£12000 difference?

[Chipper]

I'm thinking of changing my discovery 4 and going back to BMW. Tbh the discovery 4 has been fantastic but I'm bored of driving the big 4x4 and fancied getting a new f10 m sport 535d for the long journeys to work.

I've just been on coast to coast to spec up my new vehicle and quickly noticed a £12000 difference before I touch the options on a 520d m sport against a 535d m sport. Shocked is not the word. Though I appreciate that the 535 is a league above the 520d in regards performance ( yes I always dms my previous 535d - 335d engines ) the sheer difference in price has stumped me ?

I don't know if I can get over that price difference to justify going for the larger engine though I don't know if I could live with the smaller engine if the whole purpose of me changing the d4 was to have a little bit more fun in my daily commute. I loved the grunt of the 35d engine for general commute.

Stuck here drinking jd's stewing over what to do

[Fox-]

Why not compromise with a 525d or a 530d?

Dont forget the price difference alone isn't just for the engine. You gain equipment as standard you'd need to pay for on a 520d.

Just forget the 520d exists, it's the best way. It's an engine for little 1 Series hatchbacks not properly decent executive saloon.

Back before everyone was obsessed with CO2 emissions the E39 was only available in the UK with 6 or 8 cylinder engines. Try and block the rubbishy 4 pots out of your mind.

[outnumbered]

I always liked the maxim that no true gentleman motors behind fewer than 6 cylinders...

On the other hand, the current gen 520d engine is more economical and slightly more powerful than the original 525d engine in our 2004 E61 car. So it's by no means unfit for purpose.