520D vs 525D what looks better? What is a better city car

[Grewal89]

Hello everyone,

Today is my first day as a piston head member so kindly excuse me if i'm coming out with a silly question. I'm planning to buy my first BMW which is happening to be a Tie between 520d and 525d (both will be M–Sport). The confusion is which one would be more economical in the city as i work in town which is like 4-5 miles from my house. Secondly, i have been told that both of the cars look different externally and may be internally too( i know 520d has a single exhaust and 525d has two faced exhaust). I need your help on buying the best one as per the looks and economy. Apologise if this has already been discussed but i couldn't find it in the previous threads. Thank you in advance


And yes both of them would be 2006 onwards in like range of 6k-7.5k

[CX53]

Will you be doing any long runs in it?

[Baryonyx]

Is this a troll account? There have been a few of those recently. At that sort or range you should get a pedal cycle or a scooter, as they don't have particulate filters to worry about.

[anonymous-user]

Get the 6 pot. The x20d engine is a pretty dreadful thing for when you want a BMW but can't really afford one, it's amazing people consider it acceptable in such an expensive (when new) car as a 520d.

[wemorgan]

1/2 term

[Grewal89]

CX53 said:

Will you be doing any long runs in it?

As i'm from midlands, uk so the only long run i would be doing is trip to london once in a while cause i work 5 days a week locally.

[Grewal89]

CX53 said:

Will you be doing any long runs in it?

As i'm from midlands, uk so the only long run i would be doing is trip to london once in a while cause i work 5 days a week locally.

[Grewal89]

Baryonyx said:

Is this a troll account? There have been a few of those recently. At that sort or range you should get a pedal cycle or a scooter, as they don't have particulate filters to worry about.

Okay mate, is there any difference in the looks of 520d and 525d both m-sport?

[Grewal89]

dme123 said:

Get the 6 pot. The x20d engine is a pretty dreadful thing for when you want a BMW but can't really afford one, it's amazing people consider it acceptable in such an expensive (when new) car as a 520d.

Sorry mate i didnt get you. Which one are telling me to buy then?

[AWRacing]

Personally I wouldn't entertain a diesel for that mileage, it'll end up costing you more in the long term. Get the petrol version

[Grewal89]

AWRacing said:

Personally I wouldn't entertain a diesel for that mileage, it'll end up costing you more in the long term. Get the petrol version

You reckon i can get one in that price range? Which one would be the best one then? Thanks

[Wheatley173]

I've not owned a 5, but I've had both 1 and 3 with x20d engine spanning over the last 9 years. Both 2006 and 2007. Best cars ever for reliability. These engines are the m47 and not the replacement more fragile n47. I would recommend the x20d all day long. But I would avoid the n47 due to to the timing chain issues and dpf issues, just seems a more complicated engine

My 2007 320d only gets used around town now and is averaging about 40. But the 5 feels a lot bigger if a car so not sure what difference it will make.

My friend had a 525d from the same era, can't say I was all that impressed with the additional fuel and tax cost. Performance difference seems virtually non existent. Yes the 6 pot sounds nicer, but to pootle around town I don't think it's worth it and if sound is important to you get a petrol 6 pot.

To be honest if it was me buying again I think I'd get a petrol, seeing as fuel is so cheap at the moment, why not enjoy it as I don't see it lasting.

[Grewal89]

Wheatley173 said:

I've not owned a 5, but I've had both 1 and 3 with x20d engine spanning over the last 9 years. Both 2006 and 2007. Best cars ever for reliability. These engines are the m47 and not the replacement more fragile n47. I would recommend the x20d all day long. But I would avoid the n47 due to to the timing chain issues and dpf issues, just seems a more complicated engine

My 2007 320d only gets used around town now and is averaging about 40. But the 5 feels a lot bigger if a car so not sure what difference it will make.

My friend had a 525d from the same era, can't say I was all that impressed with the additional fuel and tax cost. Performance difference seems virtually non existent. Yes the 6 pot sounds nicer, but to pootle around town I don't think it's worth it and if sound is important to you get a petrol 6 pot.

To be honest if it was me buying again I think I'd get a petrol, seeing as fuel is so cheap at the moment, why not enjoy it as I don't see it lasting.

Thanks for the reply mate, i think 320d would have some space issue for the rear passengers wouldn't it? So you're saying 525d would be expensive around town?

[ZX10R NIN]

With the mileage you do get a 530i if you need it to be brand new or just go & get the M3/5/6 you're only doing 10 miles max per day so why are you getting a diesel?

Unless you're doing 12k or more per year diesel is a waste of time.

[Grewal89]

ZX10R NIN said:

With the mileage you do get a 530i if you need it to be brand new or just go & get the M3/5/6 you're only doing 10 miles max per day so why are you getting a diesel?

Unless you're doing 12k or more per year diesel is a waste of time.

Thanks alot for the advice mate. I think it will be hard to find them sort of cars in that price range but i will try getting the petrol version

[ZX10R NIN]

M3
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

530i M Sport 06
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

07 M Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

540i just over budget but haggling should get you there.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

645CI
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

630CI
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 14th February 09:48

[daemon]

Why not a 530d? Not a whole pile more than the 525d in price, more powerful engine.

[carl_w]

I've had the E46 320d (coupe), E60 520d and E92 320d coupe, all manuals. For me, the 5-series was too big although I did manage to get over 50mpg on a run with it.

Now got a current (F30?) 330d and I wish I'd had the 3.0 with the auto box sooner. Not driven a 2.0d with the auto box but I suspect the fluid coupling soaks up a fair bit of the vibration.

I'm no expert but I believe the 520d and 525d will look identical in M-Sport guise, but the exhaust arrangement may be different.

[Spanglepants]

I've got a 525SE manual box, I'd go for a 530 D M Sport if it has to be diesel. It's not really worth going for the 525 D while the 530D is better with no disadvantages.
Personally wouldn't get a 5 series E60 with a 4 pot. Even the 6 pot in mine sounds pretty good for a diesel

[Barchettaman]

Grewal89 said:

Thanks for the reply mate, i think 320d would have some space issue for the rear passengers wouldn't it? So you're saying 525d would be expensive around town?

E90 is fine in the back.

Regardless of model, I don't think diesel makes sense for short runs of -5 miles from cold. I'd get a Prius.