I have to do this every work day morning, ie a lock to lock three point > > turn, but cringe at the thought of doing this quickly, especially if the > > car’s moving very slowly. haven’t noticed any vibration before or this > > morning after reading your post. Is this something you’ve experienced, > or > > heard/read? > > Leong > Quickly… say over 3 seconds…. > I have vibration, like when the belt is slipping. > But it’s not…thinking of that motor in active steering > or the rack dealing with extra pressure. > Car going for software upgrade tomorrow morning (software ver. > 11.something), > that should cure bluetooth pairing and jerk when shifting > from 2nd to 1st in D. Did you notice that ? > Alex > That extra pressure is what I’d be concerned about in the long term. Don’t > know the mechanics in these new cars, but the extra load could cause more > wear and lead to sloppy steering later on. > I haven’t had any issues with bluetooth, except that it won’t connect if my > phone, SE630, is not in "ready" state. ie if I forget to use the keylock, > and have some accidental keypresses on the screen. Put phone back to ready > and it connects. I love how accurately the voice control works!! > Must say my cars gearchanges are more "sporty" than the demonstrators I have > driven, even in D. ie holds the gears longer etc and changeds down readily, > even with small throttle openings. I would prefer if it changed earlier (in > D) and used it’s torque, and save the sport for sport mode. I had issues > with a very harsh change from 3rd to 2nd in my 330i, (2002), if coming to a > stop in "manual" mode. Easily cured by the dealer. Haven’t used manual mode > much so far, as I have been trying to keep under 3500rpm for the first > 2500km. It’s so easy to go over 3500 without realising…. > My car thinks I want the CD player on everytime I start the car, haven’t > figured out how to change this yet, any clues? > Leong
Defaults to CD even if FM was on ? Not the case with mine. Re pressure – I have motorplan warranty 100.000km or 5 years, all wear, tear and maintenance covered by BMW. So, if something fails I will get it replaced. I am not going to worry about it too much if it doesn’t get worse. Due to this harsh gearchange I have been driving in manual from the start (6000km, just over 2 months old)…it is fantastic… from 2000rpm to 3000rpm with all the sounds of turbo and induction. You have to try it 
I am using 6310i Nokia….works fine but sometimes I have to pair – phone is used exclusively in the car. How is your oil consumption – I used 2l over first 3000km, now on 6000km, but oil level didn’t change. Alex
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Defaults to CD even if FM was on ? > Not the case with mine. > Re pressure – I have motorplan warranty 100.000km or > 5 years, all wear, tear and maintenance covered by BMW. > So, if something fails I will get it replaced. I am not going to > worry about it too much if it doesn’t get worse. > Due to this harsh gearchange I have been driving in manual from > the start (6000km, just over 2 months old)…it is fantastic… > from 2000rpm to 3000rpm with all the sounds of turbo and induction. > You have to try it > I am using 6310i Nokia….works fine but sometimes I have to > pair – phone is used exclusively in the car. > How is your oil consumption – I used 2l over first 3000km, > now on 6000km, but oil level didn’t change. > Alex > No, remembers the source, but always comes on, even if was off last time…. > Those gearchanges must be real harsh. I used to drive my 330i in manual > mode most of the time, much more fun and responsive, but this diesel engine > wants to rev, and the times I have used the manual mode, I have accidentally > used more than the 3500rpm recommended at run in ( I know I should pay more > attention…but it’s really easy to do). Now we’re through the run in > period I’ll use it more without feeling guilty about the revs. > At 2600km I’ve used about half way betn the markings on the dipstick. We > have 3 yr maintenance plans included with the car, so the dealer prefers to > check the oil and refill themselves. Handy if you live/work close to the > dealer. > Been getting just over 7l/100km on the open road, and 9 around town. I’ve > heard diesel engines don’t perform best till around 10,000 km, interested to > know if economy will be better with more miles too. > Leong
No, gearchanges are okay, there’s a jerk only from 2nd to 1st, in D, if I shift manually it is all okay. So, oil consumption is more less the same – as it stopped I am not worried about that. Diesel consumption is also about the same…on first tank it was 11l/100km, now it’s 9.1 on average, I had a long drive on motorway, about 220 km, it was 6.8 and I was doing anything up to 210km/h (3000 rpm). Took it for a software upgrade this morning, it will be at the dealership until Thursday, apparently they need some new parts (for a software fix). Will post if gearchange is okay when I get it back. Your car changes fine ? Alex
