340i Touring to 5x0d Touring
Discussion
Hi
Currently have a 2.5 yr old 340i with the MPPSK. Very nice car, but honestly only use the performance a fraction of the time (I drive on motorways and dual carriageways mostly - and congested ones at that).
I am going to start doing more miles in a new job. At least 200 miles a week. Also sprog no.2 is coming over the horizon, which means dragging out the Bugaboo [sic] from hibernation (for those fortunate not to know what this is, it is a very very large child pram which usually requires you to have a trailer to put all your other luggage in!).
So, with all the rave reviews the 5er Touring is getting, I was thinking of swapping up, but going back to diesel. Reason why I am thinking diesel is: the 540i would be slower than my current car and so I would always be comparing it against that (also, its flipping expensive); better fuel economy of diesel; better type of engine for grunting along in slow moving traffic; dealers offering bigger discounts on diesel because they are now the source of all evil in the world etc etc.
So, I went along and had a go in a 520d Touring M sport. 19" wheels and no adaptive suspension. I was really rather impressed. Yes, it didn't have the oomph after the initial surge, but it felt quicker than I was expecting. The whole car felt compact, light and handled tidily.
If I go for one, I would go for either 18s or 19s and get the adaptive suspension (as every single review says it is essential). Ironically though, I didn't think the ride was too bad on the test car. I imagine a 18" wheel car with adaptive must be very comfortable. Which is probably what I am after now unfortunately.
Anyway, my question is, has anyone bought a new diesel 5er and if so, just wondering what your thoughts are on it, especially if you have come from a 3 series. I pretty much know the spec. I would go for, but it would be interesting to hear what options people think are good and not good.
Thanks in advance!
Currently have a 2.5 yr old 340i with the MPPSK. Very nice car, but honestly only use the performance a fraction of the time (I drive on motorways and dual carriageways mostly - and congested ones at that).
I am going to start doing more miles in a new job. At least 200 miles a week. Also sprog no.2 is coming over the horizon, which means dragging out the Bugaboo [sic] from hibernation (for those fortunate not to know what this is, it is a very very large child pram which usually requires you to have a trailer to put all your other luggage in!).
So, with all the rave reviews the 5er Touring is getting, I was thinking of swapping up, but going back to diesel. Reason why I am thinking diesel is: the 540i would be slower than my current car and so I would always be comparing it against that (also, its flipping expensive); better fuel economy of diesel; better type of engine for grunting along in slow moving traffic; dealers offering bigger discounts on diesel because they are now the source of all evil in the world etc etc.
So, I went along and had a go in a 520d Touring M sport. 19" wheels and no adaptive suspension. I was really rather impressed. Yes, it didn't have the oomph after the initial surge, but it felt quicker than I was expecting. The whole car felt compact, light and handled tidily.
If I go for one, I would go for either 18s or 19s and get the adaptive suspension (as every single review says it is essential). Ironically though, I didn't think the ride was too bad on the test car. I imagine a 18" wheel car with adaptive must be very comfortable. Which is probably what I am after now unfortunately.
Anyway, my question is, has anyone bought a new diesel 5er and if so, just wondering what your thoughts are on it, especially if you have come from a 3 series. I pretty much know the spec. I would go for, but it would be interesting to hear what options people think are good and not good.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the thoughts. I would tend to agree with the above comments. However, two things. Firstly, the 530d is expensive (over £7k more than a 520d), especially after I have added on my usual £10k of options (that is my downfall unfortunately). Secondly, I am at the sad age where the more I think about it, I am not sure if I care about power anymore. I can count on one hand the times when I have needed to overtake the car in front in a fifty fifty situation (and thus needed something stupidly fast) and I have never needed the extra power to get me out of a dangerous situation (yet). I will have use of a M140i as well, so this will probably satisfy what remains of my power / excitement needs. The 5er would be a commuting and family car and in such scenarios, as I said, you can't really use what power it may have (due to congestion and the wife saying "watch the speed limit!")
I am also looking at the 525d which only has about 30 hp less and 120 nm less than the 530d, but is lighter. That might be the best combination of value for money and performance. Only down side is that it is closer to 530d price than 520d price, so much so that you might as well get the 530d for not much more.
I am lining up a full day's test drive with a 520d, so that will give me a good idea of what living with one will be like.
LOL. Perhaps, I should be on What Car as we are talking about a diesel estate on PH!
I am also looking at the 525d which only has about 30 hp less and 120 nm less than the 530d, but is lighter. That might be the best combination of value for money and performance. Only down side is that it is closer to 530d price than 520d price, so much so that you might as well get the 530d for not much more.
I am lining up a full day's test drive with a 520d, so that will give me a good idea of what living with one will be like.
LOL. Perhaps, I should be on What Car as we are talking about a diesel estate on PH!
I've got a new 520d. Very impressive cars. Whilst a 340i is a different performance level, the 520d is not slow. I've covered about 170k miles in 520d's and I have never had a situation where I thought there was a lack of power (on the Autobahn it took a bit of time to get to 145 mph). Mine does about 50 mpg and the latest one feels lighter and more cosseting to drive than the previous model.
