530i or 530/535d?
Discussion
Hi all, first post on here for a while as I'll soon be switching from my Audi S6 saloon to a 5 series touring. I've narrowed it down to 3 cars near me, each have their good and bad points and after doing lots of reading on here I wondered if I could ask for some help?
In short I'm looking at a 530d with 155,000 miles on the clock. Or a 530i with 100,000 on it.
Both are similar spec but the 530 is an 09, the 530 is an 08. I don't use a car that often so I won't be doing many miles in it, maybe 2,000 a year at the most so high mileage doesn't necessarily bother me, unless it's likely to cost me mega bucks!
I've also been looking at an older 05 535d as I like the thought of all the torque.
So basically I'm after a second car that hopefully won't cost the earth but will be a lovely drive when I use it 2-3 times a week. Any thoughts on which of the above would be best suited and what should I look out for?
Thanks in advance.
In short I'm looking at a 530d with 155,000 miles on the clock. Or a 530i with 100,000 on it.
Both are similar spec but the 530 is an 09, the 530 is an 08. I don't use a car that often so I won't be doing many miles in it, maybe 2,000 a year at the most so high mileage doesn't necessarily bother me, unless it's likely to cost me mega bucks!
I've also been looking at an older 05 535d as I like the thought of all the torque.
So basically I'm after a second car that hopefully won't cost the earth but will be a lovely drive when I use it 2-3 times a week. Any thoughts on which of the above would be best suited and what should I look out for?
Thanks in advance.
With the mileage you do you could go with either car, I've had both engines in a 3 series and I rated both to be fair.
At 2k miles a year I think I'd go 530i because less to go wrong engine wise and diesel's can be temperamental for short runs and low mileage.
I suppose it also depends how you like your power delivered as well, the 530d has its performance on tap whereas the 530i needs working to deliver its performance.
At 2k miles a year I think I'd go 530i because less to go wrong engine wise and diesel's can be temperamental for short runs and low mileage.
I suppose it also depends how you like your power delivered as well, the 530d has its performance on tap whereas the 530i needs working to deliver its performance.
Billy_Whizzzz said:
Sold a 530i as it was too slow. And too boring. If you're going to go boring I'd get the 530d as as least it's torquey.
I immediately thought of you when I wrote my post and I knew you'd say that! 
I do agree with you and the 30i engine doesn't feel very sparkling in a 330i so I imagine it's much worse in the 5 series body, at least with the 30d engine even if it's not an actual rocket ship it does fool you into thinking it is.
Painey said:
Is there much of a difference between the 530d and 535d?
The extra turbo on the 35d eliminates a bit of the lag because the 30d can occasionally feel a bit laggy. The extra turbo also gives the engine a bit more punch at higher revs too, both engines are good for a diesel though.
Painey said:
Is there much of a difference between the 530d and 535d?
Been offered a decent looking 535d with 130 on the clock for £5,900. Tempted by that I have to say.
There is a big difference both in power delivery and amount of power.Been offered a decent looking 535d with 130 on the clock for £5,900. Tempted by that I have to say.
Also, a 535d remaps quite nicely to around 340BHP.
If its power you're looking, go down the 535d route. If its an all round cruiser, then i'd go for a 530i - less bork factor and a lovely engine.
I've owned two 535d M Sports, a 530d and a 530i.
Based on that mileage, it has to be the petrol. Even so, I think your be looking at gaining some issues, in my experience battery drain will be one, so I'd run a battery conditioner on it, as it looks like it will be sitting around for days on end?
The 530d is not a bad car, the 535d has more grunt everywhere, it's a nice lazy car to drive, close to a V8. It tends to have less turbo issues, although it gains others due to solenoids/pressure lines etc. Operating temperature is more critical to ensure the engine runs properly, thermostats are easy to change though.
Personally the rear end feels slightly detached due to airbag suspension, and the standard brakes are pretty limited with the sliding caliper setup. I removed the run flats, which also improves the ride. Overall, it's not a bad car, as a family lugger it's difficult to beat, at 80mph is quiet and relaxing, although abroad it will happily do 160+
The 530d is not a bad car, the 535d has more grunt everywhere, it's a nice lazy car to drive, close to a V8. It tends to have less turbo issues, although it gains others due to solenoids/pressure lines etc. Operating temperature is more critical to ensure the engine runs properly, thermostats are easy to change though.
