Which new 5 series engine would you go for?

[un1corn]

So i'm in the market for a G30 5 series. I currently own a 530d F10 Touring.

The obvious option is to go straight to another 530d. I adore the look of the latest 5 series. (g30 ).

I'm going to get a saloon but i'm only running around around 12 miles a day now. I don't use the motorway really and the road is a long 50mph straight with the occasional 30mph at each end.

So, with this low mileage, I'm guessing a 530d really doesnt make sense, however i adore the grunt and shove of the 530d and the 6 cylinder engine.

The 520d is not in contention, as is anything silly like a 540, M5 etc.

Due to the mileage i'm thinking maybe a 530i but I'm unsure if i could stomach the 2.0 engine, because I love the grunt and shove of a high torque 6 cylinder diesel.

I suppose another option is a 530e but I've really got no experiance of this or if it's even a good idea. Another option which is a bit 'out there' is a 340i, but i'm unsure if the feel of the 3-series is a bit tat compared to the 5, and I drive a 330d at work so i'll feel like im always in the same car.

So, unless anyone has any other suggestions, what would you guys recommend?

[hilly10]

I went from a F11 2.0 d to a G30 2.0 d I to love the G30. Before I swapped my car the F11 went in for the recall and they gave me the 530e for three weeks. I have to say it’s really quick and on a full charge would get you to work if driven sedately.

[Geffg]

In general day to day I think the 520 is gonna suffice. But I know where your coming from as I’ve had a 530d, 525d which was 3l also and currently got a f10 525d which is the 2l one but more power than a 520d. Quite rare especially in the 2.0l version.
Also looking at a G30 and 530d aren’t very common so looks like will be a 520d. I’ve driven them and they are fine performance wise, but you can’t beat the grunt and noise of the 3l.
Sorry no help but similar dilemma myself. Swaying towards the 520 as a lot more choice and spec available.

[anonymous-user]

12 miles a day, 6 each way?

The hybrid sounds best for that or the 530i. Less torque than the 530d but a hell of a lot smoother than the 520d.

I don’t see any advantage of a diesel in those circumstances.

[Muzzer79]

Wait until November and get the 545e

Big petrol engine, but hybrid for your 12 miles a day

[jimPH]

Odd question, M5, 4.4L V8.

[Wills2]

For 12 miles a day it doesn't really matter whether it's the 20d or M5 the difference in fuel cost would be minimal, if you're bothered just get the 30e and do it on electric power without having to fill up.

[b14]

Out of interest, if a 340i is in the frame, why is a 540i out? Same engine? They are great cars, don't discount them because of a perception of them being too extreme / not sensible enough.

[un1corn]

b14 said:

Out of interest, if a 340i is in the frame, why is a 540i out? Same engine? They are great cars, don't discount them because of a perception of them being too extreme / not sensible enough.

Its just sheer price. The 540 for 2018 or less and less than 20,000 miles is 30k plus. My budget is around the 26k mark.

[c3m]

b14 said:

Out of interest, if a 340i is in the frame, why is a 540i out? Same engine? They are great cars, don't discount them because of a perception of them being too extreme / not sensible enough.

This is the correct answer! I used to own an F30 340i + MPE, what a brilliant car (kind of miss it sometimes). The B58 is absolutely sublime and pulls very hard.

540i is more luxurious and much quieter, less agile while the 340i would be more fun: pick depending on your priorities. But you cannot go wrong with either.

[Court_S]

Why is the 540 silly? The B58 is actually pretty economical for it size / power. It sounds pretty good and is grunty too. Win win.

[nordboy]

With that sort of mileage, personally I'd steer clear of diesel. I do around 25-30 mile commute so went petrol. Tbh, the 530 would probably do you, but the 540 engine is an absolute peach. Quick, refined, If you were to do a back to back test drive, I'm pretty sure you'd buy the 540. Cracking car, love mine.

[cerb4.5lee]

un1corn said:

Due to the mileage i'm thinking maybe a 530i but I'm unsure if i could stomach the 2.0 engine, because I love the grunt and shove of a high torque 6 cylinder diesel.

I was really impressed with the G30 530i when I drove one. Even though it is only a 2.0 engine it felt nice and torquey and a good match to the auto gearbox.

I've had a few 6 cylinder diesels and they are lovely and torquey, but in your case I'd happily go for the 530i.