520d (m) vs 530d (m)
12-21-2006, 09:47 AM
#11
Members
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Grantham. UK
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2006 520d M-Sport / Silver Grey / Maple Wood / Black Dakota Leather / Heated Comfort Seats / Media Pack With Extended Voice Control / Space Saver Spare Wheel / Sun Protection Glass
This is exactly the same connundrum I faced when choosing. I had already slimmed the choice down to a Saloon (Sedan) because I found the ride in the Estate rather unrefined. (In hindsight I should have perhaps lived with it.) On taking test drives back to back between M-Sport and SE I preferred the drive of the M-Sport. As far as engines were concerned, I was exactly the same as you. Budget was ?35k to ?40k engine choice was of no importance to my employer, however emissions were to me. I tried the three diesels back-to-back. The 3.0 is a peach and is a very rapid machine. The 2.5 was nice, but in reality offered little in everyday driving over the 2.0. The 2.0 litree was weak in comparison with the 3.0 but looking at the speedo revealed that the lack of sensations driving it were down to good insulation and that it didn't actually hang around. In the end my choice was between a manual 2.0 and an Auto 3.0. I felt that the 3.0d worked well with the Auto 'box although I didn't have the oportunity to drive a manual 3.0. The difficulty for me was justifying the extra ?150 per month for an Auto 3.0. The fact is that I do very few miles. My daily commute would not benefit from the extra power, likewise on the motorway, apart from not having the power to loose people in a race the 2.0 is actually very good. If I did lots of A and B road motoring I would have gone for the 3.0 for its overtaking ability. Otherwise the 2.0 will get to most places around town or by motorway nearly as quickly, for ?150 per month less!
I did, however, screw up on the options. The Bluetooth 'phone prep. is nice, if slow and expensive, but the Pro Nav is poor value. Heated comfort seats are absolutely superb and, with Dakota Leather, are quite cheap, being no more than the cost of full electric adjustment and lumbar adjustment. As a gadget they are cool as well because they close around you automatically and the steering wheel raises and lowers on its own.
I hope that this is of some assistance.
I did, however, screw up on the options. The Bluetooth 'phone prep. is nice, if slow and expensive, but the Pro Nav is poor value. Heated comfort seats are absolutely superb and, with Dakota Leather, are quite cheap, being no more than the cost of full electric adjustment and lumbar adjustment. As a gadget they are cool as well because they close around you automatically and the steering wheel raises and lowers on its own.
I hope that this is of some assistance.
12-21-2006, 10:02 AM
#12
Contributors
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chippenham, Wiltshire UK
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
www.drivethedeal.co.uk are quoting a 530D Sport with Dakota Leather, Heated Seats , Visibility Pack and Bluetooth for ?34,462 on the road. ?37,946 for auto box.
12-21-2006, 12:34 PM
#13
Contributors
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Essex, UK
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by steve_gus' post='369945' date='Dec 21 2006, 04:50 PM
dont forget, you dont have to get the Msport for the revised suspension - its available seperatly for approx ?300....
12-21-2006, 01:01 PM
#14
Contributors
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Posts: 7,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
Facelifted (April-May '07) 520dA with Comfort package!
12-22-2006, 02:47 AM
#15
Contributors
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 4,186
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
My Ride: Jan 2006 E63 650i Sport
.
Options:
Sport version (includes: sport-seats, sport-suspension, M-Sport steering wheel, Anthracite headliner, Shaddow Line), Saphire Black, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood trim, Steptronic Auto, Xenons, NAV-Professional with Voice Control, TV, CD-Changer, Bluetooth, Logic7, Head-up Display, Comfort Access, Seat Heating front, Auto Dimming & Folding Mirrors, Extended Auto Air Conditioning, PDC.
.
Mods:
Spacers 5mm front & 15mm rear
.
Wheels:
20" Alpina Softline (Classic) with Dunlop Sport Maxx non-RFT (255/35/20 & 285/30/20)
Originally Posted by sparkiemarkie' post='369896' date='Dec 21 2006, 03:10 PM
Sorry, I forgot to mention i am currently driving a e46 330d (184bhp) + tuning box (220bhp). It has been an excellent car but I think I would be bored buying a new 330d (231bhp) and I just cant warm to its revised look. I have always loved the road presence of the e60 m Sport.