The interior is quite a step up from a 3 series and is very comfortable over long distances.
I would love a 530d but as a company car the step up in tax is not worth it. As a private purchase I would sacrifice the options and go for a 530d albeit in Sport plus trim. The head up display is very good though if you are considering that.
The interior is quite a step up from a 3 series and is very comfortable over long distances.
I would love a 530d but as a company car the step up in tax is not worth it. As a private purchase I would sacrifice the options and go for a 530d albeit in Sport plus trim. The head up display is very good though if you are considering that.
I went from a 335i Touring to a 520d Touring for exactly the same reasons as you, I was doing 30k miles a year and just fancied more comfort.
Long and short of it is the lack of refinement started to really grate, not at first, but after a few weeks it started to annoy me really badly, just the vibration that I never noticed much at first seemed to get worse and worse, on the way home if hitting traffic when I was tired it was really annoying.
In the end I got out after about 16 weeks and lost £8000 doing so, the jump from that sweet straight six petrol to the 4cyl diesel was just too much.
Also, my 335i touring used to get around 34mpg on the weekly work run, where as the 520d was 42mpg (OBC said 46mpg) and the difference at the pump was a bit disappointing. Saved about £10 a week.
Have you considered the 530i?
I was lent a 328i for a week and was seriously impressed with that, that was getting 40mpg on a run no problem. About a grand less than the 525d as well.
Long and short of it is the lack of refinement started to really grate, not at first, but after a few weeks it started to annoy me really badly, just the vibration that I never noticed much at first seemed to get worse and worse, on the way home if hitting traffic when I was tired it was really annoying.
In the end I got out after about 16 weeks and lost £8000 doing so, the jump from that sweet straight six petrol to the 4cyl diesel was just too much.
Also, my 335i touring used to get around 34mpg on the weekly work run, where as the 520d was 42mpg (OBC said 46mpg) and the difference at the pump was a bit disappointing. Saved about £10 a week.
Have you considered the 530i?
I was lent a 328i for a week and was seriously impressed with that, that was getting 40mpg on a run no problem. About a grand less than the 525d as well.
I had a G31 520d SE for the day and was really impressed with the interior and the comfort, but it was not fun to drive by any stretch and felt both large and heavy. The zf8 and the 20d was not a great combo either when pressing on, but was OK for gentle wafting.
It made a great barge, but mpg was really surprising. It really struggled to get near 40mpg on a 50 mph run across country in the ecopro mode.
It just made me think, if you are interested in driving its not the car to have, but if you are not then why spend all that money on a BMW?
How much is a 530e? That must be a nicer thing to own.
It made a great barge, but mpg was really surprising. It really struggled to get near 40mpg on a 50 mph run across country in the ecopro mode.
It just made me think, if you are interested in driving its not the car to have, but if you are not then why spend all that money on a BMW?
How much is a 530e? That must be a nicer thing to own.
Situations like the one you’re in makes you wonder why BMW don’t sell a 525d with a detuned 3.0 straight 6 anymore. Audi do a 218 & 272 hp V6 diesel. A 520d May feel ok now but if you’re ordering new and spending nigh on 50k, I don’t think the 20d is a very good idea. I have a 430d M sport and I’ve had a few 320d se loan cars and apart from the fact they’re easier and funnier to hustle than mine, the engine is just painful compared to the straight 6. Quick and powerful enough, well more than enough really, they’re quick cars but in terms of refinement and doing a lot of miles in one after having a petrol straight 6, you may regret your decision in a few months time!
Also I saw a white 6GT today and that’s a nice car, are they pricier than the 5?
Also I saw a white 6GT today and that’s a nice car, are they pricier than the 5?
gizlaroc said:
I went from a 335i Touring to a 520d Touring for exactly the same reasons as you, I was doing 30k miles a year and just fancied more comfort.
Long and short of it is the lack of refinement started to really grate, not at first, but after a few weeks it started to annoy me really badly, just the vibration that I never noticed much at first seemed to get worse and worse, on the way home if hitting traffic when I was tired it was really annoying.
In the end I got out after about 16 weeks and lost £8000 doing so, the jump from that sweet straight six petrol to the 4cyl diesel was just too much.
Also, my 335i touring used to get around 34mpg on the weekly work run, where as the 520d was 42mpg (OBC said 46mpg) and the difference at the pump was a bit disappointing. Saved about £10 a week.
Have you considered the 530i?
I was lent a 328i for a week and was seriously impressed with that, that was getting 40mpg on a run no problem. About a grand less than the 525d as well.
I hadn't. Will check the list price and see where that sits in the hierarchy.Long and short of it is the lack of refinement started to really grate, not at first, but after a few weeks it started to annoy me really badly, just the vibration that I never noticed much at first seemed to get worse and worse, on the way home if hitting traffic when I was tired it was really annoying.
In the end I got out after about 16 weeks and lost £8000 doing so, the jump from that sweet straight six petrol to the 4cyl diesel was just too much.
Also, my 335i touring used to get around 34mpg on the weekly work run, where as the 520d was 42mpg (OBC said 46mpg) and the difference at the pump was a bit disappointing. Saved about £10 a week.