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Defaults to CD even if FM was on ? > Not the case with mine. > Re pressure – I have motorplan warranty 100.000km or > 5 years, all wear, tear and maintenance covered by BMW. > So, if something fails I will get it replaced. I am not going to > worry about it too much if it doesn’t get worse. > Due to this harsh gearchange I have been driving in manual from > the start (6000km, just over 2 months old)…it is fantastic… > from 2000rpm to 3000rpm with all the sounds of turbo and induction. > You have to try it > I am using 6310i Nokia….works fine but sometimes I have to > pair – phone is used exclusively in the car. > How is your oil consumption – I used 2l over first 3000km, > now on 6000km, but oil level didn’t change. > Alex
No, remembers the source, but always comes on, even if was off last time…. Those gearchanges must be real harsh. I used to drive my 330i in manual mode most of the time, much more fun and responsive, but this diesel engine wants to rev, and the times I have used the manual mode, I have accidentally used more than the 3500rpm recommended at run in ( I know I should pay more attention…but it’s really easy to do). Now we’re through the run in period I’ll use it more without feeling guilty about the revs. At 2600km I’ve used about half way betn the markings on the dipstick. We have 3 yr maintenance plans included with the car, so the dealer prefers to check the oil and refill themselves. Handy if you live/work close to the dealer. Been getting just over 7l/100km on the open road, and 9 around town. I’ve heard diesel engines don’t perform best till around 10,000 km, interested to know if economy will be better with more miles too. Leong
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Do you find some sort of vibration on the steering wheel when you try to > > quickly go from one lock to the other ? > > Alex > > 2004 530dA > I have to do this every work day morning, ie a lock to lock three point > turn, but cringe at the thought of doing this quickly, especially if the > car’s moving very slowly. haven’t noticed any vibration before or this > morning after reading your post. Is this something you’ve experienced, or > heard/read? > Leong > Quickly… say over 3 seconds…. > I have vibration, like when the belt is slipping. > But it’s not…thinking of that motor in active steering > or the rack dealing with extra pressure. > Car going for software upgrade tomorrow morning (software ver. > 11.something), > that should cure bluetooth pairing and jerk when shifting > from 2nd to 1st in D. Did you notice that ? > Alex
That extra pressure is what I’d be concerned about in the long term. Don’t know the mechanics in these new cars, but the extra load could cause more wear and lead to sloppy steering later on. I haven’t had any issues with bluetooth, except that it won’t connect if my phone, SE630, is not in "ready" state. ie if I forget to use the keylock, and have some accidental keypresses on the screen. Put phone back to ready and it connects. I love how accurately the voice control works!! Must say my cars gearchanges are more "sporty" than the demonstrators I have driven, even in D. ie holds the gears longer etc and changeds down readily, even with small throttle openings. I would prefer if it changed earlier (in D) and used it’s torque, and save the sport for sport mode. I had issues with a very harsh change from 3rd to 2nd in my 330i, (2002), if coming to a stop in "manual" mode. Easily cured by the dealer. Haven’t used manual mode much so far, as I have been trying to keep under 3500rpm for the first 2500km. It’s so easy to go over 3500 without realising…. My car thinks I want the CD player on everytime I start the car, haven’t figured out how to change this yet, any clues? Leong
Response:
> Do you find some sort of vibration on the steering wheel when you try to > quickly go from one lock to the other ? > Alex > 2004 530dA
I have to do this every work day morning, ie a lock to lock three point turn, but cringe at the thought of doing this quickly, especially if the car’s moving very slowly. haven’t noticed any vibration before or this morning after reading your post. Is this something you’ve experienced, or heard/read? Leong
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Do you find some sort of vibration on the steering wheel when you try to > quickly go from one lock to the other ? > Alex > 2004 530dA > I have to do this every work day morning, ie a lock to lock three point > turn, but cringe at the thought of doing this quickly, especially if the > car’s moving very slowly. haven’t noticed any vibration before or this > morning after reading your post. Is this something you’ve experienced, or > heard/read? > Leong
Quickly… say over 3 seconds…. I have vibration, like when the belt is slipping. But it’s not…thinking of that motor in active steering or the rack dealing with extra pressure. Car going for software upgrade tomorrow morning (software ver. 11.something), that should cure bluetooth pairing and jerk when shifting from 2nd to 1st in D. Did you notice that ? Alex
Response:
> Hi All > Would Like Any Info > Regards > Jb > Well, it has a diesel engine, and 370 lb-ft of torque . > Seriously, try your local dealer – from your post it is difficult to > pinpoint what exactly you want to know.
