C63 Estate v 535D Touring
Discussion
I can't really understand how you got to comparing the two...
I previously ran a C63 for 2 years and it was epic, now in a chipped 640d and its completely different and a bit dull.
Yes it uses 50% less fuel and no it doesn't need SUL but it's not even close when it comes to fun.
Decide what you really need first?
RS4 Avant should also be a consideration.
I previously ran a C63 for 2 years and it was epic, now in a chipped 640d and its completely different and a bit dull.
Yes it uses 50% less fuel and no it doesn't need SUL but it's not even close when it comes to fun.
Decide what you really need first?
RS4 Avant should also be a consideration.
Yeah, zero comparison. I test drove both within a few days, just to get an idea at both ends of the spectrum.
The 535d LCI felt similar in performance to the 330i we turned up in (it is), but without the lovely soundtrack. Awful ride also as an M Sport on 19s. It had also been averaging 26mpg in it's life as a saleman's car / demo.
The C63 was on a different planet. Performance is in a different league to an M550d, let alone the 535d. Wonderful soundtrack, just fantastic. Very happy with it too. Every journey is an event in it. For the miles we do, it may end up being similar cost to run too. Almost all the cost will be depreciation.
The 535d LCI felt similar in performance to the 330i we turned up in (it is), but without the lovely soundtrack. Awful ride also as an M Sport on 19s. It had also been averaging 26mpg in it's life as a saleman's car / demo.
The C63 was on a different planet. Performance is in a different league to an M550d, let alone the 535d. Wonderful soundtrack, just fantastic. Very happy with it too. Every journey is an event in it. For the miles we do, it may end up being similar cost to run too. Almost all the cost will be depreciation.
Reading this made me smile as i'm in a similar position, albeit at the other end of the spectrum. My Type R is being truly wasted on my boring commute and I "should" chop it in for a sports diesel or something.......... but I simply don't want to. It's for sale currently, and of course I'll sell it if someone wants it, but it's a great car and i love the engine, noise, nimble handling and throttle response compared to a turbo diesel and i'm truly torn.
We all seem to love cars which is why we're on here waffling on about them. Also see a number of people who think a 123d is the answer to their motoring dilemma's..... only to return to a petrol. I'm not knocking diesels - far from it - but you do loose some of the child-like noise and sense of occasion which make idiots (no offence intended) like us grin from ear to ear.
You know the answer OP. It's the fire breathing V8 which will make every journey a noisy adventure. If you can afford it, do it. I don't think we'll hear you say "I wish I hadn't run that AMG Merc for a while.... it was soooooo dull"
We all seem to love cars which is why we're on here waffling on about them. Also see a number of people who think a 123d is the answer to their motoring dilemma's..... only to return to a petrol. I'm not knocking diesels - far from it - but you do loose some of the child-like noise and sense of occasion which make idiots (no offence intended) like us grin from ear to ear.
You know the answer OP. It's the fire breathing V8 which will make every journey a noisy adventure. If you can afford it, do it. I don't think we'll hear you say "I wish I hadn't run that AMG Merc for a while.... it was soooooo dull"
cwoodsie2 said:
You know the answer OP. It's the fire breathing V8 which will make every journey a noisy adventure. If you can afford it, do it. I don't think we'll hear you say "I wish I hadn't run that AMG Merc for a while.... it was soooooo dull"
I can, with all honesty, say "I wished I had bought the V8 S-Type and not the 2.7d" and that's just the stupid repair bills, let alone the sound track.I ran a C63 wagon for two and a half years and didn't regret a minute of it.
For comparison it averaged 21mpg and I only changed the rears once in the 24k miles I had it[yes I know I wasn't driving it fast enough
].Drifting around roundabouts or leaving perfect 11's has never been my thing though.
For comparison it averaged 21mpg and I only changed the rears once in the 24k miles I had it[yes I know I wasn't driving it fast enough
].Drifting around roundabouts or leaving perfect 11's has never been my thing though.Ares said:
How will a 535i not bore you to tears if the (faster) 535d will?
