New G30 or late F10 M5?

[Pioneer]

So been speaking with my local dealer about a G30 530d/540d xdrive msport. However once specced it's more than I want to outlay in one go so have looked at PCP. My own finance guy can't get close to the rate BM are offering on new cars at the mo, especially with dealer contribution factor added in. Other option is to go for a nicely specced F10 M5 (circa 2013/4) for £35k+ ish and just pay upfront. Love the new tech in the G30, borrowed a new 7 series a few months ago which gave an insight. Seen the new G30 in the metal already and does look nice imo. Looks very similar to a smaller 7 with a very similar interior. So it's a toss up between brand new tech and full dealer warranty or a late F10 M5. I have a car for weekend blasts come summer but nothing I can use on a daily basis that exhilarates. Ideally would wait until the new M5 is out but I need a 4 door saloon come Feb/Mar time. Thoughts?

[Pioneer]

The main thing that is stopping me going for a M5 is that the G30 seems to be a completely different beast to the F10, not just a simple facelift like usual. Although the dealer said they weren't allowed to let me drive one yet I've had a good look around a SE and MSport. The interior is lovely, another level to the F10 and instantly makes it look dated. Simple things like the touch buttons, new displays, seats, the new HUD, etc. Sales guy told me the voice recognition is much better as is the gesture control, better than on the current 7 series. Actually reminds me of a 16MY 730ld I borrowed a few months ago. The only reason I didn't go for that is how much they hemorrhage in the first 3 years. Not bothered with gesture control but that new HUD would be nice. Keep thinking I might regret choosing tech over performance though. The Lambo is up for sale on SOR at the moment although I may end up keeping it for another summer if it doesn't sell by March. M5 performance isn't far off to be fair but sense of speed/occasion is completely different so I don't think it would take the enjoyment away if I had a M5 as a daily - plus if it sells I may not be replacing it with anything until the following summer which is another reason I may regret buying a G30 diesel over a F10 M5.

[Pioneer]

bad company said:

I don't understand why the dealer won't let you drive the G30? I'm taking one out next week. If I go for one it will be the 540 which is not too far behind the M5's performance.

They said they're not allowed to let the public drive one until a certain date. Think it was late Jan, early Feb - can't remember. But I'm due to go into the showroom when they preview it properly. The two I saw were outside round the back, it was raining and cold plus the cars were rammed in-between other new and used cars so couldn't really see the outside from a distance. 540d is what I'd go for I think, Xdrive probably just to get the power down a bit quicker. I think the G30 550i (if and when it's available in the UK) is actually quicker than the current M5 on paper. God knows what the G30 M5 will be like.

[Pioneer]

Think I need to drive both really. Been a while since I've driven a M5 and that was a very early F10.

For budget reasons, I'd be looking for something similar to this if I go M5 but no black wheels and must have black leather because of the kids.

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

Running costs aren't a huge issue, I only do about 10k a year and that's divided between several vehicles. My old 650i was cheap as chips to run compared to some I've had. I assume this can't be too much more.

Edited by Pioneer on Sunday 22 January 13:15

[Pioneer]

T16OLE said:

Of the two, personally, I'd take the G30.

It's brand new and the new tech would be tempting as would the warranty.

And he fact it would be yours from new

This is what I'm leaning towards. If this new one wasn't being praised so much it would be an easier decision. I'll know once I've driven one no doubt. Whether I can get one before April 1st is another matter so may have to take the bullet on rfl.

[Pioneer]

bad company said:

Somewhat off topic but I said before that one of the cars I'm considering is the Audi S4. I test drove one last week and liked the drive very much, the car was quick, handled well and sounded good.

Sounds crazy but I have a real problem with the interior, all nicely appointed but why no cover for the cup holders??? This makes it look unfinished imo:-

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201509/2017-...

Lucky it had cup holders at all. A friends RS7 has no rear cup holders or folding mirrors. Optional on a £80k+ car?!?!?

[Pioneer]

The G30 does feel like a brand new car when you're sitting in it, like it's gone up another level. Can definitely see why people are choosing it over the E class Merc. Sat in the new one last week and it doesn't compare. Whatever I get will only be used as a daily but it would be nice to have the M5's power on tap. As far as residuals go I can see late F10's dropping a fair bit in a couple of years when there's plenty of used G30's available.

[Pioneer]

The HUD on the G30 is pretty impressive, makes the F10 one look archaic. I'm not buying this car for performance really, would just be nice to have a few extra horses available. Have the LP560 for brutal acceleration, but always seem to be in a dd when I want/need it most. Was in our 320i Tourer yesterday when some tea-bag was arsing around in front of us. A few cars managed to get past him but I had no chance, especially four up.

[Pioneer]

bad company said:

I'm due to test drive the G30 and a 340 tomorrow.

There seems to be plenty of pre registered 3's at the dealers which is tempting. Is there any way of searching these cars for a specific spec?

Let me know how it goes with the G30. Surprised you're getting a drive in one so soon. What model, do you know?

[Pioneer]

MSport correct? And auto I assume?

[Pioneer]

Helicopter123 said:

Can you still buy a manual 5 series in 2017?

Don't think so, auto or auto with paddles

[Pioneer]

bad company said:

So I just confirmed the purchase of a 540 MSport.

I managed to re spec the dealers existing order so delivery should be late March which avoids the road tax increase.

What made you choose the 540i over the 530d? Normally I would go 540i too but a lot of reviews are saying the diesel is a much more rewarding drive. The 540i is only available in Xdrive isn't it?

[Pioneer]

bad company said:

My current car is a 330d Xdrive, I like Xdrive. Yes there is a lot going for the oil burner but sentiment seems to be turning against diesel. I think there could be substantial extra taxes for diesel cars in future.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/sad...

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/consumer-new...

Funny, we've always had diesel BMW's before also. I ordered a new 320i Sport Tourer just under a year ago which was the first petrol (excluding performance cars) that I've bought in years. Thinking it may be the same with this. 540i Xdrive is a good shout. Did you get the tech pack?

Edited by Pioneer on Thursday 26th January 16:09

[Pioneer]

bad company said:

No, the tech pack contains gadgets I really don't want such as display key (cant see the point), gesture control (fun but would never use), HUD (this one was tempting). I paid for the wireless Bluetooth charging as an option.

I went for:-

Visibility package
Comfort package - plus parking assistance which is not shown on the configurator but is available
Steering wheel heating
Towbar
Split folding seats
12v sockets
Active cruise
Harmon Kardon
Remote services
Apple CarPlay

Nice. I really want the new HUD so will prob add the tech pack. Played with gesture on a 730d but the other half just laughed at me saying I looked like I was having a row with someone. Handy to cut a phone call off though. The display key was pretty cool but apparently easy to break, especially if dropped ... and they're expensive to replace. I'm going to look at one in the showroom tomorrow.

[Pioneer]

bad company said:

Where are you viewing the car? Reckon I can get you a test drive albeit in a 520d.

Norfolk/Cambs border. The one they have is a 520d also. It's just in the showroom now rather than out the back covered in dirt.