Couldn’t agree with you more. Bought a 2008 e61 530d M Sport in 2017 needed the room for kids and going on camping holidays. It came with factory fitted tow bar so was also good for towing eldest daughter’s horse around without any issues. 140k miles now and still pulls like a train. In my opinion these are a super comfy mile eater. The diesels don’t like sitting around but if you service them properly and run on quality diesel you should have no problems with the M57 6 pot motor.
You're spot on. I have a 2009 business edition E90 with 260k on it!...that's the daily. I also have an Aston V8 vantage...that's the toy. The E90 is comfortable, has everything you need included heated seats and Nav.tv etc...its a great all round daily..shame Sadiq Khan doesn't think so given its a diesel.
It’s great to see E91 content, I always look out for them as I have one myself with a petrol n43 engine. I think if you want fun this car is highly recommended with a revy petrol engine ideally with an MSport trim. What a great car!
Ideal daily, I have one e91 330d, economical, fun to drive has the power, as Iv had it mapped amongst other stuff 🤫, 285bhp 620nm, dog loves running round in the back, and can still do tip runs, or a e91 335d, also have f31 330d and e92 330d 😂
Hi George! As you know I live on the US East Coast and drive one of the few, I dare say "hand-selected" Diesels Stateside - the 328d. I didn't want X-drive (price and weight-therefore efficiency penalty) so had to travel way out of state to find "mine". The emissions system is a Ph.D.post-graduate Degree - all kinds of gimmicks not normal to a "garden variety" Diesel, and the car being 10 years old now, I can only imagine it will become a challenge to maintain emissions standards long-term. Probably still one of the best cars I've bought... used (the prior owner tired of weeklong car-in-the-shop hiatuses while the Dealership desperately scrounged for coveted parts - "EGR-cooler", which the prior owner then sourced at his own initiative - dealership be d*mned!) Best aspect is fuel economy - I've gotten as much as 53mpg (US), fifty is a good assumption... but high emissions maintenance cost probably offsetting costs of a regular fuel car. I also enjoy the power output on demand, although best economy is had in "ECO-Pro"-mode (aka "slug"). Doesn't matter in stop and go traffic though! 78,000 miles (bought at 106k so around 184,000 current mileage) in I'm quite happy with the choice I made - long-term. Abysmal headlights on the F30/F31, never experienced such poor headlights, my other car (735iL E32) although at least a generation older, is leagues apart! Although happy with trunk space (UK: boot) of the sedan, I'd rather have had the station wagon ("Estate" in the UK) - but these are not exactly "bestsellers" in an SUV society - and were available usually as 328i with X-drive - so, sorry, "no Deal". Were I given the opportunity to purchase again I'd like a BMW 6-pack, i.e. 335 or 535d, and the 5 Touring F11 never made commission stateside. Mainly for the "good vibrations" - and the outlook of hundreds of thousands of miles of life. The 5 is a bit less tight in seat width, although I was surprised how narrow the F01 Seven is! But you can always take out the "center console"... My other car, I call it "The Rolling Restoration" - a 1990 735iL is a specimen with relatively low miles but plenty of deferred issues and it's not easy to find COMPETENT mechanics - I need a simple electric diagnosis/repair in this moment and used parts are getting harder to source. But just rebuilt the entire front suspension incl. engine mounts and strut inserts, and a fresh all-round set of Uniroyal 15" round off a work in progress! It's a reliable platform and I've had it since 2016, when I needed a car at my place of work which was 600+ miles away from where I live. Belonged to a real estate professional who wanted something a bit more "fuel efficient" - and was happy with his "new" Toyota - God Bless Him! (No refrigerator on wheels for me!) A car that might be interesting is the utility of the BMW 5 GT on the F01 Seven platform - lots of space and utility, but the smallest power unit stateside is the 3.5 standard fuel Turbo, and used specimens, by the time they reach the market have likely had a Hard Life and become junkyard/salvage candidates economically. There are a handful in the Greater New York City area, most of them former Limos, now Uber, and once they hit 10 years of age, Uber demands replacement (regardless of condition) so you can only imagine the amount of deferred maintenance buying one of these Warriors when the Clock strikes! In fact, with the way things are going (EU Commission?) old cars are not exactly favored creations, even considering that, from an environmental perspective, it's much more "Ecological" to maintain a machine that took hundreds of hours and resources to build rather than "buy new" every other year... well, whadd'ya know? I dare speculate that today's "Modern Day Classics" will be off the streets in 15...20 years from now (who wants to maintain a 20-year old Atari, and cars are just that - a computer on wheels - where competent maintenance and repair or replacement becomes a logistical nightmare... and computers have thousands of greater capabilities with each new generation. As impressive as the G60 five may be to the uninitiated, I wouldn't be "caught dead" with one of those Monsters "Standard" 520i 4-pot nor Electric M5 - in every respect, especially Ze Bill! Don't even get me started on those "color band" speedos or tachometers... wait 'til the whole display conks out after 1000 days in baking US heat - that's a mean life of 3,5 years between replacements...