New member - Melb - Lots of questions!

[TerminatorX5]

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...

[SMOKEY53]

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.

[PaulMercer]

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 !

[SMOKEY53]

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!!

[PaulMercer]

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

[SMOKEY53]

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.

[bren3085]

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.

[SMOKEY53]

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.

[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.

[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!