E60 530d vs 530i
Discussion
Which would you recommend? There are far more d's about then i's - the d's have more torque, but the i's are quicker to 60.
My driving is a mixture of short trips to the station/shops couple of times a week, and long drives down to the coast with a light trailer in tow (small racing dinghy) most weekends in the summer. Currently towing it behind my Z3
Does the fuel economy make much difference given the higher price of derv?
I'm hoping for the prices of M-Sports to come down to less than 13k early next year so I can take the plunge
Wouldn't mind an SE, but with the M-Sport looking as good as it does, not sure I could settle for it!
My driving is a mixture of short trips to the station/shops couple of times a week, and long drives down to the coast with a light trailer in tow (small racing dinghy) most weekends in the summer. Currently towing it behind my Z3

Does the fuel economy make much difference given the higher price of derv?
I'm hoping for the prices of M-Sports to come down to less than 13k early next year so I can take the plunge

I can't speak for the E60 as I've only driven the diesel but I'd imagine the similarities between them are the same as those between the E39 530d and 530i. I have a 530i and my father has a 530d which I drive often.
I think we both agree now that the 530i is the better car. It is less mechanically complex so there are no turbocharger concerns, it is only roughly 7mpg less efficient in any given circumstance, the fuel is 15p a litre cheaper, it makes a better noise, the engine is smoother, it's faster and they are cheaper to buy. Infact the only area where the 530d has the upper hand is lazyness - if you wish to gather speed and you cannot be bothered to select the appropriate gear then the 530d just goes in any gear due to the torque offered, whereas to access the performance of the 530i you need to change down, at which point it'll leave the 530d behind.
But of course a remapped 530i won't yeild much more than 10%..
I think we both agree now that the 530i is the better car. It is less mechanically complex so there are no turbocharger concerns, it is only roughly 7mpg less efficient in any given circumstance, the fuel is 15p a litre cheaper, it makes a better noise, the engine is smoother, it's faster and they are cheaper to buy. Infact the only area where the 530d has the upper hand is lazyness - if you wish to gather speed and you cannot be bothered to select the appropriate gear then the 530d just goes in any gear due to the torque offered, whereas to access the performance of the 530i you need to change down, at which point it'll leave the 530d behind.
But of course a remapped 530i won't yeild much more than 10%..
Fox- said:
I can't speak for the E60 as I've only driven the diesel but I'd imagine the similarities between them are the same as those between the E39 530d and 530i. I have a 530i and my father has a 530d which I drive often.
I think we both agree now that the 530i is the better car. It is less mechanically complex so there are no turbocharger concerns, it is only roughly 7mpg less efficient in any given circumstance, the fuel is 15p a litre cheaper, it makes a better noise, the engine is smoother, it's faster and they are cheaper to buy. Infact the only area where the 530d has the upper hand is lazyness - if you wish to gather speed and you cannot be bothered to select the appropriate gear then the 530d just goes in any gear due to the torque offered, whereas to access the performance of the 530i you need to change down, at which point it'll leave the 530d behind.
But of course a remapped 530i won't yeild much more than 10%..
also the laziness shouldnt be an issue if you ahve an auto.I think we both agree now that the 530i is the better car. It is less mechanically complex so there are no turbocharger concerns, it is only roughly 7mpg less efficient in any given circumstance, the fuel is 15p a litre cheaper, it makes a better noise, the engine is smoother, it's faster and they are cheaper to buy. Infact the only area where the 530d has the upper hand is lazyness - if you wish to gather speed and you cannot be bothered to select the appropriate gear then the 530d just goes in any gear due to the torque offered, whereas to access the performance of the 530i you need to change down, at which point it'll leave the 530d behind.
But of course a remapped 530i won't yeild much more than 10%..
Fox- said:
I can't speak for the E60 as I've only driven the diesel but I'd imagine the similarities between them are the same as those between the E39 530d and 530i. I have a 530i and my father has a 530d which I drive often.