They are quite different, the 35i has some rev range and feels like a petrol and sounds like a petrol when pressing on too. (plus very quiet and refined when keeping it under 3000rpm). I liked my 335i, a lot, but found my 535d was all 'press the go pedal, go quite fast, slow down, repeat.' That novelty soon wore off.
I am so glad I asked this question now. In fairness, it is a bit crazy to compare the two, but I had a good reason: I wanted to put to rest my conscience / mr sensible v the real me. I wanted to know if the 535D would be like just owning another faster version of the car I have. And I think I've more than confirmed that now.
I can't stop thinking about that C63 I drove and I want more of it, even though I know it will p1ss my wife off as it's not a sensible choice. but it's so much fun that I have to have it.
It's been good to hear that others on here have found the 535D to be not that much more economical (ok, I know I'm stretching things now), as that makes another good case for the c63. My view is, while I can afford it, I may as well enjoy it as I may never get another chance.
Thanks for all the replies. I've really enjoyed reading every one of them. Especially those in favour of the Merc
I can't stop thinking about that C63 I drove and I want more of it, even though I know it will p1ss my wife off as it's not a sensible choice. but it's so much fun that I have to have it.
It's been good to hear that others on here have found the 535D to be not that much more economical (ok, I know I'm stretching things now), as that makes another good case for the c63. My view is, while I can afford it, I may as well enjoy it as I may never get another chance.
Thanks for all the replies. I've really enjoyed reading every one of them. Especially those in favour of the Merc
swerni said:
Did you ever get up and take it for a drive, just because?
Yeah, I did the 335i, but not like the M3, where I would get up off the sofa at 10pm and go up to the coast on a cold March evening and just drive for 100 miles for the sake of it. But I did a few times in the 335i, but did it alot in the M3. Same with my old 2.8i Z3.
gizlaroc said:
Ares said:
How will a 535i not bore you to tears if the (faster) 535d will?
They are quite different, the 35i has some rev range and feels like a petrol and sounds like a petrol when pressing on too. (plus very quiet and refined when keeping it under 3000rpm). I liked my 335i, a lot, but found my 535d was all 'press the go pedal, go quite fast, slow down, repeat.' That novelty soon wore off.
t. You press the pedal and just go, and go, and go, and go. The diesel drives a lot better with the 8sp ZF box and is a lot smoother in its drive. The petrol creates a jerkier gearshift and is often left hunting for the right gear, or having to drop too many gears and leaving the drive 'jolt-ier'. The 640i is inferior in every way to the 640d except engine note. I can't see the 5 being any different.
But that notwithstanding, the petrol is no less boring than the diesel, or vice versa.
Ares said:
They do drive different. But as both are mated to an autobox, the notion of 'press the go pedal, go quite fast, slow down, repeat.' is horse st. You press the pedal and just go, and go, and go, and go. The diesel drives a lot better with the 8sp ZF box and is a lot smoother in its drive. The petrol creates a jerkier gearshift and is often left hunting for the right gear, or having to drop too many gears and leaving the drive 'jolt-ier'.
The 640i is inferior in every way to the 640d except engine note. I can't see the 5 being any different.
But that notwithstanding, the petrol is no less boring than the diesel, or vice versa.
I really enjoyed driving the 535i. The N55 with the ZA 8 speed gearbox is a great combination. The one I drove was a non-msport model with adaptive drive, which really helped the ride. A lovely sonorous engine note too and a pleasure to keep signing along. I'm afraid the 535d left me pretty cold. t. You press the pedal and just go, and go, and go, and go. The diesel drives a lot better with the 8sp ZF box and is a lot smoother in its drive. The petrol creates a jerkier gearshift and is often left hunting for the right gear, or having to drop too many gears and leaving the drive 'jolt-ier'. The 640i is inferior in every way to the 640d except engine note. I can't see the 5 being any different.
But that notwithstanding, the petrol is no less boring than the diesel, or vice versa.
