Originally Posted by k44ent' post='752078' date='Dec 24 2008, 07:05 PM

It's on the right hand side of the engine on your photo just behind the BMW text where the cover is shaped in a bit.

Originally Posted by k44ent' post='752074' date='Dec 24 2008, 05:01 PM

Have never driven a 6 cylinder petrol BMW but have driven a 530d and the 520d is not as smooth as a 6 cylinder. Compared to a new focus 1.6tdci (which is well respected) the 520d is very very smooth with nice power delivery. It pulls well right up to over 4500rpm and is very much like a petrol non turbo engine in the way it delivers it's power, no big kick in the back just pulls all the way through. As far as economy goes my E61 gives a genuine 45mpg. It drops to around 42 when round town but on a good run 48mpg is the norm and that's sitting at around 80 / 85mph. I have owned 2 other 520d's both with the 163bhp engine and the power delivery was a bit hit and miss with slight hesitation around the 2000rpm mark so if you are thinking of a 520d go for the 177bhp model it's much better in terms of noise, power delivery. and economy. Best thing to do is test drive one but I am very pleased with mine, it's a good balance between economy and refinement, it's not under powered and after 16000miles it's starting to loosen up. You can also get them remaped which will give you over 200bhp. Hope the above helps but feel free to PM me if you need any more questions answering.