I think we both agree now that the 530i is the better car. It is less mechanically complex so there are no turbocharger concerns, it is only roughly 7mpg less efficient in any given circumstance, the fuel is 15p a litre cheaper, it makes a better noise, the engine is smoother, it's faster and they are cheaper to buy. Infact the only area where the 530d has the upper hand is lazyness - if you wish to gather speed and you cannot be bothered to select the appropriate gear then the 530d just goes in any gear due to the torque offered, whereas to access the performance of the 530i you need to change down, at which point it'll leave the 530d behind.
But of course a remapped 530i won't yeild much more than 10%..
Interesting to hear the opposing view to the popular diesel fan-boy line - that's what I would've thought, if you want the power in the petrol you change down wheras in the d it's all in the bottom of the rev range. I think i'll defo test drive the d, as it's more likely I'll get one in the spec I want because there are more of them about. I do also quite hanker after a manual - which you won't get with a d.I think we both agree now that the 530i is the better car. It is less mechanically complex so there are no turbocharger concerns, it is only roughly 7mpg less efficient in any given circumstance, the fuel is 15p a litre cheaper, it makes a better noise, the engine is smoother, it's faster and they are cheaper to buy. Infact the only area where the 530d has the upper hand is lazyness - if you wish to gather speed and you cannot be bothered to select the appropriate gear then the 530d just goes in any gear due to the torque offered, whereas to access the performance of the 530i you need to change down, at which point it'll leave the 530d behind.
But of course a remapped 530i won't yeild much more than 10%..
I'm also not particularly interested in remapping. I want my car to do teh 300,000 miles it's cabable of before something falls to bits, and putting more power through the drivetrain than it was designed for isn't really going to point you in that direction!
I could always just buy a 545 if I want more power

Edited by BMWBen on Sunday 7th December 11:14
BMWBen said:
Fox- said:
I can't speak for the E60 as I've only driven the diesel but I'd imagine the similarities between them are the same as those between the E39 530d and 530i. I have a 530i and my father has a 530d which I drive often.
I think we both agree now that the 530i is the better car. It is less mechanically complex so there are no turbocharger concerns, it is only roughly 7mpg less efficient in any given circumstance, the fuel is 15p a litre cheaper, it makes a better noise, the engine is smoother, it's faster and they are cheaper to buy. Infact the only area where the 530d has the upper hand is lazyness - if you wish to gather speed and you cannot be bothered to select the appropriate gear then the 530d just goes in any gear due to the torque offered, whereas to access the performance of the 530i you need to change down, at which point it'll leave the 530d behind.
But of course a remapped 530i won't yeild much more than 10%..
Interesting to hear the opposing view to the popular diesel fan-boy line - that's what I would've thought, if you want the power in the petrol you change down wheras in the d it's all in the bottom of the rev range. I think i'll defo test drive the d, as it's more likely I'll get one in the spec I want because there are more of them about. I do also quite hanker after a manual - which you won't get with a d.I think we both agree now that the 530i is the better car. It is less mechanically complex so there are no turbocharger concerns, it is only roughly 7mpg less efficient in any given circumstance, the fuel is 15p a litre cheaper, it makes a better noise, the engine is smoother, it's faster and they are cheaper to buy. Infact the only area where the 530d has the upper hand is lazyness - if you wish to gather speed and you cannot be bothered to select the appropriate gear then the 530d just goes in any gear due to the torque offered, whereas to access the performance of the 530i you need to change down, at which point it'll leave the 530d behind.
But of course a remapped 530i won't yeild much more than 10%..
I'm also not particularly interested in remapping. I want my car to do teh 300,000 miles it's cabable of before something falls to bits, and putting more power through the drivetrain than it was designed for isn't really going to point you in that direction!
I could always just buy a 545 if I want more power

Edited by BMWBen on Sunday 7th December 11:14
If you're really planning on driving it to 300K, i'd probably buy the 530i.
I'm speaking for the E39 here, but you can probably transfer much of this to the e60.
