BMW F11 530d vs 530d GT
BMW F11 530d vs 530d GT
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Discussion

junglie

Original Poster:

2,052 posts

247 months

Monday 25th March 2019
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Good morning,

I have seen an F11 530d SE for sale at £7500 and a 530d GT SE at a similar price.

Both SE, both around 100k miles, both private sellers with the F11 being manual and the GT the 8 speed auto.

Spec is pretty similar on both but neither have either comfort or sports seats which may be an issue (?).

I understand the GT is based on the 7 series so is it the better car in terms of refinement etc?

The car will be the family bus, including the usual duties, and I have some more ‘fun’ things for weekends so that is not a factor!

I know the GT is not the most handsome thing but any reason to go for one over the other?

rassi

2,517 posts

281 months

Monday 25th March 2019
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Didn't know that a F11 530d could be had in manual? If it had been automatic, no doubt that it would be that choice, but if really it is manual then the GT, the 30D and 8 speed auto is a perfect match.

junglie

Original Poster:

2,052 posts

247 months

Monday 25th March 2019
quotequote all
Definitely a manual in the 530d which, although not the trend, appeals in its simplicity and ability to do ‘what you want’ although I know how good the 8 speed is.

rayyan171

1,298 posts

123 months

Monday 25th March 2019
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GT chassis is considerably more comfortable than the 5 series. Some even have optional self-levelling air suspension, which can make for a very comfortable ride. Apparently they are quite good at hiding their size in the bends as well. For family duties, the GT would certainly be the pick. More cabin space too, even compared to a F11.

junglie

Original Poster:

2,052 posts

247 months

Monday 25th March 2019
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The GT has just sold!

Unfortunately not to me!

pvogue

900 posts

144 months

Monday 25th March 2019
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I think the GT in M Sport guise looks nice

BFleming

3,919 posts

173 months

Friday 29th March 2019
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rayyan171 said:
GT chassis is considerably more comfortable than the 5 series. Some even have optional self-levelling air suspension, which can make for a very comfortable ride. Apparently they are quite good at hiding their size in the bends as well. For family duties, the GT would certainly be the pick. More cabin space too, even compared to a F11.
All GT's and F11's have air suspension at the back. Nothing optional about it. Expect the suspension air bags to last 5 years or so. They're not madly expensive though.
I have the F11; mine's the 8 speed auto. I wouldn't have a manual one, as the auto box is an awesome piece of kit.
My must-haves are:
Auto
Comfort Seats
DAB

Nice to haves:
Panoramic roof
Wide nav

Everything else is a nice to have. Mine is remapped, has Eibach springs up front & lowered rear, BBS 18in alloys... so no need for a sport. I'll add paddle shifters in due course, but I'm enjoying it for what it is for now.

junglie

Original Poster:

2,052 posts

247 months

Saturday 30th March 2019
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Had a look at the F11 yesterday.

Some thoughts:

Spec - quite an eclectic mix. Widescreen nav, DAB, tv, head up display. Heated front and rear seats. Part electric seats. No pano roof.

Gearbox - I like a manual but it does highlight the boost threshold of the engine not being achieved until circa 1500 rpm. The ZF 8 speed will mask this issue and offers additional, and closer, ratios.

Issues - driver’s electric seat height adjust did not work.
Boot release switch by driver’s leg seemed only to unlock the boot but the boot did not lift by itself. It is not an electric boot but I thought it might lift up on its own via springs.
Not sure if it has xenons. Lights are auto but not sure.
Oil level was too high. Is this a case of overfilled or fuel mixing with oil as DPF regen not happening?

I think I could get it for £7250 on 103,000 miles but not sure if that is a good price?

Wilmslowboy

4,772 posts

236 months

Saturday 30th March 2019
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junglie said:
Had a look at the F11 yesterday.

Some thoughts:

Spec - quite an eclectic mix. Widescreen nav, DAB, tv, head up display. Heated front and rear seats. Part electric seats. No pano roof.

Gearbox - I like a manual but it does highlight the boost threshold of the engine not being achieved until circa 1500 rpm. The ZF 8 speed will mask this issue and offers additional, and closer, ratios.

Issues - driver’s electric seat height adjust did not work.
Boot release switch by driver’s leg seemed only to unlock the boot but the boot did not lift by itself. It is not an electric boot but I thought it might lift up on its own via springs.
Not sure if it has xenons. Lights are auto but not sure.
Oil level was too high. Is this a case of overfilled or fuel mixing with oil as DPF regen not happening?

I think I could get it for £7250 on 103,000 miles but not sure if that is a good price?
Sounds like a good price, we paid £12,800 for our 2012, F11 msport 520d with 84k miles, this was from BMW, almost exactly a year a go (they seemed less on the mkt then). Looking around now there seems to be plenty better cars at much better prices, setting aside the fact it's a msport, ours isn't great spec.


Our boot doesn't spring open on unlock (which is useful as we have dogs) it dose have soft close but not auto assisted closing.


junglie

Original Poster:

2,052 posts

247 months

Saturday 30th March 2019
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It is tempting but also have the option of an E350 cdi estate (£10k) and E61 550i SE (£5k) so lots of decisions!

rassi

2,517 posts

281 months

Sunday 31st March 2019
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junglie said:
It is tempting but also have the option of an E350 cdi estate (£10k) and E61 550i SE (£5k) so lots of decisions!
Get that E61 550 bought!

junglie

Original Poster:

2,052 posts

247 months

Sunday 31st March 2019
quotequote all
A friend of mine is going to look at it next week for me.

Still tempted by the F11 530d though....