(my prediction - no pun intended!) Thank you for making these videos! You are one of my prized yt contributors, together with e539 Restorations (aka "Sreten Did it Again") and H2 Motors (Channel in German, my mother tongue) - that's likely where I would have an engine rebuilt - if I could afford it - one day... Please keep up the good work! I won't be bidding in the raffle for the 130i, probably a major issue "Federalizing" a Real Car younger than 30 years but I hope your Prized possession goes into cherishing hands! I'll also be watching what happens to your E12, your E65 V12 and of course the F30 when all is said and done - and hope the family will allow it to remain in sight here and there... Cheers from Connecticut/USA, Chris
My insignia 2.0 diesel hatchback has been a great daily for my 50 miles a commute and only 35 a year to tax but sadly it may have to go and I recognise The roads you were driving down towards the end as my local area👍
E90 330i M sport is a great daily! Downside is it’s expensive to tax. But it has the infamous N52 engine of course and is comfortable but fun. ULEZ exempt too! Mines done 120k miles and been great to me over the last 10 years.
I've bought one of these with n47 engine three weeks ago. Swirl flaps broke on holiday and garages busy . Some you tube searching brought me to your channel. Replaced intake manifold and cleaned ports myself ( big thanks for great content) . But now engine wont start. Engine turns a bit fast and double the air pressure. Mobile mechanic said egr fault codes so I blocked that off after he left but still same . engine turns for 5 or so seconds splutters then stops. Online searching suggests a few people have this problem after refitting an intake manifold. Any help most welcome.
Im not a bmw fan i owned a n47 e61 very good comfortable ride great mpg, but everything failed 🥺 After 180k even when well maintained. Switched to an older s211 with the old straight six expensive road tax and 40mpg at best but drivetrain is bulletproof. But i like ur videos maintaining and fixing abit older cars 😀 keep up the good work Greetings from Sweden
Admit George their very good a 525d estate would be my choice now I’ve got a 520ed which hasn’t let me down a 630i which has had problem after problem after problem I’ve turned a corner with it now but have to agree 320 -520 diesel best car ever .
It's ideal, dpf delete EGR blank and inlet manifold cleaned, mapped to 225bhp 460NM, chain changed and oil change every 5K miles decent family motor agree with you George ya can just jump in and not have your arse nipping thinking am I going to get to where I need to go👌 and if it does shit itself there's always a video George has done with the solution 😂
Hey George is there a reason why you didnt swapped the crankshaft with the newer Version (05.2009) for your N47 E60 while changing the timing chain? BMW recommended it beacause the sharp crankshaft is the reason for broken timing chains.
@@GeorgeAusters Nah bro, let me explain, please read carefully its important for your BMW's. First of all I'm from Germany near Munich also where the BMW's are produced :)... so sorry for my bad english. Back then between 2007- 2021 BMW took action for almost every N47. The procedure was called "PUMA" PUMA=Produkt und Maßnahmenmanagement Aftersales [In German] BMW extended the warranty of N47 Models between 2007-2013 to 200.000km (124.000miles) or 8 Years instead of 100.000km (62.000miles) or 4 years. But only if every service was made at bmw. PUMA was about different repair procedures between the different models. Some models (after 2009.05 just needed upgraded timing chain kits). But the worst and most complicated reperatures had the BMW's between 2007-2009.05 because these models had problems with the crankshaft. Production failures caused an early wear of crankshaft sprocket. (The one which runs the oil pump chain and fuel pump chain on.) The sprocket edges get sharpen and damages/lenghtens the timing chain. Now the big problem is that these sprockets cant be replaced easily like the HPFP sprocket or the camshaft sprocket. Because the sprocket and crankshaft are one part so it has to be replaced completely. Be careful with your BMW maybe early oil changes can protect the chain more. If you need sources maybe like for an Video or something you can look up at "bmw puma procedure n47" hope to hear your opinion soon.
