In technical descriptions of 2010 models of 525dA and 530dA I see there is a difference of 15 kg between those two - 530d being the heavier. In some specs it says 1705 and 1720 kg respectively in others I see 1680 and 1695 kg respectively (?). Anyway 15 kg they differ it seems.

I thought those cars were the exact same only that 525d is a tuned down edition of the 3 liter engine. Is it not so? What could be the physical difference causing a weight difference?

The reason I ask is I would like the 530d (import a used one from Germany), however I live in Norway where we have cracy taxes on high performing cars. The tax difference between a two years old 525d and 530d is $8200 even if CO2 consumption is excatly the same (the total tax to register a two year old 525d exclusive the sale tax at 25% is $29200 in this joyless country ).

I do not want to pay those extra $8200 in taxes for 41 more horse powers. However, I could consider to tune a 525d to 245 (or slightly less not to be discovered by the Norwegian police chasing "horse power criminals" ). But I need to know if there is some physical limitations why I should avoid this.

 

The MY F10 '10 530d has a bit stronger chassis than the 525d.

The current MY '12 F10 525d (4-cyl) is 1720 kg and the 530d (6-cyl) 1760 kg.
The 520d is 1695 kg.
But all the extras will weigh!

Tell me about the car taxes! I'm very happy with my 520dA.

 

Stronger chassis? Really?
How?

- Antti -

 

I do not know about the chasis, but the zf transmission is different in both cars.The 530 has the tougher ga8hp70z with a higher end ratio. This might be the biggest reason for the difference in weight.

 

I suppose I should be reluctant to tune a 525d to 245 HP then?

What about "mild" tuning? 220-230 HP? Anyone know? 204 HP from a 3 liter turbo charged engine seems a bit puny today.

 

Ia brakes and a stronger autotransmission and other chassis parts - as usual.
More power and torque needs tougher parts.
Also the engines have different parts inside, for example in the 4 cyl. x20d vs. x25d.

 

Even in Norway, with a lot of hills, the 525d will do very fine,
if you don't tow concrete uphill all the time.

All extra tuning will cost you in time!