E61 or F11 535d

[Andy665]

Pretty much set on one of these two now, surprised at how close in price they are, actually prefer the exterior design of the E61 but the interior of the F11

I know the F11 is slightly more powerful and has the 8 speed as opposed to 6 speed auto

Is it stupid to give serious consideration to the E61 when I can get an F11 for similar money (albeit an F11 will have done more miles but still not moon miles)?

[Welshbeef]

1. Safety is better in the F11
2. zf8 is in a different league to the ZF6
3. More economical
4. The newest E61 is now 11 years old and is what 2 and nearly 5 generations from the current model
6. Perishable things like bushes brake pipes etc will be less perished due to age
7. Pro nav / the interface is massively better
8. Better brakes
9. Better airbags and zones
10. Better lights
11. Newer age and every benefit that brings.
12. When you sell it the E61 will be a very old car /

[ZX10R NIN]

What's the mileage difference between the one's you're looking at?

[Andy665]

ZX10R NIN said:

What's the mileage difference between the one's you're looking at?

30k, not enough to make a difference for me, I tend to buy on condition and history more than mileage

[ZX10R NIN]

I agree in that case I'd probably go F11.

[junglie]

Make sure the EGR recall has been done and also the headlights are absolutely bone dry.

I had an F11 535d and sold it as the headlights kept filling with water. Even non OEM replacements were gusting £2000 to replace!

[anonymous-user]

Id take the e61 every time - purely based on looks.

[Welshbeef]

lord trumpton said:

Id take the e61 every time - purely based on looks.

What about the safety aspect the much higher strength shorter stopping distance fully adaptive suspension massaging heated and air cooled electric memory seats.
Much better air con
Lights

[anonymous-user]

Welshbeef said:

lord trumpton said:

Id take the e61 every time - purely based on looks.

What about the safety aspect the much higher strength shorter stopping distance fully adaptive suspension massaging heated and air cooled electric memory seats.
Much better air con
Lights

As said "purely based on looks"

Balls to all the other ste you list

[Captainfred]

Both great cars but the F11 wins it.

[ninjag]

I had an F11 530d as a courtesy car and the interior was very nice (big step up from the F30 330d) but the steering was very artificial and uninspiring. Maybe worth some consideration.

[Wagonwheel555]

Welshbeef said:

1. Safety is better in the F11
2. zf8 is in a different league to the ZF6
3. More economical
4. The newest E61 is now 11 years old and is what 2 and nearly 5 generations from the current model
6. Perishable things like bushes brake pipes etc will be less perished due to age
7. Pro nav / the interface is massively better
8. Better brakes
9. Better airbags and zones
10. Better lights
11. Newer age and every benefit that brings.
12. When you sell it the E61 will be a very old car /

This, this and this again.

F11 every day of the week.

Absolute no brainer if they are close in price also.

[Rowe]

The F series is a much better car in every aspect, other than looks and steering feel/feedback

[Andy665]

Viewed a high spec (comfort seats, pan roof, Professional nav etc) LCI E61 535d Touring today, full history, low miles for year and in great colour (Carbon Schwarz) and was very impressed with it

Then went to view a lower spec F11 535d Touring with lower spec (adaptive Xenon lights, automatic high beam, Professional nav and a few other bits), higher miles but full history, new MOT, tyres and freshly serviced. The difference in interior ambience was massive, F11 felt so much more modern (obviously) so deal done

Edited by Andy665 on Saturday 9th October 20:18

Edited by Andy665 on Saturday 9th October 20:19

[ahenners]

Andy665 said:

Viewed a high spec (comfort seats, pan roof, Professional nav etc) LCI E61 535d Touring today, full history, low miles for year and in great colour (Carbon Schwarz) and was very impressed with it

Then went to view a lower spec F11 535d Touring with lower spec (adaptive Xenon lights, automatic high beam, Professional nav and a few other bits), higher miles but full history, new MOT, tyres and freshly serviced. The difference in interior ambience was massive, F11 felt so much more modern (obviously) so deal done

Edited by Andy665 on Saturday 9th October 20:18

Edited by Andy665 on Saturday 9th October 20:19

Great choice! F11 far better imo, sounds like a Decent spec too

[Welshbeef]

The E61 would have to be materially cheaper to make sense.

[Andy665]

Welshbeef said:

The E61 would have to be materially cheaper to make sense.

It was actually £200 more expensive

[markirl]

The steering on the e61 is better than the f11 in my opinion, so if that's important I suggest to drive both.

[Welshbeef]

markirl said:

The steering on the e61 is better than the f11 in my opinion, so if that's important I suggest to drive both.

On a diesel twin turbo large estate it’s all about comfort

Also unless your updating the entire suspension bushes anti roll bar springs I’d wager the additional age will have perished those parts negating any “feel”.

Plus the F11 is superior in every way over the E61 + you don’t have people bashing you for the odd bangle looks

[village24]

I'm in a similar predicament and having driven my brothers 635d I can't stand the zf6, I used to have an e46 smg and the changes on the zf6 remind me of that. Not to mention the economy from the 635 aren't exactly brilliant. I'm pretty sure his has had a map as it does shift but it doesn't do more than 45mpg.

The zf8 on the other hand is much crisper, smoother and quicker and the added gears really do help on a longer run. As you say the interior is a much nicer place to sit too