VAG driver coming back to BMW

[TheGrandBore]

Newly registered, but have popped onto the forums in the past. Also a big fan of the PH YouTube channel.

I have owned an Audi S4 for the past 4 years, it replaced an E60 535d Msport. Both great cars, both have their own plus points, both pretty much bullet proof and Id happily own both again.

I do about 12,000 miles each year, 10,000 of them with only me in the car, but having a family means that I do need something practical as Im not keen on my wife's SUV.

The things I won't miss about the Audi are: 1) the dealers (tried 3 local ones) dont have the same level of service as BMW, 2) I have been very worried about it being stolen as it does seem to be popular with the wrong types and 3) despite being a drivers car and very quick, it isn't enough to get you out of bed on a sunny Sunday morning.

I have seen some cracking deals on both new and used 540s, I see this as a slightly grown up version of the car I have now.

I have driven a 540i and a 530d back to back, a few hours is hard to get a measure on a car, but impressions so far are positive.

Any advice, will I regret it? Any spec to look for avoid?

[rassi]

The G30/G31 5 series is great! I have the 540i, would have been equally happy with a 540d (not sure it is available in the UK) but was 20 % more expensive second hand and mine has a great spec (adaptive drive, head up, Bower Wilkinson stereo, leather dashboard, panoramic roof, comfort seats) and the B58 engine is a cracking engine - I am used to BMW 6 cylinder engines but the B58 petrol is just so smooth, quiet and great performing, so depending on your mileage I would fully recommend the 540i.

Spec wise: M sport, adaptive led, adaptive suspension and head up would be my essentials.

[TheGrandBore]

Thanks for the feedback rassi, you are correct that there is not a 540d in the uk.

Ive ordered a black 540i xdrive with cream interior, sadly without adaptive suspension but the deal is fantastic with almost £20k deposit contribution.

[thebullettrain]

That’s a good deal, can you let me know more about it? I’m looking at one myself (with the same diesel v petrol debate), so would appreciate your thoughts on why you went for the petrol.