I was weighing up whether to get a 530i Sport or a 530d Sport (automatics). After driving both, I ended up buying a 530i because:-
a) The petrol was quieter, smoother and more enjoyable to drive,
b) I looked into the costs in depth - taking into account the higher purchase price of a diesel, the higher cost of diesel fuel, the higher maintenance costs of the diesel engine (replacement of turbos, swirl flap issues, etc.) and my mileage (around 12k a year), it didn't make economic sense to buy a diesel.
The 3 litre, 6-cylinder petrol engine is refined, simple and very reliable. It's also more fuel efficient than you may think (and responds well when you want some poke).
Of course, the only real way to make a decision is to take both for a good, long test drive
I was weighing up whether to get a 530i Sport or a 530d Sport (automatics). After driving both, I ended up buying a 530i because:-
a) The petrol was quieter, smoother and more enjoyable to drive,
b) I looked into the costs in depth - taking into account the higher purchase price of a diesel, the higher cost of diesel fuel, the higher maintenance costs of the diesel engine (replacement of turbos, swirl flap issues, etc.) and my mileage (around 12k a year), it didn't make economic sense to buy a diesel.
The 3 litre, 6-cylinder petrol engine is refined, simple and very reliable. It's also more fuel efficient than you may think (and responds well when you want some poke).
Of course, the only real way to make a decision is to take both for a good, long test drive

IMHO, having a diesel 530d auto, which is remapped, youn really need to try one. It really impressed me tremendously with the refinement, ride and performance and it is properly quick on a hoon, with really great chassis balance. If you are towing, the monster torque and telepathic 6 speed auto are great. I have towed a fully laden twin axle trailer to Italy & back and I can't think of a better all rounder.
Edited by StuB on Thursday 11th December 21:32
I don't think it makes much sense to compare E39 models when the question is about the E60 models. No disrespect, but diesels have moved on more quickly than petrols in the last few years, and the E60 530d has far better power, refinement and especially torque than the E39. The top gear is much higher, and cruising is far more relaxed and economical. I think the steering and gearchange have improved as well, and that helps to level the playing field with the petrol.
There may not be so much to choose between petrol and diesel in performance, economy and refinement as there once was, especially when you consider the price of diesel, but we also have to consider residuals, and it could be that's more important to total cost of ownership than the running costs.
Nick
There may not be so much to choose between petrol and diesel in performance, economy and refinement as there once was, especially when you consider the price of diesel, but we also have to consider residuals, and it could be that's more important to total cost of ownership than the running costs.
Nick
welwynnick said:
I don't think it makes much sense to compare E39 models when the question is about the E60 models. No disrespect, but diesels have moved on more quickly than petrols in the last few years, and the E60 530d has far better power, refinement and especially torque than the E39.
I've driven the E60 530d and found it little different to the E39 530d. Infact, the engine is very heavily related is it not? 
It's hardly night and day. In the same period, petrol has moved on as well with similar power gains so the overall 1 v the other scenario remains the same. Sure the diesel is quicker not but so is the petrol...
anonymous said:
[redacted]
You will get the bulk of any extra purchase price back come resale time, so its not about saving that extra outlay when buying the diesel.Interestingly, the cheapest 05 530i Sport is around £16.5K on BMW AUC, the cheapest 530d Sport is only an extra £500 - its a popular misconception that diesel equivalents cost thousands more.
I personally dont think the 5 series is particularly bought as a 'drivers car'. People may 'say' they are buying it for that but its an exec cruiser - something the 530d engine is exceptionally good at.
As for fuel prices - OPEC have agreed to cut production to force prices up. I hear some of those Arab Sheiks are down to last billion dollars....
pgilc1 said:
You will get the bulk of any extra purchase price back come resale time, so its not about saving that extra outlay when buying the diesel.
No you won't. When I bought my 530i Sport a 530d Sport in the same condition was about £3000 - yes £3000 - more expensive. Are you telling me that if now, 2-3 years later, I sold a 530d instead of a 530i I'd get the bulk of that back? I doubt it!pgilc1 said:
Interestingly, the cheapest 05 530i Sport is around £16.5K on BMW AUC, the cheapest 530d Sport is only an extra £500 - its a popular misconception that diesel equivalents cost thousands more.
