mk1turboestate

iTrader: (2)

I have an e60 520d , have had it almost 5 years and in that time it's probably done around 15-18k which I know is very low for the car,
I'm getting very low mpg of around 28 mpg.
I am pretty sure something needs cleaning, could someone point me in the rite direction, any info on swirl flaps would also be appreciated

Fullflush

I know it sounds daft but go out and hammer the crap out of it, give it a service and check the tyres. If it is still the same then start looking deeper

mk1turboestate

iTrader: (2)

Wheels and tyres are as new, and it's just had a 400 mile trip to wales, service has been done recently, the cars are built for 10k a year easy and I think it's easy life is detrimental to its performance

jamie's

400 mile trip to wales irrelevant realy if it was cruising,
As above go out and hammer it, I bet you get a good few plumes of black smoke out the back
They need a good clean out now and again to keep them running properly
Get it up on the motorway and hold it at 3-3500rpm for 5 minutes in 4th,
That should probably have the desired effect
If it's still the same after that then yes look further but usualy just a good clear out works wonders

DangerousBryan

Your not really doing the miles a diesel needs. I'm surprised you haven't got dpf/egr problems. We actively try and stop people buying diesels at work now if there doing low mileage/short trips. As said above a good thrash might cure it in the short run but it's going to come back again if you carry on doing low miles. Wouldn't a petrol of been cheaper for the miles your doing?

mk1turboestate

iTrader: (2)

Petrol would of been fine, but I bought it years ago thinking I was going to do more miles, I have a company car, and the wife uses it for the school run etc,
I've had it near 5 years and am the second owner so wouldn't want to change it.
Just want more mpg

JK99

Thermostats are a problem on these I think. Don't think it's an expensive job either. I know of a 525d that had similar issues and changing the stats cured it.

XRT_si

iTrader: (2)

It will be your EGR thermostat, known to fail and make the temps run colder, which massively effects MPG. It's a fairly easy job and makes a big difference to MPG.

Check your water temp to be sure (engage the special display, plenty on the internet about how to do it.) If it still runs cold after then change the engine's thermostat. Bigger job but less likely.

I know this as I had to research into it!

furry

my 520d was returning 97.4mpg last week on a run so you have serious issues!!!

my combined average is usually 60-62mpg.

as above the thermostates are a common issue

320 bhp

I got 26mpg out of my m3 v8 today on a good run so yours should be a lot more

mk1turboestate

iTrader: (2)

So I could be looking at thermostats first, I will do a little research into it,
Any info on swirl flap removal, may do this aswell

Nick b

Almost certainly the 2x thermostats.

Swirl flap removal is easy (if you have them), blanking plates are about £15 and take about an hour to do.

Nick