Anyone driven G30/1 520i? (or late F10/1)

[RiccardoG]

The G31 is about to be replaced with the mid-life update version and there are some good deals on new stock at BMW. Unfortunately it seems that there are only 520i for the petrol powered option. I really do not want (or need) a diesel.

Has anyone run a recent 4 cylinder 520i 5 Series? Any good? Bit concerned about only 184bhp on a 4 pot 2.0 with such a heavy car. Maybe its just the entry model but in reality should be avoided? Certainly in the past this was the case with the German brands...

Currently in an E39 530i. Its not a rocket, but the old girl can pick it skirts up when required. It will happily cruise at 100mph w(where legal, Germany) ith a boot full of heavy stuff and passengers on long Euro trips, which is the main "test" I need the car to pass to approve it.

[wivenhoe]

Have you thought about a 530e. Has about the same acceleration as a 530i but is a 2l with an electric motor. Upside is very little consumption on local driving downside is smaller boot.

[wivenhoe]

Should have said - the G31 530e is available later this year

[RiccardoG]

Thanks, but I am looking at getting an end of line deal, so not really relevant.

[BFleming]

The G30/G31 530i is also a 2 litre, maybe worth considering? I've driven one, it was lovely! The G30/31 is a decent step up in terms of cabin comfort from the F10/F11. I fancy a 540i eventually, particularly as I'm doing so few miles these days.

[stumpage]

I'll answer the question.

I have driven both the G30 and F10 in 520i form. In both cases I had them for a weekend and approx 350 miles. It's ok, not going to tear up the tarmac but quiet and smooth. It did seem a lot better in the G30, not sure if the engine had an update between models but is felt more refined than the F10.

Would I pick that engine? Nope the 520d better suits the car with its mid range surge. I haven't driven the 530s so can't comment on them but I would imagine they would be better.

[d_a_n1979]

Yes

Sis in law had the G30 520i; it was ok... Lovely inside, but the engines too small IMO for that car. Just not enough get up & go

She's now in a 530e and it's so much better (which is obvious really with it being the hybrid).

I test drove the 530i personally when my 530i touring (E39 FYI) was in for a recall and the G30 530i is a stunning car, engine, I thought, was very good indeed...

However, if I wanted to go for a car like that & spend that money; it wouldn't be on a 520i personally; 530i or 540i minimum...

But it's horses for courses; what I want out of a car won't be the same as someone else.

So my advice would be to test drive it and see how you get on with it etc

[RiccardoG]

Thanks for the feedback. Indeed I have always seen the 520i as the runt of the litter. Was kind of hoping things have moved on, but seems it hasn't significantly.

I am sure its an amazing car on so many aspects but, as its a long-term purchase, I think I'd probably regret getting the smallest engine after a while.

Would love to have the time to test drive all the cars on my shortlist but need to whittle down a bit before doing that (also considering Superb, Tiguan. Golf, E class and 3 series....).