OliverB

Very difficult because very personal choice !
I prefer the 3L diesel : so much torque, quick response, economy.

A diesel engine is supposed to perform a bigger milleage. So the resale value is also higher.
Ask your dealer to let you drive both of them, the same day, to be able to compare. Then let your heart choose...

I chose diesel ! Fantastic car.
With all the options, the price of my 530D is only 2.000 ? cheaper than a 535D. But taxes here in Belgium are far more expensive for the 535D. So ... I had to make a reasonable choice !
A power box or a remapping of the chip will provide 260HP & 570NM, easy & without risk, for a very reasonable price (500 ?).
You may also blow the 250 km/h limiter if you want ...

Honestly, you know you drive a diesel only when you come at the gas station ! Totally bluffing !

forge197

I will test both back to back I will let you know how it goes

colejl

Of course, but they have to strike a compromise somewhere...

spareone3

I drove both 2006 models and I've had my 530D Sport for a couple of weeks now...It's a personal choice and I made mine! When driving you don't worry about the Diesel signature tune. I get 30 average and 40+mpg on the motorway, can't ignore this side of the argument if you do a few miles a year..Performance is excellent as previously stated..

All the best with your choice, but as you know there's not really a "bad" decision, as both are superb!

colejl

Did you ever driven the previous 530d? (218PS)

I've encountered the 'new' 3litre diesel in a 7-series and it seemed so much nicer!? (That could just be the 7 masking it though!) I honestly couldn't tell it was a diesel! (I thought mine was pretty good)

forge197

As has been said there is no "bad" choice it's interesting to see everyone's different angles on Diesel v Petrol though.

I'll post back tomorrow my thought's

forge197

I didn't make it to the 530d, as was so taken with the difference between my 530i Sport and 530i M Sport as a self confessed petrol head it just felt right and it looked good on 19"'s just need to wait for it to be ready.

Thanks to all those that fed back looking forward to getting my M Sport.

BangleBox_530d

I am (was) a petrolhead, but still chose the 530d M Sport. Never had a diesel before.

If I did 18K+ miles a year, the diesel is my choice.

BTW, my 530d is quicker than a previous V8 petrol-engined car. And noise-wise it's VERY easy to forget it is a diesel. If anyone is thinking "maybe a diesel", then make sure you do test drive one. You will like it.

3.0d with DMS remap surely must be better in every way than the 3.0 petrol. I though I'd miss the higher revving of a petrol, but I can't say that I do.

OliverB

What values did you get with DMS remapping ? Torque & HP ?? Price ?

SKK

I didn't make it to the 530d, as was so taken with the difference between my 530i Sport and 530i M Sport as a self confessed petrol head it just felt right and it looked good on 19"'s just need to wait for it to be ready.

Thanks to all those that fed back looking forward to getting my M Sport.
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Good choice in the end. Diesel wouldnt have been a bad choice either. If you don't like the sound of a diesel and don't do the miles then petrol is the way to go.

Both have their merits.