It was a 27,000 mile test car for CAR magazine. The one with the top 100 cars on the front. This month. They reportedly liked it a lot.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Hi All > > Would Like Any Info > > Regards > > Jb > Well, it has a diesel engine, and 370 lb-ft of torque . > Seriously, try your local dealer – from your post it is difficult to > pinpoint what exactly you want to know. > It was a 27,000 mile test car for CAR magazine. The one with the top 100 > cars on the front. This month. > They reportedly liked it a lot.
I guess any info you can pick up on BMW website. We all know that majority of people in here dislike it’s looks Alex 530dA Anyone with active steering ?
Response:
> Hi All > Would Like Any Info > Regards > Jb
Warning, extremely long post, read only if interested in purchasing an E60. I’ve had my 530d SE for just over three weeks now, and done 2600km. Returned from a trip to Rotorua this afternoon. It is easily the best car I’ve owned, ( since 1996, 1996 Audi A4 1.8T, 1997 535iASE, 1999 MB E430 Avantgarde, 2000 330iASE, 2002 330iASE Touring ), so far. When discussing the car with friends, it’s hard to list ALL the things I like about it… they get bored listening after the first few, however when I was considering buying, I couldn’t read enough…. I have a titanium Silver 530d with grey interior, steptronic, with Dynamic Drive, comfort seats, sunroof, bluetooth, and the upgraded stereo as options. NZ spec is high with Active steering, and headlights, PDC, three auto dipping mirrors, rain sensor, all airbags, 138 wheels, sports steering wheel 379mm, electric seats + s/wheel with memory, std cruise, the top A/C package, lights package all standard, and likely more compared to UK spec ( we get UK brochures) What I like best is the engine. Performance is on par with my old E430, and 330i, yet the car is bigger than both, and costs half as much (in NZ) to run. Overtaking on our country roads is a breeze, and I go at least 800km on a tank, compared with 450-500km in the two cars mentioned above ( less if driven hard). The engine is more flexible in gear than anything I have driven before, except Cayenne Turbo, Carrera…..etc. The engine revs willingly to redline, and it is in this area that the 530d engine is better than the E320CDi engine. The new 5 is a big car compared to the E39 and New E Class, yet drives like a go kart with Active steering and Dynamic drive. I stayed with the standard shocks/spring, rather than the sports setup which would result in even better handling but at the expense of ride, (which would be too hard most of the time given our bumpy roads and standard RFTs.) Having said that, my car does get upset by big bumps mid corner (wallows) that the sports suspension would absorb, however I don’t feel those bumps nearly as much! ( I expect there will be be adjustable air suspension in the future). The dynamic drive keeps the car cornering flat, even if you turn in further when the suspension is already loaded up, and is easily appreciated even on city roads around roundabouts. Active steering is great when parking, and more especially when driving enthusiastically thru winding roads and hairpin bends. I’ve read tests where people have questioned the feel and need for correction immediately after initial turn in, but while the steering is reasonably light, you can still feel the level of grip, and I am sure that familiarity will deal with their other issue… which I have not noticed ( it does take some time to get acquainted with the Active Steering ( standard equipment on all New Zealand E60s). The comfort seats are good with no aches and pains after a 4hr 30min drive. Much better than the sports seats with adjustable lumbar on my 330. The seats have electrically adjustable side bolsters that release you when you switch off the engine, and hug you when you start it, much like the steering wheel adjusts to let you get out easily. I have a tall friend who has difficulty getting comfortable in cars, and he loved the way the seats could be lowered so he didn’t hit his head on the roof, even with a sunroof present. He also appreciated the adjustable length to the seat squab, which I don’t need to use!. The way the indicator, high beam, and wiper switches work ie press to activate then stalk returns to central position, works a treat. Those with small hands can always reach the stalk cos it’s in the same place, and your auto bixenon headlights can’t automatically turn on to high beam!. The rain sensor switch is also an improvement in that it lets you use the single wipe should you choose to. ( I believe those who like rainsensors live in climates like ours where the rain is never constant, and those that don’t either live in constant mist and fog ie the UK, or eternal sunshine ie California, but thats just IMO) I could write more about the six speed auto that seems to know what gear you want, though almost all road tests I have read ahve raved about this, or the fantastic bixenon lights that turn night to day, and now even help you see around bends. I like the independent ventilator that you can set to ventilate a hot car 30mins before you are due to drive home ( available in the E39 ), and the fact that the remote can lock.unlock and open the windows