E60 525i or 525d questions

[outnumbered]

I'm looking for a big estate to replace the Saab 9-5 that Mrs outnumbered currently uses.

Thinking about a 2004/2005 525i or 525d (as an AUC) and have a couple lined up to look at just under £20K. 530s seem a bit beyond the price I want to pay at the moment, unfortunately.

Are the 525s fast enough to make decent progress & overtakes past your typical 45mph A-road traffic ? Also any thoughts on diesel vs petrol with the autobox, which works best?

[dxb335d]

I would go with the diesel. You can re-map to improve performance, it will be quicker than the petrol and return better consumption. What age car are you looking at? 05 on?


Carlos

[outnumbered]

I've now had a chance to drive both, and the petrol 525 (original 192bhp engine, not the later one) is pretty gutless in the mid-range for overtaking. So looks like the 525d would be the one, perhaps with a spot of DMS'ing.

[dxb335d]

Out of interest, after test driving both of these engines, as stock cars did the diesel feel quicker?

Are you talking about the E39 5 series yes?


Carlos

[Hammerhead]

Title suggests E60..

[outnumbered]

Diesel felt much quicker in normal use. This was on an E60, as per the title.

[Otter's pocket]

didyou got for the 525D in the end then ? I only ask as I'm looking at these at the moment, and am keen on owners thoughts and real-world experiences.
(I have discounted the "my 535d is faster than concorde" type of advice)
thanks