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[GaryC2.5td]

they look cool what are they like to drive do you know .. what size engine?

[acope]

Heres some for you..http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/vauxhall/carlton/postcode/b772rd/radius/1500/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/sort/default#advert201224475205591

[TheBoy]

If going for the BMW based 2.5TD, seriously consider a manual. The TD + Auto box is a poor combination, and not particularly economical. TBH, I found my 3.0l V6 petrol cheaper to run than my 2.5TD auto, by the time servicing costs were taken into account.

The manual is better suited.

People get it in their head that because it says "BMW" on it, it must be the best thing since sliced bread. Its not. I quite like the engine, but they are fragile, especially if they have been abused in a former life (they all have, as nobody obeyed the 4500 mile service interval). The pumps are tempremental as well, as are most similar Bosch pumps, and expensive to replace.

But don't let me put you off - its not a bad engine. Just get the BMW thing out of your head. And get a manual.


The 2.2DTi is a GM lump, and produces similar power, and slightly better economy, and is only available with a manual.

[henryd]

If going for the BMW based 2.5TD, seriously consider a manual. The TD + Auto box is a poor combination, and not particularly economical. TBH, I found my 3.0l V6 petrol cheaper to run than my 2.5TD auto, by the time servicing costs were taken into account.

The manual is better suited.

People get it in their head that because it says "BMW" on it, it must be the best thing since sliced bread. Its not. I quite like the engine, but they are fragile, especially if they have been abused in a former life (they all have, as nobody obeyed the 4500 mile service interval). The pumps are tempremental as well, as are most similar Bosch pumps, and expensive to replace.

But don't let me put you off - its not a bad engine. Just get the BMW thing out of your head. And get a manual.


The 2.2DTi is a GM lump, and produces similar power, and slightly better economy, and is only available with a manual.

Op has already ruled out manual due to health issues.

[TheBoy]

Op has already ruled out manual due to health issues.

Opps, missed that.

The auto tractor is a dog for performance and economy. And unchippable without swapping the autobox.  For a TD, the chip is essential.

[acope]

Thanks guys, must admit the "BMW" sign did sway me abit, a perhaps a re-think..

The 2.0L I dont think will be a very good caravan tower, so looking at ..the 2.2 / 2.5 or the old 3 litre...

hmm ok, back to the drawing board...cheers


really appreciate every ones input on this, thank you.

[tunnie]

Doing DIY work? 4 pots dead easy to work on, V6s can be very expensive to run if using a garage to do basic work.

[Shackeng]

So there you go, two somewhat differing views on driving the auto TD. However I suspect that, at 75, my driving style is likely to be nearer to yours than TB's, and our divergent views are clearly subjectively influenced by that. I repeat, I have had only the issues listed  in my earlier post in 13 years, and admittedly, it has a good service history from new.

[twiglet]

Personally, in your situation, I'd be looking for a 3.0 V6 auto elite estate.  Plenty around, for not alot of money, and plenty of support on this forum is you have any issues. 

[Shackeng]

Personally, in your situation, I'd be looking for a 3.0 V6 auto elite estate.  Plenty around, for not alot of money, and plenty of support on this forum is you have any issues. 

I agree with that sentiment, and having also got a 3.2 Elite to compare with the TD, I know which I prefer driving, (just in case, it is the 3.2!) The highlighted phrase is the clue, and I agree with TB about consumption, there is little difference in consumption between my TD and the 3.2, and given diesel is much dearer than petrol, I would not buy another diesel car while doing only 8 or 9k per year. From all the experts on here, the 3.0s go better than the 3.2s, possibly due to all the emissions crap equipment fitted to the latter.

[TheBoy]

So there you go, two somewhat differing views on driving the auto TD. However I suspect that, at 75, my driving style is likely to be nearer to yours than TB's, and our divergent views are clearly subjectively influenced by that. I repeat, I have had only the issues listed  in my earlier post in 13 years, and admittedly, it has a good service history from new.

Nah, I think we actually agree. Its quite a good engine, but not made of gold, like some people believe anything BMW is. Prone to spectacular failures if abused in an earlier life.

Yeah, I ragged mine everywhere, admittedly, and actually really did love that car, despite the love-hate relationship we had. Was sorry to see it go 

But the economy was poor, and servicing costs double that of the MV6.

But I still miss it.

[Keith ABS]

  The gearbox isnt a BMW item, but GM My F/L 2.5 TD has been problem free mechanicly, just unrelated issues to running it. I get 34.1 as my average with standard chip. The price of diesel is the only down side now days but not bad for an auto. Its just so comfortable and relaxing to drive. Did a four hour drive a couple of weeks back, got out and could have jumped straight back n and done it again.
Keith.B

[Shackeng]

  The gearbox isnt a BMW item, but GM My F/L 2.5 TD has been problem free mechanicly, just unrelated issues to running it. I get 34.1 as my average with standard chip. The price of diesel is the only down side now days but not bad for an auto. Its just so comfortable and relaxing to drive. Did a four hour drive a couple of weeks back, got out and could have jumped straight back n and done it again.
Keith.B

Yes, its strange, I do feel more relaxed after a long drive in the TD than in the 3.2, I think its because the 3.2 wants me to 'rag it', as TB so succinctly describes it, which of course I love doing.