Idle moments

I read with interest (as I always do) your piece in the Saturday Telegraph, this week particularly your comment regarding the BMW 530d turbo overheating problem. I am considering changing my Peugeot 4007 for either a BMW Gran Turismo or a Discovery 4. Over 90% of my 30k miles each year is driven solo whilst the rest is towing a caravan. I'm tempted by the BMW because of its improved economy and ability as a non towing car, I just don't know whether it would make a good towing car, particularly in light of your comments regarding the overheating turbos when towing.

Asked on 21 November 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
You just have to remember to idle the engine before switching off whenever you stop and the turbo is red hot, which it can be when you stop for fuel on a motorway, when you stop after a long ascent, or when you stop after towing. Particularly after towing. If the end of your journey involves driving at moderate engine speeds (for example through a town or village), that does the same job as idling. I’d concur that the 530d is the best incarnation of the 5-Series Gran Turismo and the best car I can think of for four people to cover very large distances. It’s also relatively low CO2 at 173g/km, so low tax.
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