Seriously have to fight the impulse

[kieranjholland]

I am currently driving a car that I am very happy with and have no plans on moving on.

However...

BMW E60 530D Sport, I really want one.

I'm not sure why I'm posting here, I guess I'm looking for someone to tell me it's rubbish and I should stick with my current oil burner... but:

[Acheron]

What do you have currently? I'd also leave the 5-series for a while until the new model floods the market, then you might get it even cheaper.

[dougc]

Not that it helps but met up with a mate at the weekend who has just bought a 530d touring for family hauling duties and a very handsome thing it is too.

[kieranjholland]

Driving a Volvo S60 D5 right now, great car

dougc said:

Not that it helps but met up with a mate at the weekend who has just bought a 530d touring for family hauling duties and a very handsome thing it is too.

uh oh... not helping

[Hollywood Wheels]

I spend all day in these at work. BMW 'sport' suspension is AWFUL, as in rock-hard. They also have very bad visibilty from within the car. Pretty quick though, but potentially great handling ruined by run-flats. VERY strong and fade-free brakes. Your S60 looks a nicer car to be honest though!!!

[kieranjholland]

Hollywood Wheels said:

I spend all day in these at work. BMW 'sport' suspension is AWFUL, as in rock-hard. They also have very bad visibilty from within the car. Pretty quick though, but potentially great handling ruined by run-flats. VERY strong and fade-free brakes. Your S60 looks a nicer car to be honest though!!!

Good man Mr Wheels

[300bhp/ton]

dougc said:

Not that it helps but met up with a mate at the weekend who has just bought a 530d touring for family hauling duties and a very handsome thing it is too.

Are they really hansom? Slick and clean cut certainly.

[H_Kan]

A chap at work has a 520d and tbh I was very surprised by how refined and smooth it is. Granted a 2.0d isn't going to be quick but it doesn't feel like a total slouch either.

Most impressive is that the motor has done over 130k but I reckon wouldn't bat an eyelid if the display read 70k, really solidly built.

Sorry, I'm probably not helping, just I am very impressed with the E60 and the prices look reasonable considering how much they sold for new.

[old No 1]

wait till the DPF stops working !
a mate bought one and its a subframe drop to get it out and then 'try' and clean it
Then it dropped a ring on one cyl and a 2k rebuild (not at BMW as they said full engine)

He is fed up of it breaking

does that help the decision
HTH

[kieranjholland]

yes, that has helped! I feel for your mate, poor sod

- edit -

this was a lie, it hasn't helped at all, now I just want one with FSH and minus the Sport Suspension pack

Edited by kieranjholland on Monday 14th February 23:50

[James Dean]

So you want to go from one diesel to another diesel?

[fatboy b]

[E55 Max]

That car didn't just stop for the photo opportunity.....It just woundn't go any further in the snow.

[rob.kellock]

I was going to get one but found an ultra low mileage 525i SE when I was looking and went for that instead. It was £000s cheaper that a diesel equivalent and I am still in credit with fuel costs after 20k miles. Petrol engine is pretty much silent on tick over and very smooth. Revs to 7000rpm if you want it to. SE spec means the ride is OK too.

So far it has been 100% reliable and I have to say I really like it. Not as fast as a 530d but performance is adequate, especially in sports mode and I have another car for weekend fun. It was clearly not designed by idiots and has a number of nice features that make living with it on a daily basis quite amenable. Shortly prior to purchase I had been loaned a brand new Volvo S80 diesel (my E39 was being repaired after a friend backed into it in a car park!)but to me the E60 is a better package, nice though the Volvo was, in a sofa on wheels kind of way.

[kieranjholland]

wow, you're all not helping at all but I now really want one.

Must resist!!

E55 Max said:

That car didn't just stop for the photo opportunity.....It just woundn't go any further in the snow.

haha

[zip929]

I had a e61 530d for a couple of years. A very nice car, and i would definitely have another if the need for a diesel arose again.

[kieranjholland]

Just took 2 for a spin - SE spec and Sport spec.

Tore the arse out of them both and had a great time but I have to be honest with myself [whilst putting on flame retardant suit] I was so glad to get back into my S60 D5 afterwards.

In my short time with them my opinion is that they are good, but not great...

Note to self - If I end up getting one in a years time promptly delete this comment

[parapaul]

kieranjholland said:

E55 Max said:

That car didn't just stop for the photo opportunity.....It just woundn't go any further in the snow.

haha

And with proper winter tyres on, it would have carried on regardless

[SteveS Cup]

I drove my old boss's 520d M Sport from London to Newcastle and back. Although on a back road it felt a bit underpowered on the motorway it was fantastic! Lovely car to kick back in and cruise along.

In comparison to my 172 on coilovers the runflats and sports suspension was seriously comfortable!!!

The 19" wheels which are on most 525d's are bloody nice too!

[kieranjholland]

This impulse has turned into an obsession...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-BMW-530d-M-Sport-4dr-Sa...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2005-55-Reg-BMW-5-SERIES-530...

I cannot hold myself responsible should I turn up at my own house in one of these tomorrow afternoon...