E46 m3 to E60 530d??

[m3eezer]

Hi guys, I have recently been the victim of an unfortunate accident where a kind lady completely totalled my E46 M3 SMG. The car has now been classed as a total loss and am in the current position where i have to choose my next car.

I currently have a baby on the way and am thinking about purchasing an e60 530d as a replacement for the m. I am an absolute petrol head and do require a certain degree of performance, handling.

Has anyone taken the plunge from a high spec performance car like the M3 to an e60 5 series? If so what are your views on the decision you've made? Also any opinions, advice would be much appreciated

[Thorny]

Not quite the same but I went from an RS4 to a Diesel Freelander 2! Obviously the 5 series will be more sporting and quicker but not a million miles away. I found it was a question of adapting how you derive your pleasure from driving. I now just chill and revel in the comfort of the car doing long distances...

Diesels will never be (IMO) sports cars but I think there will be a few along to say get the 535d, about as sporting as diesels get. I ended up buying a 130i as well for a bit of fun.

Also looking at 5 series currently as a family car to replace both and 535d and M5 touring are on the list.

[christer]

Don't get a diesel unless you do 15k+ miles per year. I have a 550Msport and am pretty happy with the performance for such a barge...

[Neil.D]

The E60 3L D is brisk - but thats it. It sounds like a tractor and is in no way special in comparison to an M3 (no offence to any owners out there). It is however very good at what it does. It makes driving very effortless and as do most other BMW's it has an altogeter - um, togetherness.
I drive one everyday at work, a steptronic and the auto box is very good. It rev matches (to a degree) on down changes and slots the next gears very positivley.

If you want to have a laugh whilst driving, and having owned an M3 I dont think the diesel will cut it. If however you are just looking to own a nice car, then maybe it will.

[JNW1]

E46 M3 to E60 530d is a big change and if you liked the M3 I can't see you being satisfied with a 530d unless you have access to something else for a bit of fun. Don't get me wrong, the 530d is a nice car and if that's the type of machine you need for the time being then fair enough. However, I doubt starting it up on a morning will bring a smile to your face and it's not on the same planet as an M3 in terms of driver appeal (but I suspect you know that already!).

[Monkeylegend]

m3eezer said:

Hi guys, I have recently been the victim of an unfortunate accident where a kind lady completely totalled my E46 M3 SMG. The car has now been classed as a total loss and am in the current position where i have to choose my next car.

I currently have a baby on the way and am thinking about purchasing an e60 530d as a replacement for the m. I am an absolute petrol head and do require a certain degree of performance, handling.

Has anyone taken the plunge from a high spec performance car like the M3 to an e60 5 series? If so what are your views on the decision you've made? Also any opinions, advice would be much appreciated

You cannot be a Petrolhead and drive a diesel car, apparently it's against the rules.

[m3eezer]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I am having withdrawal symptoms for the m3 already and need another asap! Ive driven track prepped hondas and m3s all in all my years driving and dont think the oil burner will cut the mustard. I do think a diesel saloon would be a sensible option for the child but i guess ill just purchase a cheaper second car.

Any family men out there with coupes? How difficult did you find it putting a baby seat in the back??

[Daz507]

I sold my E46 m3 and bought a Lexus IS220 D sport, it seemed ok for a few months but I couldn't believe how much I missed petrol. Diesel is no where near the same, completely different driving style. I got bored very quickly and 12 months later I cut my losses and bought an E60 M5. Now I can't wait to get up in the mornings and drive to work. The buzz I get is well worth 16mpg :-)

I'd think very seriously before going for diesel.

[zip929]

I went from a Subaru WRX STI to an E61 530D almost 2 years ago.
The 530D is now for sale on AT as I have just bought an E39 M5

The 530D is a deceptively quick car but it never stimulates the senses like a fast petrol car can.

Edited by zip929 on Wednesday 24th February 20:04

[chrisx666]

m3eezer said:

Any family men out there with coupes? How difficult did you find it putting a baby seat in the back??

I bought a 645ci when I found out we had a baby on the way. No problem so far, though I'll probably go for a 4-door when he gets a bit bigger. Getting him in and out in the carrier requires a bit of strength (my other half does not drive so this isn't an issue).
An isofix base is essential in something that has deep sloping rear seats like the 6 series IMO. The Maxicosi isofix stuff fits well.

[TonyF]

Bought a 530d E61 M sport touring end of 2009 mainly for my wife to use to carry our 2 dogs around in and for the few times I have driven it, im quite impressed with it.
As said previously, its never going to light you fire as the M3 did but as a compromise it is a good car.

[richterswil]

Monkeylegend said:

m3eezer said:

Hi guys, I have recently been the victim of an unfortunate accident where a kind lady completely totalled my E46 M3 SMG. The car has now been classed as a total loss and am in the current position where i have to choose my next car.

I currently have a baby on the way and am thinking about purchasing an e60 530d as a replacement for the m. I am an absolute petrol head and do require a certain degree of performance, handling.

Has anyone taken the plunge from a high spec performance car like the M3 to an e60 5 series? If so what are your views on the decision you've made? Also any opinions, advice would be much appreciated

You cannot be a Petrolhead and drive a diesel car, apparently it's against the rules.

Rubbish - my daily driver is diesel and I reckon myself to be a petrolhead - my 535d is a fantastic car, swift, economical and great for carting kids and associated kit around - it might not get the juices going like an M5 would but is still a great car which lots of enthusiats would enjoy.

[JNW1]

richterswil said:

Rubbish - my daily driver is diesel and I reckon myself to be a petrolhead - my 535d is a fantastic car, swift, economical and great for carting kids and associated kit around - it might not get the juices going like an M5 would but is still a great car which lots of enthusiats would enjoy.

Don't disagree with anything you say but I think perhaps the key point in your post is the reference to "daily driver". I think as a petrolhead it's much easier to appreciate the attributes of a diesel - and accept their shortcomings - when you've got something else in the garage for a bit of fun at weekends. I see you have a 997 for that purpose and I have no doubt that most petrolheads would be more than happy to have a diesel (especially a 535d!) as their daily driver in those circumstances! However, I got the impression the OP was looking to move from an M3 to a 530d as his only car and if he does I reckon he'll miss the M3 pretty quickly!