Daily Driver - 530d or 540i?
Discussion
Well, my contract hire deal is almost up and I want one more BMW before the Brexit nutters shut the frontiers. I can get good deals on 520d, 530d and 540i. My head says 520d. My heart says you only live once. This could be the last company car. Have a petrol engined straight six. What do you think guys?
I do almost exactly 20k miles per year, but it is a matter of what is the better drive. That article, and EVO have credibility, describes the 540i as acknowledging the big petrol engined BMW's of the past, but not actually being that impressive after the noisy start up, and flags up the 530d as the one to have.
It isn't easy to get a 540i out on a test drive, they don't tend to have demonstrators. The question then is whether to have XDrive. My experience with highly 'managed' suspension, both with BMW and Jaguar, is that it goes through tyres like a full English breakfast. What appeals to me about the 5, and I currently run a 520d day to day, is the wonderful natural balance of the thing.
If its snowing, I will use a 4x4.
It isn't easy to get a 540i out on a test drive, they don't tend to have demonstrators. The question then is whether to have XDrive. My experience with highly 'managed' suspension, both with BMW and Jaguar, is that it goes through tyres like a full English breakfast. What appeals to me about the 5, and I currently run a 520d day to day, is the wonderful natural balance of the thing.
If its snowing, I will use a 4x4.
Edited by cardigankid on Thursday 11th July 10:23
Were it me I'd get a 540i. The refinement levels are up massively, and it will feel really special.
I do 25k per year, and bought myself a 330d. I thought it would be a good balance of 'old school BMW' after years and years in Petrol ones, and I hated it. It lasted a month, before I sold it. I then bought a 330i and the refinement is massively up, as is driving enjoyment. The B58 is a really great engine too. My only drawback would be the xDrive thing, but I would do it to get the engine that BMW are known for, and have done so well.
I do 25k per year, and bought myself a 330d. I thought it would be a good balance of 'old school BMW' after years and years in Petrol ones, and I hated it. It lasted a month, before I sold it. I then bought a 330i and the refinement is massively up, as is driving enjoyment. The B58 is a really great engine too. My only drawback would be the xDrive thing, but I would do it to get the engine that BMW are known for, and have done so well.
cardigankid said:
I do almost exactly 20k miles per year, but it is a matter of what is the better drive. That article, and EVO have credibility, describes the 540i as acknowledging the big petrol engined BMW's of the past, but not actually being that impressive after the noisy start up, and flags up the 530d as the one to have.
I can understand why.I must admit, the X-Drive only with the 40i would put me off it as well, and I think I'd be more tempted by the 530d as well (but a 540d would be even better!!)
cardigankid said:
I do almost exactly 20k miles per year, but it is a matter of what is the better drive. That article, and EVO have credibility, describes the 540i as acknowledging the big petrol engined BMW's of the past, but not actually being that impressive after the noisy start up, and flags up the 530d as the one to have.
It isn't easy to get a 540i out on a test drive, they don't tend to have demonstrators. The question then is whether to have XDrive. My experience with highly 'managed' suspension, both with BMW and Jaguar, is that it goes through tyres like a full English breakfast. What appeals to me about the 5, and I currently run a 520d day to day, is the wonderful natural balance of the thing.
If its snowing, I will use a 4x4.
I’ve done 21,800 miles from new in my 540. Still on the original tyres.It isn't easy to get a 540i out on a test drive, they don't tend to have demonstrators. The question then is whether to have XDrive. My experience with highly 'managed' suspension, both with BMW and Jaguar, is that it goes through tyres like a full English breakfast. What appeals to me about the 5, and I currently run a 520d day to day, is the wonderful natural balance of the thing.
If its snowing, I will use a 4x4.
Edited by cardigankid on Thursday 11th July 10:23
I've owned a 530d and a 640i (essentially the same car).
I understand this is comparing the previous generation of cars, but petrol all the way... The 530d was excellent in every respect, but the petrol engine just sounds and feels much better. If I had bought a 535i rather than a 530d (or even a 535d), I don't think I would have changed it!!
I understand this is comparing the previous generation of cars, but petrol all the way... The 530d was excellent in every respect, but the petrol engine just sounds and feels much better. If I had bought a 535i rather than a 530d (or even a 535d), I don't think I would have changed it!!
I got a 530D and also a 340i...
On engine alone I prefer the 340i it’s quieter and has enough torque to cope with a big car. The 530D albeit fast feels it runs out of poke quite quickly. The best way to explain is that the 530D feels rapid but not quick...
We chose the 530D because we didn’t want Xdrive and the 540i was only available in X Drive
On engine alone I prefer the 340i it’s quieter and has enough torque to cope with a big car. The 530D albeit fast feels it runs out of poke quite quickly. The best way to explain is that the 530D feels rapid but not quick...
We chose the 530D because we didn’t want Xdrive and the 540i was only available in X Drive
Thanks guys, all your contributions are much appreciated. I am going to go 530d mostly on the strength of the EVO article, and for the benefit of fuel economy, no XDrive, 19” Alloys which are the base option. No packs, but HUD, High Beam Assist, Speed Limit Display, and one or two other options which I have convinced myself I need, like MSport seat belts!
I have an M4 when I feel the need to indulge my love of petrol.
I have an M4 when I feel the need to indulge my love of petrol.
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