stulios

Hi all, just a quick question.

Is there any other forum members who have the 163bhp 520D? And if so, how does the car behave at 30mph?
In 3rd gear its fine, but every car I've ever had handled 4th gear fine at 30. 4th gear in my BMW seems to high for the speed, its not until I get to 35/40 the car seems happy in 4th.

Is this just due to the weight of the car with the small engine, or is there possibly an issue lurking in the background?

Many thanks for reading
Stu

JasonH

I've got a 535d but we've also got a Mondeo diesel and like you I'm really suprised at how peaky these diesels are. Our old V6 2.5 petrol Omega would drive at virtually any speed in 3rd or 4th. With the 140bhp Mondeo you're always changing gear, on windy roads 3rd is about right, if they're fast perhaps 4th. The MPG is fine and the performance is fairly decent, it's just how they're designed.

NavarroOne

I had the 177 bhp manual a while ago. I recall cruising with a caravan at 55 mph and trying to get it in 6th was impossible. On the other hand it had a real top end of 146 mph measured on the gps so at least there I appreciated the tall gearing.

trevorken

What RPM are you driving at that moment?
I've got the 520D Touring 163 and mine seems to handle fine in 4th at that speed.
Don't expect good acceleration form the start, but everything above 1400-1500 rpm is fine.

stulios

Hi. At 30mph, in 4th, the rpm sits at around 12-1300. Its not the acceleration, it the slightly juddering/vibrating which makes me think i should stay in 3rd!

Stu