520d Luxury or M Sport

[Scubdup]

I'm looking at getting a 520d Touring, and can't find out much about the differences in spec between the Luxury and M Sport models.

I've read on here that the M Sport comes with different suspension, but I can't see that confirmed on the BMW website which seems to suggest the differences are mainly cosmetic.

I'll be going from a mk5 Golf TDI so I'm optimistic that whichever I go for, I'll appreciate significant improvements in comfort and handling.

[Helicopter123]

M Sport gets cosmetic modes and sports suspension, Lux gets the Pro NAV set up rather than business NAV in the M Sport.

[Spudmaster]

I had a 520d luxury Touring as a demo for a week last summer... Absolutely lovely car, although for the first time ever- I suffered from Car sickness on long journeys as well as being slightly disappointed in what is supposed to be legendary handling... (I am used to firmer set-ups... Audi S-Line, Merc AMG Sport, Skoda VRS etc).

Ideally, I would have gone for a new Lux with Sports Seats & VDC to get the best of both worlds.

However, recently bought a 6 month old M-Sport+ (19" alloys) with Professional Media.

Main observations after 3k miles:-

Suspension on M Sport definitely firmer than Luxury- but also handles MUCH better.
Ride is firm; but actually better than my previous C Class Merc on 18".
Only feels a bit jiggly on roughly tarmacced B Roads.
Sports Seats (standard in M Sport) are definitely more comfortable than standard seats on Luxury.
Professional Media definitely worth the extra- very user friendly and keeps you nicely occupied in traffic jams!
If you even remotely like music- opt for Harmon Karden sound system... The sound from the standard speakers is rubbish! (HK included with M-Sport+ pack alongside 19" alloys & privacy glass.

Not sure what your circumstances are- but if buying privately, plenty of 6 month old cars on the market through BMW approved currently- and deals to be done!

In summary- after 6 weeks and 3k miles with my 520D M-sport I am chuffed to bits- but ultimately horses for courses...

Good luck!

[smashy]

luxury has standard suspension ..a blancmonge on wheels ,you only get one chance to get it right.....suggest ADAPTIVE m-sport suspension...18 inch wheels not 19 and sports seat as a minimum

[Wills2]

For me the passive damped M sport on 18" is the best ride/handling combo that they do for the F10, I wouldn't bother with adaptive dampers I had them and not worth the money, Adaptive drive (dampers and roll bars) which is available on the 6 pot models is good but expensive.

[anonymous-user]

Wills2 said:

For me the passive damped M sport on 18" is the best ride/handling combo that they do for the F10, I wouldn't bother with adaptive dampers I had them and not worth the money, Adaptive drive (dampers and roll bars) which is available on the 6 pot models is good but expensive.

Adaptive is a bit more than good IMO. Expensive, yes but worth it.

[Wills2]

I'd say it makes the car drive like you would expect a 6/8 pot 5 series to drive so "good" is the description I'd use, it's not exceptional as the handling of the F10 isn't whichever set up you choose as it's a bit of a big barge.

But nothing wrong with that.

[anonymous-user]

Wills2 said:

I'd say it makes the car drive like you would expect a 6/8 pot 5 series to drive so "good" is the description I'd use, it's not exceptional as the handling of the F10 isn't whichever set up you choose as it's a bit of a big barge.

But nothing wrong with that.

I agree. I bought it because it's a 'big barge'. I couldn't find anything else that rode and/or handled better for the money, so I'll stick with more than good.

[Wills2]

It's all relative isn't it.

[smashy]

Wills2 said:

It's all relative isn't it.

Look neither of you will give in so maybe????.......... lol

....relative to a hummer the F10 is small ,relative to driving in and out of london traffic with that high windowline I should think its massive!!! Too big for me

[Wills2]

smashy said:

Look neither of you will give in so maybe????.......... lol

....relative to a hummer the F10 is small ,relative to driving in and out of london traffic with that high windowline I should think its massive!!! Too big for me

LOL! I was agreeing ha!