BMW 5 Series

[AnnM1]

Has anyone towed with this car? We are looking at the Diesel model, either estate or saloon. No preference at the moment. Do you have to load mileage on before towing is adviseable?

Ann

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Ann,

Is it a good idea to drive a new car for a few miles before towing? I'd say yes, you certainly want to remove the silicone release agent on the tyres - which takes about 500 miles. And observe any notes in the drivers handbook which may suggest adding a thousand or so on top.

BMW diesel engines are OK, automatic gearboxes are OK too - but be very careful with any Sport or M-Sport derivatives - many are excluded from towing because the lowered sport suspension causes the standard tow-ball to fall outside the type approval limits.

Engines - either the 2 litre or 3 litre diesel variants are fine - but you'd need to think long and hard about the 2.5 litre version - it's more expensive than the 2 litre, but not much more powerful - and doesn't save any fuel compared to the superior 3 litre variants.

Robert

 

[Martin_374319553]

What age/model are you looking at?

I have the latest E61 model (2004) 530D SE Auto Touring and it's brilliant for towing (and as a solo car as well). Solid as a rock for towing and with cruise on is a breeze to drive. Have yet to encounter a hill that I can't accelerate up while towing let alone maintain speed. Huge amounts of torque.

If you're towing I'd suggest the Touring as they have self levelling air suspension.

In terms of Sport or M-Sport (they are the same) you just need to ensure you get the correct tow bar version. There's no issue with having one.

In terms of fuel economy, if you're going to have an auto and use it round town then fuel economy will be rubbish. It's happiest on a cruise and gives the best mpg there. It can go as low as early 20's in heavy traffic/round town. You can certainly get 40 mpg on a motorway though and I tend to get about 25 mpg towing.

I'd certainly recommend one.

 

[AnnM1]

Thank you for your replies.

Ann

 

[cazavan]

Hi Ann,

We have 520d M Sport Touring and we tow a twin axle Lunar quasar 615/6. Although the van is light compared to some twin axles, the car pulls it for fun. As mentioned before I can accelorate up most steep hills etc.. we have toured 12 times this year with fully loaded car, van, 3 kids and a dog, the on board mpg computer has not dropped below 36.7mpg. That includes up the Yorkshire Dales and Welsh Mountains. Fantastic motors.

 

[PaulHull]

The 525d's engine is actually a detuned version of the 530's. It is only marginally better on juice but lacks the power.

The 520d's engine is about 10mpg better than the 525's and only slightly less powerful!

If you can afford it go for the 530d tho - it's a fantastic car. If not go for the 520d - don't bother with the 525d!

 

[PaulHull]

The 525d's engine is actually a detuned version of the 530's. It is only marginally better on juice but lacks the power.

The 520d's engine is about 10mpg better than the 525's and only slightly less powerful!

If you can afford it go for the 530d tho - it's a fantastic car. If not go for the 520d - don't bother with the 525d!

 

[cazavan]

Paul, you are exactly spot on about the 525d, thats exactly what our dealer told us when we bought our 520d. We bought our 520d M Sport Touring new on 56 plate and it stretched us some what on budget, however we were tempted by the 525d but it was 3k more, the dealer told us that it wasnt worth the extra due to little more power and worse economy. We would of loved a 3.0d (maybe one day). It stills tows really well, although the detachable BMW fitted tow bar cost a bomb, but because of M Sport styling the rear spoiler etc needed changing to accomadate.

 

[RayS]

If you are looking to buy new or very recent, look at the threads on Run-flat tyres - I understand these are now fitted as standard.