E61 525d vs 530d
05-27-2009, 02:35 AM
#21
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Originally Posted by stinger22' post='890828' date='May 26 2009, 11:44 PM
Hi This is my first post in this forum, and I'm also considering E61 525d vs 530d , the issue is that I can afford a face lift 525D or a pr-faselift 530, considering tuning either one, but whats most value for money?, living in Norway so this as all to do with tax regulation. As I see it with a face lift you still get a 3ltr engine, and you get a newer gear box + all the upgrades from 2005/6 that's comparable in price in Norway with a 525 2008. On the other hand if the mechanical differences between the new 525 and old 530 is there, it might be worth mapping a old 530 instead of a new 525?
My main consern about mapping is the automatic gear box, have heard that the gear box is the same on 525 and 530 pre-face lift , and the 535d got a stronger one to keep up with the torque. Dont know what's trough for the face lift version. If I should be wise a 520d would be enough but a BMW deserves a 6 cylinder engine (as minimum)..
BR Stinger
My main consern about mapping is the automatic gear box, have heard that the gear box is the same on 525 and 530 pre-face lift , and the 535d got a stronger one to keep up with the torque. Dont know what's trough for the face lift version. If I should be wise a 520d would be enough but a BMW deserves a 6 cylinder engine (as minimum)..
BR Stinger
First off, welcome on board and enjoy the forums.
I recently switched from the LCI 525dA to the pre-LCI 530dA (6/2005). The LCI is simply a better car all round and the LCI automatic is light years better than the pre-LCI automatic. I would go for the LCI because of the automatic alone and the fact that you can retro fit the Sports Automatic Transmission (SAT) as a plug & play mod -- there is a DIY here on the forum.
I love the extra power of the 530d, it is noticable. That said, the 3 litre LCI 525d does pull well and benefits from the LCI auto doing a much better job of delivering the power to the wheels. Its simply a more direct, controlled and smooth drive than the pre-LCI.
As for LCI auto being able to handle the extra power of a remap, I believe there was a post about this in the past. I think it stated that the auto could only handle up to the standard 400nm in the LCI 525dA, but I find that very hard to believe. Its probably worth doing a search here using the Google E60.NET search at the top of the page.
You obviously need to test drive them yourself to see if the 525d is quick enough for you, but if you are going for an automatic, I would recommend the LCI every time.
(If you're wondering why I went for the pre-LCI, its because my LCI was a company car which I returned and the pre-LCI is a privately purchased car. My pre-LCI cost about EUR 20k less than the equivalent LCI with the specs I was after.)
05-27-2009, 09:30 AM
#22
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My Ride: 07 E61 530d M-Sport.
The stated max torque figures for the LCI auto gearboxes are apparantly 400nm for the 525d and the 530d and 535d get the same gearbox which is rated at 600nm(not 500 like i stated earlier in this thread).
05-29-2009, 08:46 AM
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My Ride: BMW E61 525D 2008 m-sport
When I bought my 525 I also consider the 530. I tried several 530 with 218 hp and 525 with 177 and 197 hp. In Norway the price for a pre LCI 530 is about the same as an LCI 525 with the same equipment. I bought the 525 LCI because there is a lot if new things with the facelift. Like the I-drive, inside doors, radio, sport seat, lights and most imported the new auto transmission and if the power became a problem, I could god for a remap. I think Hartge have an official chip with 235/500nm and another unofficial version with 265hp/590nm But if you have the money go for the 530/535 LCI
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