Found this on the Telegraph website, in "Honest John's agony column". He seems to be saying that the 530d can lunch its turbo without regular oil changes. Is there any substance in this?


Q: We have up to £25,000 to spend on a quality diesel estate with good performance and strong residuals. We have considered the Volvo V70 D5 SE or a nearly-new BMW 530d SE. Any other suggestions?

A: Both are good choices. I'd also check out the Mercedes E320 CDI estate and new Honda Accord 2·2i CDTI. Be aware that 530ds can go through turbos unless you change the oil very frequently.

Very little experience, but I know someone with an early (x-plate) with 80-thousand on the clock, FBMWSH and it's just lunched a turbo.

Yep, it's true. All the BMW Turbos do (M47, M47N, M57, M57N). Not just 'coz of lack of regular oil changes either.

OK, so it isn't that common, but it does happen...

Rich :)

My first 330d didn't lunch a turbo but it did crack the plastic inlet manifold. The car instantly became normally aspirated following a large bang! :D Was replaced under warranty, and it also smoked it's t1ts off during the drive to the dealers

Matt