Would you swap a 520d for a 535i?

[Benjijames28]

The 520d is 11 plate, 58k on it, m sport, manual. The 535i is a 60 plate, 79k on it, se model.

Both same colour. The 535i seems to be a 1 owner car but its been off road most of year.

The dealer offered me a deal. My 520d and 500 quid for the 535i.

[mondeoman]

Why would he do that?

[Benjijames28]

Well the values are not that far apart. Retail mine is worth slightly more than what hes got the 535i up for.

The difference is mine is m sport and lower mileage, and newer.

From his perspective he gets 500 quid cash and a car that has more mass market appeal to sell.

He's had the 535 for months according to your research.

[cerb4.5lee]

Yes I would all day everyday, engines don't come much more disappointing than the 20d, I'd snap his hand off.

[Pioneer]

I'd stick with the newer, lower mileage M Sport. 535i is more fun to drive but how often are you really going to appreciate it. If it was a new purchase it would be a different matter but if you already have a newer 520d I'd stick, esp if it meant going from a MSport to SE. The 4 cylinder is still fine for UK roads 90% of the time. Or ... up your budget and get a same age or newer 535i MSport. Then it will feel like an all-round upgrade.

[Benjijames28]

Pioneer said:

I'd stick with the newer, lower mileage M Sport. 535i is more fun to drive but how often are you really going to appreciate it. If it was a new purchase it would be a different matter but if you already have a newer 520d I'd stick, esp if it meant going from a MSport to SE. The 4 cylinder is still fine for UK roads 90% of the time. Or ... up your budget and get a same age or newer 535i MSport. Then it will feel like an all-round upgrade.

The 535 registered in December 10, my 520d was registered in February 11. So there's three months age difference. The main suffic difference is the m sport styling and the mileage.

I can't justify a newer 535i, they are also hard to find. Only reason I can justify this is down to the dealer offering me over trade in price for mine .

[Smuler]

I couldn't wait to rerun my 520d SE loan car, too big , too underpowered plus all SE issues.
I probably wouldn't swap for the 535i tho as SE ,unless with sports seats and suspension, is crap 💩 and I really don't believe for anyone wanting performance without needing space that a 3 series isn't good enough.
In fact it was my 335i I got back into when the 520 went back.

[Benjijames28]

I wouldn't say the 520d is underpowered. 8 seconds 0 to 62 isn't quick but it still keeps up with most cars on road.

I went for the 5 because of back seat room. I've got a big for his age 9 year old in middle seat, a baby in a car seat to his right and a y year old on a booster on the left.

Refusing to swap for a fanny wagon .

What issues does SE have? The 535i in question has the same seats as my m sport. I don't know if they upgraded the suspension too.

[Triumph Man]

Don't know about issues, but I would snap his hand off, and fast! A proper car deserves a proper engine.

[Smuler]

Benjijames28 said:

I wouldn't say the 520d is underpowered. 8 seconds 0 to 62 isn't quick but it still keeps up with most cars on road.

I went for the 5 because of back seat room. I've got a big for his age 9 year old in middle seat, a baby in a car seat to his right and a y year old on a booster on the left.

Refusing to swap for a fanny wagon .

What issues does SE have? The 535i in question has the same seats as my m sport. I don't know if they upgraded the suspension too.

You do need the room , tick in the box.
If it has M Sport seats, tick in the box.
SE, I still don't like the suspension, but that could be modified, half a tick.
2.5/3
I would therefore say go for it. These cars are rare. Good luck.

I've no idea what a fanny wagon is, maybe a car you drive in the country?

[Benjijames28]

Smuler said:

You do need the room , tick in the box.
If it has M Sport seats, tick in the box.
SE, I still don't like the suspension, but that could be modified, half a tick.
2.5/3
I would therefore say go for it. These cars are rare. Good luck.

I've no idea what a fanny wagon is, maybe a car you drive in the country?

Vauxhall zafira vrx would be a fanny wagon. A ford galaxy

[bmwmike]

Are they both auto or manual or doesn't it make a difference to you, I forget. Either way if you want a 535i it sounds like the cost to change is minimal. You could put some eibach springs on for less than 250 quid I think if you DIY.

The petrol engines in the f10 do seem to hold their value. There is a 530i SE at a dealer for 19k and a 2013 530I for 22k at the moment! Asking price not sale price, granted.

Only thing i'd avoid other than wrong (to you) box is the non wide-screen nav. The rest of the suspension stuff and plastic stick on stuff including ms port front bumper can be added. A lot of the ms port f10s have high ride height even without the deletion it seems very variable.

[Benjijames28]

Both are manual. Both have smaller screen.

You can have some pros retrofit the big screen but it ain't cheap. 1200.

[bmwmike]

Sounds like minimal differences apart from the engine which is arguably the most important. If you want a six pot petrol I'd say you'll be harder pushed to change for the price you're being offered. At the end of the day only you can decide if it's right for you though!!!

(Petrol all day long for me.. )

[GTEYE]

I would wager a bet you'll find an SE 535i hard to move on when you want to change....needs to be an M Sport

The current seller has struggled so I'd say take that as a warning.

Good luck whatever you decide

[dave_s13]

Benjijames28 said:

I wouldn't say the 520d is underpowered. 8 seconds 0 to 62 isn't quick but it still keeps up with most cars on road.

I went for the 5 because of back seat room. I've got a big for his age 9 year old in middle seat, a baby in a car seat to his right and a y year old on a booster on the left.

Refusing to swap for a fanny wagon .

What issues does SE have? The 535i in question has the same seats as my m sport. I don't know if they upgraded the suspension too.

I recently traded in my "fanny wagon" (ford galaxy) for an E350cdi Sport Estate, with 2 seats in the boot.

They're brilliant if you have 3 kids.

But, they are much less "sporty" to drive than an E60 (I had a manual 525d for a while). The steering is a tad ponderous. It does corner flat and it goes like fook though.

There are pros and cons to both cars in your scenarios and they almost cancel each other out.

Flip a coin.

Edited by dave_s13 on Friday 29th September 13:46

[Helicopter123]

I would get the deal done.

I really fear for residuals on older diesels over the coming years.

[P700DEE]

535 assuming both F10 ? Same seats , same Nav, both manual. Assume additional fuel consumption not an issue.
I have small screen on mine and still find the Nav better than other (Jaguar, Mazda) I have tried. Just upgraded my F11 to 2017 maps for £40 from a discounter (BMW direct about £69)

[GTEYE]

Helicopter123 said:

I would get the deal done.

I really fear for residuals on older diesels over the coming years.

But a 535i is likely to be far worse...

[bmwmike]

GTEYE said:

But a 535i is likely to be far worse...

Petrol 6pots seem to be holding up well as far as I can see? I may be a bit biased though