[Vaheed1]

Morning all,

Well, I've finally decided on a replacement for the GTi. It's taken a while, but I think the 5 series is going to be the best suited car for the next 2 years.

I have some questions for those of you in the know.

1) how good is the 520d in comparison to the 530d? I've always owned the 3.0d engines in all of my BMW's - but I have been led to believe that the 20d is the best all rounder in this 5 series. How true is this? Or is the 3.0d worth the extra premium?

2) are all the 525d engines in the F10 the 2.0 twin turbo engines?

3) what's the ride like in the M Sport cars - in comparison to the SE spec ones? Considering this is going to be the family car - I'm not even that bothered about the trim level now. Is it worth looking for a M-Sport for the looks alone? I've always owned cars with a hard suspension and I just fancy dropping down to something a little more comfortable now. Perhaps a M-Sport with the optional adjustable dampers? (Very rare on the used car market though)

4) is the 8-speed gearbox worth having or I'd it just a bit of a gimmick?


I had actually set my heart on a Audi S4 Avant (3.0 V6) but I've waited 8-9 months for them to drop in price - but they ain't budging at the moment. And I don't really fancy paying £19k for a 5 year old car!

Any extra advice will be much appreciated. Thanks for reading my shizzle.

[Billyray911]

You might get a few answers,but I presume that you've asked this in the F10 forum?Anyway,I can only really answer the question on the gearbox and in my opinion,it's fantastic.Compared against against the old 6 speed,it's awesome and certainly not a gimmick.
I use it at work in a 330 and 530 and I love it.Certainly compared against what is in our A4's,it's light years ahead.Try one...

[Vaheed1]

Cheers billy.

I've not asked in the F10 forum..for the simple reason that their opinions are likely to be biased. I'd prefer it if someone was honest. Even about the car...it's never too late.

[Billyray911]

Originally Posted by Vaheed1

Cheers billy.

I've not asked in the F10 forum..for the simple reason that their opinions are likely to be biased. I'd prefer it if someone was honest. Even about the car...it's never too late.

Yes,good point.I would also test a car with and without the variable damping.All of our cars have it and it works well.

[DavS1]

quickly as im on my way out....

8 speed is great, don't buy manual...
525d is a 6cyl in PRE facelift and 4 cyl in facelift.
520d is a good car, enough performance for a family car.
6cyl is a bit nicer, more pokey, sounds better, smoother.
M sport for looks and resale definately, also the M sport suspension is totally fine IMO it has comoft/sport settings so can be soft or firmer depending what you want it for but ride is great

Really nice cars, go test drive is the best thing to do.

HTH

[Vaheed1]

I'm finding it near impossible to get a test drive anywhere. I've been in a friends 520d M sport. Although it would be unfair to comment on the drive..being a passenger, the car from a observation point of view was great. Plenty of space, nice place to be and quite an upmarket feel to the interior.

[Dannyrado]

I had a 520d for 3 months and a 520dGT for 1 month. Both incredible cars, really.

These 20d's are really surprisingly quick. The GT handled fantastically. The normal 5 probably the best alrounder I've ever driven.

Both had the 8spd auto. Don't bother with manual, and get an m sport.

[Vaheed1]

Thanks all.

Because I'm getting the car on a used car lease deal, as apposed to my original plan of outright owning one, I really don't need to worry about resale values etc. it's just like a new car lease, where I'll have a mileage limit and then hand the car back after 24(or more) months. If anyone is interested, btw, inbox me. My brother, who owns a leasing company, has just got access to a new used car lease system and it's brilliant for anyone not wanting to a) throw money at a used car and b) not pay the premiums of a new car lease.

He worked out the payment plan for a 520d I saw the other day (just to test the waters) it was up for £13k with 42 on the clock. A deposit of £1,000 would mean a monthly payment plan of circa £135 a month. Peanuts. The only difference between these leases and new car leases is that you have to maintain the car yourself, as apposed to a new car - where you would have a warranty.

It's actually quite hard to find a 5 with the desired spec. Allot of them have been spec'd with the cream interior - not something I want with 2 kids! Then there's some with paddles and some without (are these optional?)

Some are 6 speed. Some are 8.

It's Mind boggling work trying to find the right spec.

[Billyray911]

Originally Posted by Vaheed1

Thanks all.

Because I'm getting the car on a used car lease deal, as apposed to my original plan of outright owning one, I really don't need to worry about resale values etc. it's just like a new car lease, where I'll have a mileage limit and then hand the car back after 24(or more) months. If anyone is interested, btw, inbox me. My brother, who owns a leasing company, has just got access to a new used car lease system and it's brilliant for anyone not wanting to a) throw money at a used car and b) not pay the premiums of a new car lease.

He worked out the payment plan for a 520d I saw the other day (just to test the waters) it was up for 13k with 42 on the clock. A deposit of 1,000 would mean a monthly payment plan of circa 135 a month. Peanuts. The only difference between these leases and new car leases is that you have to maintain the car yourself, as apposed to a new car - where you would have a warranty.

It's actually quite hard to find a 5 with the desired spec. Allot of them have been spec'd with the cream interior - not something I want with 2 kids! Then there's some with paddles and some without (are these optional?)

Some are 6 speed. Some are 8.

It's Mind boggling work trying to find the right spec.

Sounds really interesting that.I'm trying to weigh up my next car and a nearly new F31 335 xdrive is a probability.I don't even know whether to opt for an i this time around!
I'm prepared to wait for the right spec-pano sunroof,pro drive,right colour etc.
I'm happy with my 335d at the mo,so time is on my side!

[Vaheed1]

Originally Posted by Billyray911

Sounds really interesting that.I'm trying to weigh up my next car and a nearly new F31 335 xdrive is a probability.I don't even know whether to opt for an i this time around!
I'm prepared to wait for the right spec-pano sunroof,pro drive,right colour etc.
I'm happy with my 335d at the mo,so time is on my side!

He's just got a client in a new 335i xdrive hybrid. Around 350bhp with the battery power. WOW! That thing is talented. Goes like shit off a shovel - yet return 40mpg. Witchcraft.

[Billyray911]

Sounds awesome!

[remmib]

Originally Posted by DavS1

525d is a 6cyl in PRE facelift and 4 cyl in facelift.

Wrong, the 525d 4cyl came as a 2012 model from 09/2011.

[DavS1]

Originally Posted by remmib

Wrong, the 525d 4cyl came as a 2012 model from 09/2011.

There's always one geek

[Nick the Greek]

I wouldn't give a second look at the 520d its slow. 530d is light years away. Worst combination is 520d Msport. All show and no go!😂

[djgandy]

The 5 is a huge car. I think the 520d is a bit small for it, especially if you are fully loaded.