George, do you work on cars from home sort of thing? Or provide a mobile service? I want a no swirl flap manifold fitting, and all that egr crap fully removing, I’d be willing to travel for your expertise on these n47 engines……?
@@GeorgeAusters ok George, well from your videos today I have identified that my manifold had a hole in it exactly where you say the egr gas goes in, and that my manifold is missing the swirl control parts and has been blanked off, so I now feel safe to drive it steadily until I can find a manifold with the control bits and whatever else I will need. Thanks for the videos man, much appreciated 👍
The E90/91 lci with Xenons looks better than 99% of cars on the road ❤
I'm with you, I've a 2009 e61 520d with 165k, it's been up and down the UK with no problems 👍
535d,straight piped,loving it,on a run 42.5mpg
Couldn’t agree with you more. Bought a 2008 e61 530d M Sport in 2017 needed the room for kids and going
on camping holidays. It came with factory fitted tow bar so was also
good for towing eldest daughter’s
horse around without any issues.
140k miles now and still pulls like a train. In my opinion these are a super comfy mile eater.
The diesels don’t like sitting around but if you service them properly and run on quality diesel you should have no problems with the M57 6 pot motor.
You're spot on. I have a 2009 business edition E90 with 260k on it!...that's the daily. I also have an Aston V8 vantage...that's the toy. The E90 is comfortable, has everything you need included heated seats and Nav.tv etc...its a great all round daily..shame Sadiq Khan doesn't think so given its a diesel.
It’s great to see E91 content, I always look out for them as I have one myself with a petrol n43 engine. I think if you want fun this car is highly recommended with a revy petrol engine ideally with an MSport trim. What a great car!
Ideal daily, I have one e91 330d, economical, fun to drive has the power, as Iv had it mapped amongst other stuff 🤫, 285bhp 620nm, dog loves running round in the back, and can still do tip runs, or a e91 335d, also have f31 330d and e92 330d 😂
I only have 1 car so thats why I have a modified E82 coupe, DPF, EGR delete, lowered 35mm with splitters and other small bits
Hi George! As you know I live on the US East Coast and drive one of the few, I dare say "hand-selected" Diesels Stateside - the 328d. I didn't want X-drive (price and weight-therefore efficiency penalty) so had to travel way out of state to find "mine". The emissions system is a Ph.D.post-graduate Degree - all kinds of gimmicks not normal to a "garden variety" Diesel, and the car being 10 years old now, I can only imagine it will become a challenge to maintain emissions standards long-term. Probably still one of the best cars I've bought... used (the prior owner tired of weeklong car-in-the-shop hiatuses while the Dealership desperately scrounged for coveted parts - "EGR-cooler", which the prior owner then sourced at his own initiative - dealership be d*mned!) Best aspect is fuel economy - I've gotten as much as 53mpg (US), fifty is a good assumption... but high emissions maintenance cost probably offsetting costs of a regular fuel car. I also enjoy the power output on demand, although best economy is had in "ECO-Pro"-mode (aka "slug"). Doesn't matter in stop and go traffic though! 78,000 miles (bought at 106k so around 184,000 current mileage) in I'm quite happy with the choice I made - long-term.
Abysmal headlights on the F30/F31, never experienced such poor headlights, my other car (735iL E32) although at least a generation older, is leagues apart!
Although happy with trunk space (UK: boot) of the sedan, I'd rather have had the station wagon ("Estate" in the UK) - but these are not exactly "bestsellers" in an SUV society - and were available usually as 328i with X-drive - so, sorry, "no Deal".