Each to their own
Ares said:
They do drive different. But as both are mated to an autobox, the notion of 'press the go pedal, go quite fast, slow down, repeat.' is horse st. You press the pedal and just go, and go, and go, and go. The diesel drives a lot better with the 8sp ZF box and is a lot smoother in its drive. The petrol creates a jerkier gearshift and is often left hunting for the right gear, or having to drop too many gears and leaving the drive 'jolt-ier'.
The 640i is inferior in every way to the 640d except engine note. I can't see the 5 being any different.
But that notwithstanding, the petrol is no less boring than the diesel, or vice versa.
Well having done 18 months and 35k miles in each I disagree. t. You press the pedal and just go, and go, and go, and go. The diesel drives a lot better with the 8sp ZF box and is a lot smoother in its drive. The petrol creates a jerkier gearshift and is often left hunting for the right gear, or having to drop too many gears and leaving the drive 'jolt-ier'. The 640i is inferior in every way to the 640d except engine note. I can't see the 5 being any different.
But that notwithstanding, the petrol is no less boring than the diesel, or vice versa.
You obviously look for different things from your car than me, which is great, but personally, although I found the differences subtle, they were enough to make one fun and one dull. I was bored of the 535d after 3 months, the 335i reignited my love of cars and driving again, and the only reason I sold it was to go back to another M3.
Not a similar position to you but i've got a Honda Accord Tourer Diesel for commuting and family work which it does with aplomb and is very good as a domestic appliance. actually a handsome enough car to feel that it's a decent thing to own. Ticks the money saving nerd boxes.
I also have an SLK55 with the thunderous M113 V8 which has been Eurocharged, x-piped and what not. now at 400HP and trust me once you've had a taste of these incredible Merc V8's they are hard to forget.
You wont regret the C63, if you had the BMW the only person smiling might be your Missus 3 months in, and maybe you filling it up at the pumps in the self inflicted knowledge you've saved a few pennies. However if a C63 thundered past the garage you will be using the saved tenner to wipe your tears away !
If the missus really puts her foot down is there a possibility to split the car budget and do similar to myself? Did she come out in the C63 with you?. has she been in one of these sort of cars.
If she is not into cars/petrol/speed/thrills the C63 might actually make her think loud shouty knobby car.
this is not a sexist comment in anyway but she might see the C63 as just a normal estate (can look like one to be fair to non petrolheads). once you get the thing motoring she might be scared in the seat and if you've got kids she could $hit herself and say little jonny is not going in that. too fast. Just be careful mate !
I also have an SLK55 with the thunderous M113 V8 which has been Eurocharged, x-piped and what not. now at 400HP and trust me once you've had a taste of these incredible Merc V8's they are hard to forget.
You wont regret the C63, if you had the BMW the only person smiling might be your Missus 3 months in, and maybe you filling it up at the pumps in the self inflicted knowledge you've saved a few pennies. However if a C63 thundered past the garage you will be using the saved tenner to wipe your tears away !
If the missus really puts her foot down is there a possibility to split the car budget and do similar to myself? Did she come out in the C63 with you?. has she been in one of these sort of cars.
If she is not into cars/petrol/speed/thrills the C63 might actually make her think loud shouty knobby car.
this is not a sexist comment in anyway but she might see the C63 as just a normal estate (can look like one to be fair to non petrolheads). once you get the thing motoring she might be scared in the seat and if you've got kids she could $hit herself and say little jonny is not going in that. too fast. Just be careful mate !
Edited by rgv250ads on Friday 12th February 17:50
abarber said:
Ares said:
They do drive different. But as both are mated to an autobox, the notion of 'press the go pedal, go quite fast, slow down, repeat.' is horse st. You press the pedal and just go, and go, and go, and go. The diesel drives a lot better with the 8sp ZF box and is a lot smoother in its drive. The petrol creates a jerkier gearshift and is often left hunting for the right gear, or having to drop too many gears and leaving the drive 'jolt-ier'.
The 640i is inferior in every way to the 640d except engine note. I can't see the 5 being any different.
