Changing X5 4.8is to 540i touring + Renault Megane 225??

[DanX5]

Looks like we're needing to go from one car to two due to longer school run and the Mrs needing something each day.

Currently running 54 plate X5 4.8is in Imola Red with all the toys. Need to replace this with a cheaper family car plus something for my 15 mile commute (perhaps a bit smaller and nippier would be a nice change)

Have seen this at local garage, went to see it on sunday and it was pretty mint, just serviced and unusual spec (individual):

http://www.normanmotors.co.uk/car/BMW_1291

Plus they also had this which was OK but not something I was 100% convinced of:

http://www.normanmotors.co.uk/car/Renault_1237

Salesman seems pretty keen to do a deal as he has left 3 voicemails today.

Any thoughts on the new 2 car combination?

Any other 2 car combinations up to £17k that are at one garage / dealer currently on sale?

Or should I do a deal and get the 540i now cos I liked it, then look around for something up to £9-10k that is fun? Any suggestions for this one?

[gmarks1]

Dan - if it helps, Scorcher who posts on evotechnik.net and x5drivers.com has just changed from an E53 X5 4.8iS to an E39 540i, so should be able to give you a first hand insight into the differences between the two.

Regards, Gary

[gmarks1]

...as for the megane, we had a 1.9dci - no comparison in terms of performance, but we had no end of problems with electronic systems.

....it may be OK as long as you never get it wet (!!!) Main dealer receptionist told me it was my fault the central locking had failed, because I washed it using a hose pipe (lol!)

Gary

[jamoor]

540i alloys look fake to me, be careful.

(I am no expert btw)

Edited by jamoor on Wednesday 28th October 00:15

[paoloh]

jamoor said:

540i alloys look fake to me, be careful.

(I am no expert btw)

Edited by jamoor on Wednesday 28th October 00:15

I'd have to agree ( He is no expert )

No, seriously, the 5 just doesn't look right for some reason and I think it is those wheels.

[victor66]

Thirded on the wheels...

I have actually been considering a punt on this from a distance, the only niggling thing has been those wheels as the rest of the car looks good (at least in the photos.

The S/H is in the service history thread (page 6 or 7)

Good luck if you go for it - post here if you don't as I am still half interested in it...!

[SJobson]

Never seen an Orient Blue E39 Sport Touring before. I had to settle for a non-Sport to get that colour

The alloys look like they're 19"s which would mean they're definitely aftermarket; even if they're 18"s then they're not original because no E39 Touring was fitted with 18"s from the factory, even as an option. E39s are very sensitive to wheel balancing so make sure it drives perfectly, and maybe keep an eye out for some original BMW 18" M-Parallels (they go for a lot of money, even second hand).

Also, £7,495 looks a lot for that car. I paid £5,500 for my September 2000 car in April 2007. I'd say £6k would be nearer the mark, taking into account the fact it's a Sport and therefore more desirable.

ETA: having read the advert text, they're clearly 19"s so definitely aftermarket.

Edited by SJobson on Wednesday 28th October 08:55

[DanX5]

Yep, definite 19"'s so aftermarket jobbies - I looked at them on the car on Sunday. The spare in the boot is the normal m-sport one sames as this:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/new/809511....

The wheels were all pretty much unmarked though (so fairly recent?). I quite like the look though as it appears more or less standard but obviously those in the know are aware that 19"'s weren't standard.

Agree that price is a bit steep but it was very nice condition. I sat in the car for a good while reading the latest service report / bill - all pretty comprehensive and recent.

Almost bought an X reg 540i m sport saloon for £6.5k 2 years ago with more miles so actually this seems OK value considering spec and condition.

Will take a test drive at the weekend if not sold to see if it affects ride quality......

The megane 225 sold today anyway. Got a p/ex proce for the X5 which was OK but need to push it a bit higher.