Personally the rear end feels slightly detached due to airbag suspension, and the standard brakes are pretty limited with the sliding caliper setup. I removed the run flats, which also improves the ride. Overall, it's not a bad car, as a family lugger it's difficult to beat, at 80mph is quiet and relaxing, although abroad it will happily do 160+
Painey said:
Thanks for the helpful replies everyone, I really appreciate your input.
I think I'm going to go and look at the 530i. It's very close to home so convenient and I read that being the 2008 model it will have updates over the pre-LCI models that are very much worth having.
+1 on the LCI and with the petrol option. Post LCI gearbox is a much better box.I think I'm going to go and look at the 530i. It's very close to home so convenient and I read that being the 2008 model it will have updates over the pre-LCI models that are very much worth having.
My thinking is that really high mileage, older cars only get sold on when they are becoming too problematic. Otherwise the owner would just keep running them.
My 07 335d got to 144k miles when I webuyanycar'd it.
Had spent 3.5k over the previous 3 years keeping it going so it would have appeared to be well cared for. However it had a cracked piston ring and was using oil meaning it was time to call it a day.
Wbac were made aware it had a fault by the way, diagnosis invoice from CPC was in the history too. If it had been something up to 1k I'd have kept it but the work needed was too much.
OP, check the maintenance on the 35d and 30d carefully if you go for one of them.
My 07 335d got to 144k miles when I webuyanycar'd it.
Had spent 3.5k over the previous 3 years keeping it going so it would have appeared to be well cared for. However it had a cracked piston ring and was using oil meaning it was time to call it a day.
Wbac were made aware it had a fault by the way, diagnosis invoice from CPC was in the history too. If it had been something up to 1k I'd have kept it but the work needed was too much.
OP, check the maintenance on the 35d and 30d carefully if you go for one of them.
Edited by Vee on Friday 13th January 17:29
I drive an old 535d and they pull much better through the revs than the 530d. It may not look like that much more power on paper than the 530ds but it's just effortless performance.
Don't expect much mpg though, around 28 for combined seems about normal. Although it will do 40+ on a long cruise sat at 70mph, where it will only be revving at about 1600-1700rpm.
Personally, for the mileage you do, why not go for the 545 or 550 v8? I used to have an e39 540i and i really miss the noise and character of the V8.
I'm tempted to sell my 535d and get a 545.
Don't expect much mpg though, around 28 for combined seems about normal. Although it will do 40+ on a long cruise sat at 70mph, where it will only be revving at about 1600-1700rpm.
Personally, for the mileage you do, why not go for the 545 or 550 v8? I used to have an e39 540i and i really miss the noise and character of the V8.
I'm tempted to sell my 535d and get a 545.
The 530i on a 2008 will be the later 272hp engine, it is a pearl!
About 3mpg less than the diesel and so much nicer.
Get the data card, put the reg in here to get the vin....
https://www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/BMW/Login/Index
Then use this...
http://bimmer.work
This will tell you all options and what engine etc.
I had the 535d, it was nice, but still prefer the 530i. The 530i is a really refined, smooth car when plodding around and once you get it up to 3500rpm it transforms into what you want from a car that can be driven, it is a gem.
About 3mpg less than the diesel and so much nicer.
Get the data card, put the reg in here to get the vin....
https://www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/BMW/Login/Index
Then use this...
http://bimmer.work
This will tell you all options and what engine etc.
I had the 535d, it was nice, but still prefer the 530i. The 530i is a really refined, smooth car when plodding around and once you get it up to 3500rpm it transforms into what you want from a car that can be driven, it is a gem.
I have a 530D estate with a manual box. Drives really nice and since having the DPF cleaned out and thermostats fitted its got decent poke as well.
Its 2008 so LCI model which Id go for instead of pre LCI.
2K a year you're better going for petrol. Theres thing to look for, the battery drain mentioned already and try to get one with as many options as possible. Make sure its got AUX in etc, which will be in the rear console. Ive got rid of the run flats and fitted M Sport MV2 wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zeros.
Its 2008 so LCI model which Id go for instead of pre LCI.
2K a year you're better going for petrol. Theres thing to look for, the battery drain mentioned already and try to get one with as many options as possible. Make sure its got AUX in etc, which will be in the rear console. Ive got rid of the run flats and fitted M Sport MV2 wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zeros.
I have a 2009 (so LCI) 530i Touring - if going auto (which most are) look for the sport auto option. The paddles are rubbish but the sport button holds on to the gears for longer and transforms the car from being sluggish to keeping you in the right rev range for making progress.
I would have had a 550i Touring in a shot if I could have found one as my mileage is also very low.
I would have had a 550i Touring in a shot if I could have found one as my mileage is also very low.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff