Sold on an F11 but which one?
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I am looking for a 520d 2012 or newer with under 60k mileage. I want to have the Msport options.
I have found 2 cars that fit my requirements.
Car 1
White
19" wheels
Sports gearbox
Black leather
Professional screen
2013 pre facelift
57k
Adaptive xenon lights
£11950
Large main dealer
Car 2
Black
18" wheels
Sports gearbox
Black leather
Professional screen
2012
55k
Xenon lights non adaptive
£10795
Smaller family run business
Is the extra money worth the adaptive lights?
I do 300 miles every weekend through the middle of Wales.
Some opinions from drivers of both would be really appreciated.
I am looking for a 520d 2012 or newer with under 60k mileage. I want to have the Msport options.
I have found 2 cars that fit my requirements.
Car 1
White
19" wheels
Sports gearbox
Black leather
Professional screen
2013 pre facelift
57k
Adaptive xenon lights
£11950
Large main dealer
Car 2
Black
18" wheels
Sports gearbox
Black leather
Professional screen
2012
55k
Xenon lights non adaptive
£10795
Smaller family run business
Is the extra money worth the adaptive lights?
I do 300 miles every weekend through the middle of Wales.
Some opinions from drivers of both would be really appreciated.
My F31 has adaptive Xenons. Personally I find them really useful. I have a good few unlit A roads coming home each day and during the winter when it is pitch black, it takes the additional work of high beam on off away. They are also much more than simple on off high beam. They almost create a tunnel around oncoming lights keeping either side illuminated. I haven't ever been flashed so I'd say they're quite effective.
On a motorway, they will often light up signs to the left of the first lane way ahead of where you are usually able to read them.
Whether it is worth another £1,155 is up to you and your other preferences about the cars.
On a motorway, they will often light up signs to the left of the first lane way ahead of where you are usually able to read them.
Whether it is worth another £1,155 is up to you and your other preferences about the cars.
Sim89 said:
My F31 has adaptive Xenons. Personally I find them really useful. I have a good few unlit A roads coming home each day and during the winter when it is pitch black, it takes the additional work of high beam on off away. They are also much more than simple on off high beam. They almost create a tunnel around oncoming lights keeping either side illuminated. I haven't ever been flashed so I'd say they're quite effective.
On a motorway, they will often light up signs to the left of the first lane way ahead of where you are usually able to read them.
Whether it is worth another £1,155 is up to you and your other preferences about the cars.
Thanks for the reply. Would yours be the 'updated' version of the ones I am looking at?On a motorway, they will often light up signs to the left of the first lane way ahead of where you are usually able to read them.
Whether it is worth another £1,155 is up to you and your other preferences about the cars.
It does sound very useful for the driving I do. I wonder if the f11 is on par with f31 version??
I'd be happy with either car. Car looks a bit better in white but not a deal breaker
thatdude said:
Both similar mileage, one a bit more but for that it's (I'm assuming) a genuine BMW used car.
I'd go for the genuine BMW used, the warranty support in the event of a claim would possibly be better
Yes one is for sale at Sytner. I will need to see both cars to check the condition is the same. Dealer support is something I hope to never use but if I did I'd like it as pain-free as possible I'd go for the genuine BMW used, the warranty support in the event of a claim would possibly be better
tx engine go for something bigger or you'll be sorryI'd say the value of the warranty , plus surety if something went wrong would push me towards the main dealer. Having had a 20d on a 2017 X1 break down after 44k miles I've no confidence in 4cyl Diesel engines.
Xenons are okay, but I really notice their deficiency after LEDs. I had adaptive xenons on a 2009 335i and they were useful on country roads or any unlit corners, so a big plus. I drive in Wales
Against the dealer car, are 19s on RFTs going to give a comfortable ride? Doesn't seem like either car has adaptive suspension. 18s should improve ride quality.
As for engine, again, I drove a 2014 520d as a loaner and it felt underpowered. So make sure you're happy with performance.
Xenons are okay, but I really notice their deficiency after LEDs. I had adaptive xenons on a 2009 335i and they were useful on country roads or any unlit corners, so a big plus. I drive in Wales
Against the dealer car, are 19s on RFTs going to give a comfortable ride? Doesn't seem like either car has adaptive suspension. 18s should improve ride quality.
As for engine, again, I drove a 2014 520d as a loaner and it felt underpowered. So make sure you're happy with performance.
Smuler said:
I'd say the value of the warranty , plus surety if something went wrong would push me towards the main dealer. Having had a 20d on a 2017 X1 break down after 44k miles I've no confidence in 4cyl Diesel engines.
Xenons are okay, but I really notice their deficiency after LEDs. I had adaptive xenons on a 2009 335i and they were useful on country roads or any unlit corners, so a big plus. I drive in Wales
Against the dealer car, are 19s on RFTs going to give a comfortable ride? Doesn't seem like either car has adaptive suspension. 18s should improve ride quality.
As for engine, again, I drove a 2014 520d as a loaner and it felt underpowered. So make sure you're happy with performance.
Current car is a 2010 polo moda so a jump to xenon is an improvement. Middle of Wales doesn't have many lights hah. Xenons are okay, but I really notice their deficiency after LEDs. I had adaptive xenons on a 2009 335i and they were useful on country roads or any unlit corners, so a big plus. I drive in Wales
Against the dealer car, are 19s on RFTs going to give a comfortable ride? Doesn't seem like either car has adaptive suspension. 18s should improve ride quality.
As for engine, again, I drove a 2014 520d as a loaner and it felt underpowered. So make sure you're happy with performance.
Sorry forgot to mention both cars have the adjustable suspension for comfort and sport mode.
It won't be a fast car for me just an A to B that a comfortable car to do long days and miles in. A 525d or 530d in Msport guise are out of my budget for the mileage I'd like.
£1155 for:
- 12 month main dealer warranty
- Adaptive headlights
- A year younger vehicle
- Slightly higher mileage.
- 19" wheels rather than 18"
Seems like a straightforward answer, but I think I'd want to see both in the flesh before deciding, you can tell a lot from a cars condition with regards how it's been cared for. It's worth noting that you could get a BMW insured warranty on the independant car if the servicing has been done according to schedule/with OEM parts (n.b. if you decide to go down that route, get a monthly DD setup prior to the car hitting 60k or the price rockets).
- 12 month main dealer warranty
- Adaptive headlights
- A year younger vehicle
- Slightly higher mileage.
- 19" wheels rather than 18"
Seems like a straightforward answer, but I think I'd want to see both in the flesh before deciding, you can tell a lot from a cars condition with regards how it's been cared for. It's worth noting that you could get a BMW insured warranty on the independant car if the servicing has been done according to schedule/with OEM parts (n.b. if you decide to go down that route, get a monthly DD setup prior to the car hitting 60k or the price rockets).
If your worried about major costs once outside warrant ask dealer if ou can buy BMW extended warranty at time of purchase to start when AUC warranty expires.
Did this for my 12 month old mini quote on BMW extended warranty at that time was about £900p.a with £100 excess, got BMW insured warrant for 3 years starting in May 2021 for £940 full recover etc with no excess.
From my experience mini warranty lot more expensive far more expensive that 3 series. When bought 2009 E91 325D Auto at 4 years old with 42k miles warranty was about £30/month but that was without recovery and with a £250 excess.
You can put reg no in BMW warranty site to get a qoute for yearly or monthly cost/excess options before you buy it so will have some idea of what to aim to see if dealt hey offer is any good. Only disadvantage is that you have to pay for full 3 years warranty up front but it is transferable so if sold car after before it gets to 4 years old it will still be in warrant,y
Did this for my 12 month old mini quote on BMW extended warranty at that time was about £900p.a with £100 excess, got BMW insured warrant for 3 years starting in May 2021 for £940 full recover etc with no excess.
From my experience mini warranty lot more expensive far more expensive that 3 series. When bought 2009 E91 325D Auto at 4 years old with 42k miles warranty was about £30/month but that was without recovery and with a £250 excess.
You can put reg no in BMW warranty site to get a qoute for yearly or monthly cost/excess options before you buy it so will have some idea of what to aim to see if dealt hey offer is any good. Only disadvantage is that you have to pay for full 3 years warranty up front but it is transferable so if sold car after before it gets to 4 years old it will still be in warrant,y
I googled Sytner's white F11s, the only car meeting your description is not an Approved Used Car. It's a Sytner Select car.
