E60 530i vs 525i

[salzki]

EDIT: Finally pulled the trigger on a very well-maintained 2008 530i from a fellow member. Do let me know if you want me to tag you! :67:

 

[aoch88]

This question has been asked many times before. If you do a "search", you may get some old threads with useful information. I used to own N53 530i UK specs and it isn't as bad as portrayed.

It's not recommended in Malaysia because the engine needs Euro4 fuel due to the high pressure piezo direct injection. Back then, all our fuel are Euro2M but today, all our RON97 are Euro4. Please don't get confused between RON levels and refinery standards (Euro2M, Euro4, etc). Hence, it should be fine if you run on Euro4 according to BMW specification.

Having said that, I changed all my 6 injectors & high pressure fuel pump when I got my car. I was using my N53 with RON95 Euro2M fuel for 5 years and there weren't any damage except ignition coil (common thing to fail in BMW's).

Everyone's experience can be different but for my N53, I didn't have much issues except all the initial problems as it's an AP recond car.

 

[aoch88]

To add, local CKD LCI engines are also black cover but they are N52's. Best to check chassis number for confirmation instead of visually looking at the engine cover.

 

[salzki]

This question has been asked many times before. If you do a "search", you may get some old threads with useful information. I used to own N53 530i UK specs and it isn't as bad as portrayed.

It's not recommended in Malaysia because the engine needs Euro4 fuel due to the high pressure piezo direct injection. Back then, all our fuel are Euro2M but today, all our RON97 are Euro4. Please don't get confused between RON levels and refinery standards (Euro2M, Euro4, etc). Hence, it should be fine if you run on Euro4 according to BMW specification.

Having said that, I changed all my 6 injectors & high pressure fuel pump when I got my car. I was using my N53 with RON95 Euro2M fuel for 5 years and there weren't any damage except ignition coil (common thing to fail in BMW's).

Everyone's experience can be different but for my N53, I didn't have much issues except all the initial problems as it's an AP recond car.

Pardon my ignorance but somehow the Forum wasn't at its best when I posted the post. Anyways I've read thru your post here and I guess I totally agree with you. Different car will react differently even when tho they came from the same factory. Having said that, Herbert wrote that one should walk away if the car has N53 engines due to the costly repairs.

Anyways, I am really torn between the 525i and 530i. I really want that power but I guess people are not really recommending it.

 

[aoch88]

Pardon my ignorance but somehow the Forum wasn't at its best when I posted the post. Anyways I've read thru your post here and I guess I totally agree with you. Different car will react differently even when tho they came from the same factory. Having said that, I really appreciate your input and really look forward to learn more bout it.

Don't worry about it, just trying to help
E60 is an old model now so there's always wear & tear parts which needs to be replaced. That's something you need to prepare (just in case).

 

[salzki]

Don't worry about it, just trying to help
E60 is an old model now so there's always wear & tear parts which needs to be replaced. That's something you need to prepare (just in case).

:77:

Yup and I read that I should be mindful of the leaks too... I guess I'm just going to bring it for PPI at the local authorised dealer for a better inspection. Do you recommend anything in specific or any authorised dealer would do?

 

[aoch88]

:77:

Yup and I read that I should be mindful of the leaks too... I guess I'm just going to bring it for PPI at the local authorised dealer for a better inspection. Do you recommend anything in specific or any authorised dealer would do?

That's a good idea and specialists should be able to give you opinions so if there's a major problem, it's spotted out before you buy.

 

[zeee]

hi! all sifus,

newbie here, just joined the forum. would like to resurrect this thread as am looking at a 2008 530i LCi. just to confirm, the model with direct injection should be ok with the current local ron97?

thank you in advance.

 

[gendong]

No issues with ron97. Shld b better i think.

 

[zeee]

No issues with ron97. Shld b better i think.

appreciate your reply. will be looking for said 530i this weekend.