F10/F11 530d vs 535d

[bramley]

Evening all,

Looking to get a 5 series Touring. Given up looking for petrol models as they're so rare and the performance of the diesels is pretty good on paper. I haven't driven one yet, and my knowledge ended at E39s so if anyone has any useful info on these cars and the difference between the engines in the real world, I'd live to hear.

There's a 535d locally...

Spec wise it seems a minefield; everything from electric towbar to cooled seats to 360 cameras etc etc so the chances of finding one with all the bits I want is slim. The local 535d has a tv and nice spec like pro nav but oddly no paddleshift?

TIA

[stevesingo]

Paddle shift can be retrofitted for not a lot.

I use my paddles often for adding engine braking.

[Huskyman]

What year is the 535d? I have an LCI 535d F11 and it’s a brilliant car.

[bramley]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2013. Had hoped for 100k ish rather than 115k but such is life.

[P700DEE]

Nice car , nice spec and reasonable price. Rare too so don't leave it too long. Only thing to check is that it is possible that it is still a Euro 5 car so watch if you intend to spend much time in cities or plan to keep for a long time.

[bramley]

Ah thanks. Not something I knew about so I'm reading up on that. Does it say on the V5?

Edit - seems it might say it on the V5 and the door jamb.

Edited by bramley on Wednesday 12th June 16:00

[rayyan171]

Good spec for the price, mileage is fine too. Just check for any timing chain noises/issues, these are associated with the N57 in general, irrespective of it being a 530d/535d. Some videos starting to crop up on FB groups, X5 showing them and apparently is to do with the N57. Quite rare problem, but something to be checked nonetheless.

[KPB1973]

bramley said:

...if anyone has any useful info on these cars and the difference between the engines in the real world, I'd live to hear.
TIA

Ive had both, although the 30d was an F10, and the 35d was actually a 640d GC - which was perhaps heavier but slippy-er.

Unless you're doing very long commutes where the mpg differential reduces, then I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a 30d over a 35d.

The headline performance stats may seem massive, but in the real world (except through the first few gears) it doesn't feel that way. Above 50mph the 30d feels 'good' for 258bhp whereas the 35d barely felt any quicker, and certainly not 55bhp stronger until you're way into 3-figures.

In fact, above 50mph the power delivery in the lesser engine was more satisfying, as it felt more 'boost-y'. In comparison, the 35d seemed very smooth but characterless (in as much as a diesel can be!) and strangely flat around the NSL in comfort mode in 8th gear.

In terms of economy. I would hazard that I used more of the 530d's performance for a much smaller MPG penalty. The 35d was pretty poor on short journeys and around town but could give exceptional MPG on longer trips, but only if you don't use it's performance - which sort of defeats the object of paying a premium over the 30d!

In other words - I think the 30d hits a sweeter spot between performance and economy. It's much better at 'being a diesel' unlike the 35d which is a diesel trying to be a performance engine.

[bramley]

Very interesting, thank you.

[rassi]

KPB1973 said:

Ive had both, although the 30d was an F10, and the 35d was actually a 640d GC - which was perhaps heavier but slippy-er.

Unless you're doing very long commutes where the mpg differential reduces, then I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a 30d over a 35d.

The headline performance stats may seem massive, but in the real world (except through the first few gears) it doesn't feel that way. Above 50mph the 30d feels 'good' for 258bhp whereas the 35d barely felt any quicker, and certainly not 55bhp stronger until you're way into 3-figures.

In fact, above 50mph the power delivery in the lesser engine was more satisfying, as it felt more 'boost-y'. In comparison, the 35d seemed very smooth but characterless (in as much as a diesel can be!) and strangely flat around the NSL in comfort mode in 8th gear.

In terms of economy. I would hazard that I used more of the 530d's performance for a much smaller MPG penalty. The 35d was pretty poor on short journeys and around town but could give exceptional MPG on longer trips, but only if you don't use it's performance - which sort of defeats the object of paying a premium over the 30d!

In other words - I think the 30d hits a sweeter spot between performance and economy. It's much better at 'being a diesel' unlike the 35d which is a diesel trying to be a performance engine.

Appreciate the long and well-argumented answer, except my experience is slightly different: The single turbo 30D felt more laggy (or boosty), whereas the twin turbo 35D is much more linear, and especially from a stand still there is instant thrust. In terms of MPG, I cannot find any difference.

[KPB1973]

rassi said:

Appreciate the long and well-argumented answer, except my experience is slightly different: The single turbo 30D felt more laggy (or boosty), whereas the twin turbo 35D is much more linear, and especially from a stand still there is instant thrust. In terms of MPG, I cannot find any difference.

Fair enough. Different strokes etc!

On the latter point - I struggled to get more than 34mpg on my 14 mile, 80% d/c/way morning commute in the 640d. The 530d beforehand would do about 41.

In comparison, my Megane 275 does 31mpg and the proceeding Boxster S did 33mpg.

On longer trips I would concur that the differential between the single and twin turbos does narrow significantly, but is harder to maintain in the twin-turbo.

Incidentally - does / did your twin turbo feel flat at around 70mph in comfort mode? I tried to map it out, but it just made the gearbox tend to kickdown instead.

[sjj84]

Wouldn't worry about paddleshift, although as said it can be retro fitted if you felt the need. I have it in mine, used it once, it's really not the kind of car that needs it.