As the ad indicates this is does not come with an Approved Used Car warranty and the fact it has "good service history," leads me to wonder if it has full "service history. "
As the ad indicates this is does not come with an Approved Used Car warranty and the fact it has "good service history," leads me to wonder if it has full "service history. "
Fell for this when I was looking for the mini went to view one at blackbird road which i had expected to have 12month AUC warranty, it was a reasonable price and drove well and considered making an offer until salesman told me it only had a 3 month warranty and was not Mini(BMW) used car warranty.
Gone specifically thinking it was being sold by official mini dealer so was disappointed and felt that using Sytner brand name had mislead me,decided to walk away.
Gone specifically thinking it was being sold by official mini dealer so was disappointed and felt that using Sytner brand name had mislead me,decided to walk away.
Smuler said:
I googled Sytner's white F11s, the only car meeting your description is not an Approved Used Car. It's a Sytner Select car.
As the ad indicates this is does not come with an Approved Used Car warranty and the fact it has "good service history," leads me to wonder if it has full "service history. "
Gave them a call about this earlier. No BMW service history. Done by other garages, don't know what to make of this.. I find it odd that the first owner would stray from BMW. Full history but independent garages. As the ad indicates this is does not come with an Approved Used Car warranty and the fact it has "good service history," leads me to wonder if it has full "service history. "
The cheaper car has 4 services at BMW and 1 at an independent garage.
Sytner will have likely taken the car as a part ex , it’s not one they can retail as AUC (maybe only because of service history) but they feel they can make a profit by selling it , rather than putting it to auction or trading it.
I think it’s probably a reasonable car , but isn’t there an Approved Used car that meets your budget / spec ? That would be a safer bet.
I think it’s probably a reasonable car , but isn’t there an Approved Used car that meets your budget / spec ? That would be a safer bet.
Not many 520d msports about with less than 60k miles found this one like the very dark grey colour looks a decent spec but older end of age range but with only 51k miles
https://www.cmc-cars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-5-series-...
https://www.cmc-cars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-5-series-...
twokcc said:
Not many 520d msports about with less than 60k miles found this one like the very dark grey colour looks a decent spec but older end of age range but with only 51k miles
https://www.cmc-cars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-5-series-...
No pro nav. https://www.cmc-cars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-5-series-...
Absolute must on the 5, IMO.
If going for a 520d then go for one with the B47 Euro 6 engine.
I bought one to replace Fiona's car with, I bought it after saying "even with a 4cyl diesel you don't save that much over a petrol" to prove a point. I stand by my comment, you don't save much money. But I have been seriously impressed with it as an engine, really doesn't feel like a 4cyl at all.
I used a mates 2013 N47 saloon for a few days while he borrowed my LCI touring.
The difference in engine is not subtle, the n47 is pretty clattery in comparison, where as from the cabin this really isn't, and you can only tell it is a 4cyl when you push it to the top of the rev range.
Also, even though his car has 50k on it, and mine has 92k on it now, his was feeling more tired. Both SE's, but his was more crashy, and just didn't feel as tight.
I will be honest, if I had the N47 I think I would have got rid of it by now. As it happens I think I am going to pay off the finance tomorrow and just run it into the ground, it is such a good car.
If I swap it will be 540i or M340i Touring.
If going pre facelift, get a 530d or if you can find one, a 530i or 535i.
But in all honesty, the 520d LCI is a really good car.
I bought one to replace Fiona's car with, I bought it after saying "even with a 4cyl diesel you don't save that much over a petrol" to prove a point. I stand by my comment, you don't save much money. But I have been seriously impressed with it as an engine, really doesn't feel like a 4cyl at all.
I used a mates 2013 N47 saloon for a few days while he borrowed my LCI touring.
The difference in engine is not subtle, the n47 is pretty clattery in comparison, where as from the cabin this really isn't, and you can only tell it is a 4cyl when you push it to the top of the rev range.
Also, even though his car has 50k on it, and mine has 92k on it now, his was feeling more tired. Both SE's, but his was more crashy, and just didn't feel as tight.
I will be honest, if I had the N47 I think I would have got rid of it by now. As it happens I think I am going to pay off the finance tomorrow and just run it into the ground, it is such a good car.
If I swap it will be 540i or M340i Touring.
If going pre facelift, get a 530d or if you can find one, a 530i or 535i.
But in all honesty, the 520d LCI is a really good car.
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