But that notwithstanding, the petrol is no less boring than the diesel, or vice versa.
I really enjoyed driving the 535i. The N55 with the ZA 8 speed gearbox is a great combination. The one I drove was a non-msport model with adaptive drive, which really helped the ride. A lovely sonorous engine note too and a pleasure to keep signing along. I'm afraid the 535d left me pretty cold. t. You press the pedal and just go, and go, and go, and go. The diesel drives a lot better with the 8sp ZF box and is a lot smoother in its drive. The petrol creates a jerkier gearshift and is often left hunting for the right gear, or having to drop too many gears and leaving the drive 'jolt-ier'. The 640i is inferior in every way to the 640d except engine note. I can't see the 5 being any different.
But that notwithstanding, the petrol is no less boring than the diesel, or vice versa.
Each to their own
If there was a manual gearbox in there, I'd agree. But when the ZF box is seemless in it's shifts (although moreso in the diesel), I'm struggling to see how two identical cars can be deemed SO different?
Ares said:
Intrigued as to how it "left you cold" compared to "really enjoying the drive" of 2 identical cars with a different fuels?
If there was a manual gearbox in there, I'd agree. But when the ZF box is seemless in it's shifts (although moreso in the diesel), I'm struggling to see how two identical cars can be deemed SO different?
So despite a completely different engine, power delivery, gearing, rev range, sound, suspension etc etc, they are identical If there was a manual gearbox in there, I'd agree. But when the ZF box is seemless in it's shifts (although moreso in the diesel), I'm struggling to see how two identical cars can be deemed SO different?
To me and many others on PH, the engine is at the heart of the car and there is much pleasure to be had listening to a lovely sounding engine and winding it out to 7k. BMW are renowned for their sonorous sixes and the N55 is one of the best.
The 535d has an excellent diesel engine by all accounts, but I got zero pleasure out of driving or listening to it.
abarber said:
So despite a completely different engine, power delivery, gearing, rev range, sound, suspension etc etc, they are identical
To me and many others on PH, the engine is at the heart of the car and there is much pleasure to be had listening to a lovely sounding engine and winding it out to 7k. .
I found a short clip I did for a mate who said he heard the stock 335i didn't sound much cop, that you couldn't hardly hear it from the cabin. To me and many others on PH, the engine is at the heart of the car and there is much pleasure to be had listening to a lovely sounding engine and winding it out to 7k. .
I have put it on youtube. The video shows how at under 3000rpm it is really quiet and then, like most petrols starts to come alive. This is one of the most important parts of the whole experience for me, how it sounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1JY5zKqakw&fe...
gizlaroc said:
Ares said:
They do drive different. But as both are mated to an autobox, the notion of 'press the go pedal, go quite fast, slow down, repeat.' is horse st. You press the pedal and just go, and go, and go, and go. The diesel drives a lot better with the 8sp ZF box and is a lot smoother in its drive. The petrol creates a jerkier gearshift and is often left hunting for the right gear, or having to drop too many gears and leaving the drive 'jolt-ier'.
The 640i is inferior in every way to the 640d except engine note. I can't see the 5 being any different.
But that notwithstanding, the petrol is no less boring than the diesel, or vice versa.
Well having done 18 months and 35k miles in each I disagree. t. You press the pedal and just go, and go, and go, and go. The diesel drives a lot better with the 8sp ZF box and is a lot smoother in its drive. The petrol creates a jerkier gearshift and is often left hunting for the right gear, or having to drop too many gears and leaving the drive 'jolt-ier'. The 640i is inferior in every way to the 640d except engine note. I can't see the 5 being any different.
But that notwithstanding, the petrol is no less boring than the diesel, or vice versa.
You obviously look for different things from your car than me, which is great, but personally, although I found the differences subtle, they were enough to make one fun and one dull. I was bored of the 535d after 3 months, the 335i reignited my love of cars and driving again, and the only reason I sold it was to go back to another M3.
I don't however see how, in identical cars with identical power, the fuel makes for a dramatic difference when both are mated to an 8sp ZF autobox!
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