Oil or petrol 5 series
Discussion
was a simple matter of opening the drivers window 
Slightly different scenario from yours OP but same general rules apply.
Wanted a standard 5 series when I decided to put the M5 away for special days. Spoke to my tame mechanic as you do. His advice was to go petrol even though I do significantly more miles than you. His reasoning was simple. There is much more potential for big hills with the diesel, injectors, turbos, and so on. My old 528 is now heading towards 170000 miles.
The diesels are waaaay more economical but you will get a much nicer lower mileage higher spec petrol for the same money. If you're not doing starship mileage I think a petrol might be better for you?
Wanted a standard 5 series when I decided to put the M5 away for special days. Spoke to my tame mechanic as you do. His advice was to go petrol even though I do significantly more miles than you. His reasoning was simple. There is much more potential for big hills with the diesel, injectors, turbos, and so on. My old 528 is now heading towards 170000 miles.
The diesels are waaaay more economical but you will get a much nicer lower mileage higher spec petrol for the same money. If you're not doing starship mileage I think a petrol might be better for you?
OP, I have had my E60 525i SE for almost 6 years now. I bought it as an approved used car from Williams Rochdale at just under 3 years old and an almost unbelievable 5k miles.
It is now at 67k miles and, frankly, is the best car I have ever had. Equally happy at an indicated 145mph on the German autobahnen or in the morning rush hour crawl it has never let me down.
It has had a few tyres, routine servicing as per the computer (plus some early oil changes) and a set of discs and pads but nothing else.
I intend to get the gearbox oil changed soon as it is not always as smooth as it was and this will extend its life hopefully but save for some stone chips, it is the same now as it always has been.
Overall mpg is 28 but it will do much more on a gentle run. RFL is dear but, at the end of the day, the 6 cylinder engine is a peach. I drive a new Porsche Cayman S when I don't have the kids with me and that is generally reported as the sports car of the moment. The BMW never disappoints when jumping from one car to the other. It's obviously not as sporty or as quick but as an overall package it really impresses over time.
It is now at 67k miles and, frankly, is the best car I have ever had. Equally happy at an indicated 145mph on the German autobahnen or in the morning rush hour crawl it has never let me down.
It has had a few tyres, routine servicing as per the computer (plus some early oil changes) and a set of discs and pads but nothing else.
I intend to get the gearbox oil changed soon as it is not always as smooth as it was and this will extend its life hopefully but save for some stone chips, it is the same now as it always has been.
Overall mpg is 28 but it will do much more on a gentle run. RFL is dear but, at the end of the day, the 6 cylinder engine is a peach. I drive a new Porsche Cayman S when I don't have the kids with me and that is generally reported as the sports car of the moment. The BMW never disappoints when jumping from one car to the other. It's obviously not as sporty or as quick but as an overall package it really impresses over time.
Mind made up its going to be a 525/528i SE petrol model at around 80,000 miles or less for the budget. Light colour leather interior is a must for me as well, I am not a fan of black, but that mere detail. Started looking around but won't commit until after Christmas, unless something outstanding catches the eye!
Thanks all respondents.
Thanks all respondents.
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