Were I given the opportunity to purchase again I'd like a BMW 6-pack, i.e. 335 or 535d, and the 5 Touring F11 never made commission stateside. Mainly for the "good vibrations" - and the outlook of hundreds of thousands of miles of life. The 5 is a bit less tight in seat width, although I was surprised how narrow the F01 Seven is! But you can always take out the "center console"...
My other car, I call it "The Rolling Restoration" - a 1990 735iL is a specimen with relatively low miles but plenty of deferred issues and it's not easy to find COMPETENT mechanics - I need a simple electric diagnosis/repair in this moment and used parts are getting harder to source. But just rebuilt the entire front suspension incl. engine mounts and strut inserts, and a fresh all-round set of Uniroyal 15" round off a work in progress! It's a reliable platform and I've had it since 2016, when I needed a car at my place of work which was 600+ miles away from where I live. Belonged to a real estate professional who wanted something a bit more "fuel efficient" - and was happy with his "new" Toyota - God Bless Him! (No refrigerator on wheels for me!)
A car that might be interesting is the utility of the BMW 5 GT on the F01 Seven platform - lots of space and utility, but the smallest power unit stateside is the 3.5 standard fuel Turbo, and used specimens, by the time they reach the market have likely had a Hard Life and become junkyard/salvage candidates economically. There are a handful in the Greater New York City area, most of them former Limos, now Uber, and once they hit 10 years of age, Uber demands replacement (regardless of condition) so you can only imagine the amount of deferred maintenance buying one of these Warriors when the Clock strikes!
In fact, with the way things are going (EU Commission?) old cars are not exactly favored creations, even considering that, from an environmental perspective, it's much more "Ecological" to maintain a machine that took hundreds of hours and resources to build rather than "buy new" every other year... well, whadd'ya know? I dare speculate that today's "Modern Day Classics" will be off the streets in 15...20 years from now (who wants to maintain a 20-year old Atari, and cars are just that - a computer on wheels - where competent maintenance and repair or replacement becomes a logistical nightmare... and computers have thousands of greater capabilities with each new generation. As impressive as the G60 five may be to the uninitiated, I wouldn't be "caught dead" with one of those Monsters "Standard" 520i 4-pot nor Electric M5 - in every respect, especially Ze Bill! Don't even get me started on those "color band" speedos or tachometers... wait 'til the whole display conks out after 1000 days in baking US heat - that's a mean life of 3,5 years between replacements...(my prediction - no pun intended!)
Thank you for making these videos! You are one of my prized yt contributors, together with e539 Restorations (aka "Sreten Did it Again") and H2 Motors (Channel in German, my mother tongue) - that's likely where I would have an engine rebuilt - if I could afford it - one day...
Please keep up the good work! I won't be bidding in the raffle for the 130i, probably a major issue "Federalizing" a Real Car younger than 30 years but I hope your Prized possession goes into cherishing hands! I'll also be watching what happens to your E12, your E65 V12 and of course the F30 when all is said and done - and hope the family will allow it to remain in sight here and there...
Cheers from Connecticut/USA, Chris
My insignia 2.0 diesel hatchback has been a great daily for my 50 miles a commute and only 35 a year to tax but sadly it may have to go and I recognise
The roads you were driving down towards the end as my local area👍
E91 M57 Manual
Practicality
Comfortable
Relatively economical
Very fun to drive with the inline 6cylinder 500Nm torque and the manual gearbox
E90 330i M sport is a great daily! Downside is it’s expensive to tax. But it has the infamous N52 engine of course and is comfortable but fun. ULEZ exempt too! Mines done 120k miles and been great to me over the last 10 years.
Paying a bit more in tax is worth it for the reliability of the N52 engine
Nice car George..I like what you have done to it 👍
Can't beat an ex Police 330D for value superbly maintained but you would be best to buy a new rear seat for them if you know what i mean ....
I've bought one of these with n47 engine three weeks ago. Swirl flaps broke on holiday and garages busy . Some you tube searching brought me to your channel. Replaced intake manifold and cleaned ports myself ( big thanks for great content) . But now engine wont start. Engine turns a bit fast and double the air pressure. Mobile mechanic said egr fault codes so I blocked that off after he left but still same . engine turns for 5 or so seconds splutters then stops. Online searching suggests a few people have this problem after refitting an intake manifold. Any help most welcome.