from a very good distance away, so that you can do it while you walk up to the car, rather than having to wait for it when you get there ( a la MB/E39 ). I like the standard split fold rear seats that were an expensive option on the E39, and the ski bag, or hole if you take the ski bag module out, can be manipulated to your needs. The boot also is sprung to open when you open it with the remote, unlike the E39, and like the E430. The boot is huge too, though mine has a tray and compartment on the left side that earlier E60s didn’t have. I haven’t mentioned the bluetooth phone!! or I Drive!!! I should mention I Drive as there is so much negative publicity….. I like it because there is so much less dashboard clutter, and most of the controls you use all the time can be controlled by the steering wheel buttons. There are two user customisable buttons on the steering wheel that you can setup to your liking ( limited options though ) using the Idrive. I have mine setup to swap between entertainment sources ( this means also that you can switch on the radio/CD etc from the steering wheel ), and the other to swap the other steering wheel buttons between entertainment and telephone. By doing this you can use the s/wheel buttons most of the time. The most annoying thing so far is if you want to swap to a different CD in the stacker. Previously you just pushed the button 1-6, now its menu ( unless already in main menu )down, down, up, then twirl to the selected CD. Once in teh entertainment menu however, it is easier to select tracks than before. Most other functions are less often used once you have the car setup how you like. Things like whether doors lock automatically, how long the headlight switch off delay is, or whether the car locks again automatically if not opened etc etc yourself can be customised with I drive. You get used to it, then you appreciate the uncomplicated dash everyday. Personally, the only button I occasionally use on the air conditioner is the air recirculate, when I think that the Auto air recirc might not work quickly enough, otherwise, they almost always stay on the same settings. ( as they should I guess). I think I’d better end here. If you would like more opinions then let me know, otherwise please excuse my enthusiasm, it is very hard to suppress!! Leong, PS, Only problem so far, there could be more storage bins in the front cabin area, but I’ll just carry less!!
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi All > Would Like Any Info > Regards > Jb > Warning, extremely long post, read only if interested in purchasing an E60. > I’ve had my 530d SE for just over three weeks now, and done 2600km. > Returned from a trip to Rotorua this afternoon. It is easily the best car > I’ve owned, ( since 1996, 1996 Audi A4 1.8T, 1997 535iASE, 1999 MB E430 > Avantgarde, 2000 330iASE, 2002 330iASE Touring ), so far. > When discussing the car with friends, it’s hard to list ALL the things I > like about it… they get bored listening after the first few, however when > I was considering buying, I couldn’t read enough…. > I have a titanium Silver 530d with grey interior, steptronic, with Dynamic > Drive, comfort seats, sunroof, bluetooth, and the upgraded stereo as > options. NZ spec is high with Active steering, and headlights, PDC, three > auto dipping mirrors, rain sensor, all airbags, 138 wheels, sports steering > wheel 379mm, electric seats + s/wheel with memory, std cruise, the top A/C > package, lights package all standard, and likely more compared to UK spec > ( we get UK brochures) > What I like best is the engine. Performance is on par with my old E430, and > 330i, yet the car is bigger than both, and costs half as much (in NZ) to > run. Overtaking on our country roads is a breeze, and I go at least 800km > on a tank, compared with 450-500km in the two cars mentioned above ( less if > driven hard). The engine is more flexible in gear than anything I have > driven before, except Cayenne Turbo, Carrera…..etc. The engine revs > willingly to redline, and it is in this area that the 530d engine is better > than the E320CDi engine. > The new 5 is a big car compared to the E39 and New E Class, yet drives like > a go kart with Active steering and Dynamic drive. I stayed with the > standard shocks/spring, rather than the sports setup which would result in > even better handling but at the expense of ride, (which would be too hard > most of the time given our bumpy roads and standard RFTs.) Having said > that, my car does get upset by big bumps mid corner (wallows) that the > sports suspension would absorb, however I don’t feel those bumps nearly as > much! ( I expect there will be be adjustable air suspension in the future). > The dynamic drive keeps the car cornering flat, even if you turn in further > when the suspension is already loaded up, and is easily appreciated even on > city roads around roundabouts. Active steering is great when parking, and > more especially when driving enthusiastically thru winding roads and hairpin > bends. I’ve read tests where people have questioned the feel and need for > correction immediately after initial turn in, but while the steering is > reasonably light, you can still feel the level of grip, and I am sure that > familiarity will deal with