white smoke - water in engine
blue smoke - oil in engine
black smoke - fuel issues

of course, these are just general guidelines, not a diagnosis...

you are correct, let it idle for about 15 minutes, and give it a good rev and watch smoke billowing... if the car is over 70K miles, chances are, it will...

Cheers. I might try track down some other diesel owners on here, I have just come to realise that most of the people on this site being from the US didn't have the chance at the e53 diesel as it was not available.

Hi,

Recently moved to sydney from the uk and bought a 4.6( not quite the 4.8 league ), and I am more than happy with the purchase.
So far I have replaced the rear air bags due to leakage, rocker covers and ccv pipes.

Being a Pom the price of fuel here is way cheaper and running the v8 is cheaper here for me than running a merc 3 litre diesel in the uk!

I am using 16 litres per 100 k normally, and during the Easter hold I drove to Brisbane and back, fully loaded and with 4 adults in, and that returned 11.5 litres per 100 k and I got 700 k out of a tank of fuel.

I don't know if this helps but thought my 2 cents couldn't hurt, and best of luck with the purchase.

Paul

Ps the v8 is a great sound !

That's certainly a positive endorsement, Paul! I know Oz doesn't have the worst fuel prices, but I just don't think the US members here know just how good they have it! Is your 16L in city traffic? I would be very happy with that! I have had more than a few cars that used north of 20L/100.....I had an Ls400 and a Nissan Stagea that used 23L/100 in Melbourne traffic......that's probably where I draw the line!!

Apologies for late reply, busy day.

16 litres is normal poss 17 for a whole tank of fuel this would include city driving combined with the odd trip out at the weekends.

When on a steady run I was very impressed with the consumption, but as mentioned I do think fuel here is cheap. I do here what you are saying about our friends in the US those guys are sorted when it comes to fuel prices, I drove from New York to Orlando in 2009 and got there and back on the equivilant of 120 pounds sterling!

I hope the hunt for a decent X5 is going well

Paul

No dramas, thanks Paul. Show us some pics of your 'motor'!

I've currently got three cars taking up space, two of which are for sale, so can't really consider another purchase until I shift them but I want to be all knowledge'd up so that I can strike when the right one presents itself.

speaking from experience the diesel has most of its power down low which is really good for commuter driving, towing, and hauling stuff. It really makes it feel like a normal sedan. The plus side is obviously the fuel economy.

I have an e70 x5 35d and I get about 10-11L/100km in the city.
Highway drops to as low as 8-9L/100km

Average combined city and rural driving I get about 700-900 dependent on where I am going and how spirited i am feeling.

My mechanic has an e53 4.8 and he claims to get close to 900km out of the tank on the highway to Sydney which I don't entirely believe...and apparently gets about 500km city driving.

Hope that helps.

Thanks Bren , great comments.

I think I'm going to have to have drive of both and see if common sense rules over emotion! 500km out of a tank for the V8 seems pretty good, but like you said, perhaps too good!

Where is your mechanic located? Maybe I could have a chat to him.

500km out of a tank......how about 1150+ klms? thought about an X3 2.0D? Bought one 6 months ago and consistently getting 6.0 l/100klm, when the stated consumption is 5.8 l/100klm, haven't checked recently but 6 litres puts a BIG smile on my dial. ;)

Don't listen to anyone who says a 2.0D hasn't got enough get up and go, 130kw at 4000rpm....X5 is (I think) 140-150kw? but at almost double the fuel. Tare weight is lower, so power/weight ratio is good.

Did lots of research into the various models, then test drove a petrol and both diesels and came back to first preference (on paper) which was 2.0D M-package. First BMW and I couldn't be happier, sporty with extra power in reserve, handling and comfort above average. Suspension/handling/road noise were horrible at first, put on a new set of tyres (staggered) and it's a totally different vehicle.

:imnew:

Thanks for the suggestion - it sounds like you're pretty happy with your purchase. If I was to look at an X3 it would definitely have to have the Msport package......

But the styling of the E53 with it's bulldog stance is one of the things I like most about it, and I just don't think the E83 has the same visual impact. Good luck with your X though!