I reckon your thinking of getting a Boxster all the clues are adding up 😅
Haha why would you think that?
Trouble is in some cities ULEZ is killing such vehicles and probably why they are relatively cheap now!
Love my Audi A6 c6 Avant 3.0Tdi Quattro tuned to about 290bhp 45mpg on motorways ❤
Still got my e61 2006 520d with 192k still running strong 💪🏻
Let's be honest a m57 powered bmw is all you need.
Easy to maintain, decent mpg and power.
Fail that for cost m47.... Still a very good choice.
Im not a bmw fan i owned a n47 e61 very good comfortable ride great mpg, but everything failed 🥺 After 180k even when well maintained. Switched to an older s211 with the old straight six expensive road tax and 40mpg at best but drivetrain is bulletproof. But i like ur videos maintaining and fixing abit older cars 😀 keep up the good work Greetings from Sweden
My 2006 E91 330D auto at 274k miles would agree. Just ditch the DPF and EGR and you'll go far in these.
Already done!
im buying a used 530d next week.
Fully agree. Ive got the 320d e90 and all the stataments true. Even a bit sporty compared to a mondeo or peugeot
E91 335d is the perfect daily
Admit George their very good a 525d estate would be my choice now I’ve got a 520ed which hasn’t let me down a 630i which has had problem after problem after problem I’ve turned a corner with it now but have to agree 320 -520 diesel best car ever .
It's ideal, dpf delete EGR blank and inlet manifold cleaned, mapped to 225bhp 460NM, chain changed and oil change every 5K miles decent family motor agree with you George ya can just jump in and not have your arse nipping thinking am I going to get to where I need to go👌 and if it does shit itself there's always a video George has done with the solution 😂
Hey George is there a reason why you didnt swapped the crankshaft with the newer Version (05.2009) for your N47 E60 while changing the timing chain?
BMW recommended it beacause the sharp crankshaft is the reason for broken timing chains.
Sharp crankshaft?
@@GeorgeAusters The Crankshaft gear has sharp teeths
@mka866 I think you mean the camshaft sprocket, which was replaced as part of the kit👍🏻
@@GeorgeAusters Nah bro, let me explain, please read carefully its important for your BMW's.
First of all I'm from Germany near Munich also where the BMW's are produced :)... so sorry for my bad english.
Back then between 2007- 2021 BMW took action for almost every N47. The procedure was called "PUMA"
PUMA=Produkt und Maßnahmenmanagement Aftersales
[In German]
BMW extended the warranty of N47 Models between 2007-2013 to 200.000km (124.000miles) or 8 Years instead of 100.000km (62.000miles) or 4 years.
But only if every service was made at bmw.
PUMA was about different repair procedures between the different models.
Some models (after 2009.05 just needed upgraded timing chain kits).
But the worst and most complicated reperatures had the BMW's between 2007-2009.05 because these models had problems with the crankshaft.
Production failures caused an early wear of crankshaft sprocket. (The one which runs the oil pump chain and fuel pump chain on.)
The sprocket edges get sharpen and damages/lenghtens the timing chain.
Now the big problem is that these sprockets cant be replaced easily like the HPFP sprocket or the camshaft sprocket.
Because the sprocket and crankshaft are one part so it has to be replaced completely.
Be careful with your BMW maybe early oil changes can protect the chain more.
If you need sources maybe like for an Video or something you can look up at "bmw puma procedure n47"
hope to hear your opinion soon.
m340i touring
Nice if you can afford the purchase price and running costs
525desil Bmw
I had a e38 728i that was a nice car
George, do you work on cars from home sort of thing? Or provide a mobile service? I want a no swirl flap manifold fitting, and all that egr crap fully removing, I’d be willing to travel for your expertise on these n47 engines……?
I don’t have the time at the moment to take on private work but could possibly look at doing it in the future
@@GeorgeAusters ok George, well from your videos today I have identified that my manifold had a hole in it exactly where you say the egr gas goes in, and that my manifold is missing the swirl control parts and has been blanked off, so I now feel safe to drive it steadily until I can find a manifold with the control bits and whatever else I will need. Thanks for the videos man, much appreciated 👍