If I am being honest with myself my heart will probably over rule my head and I will go for the 530d and pay ?100 approx extra a month in company car tax.
My budget is approx ?36,000 but I can be flexible to a degree as it is my own company that is buying the car. The reason for the post was that I have read such good reports on the 520d and felt that it could be the best all rounder.
Thanks
If I am being honest with myself my heart will probably over rule my head and I will go for the 530d and pay ?100 approx extra a month in company car tax.
My budget is approx ?36,000 but I can be flexible to a degree as it is my own company that is buying the car. The reason for the post was that I have read such good reports on the 520d and felt that it could be the best all rounder.
Thanks
Either way, you will end up with a great car.
Cheers
12-22-2006, 07:05 AM
#16
Members
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: My Drive ……X5 3.0d Sport 2004, Sunroof, 6 Speed Auto, SATNAV, TV, Blue Tooth, Sterling Grey, Beige Leather, Folding Mirrors, Auto Dipping Mirrors, 6 CD, Poplar Wood Interior, Sun Protection Glass, Comfort Screen, Heated Seats.
My Drive…… 530d Sport (E61) 2005, Carbon Black, Beige Leather, Auto, Comfort Seats, Panoramic Sun Roof, SATNAV Professional, 6 CD, ( Media Pack), Bi- Xenon’s Adaptive, Headlight Washers,Folding Mirrors, Sun Blinds, Sun Protection Glass, Advanced Air Conditioning / Heating, Blue Tooth with integrated Phone.
Other Half’s Drive….318 Ci Sport, 2005, Graphite Grey, Red Leather, Full Sports Pack.
Three sayings that can help with life
“Shy boys get nothing”
“You are confusing me with someone who gives a damn”
“If you want a friend buy a dog”
Originally Posted by 07530d' post='369961' date='Dec 21 2006, 06:35 PM
Got just about a 535d performance for 350 quid
12-22-2006, 10:21 AM
#17
Contributors
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chippenham, Wiltshire UK
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
There are plenty around, my personal experience is with DMS Automotive, very professional,but at the expensive end of the market at about ?600.
They do however warranty thier work very well. If you have a warranty repair refused by BMW due to a discovered re-map, they will meet the cost of the repair themselves.
Apparently they have never had to pay out.
They do however warranty thier work very well. If you have a warranty repair refused by BMW due to a discovered re-map, they will meet the cost of the repair themselves.
Apparently they have never had to pay out.
12-22-2006, 02:37 PM
#19
Contributors
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Essex, UK
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by sparkiemarkie' post='370354' date='Dec 22 2006, 09:14 PM
Thanks Guys for the views.....530d it is then!
ps
does any one know what the dealer margin is in the UK
ps
does any one know what the dealer margin is in the UK
12-23-2006, 12:41 AM
#20
Contributors
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chippenham, Wiltshire UK
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
It varies according to a number of things and contracts with individual dealers.
Between 8 and 12% is the normal range, in addition there are 'bonus' payments for selling a given number of cras per month/quarter.
For best price, look to strike a deal at the end of the month, better still December of March when targets need to be hit.
A dealer is given x number of build slots in a year, if they hit them all and have an order backlog, they may get more slots the following year. if they do not use the slots they stand to see a reduction next year.
if you are not fussy about spec, you may find dealers with stock cars in late March/Early April that they will give very good discounts on.
I got mine as a 'pre-reg' in April 2005 at ?6,000 discount off ?39,000 list.
Between 8 and 12% is the normal range, in addition there are 'bonus' payments for selling a given number of cras per month/quarter.
For best price, look to strike a deal at the end of the month, better still December of March when targets need to be hit.
A dealer is given x number of build slots in a year, if they hit them all and have an order backlog, they may get more slots the following year. if they do not use the slots they stand to see a reduction next year.
if you are not fussy about spec, you may find dealers with stock cars in late March/Early April that they will give very good discounts on.
I got mine as a 'pre-reg' in April 2005 at ?6,000 discount off ?39,000 list.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
th3h1ghlander
New Member Introductions
8
10-09-2015 07:40 AM