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

[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?

[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

[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?

[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

[Grewal89]

Barchettaman said:

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.

Yes i somewhere agree with you too on this my friend. Just looked at few 325ci's. They look to suit better for the needs as i am single man so coupe's won't be an issue its just the newer ones are overpriced really

Thanks for the links and the advice mate