Just tried a BMW tourer it goes and goes....

[capese21]

we lost a 57 plate 330d new shape to the timing chain problem at work 2 weeks ago..... no drama it just stoped, we scaned it no faults, just sounded odd when turning over, the owner got £1600 scrap.....we have also lost an engine and a turbo because of the manifold flaps on a 55 plate x5 the thing is these cars are not that old or with high milage, not what you would expect from a premium product..........

Would BMW not cover some or all of the repairs? What kind of mileage?

The problems seems worse than I thought. Thank goodness I researched before taking the plunge.

They would heve been better off producing engines with a replaceable rubber belt like many cars have. Maybe because they insist on sticking with rear wheel drive the belt would be hard to get to so they use a fit and forget chain??

Just imagine the cost of a cambelt change at BMW dealer price of £150 an hour if the complete engine had to be removed!!

Ed.

[sjc]

There isn't a BMW I've ever wanted to own, but some of the comments on this thread have been plain stupid( especially as to how fast we seem to think our 75's and ZT's really are).
The problem I've always had with the big " performance " diesels, (BMW or otherwise), that look so good on paper, is that when you actually start using that very performance the MPG drops to absurd levels, barely better than the equivalent petrol model that probably cost a whole lot less at purchase time.

[capese21]

The thing with speed is what use is it? The limit is 70mph or less.

My ZTT has good acceration when required and will go much faster than 70mph but I value my license so stick to this or stretch it a little so maybe 80 at times.

What is the point of a car then can do 150mph in real world everyday driving??

The roads are to congested to go fast to!!

Ed

[topman]

Originally Posted by capese21

They would heve been better off producing engines with a replaceable rubber belt like many cars have. Maybe because they insist on sticking with rear wheel drive the belt would be hard to get to so they use a fit and forget chain??

Ed.

I believe the chain was put at the back for nvh and to better 'balance' the engine.

[Departed 32016]

Working for one of the busiest and busiest bmw dealers in the uk I can tell you these issues others have described are few and far between

[Departed 32016]

Originally Posted by motmann

we lost a 57 plate 330d new shape to the timing chain problem at work 2 weeks ago..... no drama it just stoped, we scaned it no faults, just sounded odd when turning over, the owner got £1600 scrap.....we have also lost an engine and a turbo because of the manifold flaps on a 55 plate x5 the thing is these cars are not that old or with high milage, not what you would expect from a premium product..........oh i do own a 1999 750 so i dont run in blinkers!

The known timing chain issue isn't on the 3.0 litre engine, just the n47 2.0 diesel. £1600 for scrap considering a recon engine can be bought and fitted at a specialist for £1650 seems a bit stupid.

[capese21]

Working for one of the busiest and busiest bmw dealers in the uk I can tell you these issues others have described are few and far between

That is good to know. Seems odd then that BMW do not just say yes it is an isolated case fit a new engine free of charge. I suspect it is the slightly older higer mileage cars that it affects which are not in the main dealer network.

I know posts on forums tends only refer to faults but there are loads of threads similar to this one.

http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/view...97e0a329f1381a

ED

[Moodster020]

Originally Posted by capese21

Would BMW not cover some or all of the repairs? What kind of mileage?

The problems seems worse than I thought. Thank goodness I researched before taking the plunge.

They would heve been better off producing engines with a replaceable rubber belt like many cars have. Maybe because they insist on sticking with rear wheel drive the belt would be hard to get to so they use a fit and forget chain??

Just imagine the cost of a cambelt change at BMW dealer price of £150 an hour if the complete engine had to be removed!!

Ed.

Why dont the manufacturers just do the easy option & go for Gear driven cams, like they do for this?:

[Moodster020]

Originally Posted by capese21

What is the point of a car then can do 150mph in real world everyday driving??

The roads are to congested to go fast to!!

Ed

Wot he said, 'specially when you catch upto that 20mph nissan micra with 15 cars packed behind it.

Except that is, if you are on a motorcycle

[Billy1mate]

Originally Posted by ashbash2403

Been out and about this weekend in my beloved 1.8t ZT & tried to get to the midlands meet but 1yr old daughter was having none it yesterday
Met a friend who has an 06 plate BMW 530d tourer, gave it a whirl and boy does it have torque and power.... Makes mine feel like a Morrisons shopping trolley on the road (and i have mine around 190 thanks to Z&F).
Car share to work with a 320d and that's ok but this was a different level.
First time in my 8 years of ownership I have considered selling & that's after trying a facelift V8 last year which underwhelmed me a bit apart from the lovely V8 noise.

Anyone own one or the 535d ? That can advise me ?
Decision Decisons......

My mate had a 535d and loved every mile in it, 40 mpg, bought it with 28k changed it with 110k after 5 years for an E92 M3. The 535d is 3.0d twin turbo, 286bhp, 450lbft torque and it doesn't hang around. 530d is 3.0d single turbo, 231bhp.