Have you considered the 530i?
I was lent a 328i for a week and was seriously impressed with that, that was getting 40mpg on a run no problem. About a grand less than the 525d as well.
Thanks for the comments.
To answer a few questions:
1. I still have an interest in driving - I am not a Peugeot or Audi driver yet
- so how the car handles and feels is still important. Just not sure if getting the most powerful version is worth the money in the real world.
2. The main reason for changing is so that I get a bigger car. The type of fuel is a follow on from that, not the main reason for changing. So, no reason to simply swap a 340 for a 335d.
3. I think you are right, I will miss the 6 cylinder smoothness and oomph. Was out in the 340 today and it is very addictive. Maybe the 530d is the best option. Damn the options list! Just glad they don't do the 540d or M550d versions here in the UK otherwise I would be bankrupt!
To answer a few questions:
1. I still have an interest in driving - I am not a Peugeot or Audi driver yet
- so how the car handles and feels is still important. Just not sure if getting the most powerful version is worth the money in the real world.2. The main reason for changing is so that I get a bigger car. The type of fuel is a follow on from that, not the main reason for changing. So, no reason to simply swap a 340 for a 335d.
3. I think you are right, I will miss the 6 cylinder smoothness and oomph. Was out in the 340 today and it is very addictive. Maybe the 530d is the best option. Damn the options list! Just glad they don't do the 540d or M550d versions here in the UK otherwise I would be bankrupt!
Roma101 said:
Just an update on this. You were right, I have decided that if I got a diesel 5, I would go for the 530d, not the 520d. Now debating whether I should really be going diesel at all! Only other option would be the 540i as I definitely want 6 cyl.
200 Miles a week is not enough to need diesel. 540i is X drive that’s nice and safe motoring in all weathers for when you’ve the kids. Wife will like that idea
We have both... mine is the 340i, wife got the 530D. I love the 340i in Sport Plus when I am that inclined. For 90% of the time the 530D is just better, more quality inside and more quality driving, we went for S Drive as I see no reason for X drive down south and have big wheels with adaptative suspension. Perfect ride. My wife is not a petrolhead so wasn’t that fussed about the 530d vs the 520d... now after 6 months just lives her car, the torque everything. Get the 530d, forget 4WD and if spec big wheels get adaptative suspension. You won’t be disappointed.
One thing I will say the sound system H&K on the 3 series sounds better than the H&K on the 5 series.
Deeply I am slightly envious of my wife’s 530d eheh
One thing I will say the sound system H&K on the 3 series sounds better than the H&K on the 5 series.
Deeply I am slightly envious of my wife’s 530d eheh
Roma101 said:
Just an update on this. You were right, I have decided that if I got a diesel 5, I would go for the 530d, not the 520d. Now debating whether I should really be going diesel at all! Only other option would be the 540i as I definitely want 6 cyl.
The 530i 4cyl is more refined than the 530d 6cyl. I have a 530d by the way.
CrgT16 said:
We have both... mine is the 340i, wife got the 530D. I love the 340i in Sport Plus when I am that inclined. For 90% of the time the 530D is just better, more quality inside and more quality driving, we went for S Drive as I see no reason for X drive down south and have big wheels with adaptative suspension. Perfect ride. My wife is not a petrolhead so wasn’t that fussed about the 530d vs the 520d... now after 6 months just lives her car, the torque everything. Get the 530d, forget 4WD and if spec big wheels get adaptative suspension. You won’t be disappointed.
One thing I will say the sound system H&K on the 3 series sounds better than the H&K on the 5 series.
Deeply I am slightly envious of my wife’s 530d eheh
Well, today I finally pulled the trigger and ordered a 530d M Sport Touring. To recap, the drivers (if you'll pardon the pun) were need for a larger car, congested boring motoring in the south-east with long journeys to further afield (motorway and dual carriageway mainly) and the end of the 340i PCP agreement on the horizon. I think a diesel suits my motoring needs right now. Most of the journeys I will be doing will be long enough for the engine to get up to temperature and given the 530d is cheaper than the 540i, there is no cost saving in getting a 540. 530d is also more fuel efficient. One thing I will say the sound system H&K on the 3 series sounds better than the H&K on the 5 series.
Deeply I am slightly envious of my wife’s 530d eheh
I went a bit crazy on the options, egged on by the dealer who started to chuck in low cost options for free (like heated steering wheel). Options include the obligatory Adaptive Suspension. Sticking with the standard 19"s. 18" aren't available. sDrive. Overall, it is a lot of car for a decent price.
Gone for an Individual colour so will have to wait slightly longer. Hope going back to Diesel is the right choice! Guess I'll find out in the summer!
It'll be a lovely car and the -30d engine has so much torque that you'll still feel the performance is decent enough together with being more refined than the 4-cylinder car.
I seriously considered a 5er but delivery timescales for the car I wanted ended up pushing me in the direction of the competition from Stuttgart which I found equally good from a "wafty mile eater with lots of room" perspective
I seriously considered a 5er but delivery timescales for the car I wanted ended up pushing me in the direction of the competition from Stuttgart which I found equally good from a "wafty mile eater with lots of room" perspective
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