[andy69]

Yep, been driving a 520D while mine has been having the steering column changed, after its third visit to the dealer

I was not that excited when they gave me the keys earlier this week, especially as seeing it had only 16's on it and grey cloth interior.. BUT I absolutely love the way it drives and the engine is so smooth and quiet for a 2 litre diesel, it has got me searching local dealerships for a 520 or 525 So much for paying off the 320D and having extra cash per month

Someone please talk me out of it

[- Paul -]

I didn't like them when I test drove them - too big.

[andy69]

Originally Posted by 1stnewcar

I didn't like them when I test drove them - too big.

I know what you mean, but Im a tall chap and the seat position is so much more comfortable

Forgot to mention I like the lights as well

[squeezebm]

Originally Posted by andy69

I know what you mean, but Im a tall chap and the seat position is so much more comfortable

Forgot to mention I like the lights as well

Had a couple Great cars -END OF

[NFS]

I swapped a 530d for my current car. You'll find that there are a lot of people on here who have done the same. 5 series is more aspirational, but it's not necessarily the better car.

They are lovely cruisers and they sort of handle in a GT like sense. Nowhere near as nimble and responsive as the 3 series though.

In msport trim they make sense especially if you want a fast car, but less 'handling' than the 3 series.

I've found myself looking at 535d's a bit. 55 / 06 plate cars are down at £20k now with reasonable mileage.

Lot of car for the money.

[andy69]

Originally Posted by NFS

I swapped a 530d for my current car. You'll find that there are a lot of people on here who have done the same. 5 series is more aspirational, but it's not necessarily the better car.

They are lovely cruisers and they sort of handle in a GT like sense. Nowhere near as nimble and responsive as the 3 series though.

In msport trim they make sense especially if you want a fast car, but less 'handling' than the 3 series.

I've found myself looking at 535d's a bit. 55 / 06 plate cars are down at £20k now with reasonable mileage.

Lot of car for the money.

I would take this car over mine any day of the week, the more I drive it the more I want to keep it But I am sure today or tomorrow mine will be ready for collection unfortunately.
As I do a lot of kms, the 5 suits me better in terms of comfort, but also has a bit of poke when you need it, which I have to admit really surprised me for being only a 2 litre. I have seen a 525d, May 08, with Nav Pro and leather for 42k euros. If I could, I would go for it without thinking, but at the moment I just cant justify paying out another 20k...so it will definitely remain in the pipeline, but for now I will keep the 3 at least for 2 to 3 years more.

[Porscha!]

The 5 series is a nice car, nice and refined! I drive an E39 540i on a regularish basis and really enjoy it

[chrisbin]

More miles = 5er
More smiles = 3er

hth

[hmi1750]

I will have 40k on my car soon, so might consider a swap to a 5 series next summer if I need more room and the comfort.

I think it handles well enough for me and not as bumpy as the E90.

[agh!]

Originally Posted by chrisbin

More miles = 5er
More smiles = 3er

hth

I think that sums it up very well.
I've test driven an LCI E60 525d M Sport and I did love it, but going back to the E91 for my daily dash around the country lanes it's no contest, the E91 is more nimble and better able to deal with the tight spaces... but the ride is firmer and more bouncy.
That said, on long holiday trips a I have so wished I was in the 525d instead.
Tough choice.
Break a car down into what the real cost is, the average total monthly expense while you will use the car, stop thinking I need 20K extra and think I need x extra per month.
You'll find the difference between a nearly new 520d and your older 320d is small (about £30) and the 525d about an extra £80-£100 a month (what's that in Euro's?)- when I did the sums about 5 months ago.

[mjh93sa]

The 520, for what it is is a cracking car. Will soak up the miles like nothing else.

But... it does feel much bigger than the 3, doesn't shrink around you as much so you are always aware that you are piloting a pretty big heavy chunck of metal (especially down country lanes). The 3 is that bit more nibble and more chuckable, at the expense of ride quality.

chrisbin sums it up nicely.

Originally Posted by chrisbin

More miles = 5er
More smiles = 3er

hth

[andy69]

Originally Posted by agh!

I think that sums it up very well.
I've test driven an LCI E60 525d M Sport and I did love it, but going back to the E91 for my daily dash around the country lanes it's no contest, the E91 is more nimble and better able to deal with the tight spaces... but the ride is firmer and more bouncy.
That said, on long holiday trips a I have so wished I was in the 525d instead.
Tough choice.
Break a car down into what the real cost is, the average total monthly expense while you will use the car, stop thinking I need 20K extra and think I need x extra per month.
You'll find the difference between a nearly new 520d and your older 320d is small (about £30) and the 525d about an extra £80-£100 a month (what's that in Euro's?)- when I did the sums about 5 months ago.

hmmm, i worked out if they gave me 25k for mine (doubt it) the difference between the 525 I have seen is 17k, so over 7 years with a 40% balloon, per month is about 125 euros.
I'm just not sure if it is worth it though

[agh!]

Originally Posted by andy69

hmmm, i worked out if they gave me 25k for mine (doubt it) the difference between the 525 I have seen is 17k, so over 7 years with a 40% balloon, per month is about 125 euros.
I'm just not sure if it is worth it though

If your not sure it's worth it from that calculation then it's probably not a move you are going to make.
Add on to that cost possibly higher road tax charges, slighly higher fuel costs, more expensive tyres, slightly higher servicing costs and the effect of putting more cash into the car over time (therefore not in savings account easrning interest).

To be honest, that's my conclusion (for now), not prepared to add another circa £100 to my long term average monthly car expenses for a 525d and I wouldn't do a 520d, I'm sure it is brilliant, just not enough of a change from my 320d which will go on for years yet. I want much more refinement and 6 cylinders if I'm going to pay out more for a car.

[RichardM]

I had a 520d SE before the 335 and whilst on paper it did everything well, performance is respectable, economy is excellent and it is very smooth and comfortable I became bored of it quicker than any car I have ever had. It was just so dull overall and really not fun to drive at all. I'd say don't do it!

[rsyed]

Funny - I am going the other way....

You can have my 520dA - it is for sale

You cant go wrong with a 5-series - only thing: dont take one that is relatively naked (the option list is endless but every option does had value to the driving fun), and DONT get a 520d manual - that is an absolute no-go: you have to go with the automatic tranny.. if you have more questions, let me know - i have lived in 3 5ers in teh last 4 years

[gIzzE]

Wow!

Your 5er is lovely mate!!




Well, I have decided that for eating the miles up I am not going to bother with another 3er, I will always have a 3 series if possible but it will be an M, and I am not going to bother with another 5er either. As a comfy mile muncher I will be sticking with Mercedes.

I am looking for a nice E320 (petrol or diesel) Sport or Avantgarde Estate at the moment, this E320 I have at the moment is just amazing, it makes me want to waft round everywhere, it is extremely comfy, the sound system is alot better than the BMW's and I have fallen for it. It was meant to be a big car for the baby gear and the dog, drive it for 3-6 months and then get rid, thought we may get another 535d afterwards, but having this car has made me realise that the big 5 series as a sporty car is a compromise in most areas, where as the Merc does what it sets out to do almost perfectly.

Don't get me wrong I love the 5 series, but it really needs 16" rims, comfort seats, and rid of the run flats to start to work properly as a family wagon.