dj_xmx

Hi,

I am about to but a 530d from late 2004 i think its the 218bhp but I still have to go see it , it will be in the show room in 3 weeks. Now my question to you is what is the difference between the 2004 model and 2007 ? as in interior and technology wise ... (I know the 2007 diesel had a power boost) for example is the DTC more advance in 2007? Also does the 530d 2004 have lag ?? never driven a 3.0d only diesel ive driven is 2008 2.2 Freelander.

Anzafin

Welcome to the forums and best luck with your purchase!

I'm sorry I can't tell much about the differences between 2004 & 2007 models, but I can tell instead I have the 05/2004 manufactured 530d with manual gearbox. It has been a great car, no problems have occured yet. If you're going for 2004 model, I suggest you pay attention into the intake manifold.
There are these swirl flaps, that have caused some engine failures in early models. But don't be to scared about this issue, go for diesel.

I can't say there would be a notable turbo lag. The torque is incredible from 1800rpms. Under that it's quite modest for a car weighing that much. And if you're driving low rpms and push the throttle suddenly, it takes a time to reach 1800rpms and higher torque.
If it's 2004 model, it is 218bhp version. Hmmm, what else...

In 2004 it was possible to get a diesel with or without a particle filter. If the car has straight exhaust pipes, it does have the filter. If they're folded down, there's no filter. Presuming that no mods have done of course.

Interior is different between early models and LCI models. Somebody else can tell are the 2007 models LCI or are they made only since 2008...?

Here's couple thread concerning swirl flaps:
Major diesel engine failure
Cleaning the intake manifold in a diesel engine

And again, welcome to the best E60 forum in the world!

ali-cap

Hi
there is not much diff between early and 2005 3.0d engines ,only on accelerations. I drive 231hp e60 da and 2002 e39 estate 3,0da with over 140k on it without any drama's.
E39 is mainly used for work and does mainly motorway(highway) miles and is less troublesome than 3 year old E60 with 30k.
My advise ? If you do high miles go for diesel and if it is town driving petrol is much better

dj_xmx

Thanks for the welcome, damn I am going to have to clean that myself ... hmm not good since the one Ill be getting has around 83,000KM on the engine, maybe getting the intake manifold replaced would be better. Thanks for all that information also one quick things does the 2004 have the ability to play mp3 cds? and do they have DSC+ or was that introduced in the later models ?

Anzafin

Don't just clean the manifold, remove the flaps completely. I am going to. It won't affect anything, except that they can't blow your engine anymore !

I didn't have the option to play MP3 cds, but the dealer put an IPod interface in and it works fine. I used to have a 6cd-changer in the glovebox.

dj_xmx

So no negative effects from removing the flaps why did BMW put them in the first place !! lol Mine comes with a 6 CD Changer ... I supposed you swapped that for some kind of IPOD interface??

Anzafin

Hah, tell me about it. I think the best guess is because of emission rules here in EU. But many people have removed them without any fault messages or problems. For example member tramposo has done it.

Yes, I bought the OEM IPod interface, but there's better options available nowadays. You have to do some searching, because I'm not the right person to name them .

dj_xmx

Thanks again I'll be joining the IPOD route then , just one more .. sorry question .. on removing the flaps Ive seen the thread but wont I dont get is do you actually remove the whole mechanism of the flap device or just the flaps from the device?

Anzafin

I haven't done it yet, I have just cleaned the flaps last spring. I am going to leave the mechanism to work alone without flaps. I'm going to remove the flap and it's axel and plug the hole with a screw and some caulking.

And no reason to be sorry, just ask as many questions as you like. That's what this forum is for!
Please put your location into your member profile.

MrG

I have a late 2003 530d (i.e. one from when the E60 was first launched in the UK) and I'm positive that you'll find there's absolutely no comparison between the BMW 3.0d and the Freelander 2.2 When you compare the two, I'm sure you'll be happy that there's (almost) no lag on the 530d ... and once the car is rolling, it will pull quicker and harder than most other (sensible) cars out there ... I don't even notice any hills either

I'm really pleased with mine ... bags of torque, and pulls like a train ... I know that the 535d is quicker, but I find the 530d to be exactly what I need in every way ... can be quick when I want it to be, but gives great fuel economy (especially on the longer motorway runs).

I'm not sure of the details of the differences between the 2004 and 2007 models but, in answer to a couple of your other questions ...

• you can't play mp3s in the CD autochanger at all ... if you have sat nav with a CD slot in the dash, and a late enough version of software (had mine upgraded last year sometime), then you may be able to play mp3s in this CD/DVD slot (work on a DVD disk too) although I have business sat nav so I only have one CD slot here and have to remove the sat nav map disk to do this
• I have DSC on my 2003 530d, so I would expect it to be on yours too ... a short press partially deactivates the traction control, but hold it for a couple of seconds to toally deactivate the system ... not recommended to run like that normally, but I've found it useful a couple of times on snow-covered hills

Hope this helps ... and enjoy the new ride when you get it.