[mc_blue]

Hi all,

Would be interested to know what you think about if you had to choose between something like a 520d with a comprehensive spec and a 535d with a standard spec. Which one would you rather have and why?

[rogerxp]

Suppose it depends on what you want as the a car with 20d or a 35d engine is a completely different beast and providing different levels of running costs. If it were me, and it was possible, I'd go with a slightly older 35d with all the toys.

Don't forget that a 6pot car will come with a higher level of spec than a 4pot as standard so depends what options you're interested in.

[$pringy]

i'd rather have the 535, i buy cars because of their engine's not on looks.

[creepy coupe]

If they were both M Sport I'd have the 535d.

[AWBimmer]

35D any day buddy, you can always spend a few extra bob to source the other gizmos / gadgets but you can't really swap the engine out unless you want to go mod crazy! I drove around in a 58' reg 520d all last week and then got back into my 335d and there's NIGHT and DAY difference in the two.. I know they're two diff variants series wise but believe me, there's a massive difference in the two. You'll be pinned to your seat in the 35D

[mc_blue]

I agree to an extent because I've got a 320d and my father has a 535d M Sport, which is pretty basic standard equipment. I was thinking just the other day though that I wouldn't have a loaded 520d M Sport over the 535d ever because that engine makes all the difference.

[AWBimmer]

Think you've just answered you first post OP go go goooooo

[shrink]

i think for me it has to be a balance (yes, i know thats a cop out).

for example, when i bought my current car, i bought it over a couple of 330i's and 330d's simply because as an ex BMW show car, the 325i had idrive, premium stereo, sport pack, auto wipers etc etc. Its a good enough engine that it works in balance with the features it had.

Would I have chosen a 320i with the same spec? no, probably not. Would I have chosen a 330i without some of the toys, possibly, its hard to say.

[dxb335d]

535d, it's likely to have some sort of decent spec anyway!

[andy9188]

535d I like power. How often do you really bother with your spec/gizmos anyway? The biggest part of the spec you notice is the one under the bonnet. As Carl said the premium end of the range are never standard like a 520 would be. How do you rate your dads 535d?

[Subzero2003]

Neither, i'd buy a 535i with manual gearbox and then use the £5000+ that i saved to spec it up with some options.

[mc_blue]

Originally Posted by andy9188

535d I like power. How often do you really bother with your spec/gizmos anyway? The biggest part of the spec you notice is the one under the bonnet. As Carl said the premium end of the range are never standard like a 520 would be. How do you rate your dads 535d?

Stunning car, the engine is absolutely fantastic. Makes every journey seem effortless too although I do prefer my E92 through the twisty bits due to the suspension set up but as you'd appreciate the F10 is a different animal.

I'm jealous of you guys with the six cylinder diesels and petrols. They're just that much smoother and sound so good too.

[shrink]

Originally Posted by andy9188

535d I like power. How often do you really bother with your spec/gizmos anyway? The biggest part of the spec you notice is the one under the bonnet. As Carl said the premium end of the range are never standard like a 520 would be. How do you rate your dads 535d?

See i think you're not thinking this one through. In this country I spend most of my time either sitting on the motorway behind someone doing 65mph in the outside lane, or stuck in rush hour / town traffic. I almost never get to use ANY of the power of my car.

as a result, its the comfort / gadgets / sound system / good seats etc that make the car worth living with. As a result, in most driving conditions the toys are more important than the engine. Even a 318 can do 30mph

[AlanYoro35i]

525d with a few options =]

[xPETEZx]

I had a slightly similar choice.

There was a E91 330d which stated SE spec, but I think it was ES. It had no Climate control, no Cruise, no Auto anything.
Basically you got the 'Business Radio', cloth seats and that's it.

I decided min spec for me had to have some toys.
As has been said, as much as I would love to pick soley on engine, on most journeys the toys will mater as the engine is going to be doing nothing.

[dxb335d]

What options do you guys see as "essential"..??

[lolololol]

Engine for me - most other things can be retrofitted if you are reall that boethered !

[andy9188]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

What options do you guys see as "essential"..??

A key, seat and a Supercharged v8

[zltm089]

its all about the engine for me....the more the power the better....i don't really care about fridge freezer, blue tooth, leather, sat nav, ipod, ipad assist, individual colour matt glossy shit brown and all that bollocks...

[shrink]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

What options do you guys see as "essential"..??

Xenon headlights (my next car must have them!)
Cruise control
Climate Control
Auto wipers (although i could live without these)
Steering wheel controls for phone/stereo
bluetooth
ipod connectivity
power steering (LOL)

the rest i can take or leave. I think most of the above serve to make driving easier and more comfortable. Auto wipers are lovely to have, they just get on with it and i dont have to keep changing the speed all the time. Climate is nice, cos you're not always playing about with controls. I set it at 21 and leave it alone. Also phone connectivity is important, as it means i dont need to take my hands off the wheel, or eyes off the road to answer a call.

Stuff like electric seats are not important to me, i'm the only person that drives my car, i get it right once and then leave it. All the electrics are is one more thing to break, and 30kg of extra weight to lug around.

Folding mirrors, well a nice to have, my 330i had them, and in my busy road i do like to put my mirrors in, the convenience of having them do it automatically when i lock would be nice. Can't say how many times ive got in and turned the car on, to realise one mirror was still folded in! but again, this isnt essential and isnt on my current spec.

[nealer74]

i think someone said it already... but I'd go for both and an older car (more fun hunting that perfect match) .. or take out more finance.

I made the 'toys' sway the decision before when I bought a new X3 MSport 2.0d ... always regretted not getting a better engine.

[makkan00]

You can retrofit many options on 535d, but you cannot retrofit engine on 520d.

So think wisely.