Countless arguments have been broken over the operation of diesel engines in our latitudes. Some insist that our fuel is quite suitable and there is no need to demonize Rudolf Diesel's creation, while others, on the contrary, are sure of the opposite and believe that there is simply no alternative to gasoline in Russia. This dispute, apparently, will be eternal.
Tests of the BMW 530d Touring at the Dmitrov test site once again confirmed that the Bavarian station wagon can not only carry cargo, but also drive fast. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes only 6.9 seconds — an excellent indicator made possible by the three-liter turbodiesel producing 231 horsepower. The car covers the kilometer distance in 27.6 seconds, managing to accelerate to 192 km/h by the finish. The stated maximum speed is 248 km/h. And all this with a very modest appetite: in the urban cycle, according to our measurements, the car fits into nine liters per hundred.
Special attention deserves the steering. From lock to lock, the steering wheel makes only 1.8 turns, which can be a surprise for a driver without experience. To reduce the risk of error, the diameter of the steering wheel had to be increased. However, if a person still makes a mistake, the likelihood of rolling over is not so great — electronic stability systems in most cases will have time to intervene and prevent trouble.
But all this dynamics and handling are worth nothing if the car refuses to start in the cold. That is why we were looking forward to the cold weather to test the diesel in action. The winter of 2007–2008 was slushy, but already in November the first ten-degree frosts hit. With a sinking heart, we insert the chip key into the slot to the right of the steering wheel, slowly press the Start/stop button — and nothing unusual happens. The engine just begins to grumble displeasedly, as if it had been woken up at the crack of dawn.
For several nights in a row there was a slight frost, and every morning the same thing was repeated: key, button, grumbling. And so day after day, like in the movie «Groundhog Day». Not a single failure. The real frost came after the New Year. The on-board computer showed minus twenty, and judging by the sensations, this was believed unconditionally — the outdoor thermometer confirmed the readings. Now the real test begins.
How predictable these Germans are. No surprises, no unexpectedness. «Groundhog Day» repeated again. Key, button, grumbling. Trite, like a joke.
Later, there were a few more cold days in the capital, but the Bavarian station wagon stubbornly started, as if following the precepts of Diesel himself. The only thing that caused discomfort was the leather seats, from which the cold instantly spread through the body. The three-level seat heating saved the day: you sit down, endure literally a second — and the heat begins to flow.
We refueled exclusively at trusted capital gas stations with loud names — we didn't want to take risks. I think future owners will do the same. The result is unambiguous: you can drive diesel BMWs. We found no contraindications.
Driving
The behavior on the road can safely be called excellent. Despite the station wagon body, the car is truly sporty.
Interior
The interior of the station wagon is practically no different from the sedan.
Comfort
Like the interior, the level of comfort is at its best.
Safety
The car is equipped with all relevant safety systems.
Price
Given that this is still a station wagon, albeit with a sporty character, the price could be lower.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Economical fuel consumption, powerful engine, spacious interior, excellent handling.
- The diesel is a bit noisy at idle.
Make and model — BMW 530d Touring
Dimensions — 4841/1846/1468 mm
Engine — diesel, 2993 cm³, 235 hp/4000 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 6-speed
Dynamics — max 248 km/h; 6.9 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-class
Our opinion
The BMW 530 Touring destroys the stereotype that a station wagon is boring. Excellent dynamics, superb handling, and also fuel efficiency. Over the entire winter operation, diesel consumption never exceeded ten liters. And most importantly, the car starts even in frost.