braleigh

Hello.

I'm new too the forum and would like some info on the e61 525 diesel regarding cost to run, reliability from the engine and gear box
and what's the exact engine cc of the 525 i know! sounds like a stupid question.
Im considering buying one and thats why i'm trying to find out as much as i can also i've seen a 2005 e61 se spec manual with 118,000miles on it would it be a bad idea to buy one with that high milage is there anything major and expensive that goes wrong on them.

Whitestone

The CC changed a few years after the 2005 model that you are looking at to a de-tuned 3 litre. After owning an E39 525d touring for 6 years and getting it to 288k miles, I bought a 2005 E61 525d in December 2008. Since then I have had to change the rear air suspension pump and re-wire the tailgate wiring loom. The airbag warning is also on. (need a diagnostics from garage with autologic). These cars came with runflat tyres as standard. I personally find them too hard a ride, and will change soon to non runflats. I do not believe the interior is as well built as the E39 either. With regards to the engine reliability: The swirl flaps in the manifold are a recognised problem (see other posts), but as long as engine oil is changes regularly and you give the engine time to cool down after a hard drive before switching it off, the turbo should last. Also, check that the car is reaching 90 degrees C. The EGR thermostat fails often (see Minime's great posting on this. (I have changed mine as was stuck open). Some people get good MPG. Others do not. I have been a bit disappointed with the car after having covered many miles in the comfort of my E39. That said it is very slowly growing on me! What is the price of the car you are looking at? Michael.

braleigh

Thanks micheal.
I will consider your comments before purchasing! i live in ireland and the car is in england the guy that has it for sale sent me picture's its his old company car which his wife now drives.
He's looking for 7500 pounds and he says it has a full service history i didnt realize that they had a three litre i persume that the 520d is a 4 cyclinder 2.0 litre.
I dont think i would go for the 525d because the road tax rules changed in ireland and it would be quiet expensive to tax do you know much about the 2 litre diesel engine? Barry

Banstead

Hi, I just got my 525d Trouring 2005 (E61) a few months ago. Its a 2.5Ltr v6 and very nippy. Although high milage, what made me decide was if something went seriously wrong with the engine, it could be swapped out by a breaker for under ?1,500. At the price youre looking at it sounds like a bargain and you could always have the AA check it out first.
Regards

Whitestone

That sounds very cheap. The 2 litre is a more modern engine and gives the car a similar performance to the 2.5 version. It does not sound as smooth as the straight 6 engine though.

Whitestone

Sorry to correct, but it's a straight 6, not a V6! FAB breakers in Cinderford are a good source for spares, though the E61 is still a little new for breakers to have many in at the moment.

__CA__

I bought a 525d SE last October, an '05 (177bhp) with 157k miles on it.

I have just replaced the following (at 164k):

- front suspension arms (upper and lower on each side) because of worn bushes
- front dampers (n/s was leaking)
- front bump stops and rubber spring pads
- clutch
- o/s rear lower suspension arm (again, because of worn bushes)

That lot cost ?2,600 at a specialist, using OE parts. The major cost was the suspension arms, there appear to be no pattern parts of reputable quality available.

This morning I found the car sitting down on the rear o/s, tyre tucked well inside the arch (it was parked on a slight slope to the o/s). It pumped itself up OK, but I suspect the o/s spring unit is failing (as the n/s spring and pump were replaced before I bought it).

I get about 32mpg average, but my commute is not very mpg-friendly. On the motorway at a steady 70 it will do 40mpg, at 80 about 36, at 90 about 33.

If I could wind the clock back, I would buy a 530d auto, as I think the performance would be better with little effect on mpg. The manual box is cumbersome in the lower gears, not helped by the clutch which has a very low biting point close to the floor and makes it feel more truck-like to drive than I would like. That may be specific to my car, but even with the new clutch the biting point hasn't moved (bad install by the garage maybe?).

Overall, it's a great motorway car, and I love the I-drive and gadgets. I just wish it wasn't so bloody expensive to fix!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

braleigh

Thanks for your helpfull comments so your car is defo a 2.5 as opposed to a 3 litre and they have a straight 6 motor? i've heard that manual diesel beemers dont drive that nice but the petrol variant(520i) is meant to be o.k to drive as a manual.
Barry