New member - Melb - Lots of questions!

[bren3085]

Originally Posted by AussieX3Oiler

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.

1150+ km out of a tank is hard to beat and hard not to factor in for sure.

My experience with the 2.0d engine hasn't been too inspiring.. Then again it is hard to go back to smaller displacement when you are used to 600nm of tourque! Makes the biggest of 4wd's feel like a sedan.

[SMOKEY53]

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!

[AussieX3Oiler]

We all have different wants/needs/likes/dislikes.........LOL

[bren3085]

Just read your first post again. Sounds like we both have the same background! I also came from an e39 525. Mine was arctic silver and had a bit of work done to it. Wheels, suspension, struts, sways, audio..

In terms of mechanic his name is Andre from German Auto Haus in Richmond. Top guy and always looked after me. Gives discounts to euro cca members as well

Between them and bm tech is where I take most of my cars outside of warranty.

[SMOKEY53]

Thanks Bren - Richmond is good for me, I will keep that name handy. I was on ECCA before with the e39 but found it a quiet! Didn't think there would be many people with X's on there.

Sold my other car on the weekend so I am a step closer. Going to miss this rig. As you can see AussieX3Oiler, I have many tastes! I don't discriminate!

[SMOKEY53]

Had a pretty frank discussion with a prestige used car dealer. Had a good talk to him about 4.6/8is VS 3.0d, reliability, depreciation, running costs etc.

He said if it were a case of 4.6 vs 4.8 he'd go 4.6 - just to eliminiate the air suspenion issues. He had sold one a few weeks before, air suspension collapsed and car was still under statutory warranty - $4k repair. Owner opted to convert it to coils & shocks.

He said he also owned a 4.6is for about 6 months (assume he changes his cars frequently) and was getting 400km's out of a tank driving around Melbourne in similar traffic to what I would be using it in.

His advice was to chase a diesel. Purchase price will be higher but running costs lower, and resale will stay strong.

So I'm after a 3.0d Le Mans. Might take a while to find one, there is only one for sale on carsales and it's in WA - but I've got time.

[AussieX3Oiler]

Argh...haven't been receiving notifications!! LOL

Congrats on selling the (missin') Nissan! Looks like a nice machine.

Good luck in your search, I found colours other than Black/Silver/Grey extremely hard to find when I was looking, I wanted Alpine White. Oh well, can't see the exterior colour from the driver's seat and specs are more important and I'm getting used to the colour now.

If I hear of anything in this neck of the woods I'll let you know.

.....then, you'll have to buy a bigger boat!!!

Bren....agree, but in reality not many places you get to take full advantage of the extra torque these days. Have owned them in the past and used to ferry (road registered) race cars on a regular basis so there's been a good mix along the way.

[SMOKEY53]

Thanks mate, I am really bent on getting a LMB colour so I'm prepared to wait.

I would accept a white one at the right price that allowed me to bolt up the flares, wheels etc to make it look like IS but ideally I like knowing I got the special edition.

You should look at a chip for your diesel. Been doing some research - think I will go for a Bluefin Superchip. There is a supplier down in Melbourne that I'd be keen to support (Tigersoft), but I'm sure there is a mob up your way also.

The DPChip is a local alternative, but it's also a permanently plugged in solution, which is not what you want for insurance purposes.

[AussieX3Oiler]

Thought of you this morning when I came across this ad on eBay
<121370097443> it's only a 3 litre though

Thought about a chip but it's not what I want to do atm, can't see any real benefits.

[SMOKEY53]

No Link??

I think you'd be surprised on the chip

On your car it bumps it up an extra 30kw (20%) and 100nm of torque (30%) for about $650 and you can install it yourself, and uninstall it when ever you like. Plus - if you buy another car that Bluefin make maps for, they will send you new maps to suit that car.


http://www.mybluefin.com.au/search?m...2&variant=2044

I've only had experience with this kind of tuning once before and that was on my Mazda MPS - with a simple 'flash' it pushed it from 150kw atw to 200kw atw, took off the boost/torue limiters in 1st and 2nd, gave me programmable launch control, and clutch controlled ignition cut to allow flat shifting. In short, for $350 it turned the car into a BEAST.

Apparently there is a lot of untapped potential in BMW diesel engines.