You can't tell anything from the cheapest examples of either on Autotrader. You've no idea why they are the cheapest examples. They could be hiding something or quite shabby. If two identical cars were on a dealers forecourt the only difference being that one was a 530d the other a 530i the difference in price would be a bit more than 500 quid.Fox- said:
pgilc1 said:
You will get the bulk of any extra purchase price back come resale time, so its not about saving that extra outlay when buying the diesel.
No you won't. When I bought my 530i Sport a 530d Sport in the same condition was about £3000 - yes £3000 - more expensive. Are you telling me that if now, 2-3 years later, I sold a 530d instead of a 530i I'd get the bulk of that back? I doubt it!pgilc1 said:
Interestingly, the cheapest 05 530i Sport is around £16.5K on BMW AUC, the cheapest 530d Sport is only an extra £500 - its a popular misconception that diesel equivalents cost thousands more.
You can't tell anything from the cheapest examples of either on Autotrader. You've no idea why they are the cheapest examples. They could be hiding something or quite shabby. If two identical cars were on a dealers forecourt the only difference being that one was a 530d the other a 530i the difference in price would be a bit more than 500 quid.Fox- said:
pgilc1 said:
You will get the bulk of any extra purchase price back come resale time, so its not about saving that extra outlay when buying the diesel.
No you won't. When I bought my 530i Sport a 530d Sport in the same condition was about £3000 - yes £3000 - more expensive. Are you telling me that if now, 2-3 years later, I sold a 530d instead of a 530i I'd get the bulk of that back? I doubt it!pgilc1 said:
Interestingly, the cheapest 05 530i Sport is around £16.5K on BMW AUC, the cheapest 530d Sport is only an extra £500 - its a popular misconception that diesel equivalents cost thousands more.
You can't tell anything from the cheapest examples of either on Autotrader. You've no idea why they are the cheapest examples. They could be hiding something or quite shabby. If two identical cars were on a dealers forecourt the only difference being that one was a 530d the other a 530i the difference in price would be a bit more than 500 quid.My examples were taken from BMW's website (as i had originally put in my response) and both were approved used cars refurbished to the same standard.
Actually, for the avoidance of further doubt.. taken from BMW's site of approved used cars. Cheapest 05 Sports
2005 BMW 530i Sport, met paint, leather, auto, toys, 29K miles - £16484
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_details/0,,1260...
2005 BMW 530d Sport, met paint, leather, auto, toys, 24K miles - £16995
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_details/0,,1260...
£511 more for the diesel version - so actually you're right it was a 'bit more than' £500 for the diesel version.

Edited by pgilc1 on Saturday 13th December 20:09
jamoor said:
Fox- said:
pgilc1 said:
You will get the bulk of any extra purchase price back come resale time, so its not about saving that extra outlay when buying the diesel.
No you won't. When I bought my 530i Sport a 530d Sport in the same condition was about £3000 - yes £3000 - more expensive. Are you telling me that if now, 2-3 years later, I sold a 530d instead of a 530i I'd get the bulk of that back? I doubt it!pgilc1 said:
Interestingly, the cheapest 05 530i Sport is around £16.5K on BMW AUC, the cheapest 530d Sport is only an extra £500 - its a popular misconception that diesel equivalents cost thousands more.
You can't tell anything from the cheapest examples of either on Autotrader. You've no idea why they are the cheapest examples. They could be hiding something or quite shabby. If two identical cars were on a dealers forecourt the only difference being that one was a 530d the other a 530i the difference in price would be a bit more than 500 quid.I think with that little in the price anymore, drive them both and see which you prefer.
Personally, i HATE the way the auto 530d kicks down so often (hence i've the 535d to reduce the problem), but back to my original post, if i were planning on doing 300K miles i would probably buy the petrol version. Less to go wrong i guess.
Personally, i HATE the way the auto 530d kicks down so often (hence i've the 535d to reduce the problem), but back to my original post, if i were planning on doing 300K miles i would probably buy the petrol version. Less to go wrong i guess.
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