Does anyone have any feedback on 520d with auto trans. As I've chosen manual i'm hoping for negative feedback to endorse my decision but would love to know how the auto tans marries with the 2litre diesel.

I myself went with the manual, but have heard from colleagues with 2.0d auto BMWs that the initial pull is a little weak, because the torque does not really kick in until around 2000 rpm. This is something you don't get with the 6 cylinder diesels, as they already have a lot of pull from around 1500. Apart from that I have heard nothing particulary bad about the auto with the 2 litre - only "negatives" regarding autos in general.

I was thinking that an auto would fit the 5er better than a manual, however have to say the manual fits the car very well - especially with the "sports" set up. I'm a manual fan anyway and the only time I miss having an auto is when I'm stuck in traffic, but that thankfully is not too often.

As a final comment, when it comes to company car leasing with fuel cards, the auto (in my case) was MUCH more expensive. Which means with the manual you can have more toys - sorry, I mean essential extras!

Hope that helps you feel a little more comfortable about your decision...

Cheers

You should have gone for the auto!

The 520d engine loves the auto,
its the torgue and the perfect BMW trans.

I'm driving some city traffic and highway jams,
and always laugh at the stick "jumpers"...

I have to agree with you ric, I have just got my brand new 2.0d auto and it is really good. I was a bit nervous about selecting it as I test drove a manual but to me it suits the engine well. Very smooth and responsive when it needs to be.

At the end of the day BMW wouldn't team the 2.0d with an auto if they knew it wouldn't be a good combination.

I have the auto and I have to agree; it's really good. True that the engine is a bit dead under 1500 rpm but that is not the autos fault...

M

You bought the 520D for fuel economy and there is no beating a manual.

Thanks for your replies. It's obvious that there are fans of both manual & auto e60 520Ds out there.

Good point re fuel consumption- The manual is great in that respect. However the box does take a fair bit of stirring to keep the revs in the right zone which is vital to get the most out of the 520d. In this respect i feel that with not much happening below 1800 revs the ability to choose ratios manually and in advance (coming out of a corner for example) gives the manual the upper hand.

Great forum full of real enthusiasts .