E60 530d M Sport - Manual or Auto box?
Discussion
I've tried to find opinions on which box is better on the E60 530 M Sport.
My budget is £6500, and I have my eye on a 55 plate with Manual box. Mileage, bodywork etc all in my requirements; seems almost perfect, but it's manual. I was hoping to get an Auto as my commute is long and I work a long day so want to enjoy my ride.
I guess my question is, is it worth missing out on this just for the sake of auto over manual? I've never owned an auto, but have driven some lovely cars with auto and am happy driving either.
I think this is the only compromise, so maybe I'm talking myself out of it...Make my choice for me
Sorry if this has been asked a million times, a linky to save time would also be appreciated
My budget is £6500, and I have my eye on a 55 plate with Manual box. Mileage, bodywork etc all in my requirements; seems almost perfect, but it's manual. I was hoping to get an Auto as my commute is long and I work a long day so want to enjoy my ride.
I guess my question is, is it worth missing out on this just for the sake of auto over manual? I've never owned an auto, but have driven some lovely cars with auto and am happy driving either.
I think this is the only compromise, so maybe I'm talking myself out of it...Make my choice for me
Sorry if this has been asked a million times, a linky to save time would also be appreciated
A manual 530d is a very rare car. Not many about. The Diesel engine does suit the auto, but saying that a manual car will give a more driver focused drive. We bought a LTI auto purely because we could not find a manual. Auto gearbox is a good strong unit. Post MY08 cars have a newer gearbox which is faster through the box which is better and is easily seen by the joystick gear knob. These are LTI cars. Some cars also had a performance gearbox which had flappy padels and a different software program that's makes them quicker through the gears again.
If the car is a good well looked after car it will be great to drive with a manual. Buy on condition.
If the car is a good well looked after car it will be great to drive with a manual. Buy on condition.
I own an e61 auto and have driven my friends e60 manual 525d. I prefer the manual box, it works very well with the 525d and I imagine would work equally well with a 530d. I also own an alfa 2.4jtd manual and it is definitely possible to enjoy a spirited drive in a diesel car with a manual box. I also owned an e46 330d manual and loved it. I wouldn't let the auto put you off!
I wouldn't dismiss the manual out of hand. Particularly if there'd be a fuel efficiency advantage from it. (2005... so maybe?)
Maybe they cocked it up on the later cars - which I doubt - but I've got a manual E46 330d, and it doesn't feel like I'm changing gear all the time, even when driving in town. The engine revs freely enough, and sounds OK enough, that you can stick in 2nd until 30mph, and 3rd until 50mph, without (very unlike the 4 cylinder equivalent) feeling too like you really have to change gear RIGHT NOW (because the engine sounds like it is about to break).
Obviously, everybody is different, so you might want to try a test drive...
Maybe they cocked it up on the later cars - which I doubt - but I've got a manual E46 330d, and it doesn't feel like I'm changing gear all the time, even when driving in town. The engine revs freely enough, and sounds OK enough, that you can stick in 2nd until 30mph, and 3rd until 50mph, without (very unlike the 4 cylinder equivalent) feeling too like you really have to change gear RIGHT NOW (because the engine sounds like it is about to break).
Obviously, everybody is different, so you might want to try a test drive...
I didn't think the manual in my 520d suited the engine very well at all but I am told the manual in a 30d is a far better set up, had an auto in a 330d and it was a lovely match up and also have an auto in a 640d and it's a great combo.
I personally think an auto suits the short power band and low rev characteristics of a Diesel engine far better and an auto also helps take away some of the harshness away from a Diesel engine too.
I love a Manual gearbox and even specifically went for the manual in my old V8 M3 when everyone else goes for the DCT so I am certainly not against a manual for sure.
I personally think an auto suits the short power band and low rev characteristics of a Diesel engine far better and an auto also helps take away some of the harshness away from a Diesel engine too.
I love a Manual gearbox and even specifically went for the manual in my old V8 M3 when everyone else goes for the DCT so I am certainly not against a manual for sure.
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