their other issue… which I have not noticed ( > it does take some time to get acquainted with the Active Steering ( standard > equipment on all New Zealand E60s). > The comfort seats are good with no aches and pains after a 4hr 30min drive. > Much better than the sports seats with adjustable lumbar on my 330. The > seats have electrically adjustable side bolsters that release you when you > switch off the engine, and hug you when you start it, much like the steering > wheel adjusts to let you get out easily. I have a tall friend who has > difficulty getting comfortable in cars, and he loved the way the seats could > be lowered so he didn’t hit his head on the roof, even with a sunroof > present. He also appreciated the adjustable length to the seat squab, which > I don’t need to use!. > The way the indicator, high beam, and wiper switches work ie press to > activate then stalk returns to central position, works a treat. Those with > small hands can always reach the stalk cos it’s in the same place, and your > auto bixenon headlights can’t automatically turn on to high beam!. The > rain sensor switch is also an improvement in that it lets you use the single > wipe should you choose to. ( I believe those who like rainsensors live in > climates like ours where the rain is never constant, and those that don’t > either live in constant mist and fog ie the UK, or eternal sunshine ie > California, but thats just IMO) > I could write more about the six speed auto that seems to know what gear you > want, though almost all road tests I have read ahve raved about this, or > the fantastic bixenon lights that turn night to day, and now even help you > see around bends. I like the independent ventilator that you can set to > ventilate a hot car 30mins before you are due to drive home ( available in > the E39 ), and the fact that the remote can lock.unlock and open the windows > from a very good distance away, so that you can do it while you walk up to > the car, rather than having to wait for it when you get there ( a la > MB/E39 ). I like the standard split fold rear seats that were an expensive > option on the E39, and the ski bag, or hole if you take the ski bag module > out, can be manipulated to your needs. The boot also is sprung to open when > you open it with the remote, unlike the E39, and like the E430. The boot is > huge too, though mine has a tray and compartment on the left side that > earlier E60s didn’t have. > I haven’t mentioned the bluetooth phone!! or I Drive!!! I should mention I > Drive as there is so much negative publicity….. I like it because there is > so much less dashboard clutter, and most of the controls you use all the > time can be controlled by the steering wheel buttons. There are two user > customisable buttons on the steering wheel that you can setup to your liking > ( limited options though ) using the Idrive. I have mine setup to swap > between entertainment sources ( this means also that you can switch on the > radio/CD etc from the steering wheel ), and the other to swap the other > steering wheel buttons between entertainment and telephone. By doing this > you can use the s/wheel buttons most of the time. The most annoying thing > so far is if you want to swap to a different CD in the stacker. Previously > you just pushed the button 1-6, now its menu ( unless already in main > menu )down, down, up, then twirl to the selected CD. Once in teh > entertainment menu however, it is easier to select tracks than before. Most > other functions are less often used once you have the car setup how you > like. Things like whether doors lock automatically, how long the headlight > switch off delay is, or whether the car locks again automatically if not > opened etc etc yourself can be customised with I drive. You get used to it, > then you appreciate the uncomplicated dash everyday. Personally, the only > button I occasionally use on the air conditioner is the air recirculate, > when I think that the Auto air recirc might not work quickly enough, > otherwise, they almost always stay on the same settings. ( as they should I > guess). > I think I’d better end here. If you would like more opinions then let me > know, otherwise please excuse my enthusiasm, it is very hard to suppress!! > Leong, > PS, Only problem so far, there could be more storage bins in the front cabin > area, but I’ll just carry less!!
Do you find some sort of vibration on the steering wheel when you try to quickly go from one lock to the other ? Alex 2004 530dA
Response:
Hi All Would Like Any Info Regards Jb
Response:
> Hi All > Would Like Any Info > Regards > Jb
Well, it has a diesel engine, and 370 lb-ft of torque . Seriously, try your local dealer – from your post it is difficult to pinpoint what exactly you want to know.
Response:
> Hi All > Would Like Any Info > Regards > Jb > Well, it has a diesel engine, and 370 lb-ft of torque . > Seriously, try your local dealer – from your post it is difficult to > pinpoint what exactly you want to know.
Actually there is a guy who posts to this ng who owns a 530d and may respond to your questions with a more proportioned perspective than a dealer. Stick around and see if he looks in an catches your post.
Response:
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