530i vs. 530d
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Oi!!! You cut the best bit off the end of Clarkson's quote!! 
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My Ride: 2006 530i Sport
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No, I wouldn't cry foul about a modified car. I'd modify mine if there were good mods out there. The turbo cars are always winners in this regard. It's fair. The new 3.0L petrol turbo will be very impressive when modified. Likely nipping at the heels of the M5 after some of the more radical owners get done with it.
I'm not going to address the rest of the points or be defensive because I feel there is no need to prolong this - no need to argue. We both make valid points.
I like that TopGear comparison - I have it on my PSP.
I'm not going to address the rest of the points or be defensive because I feel there is no need to prolong this - no need to argue. We both make valid points.
I like that TopGear comparison - I have it on my PSP.
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Originally Posted by UUronL' post='291190' date='Jun 1 2006, 11:28 PM
This is very much a "you vote what you own" kind of a situation. Since I own a petrol N52, I'll add some Fox style balance to this thread.
I doubt highly that the petrol would feel like much of a slouch, especially since it has more horsepower. I can break the tires loose upon downshift if I so choose. There is serious power to be tapped. The visceral feeling of torque on the diesel is probably very nice, but those sensations aren't always indicative of what's happening on the stopwatch.
Since when did not having to row the gears become a goal of true "drivers"? The interaction with the car and the manual shifting is a key part of driving enjoyment for me. I don't mind downshifting to tap into more power. That's actually quite enjoyable for me - along with the resultant kick in the pants.
I also love making the engine sing to the 7000 RPM redline.
I'm pretty sure the petrol engine is -way- lighter. I remember TopGear bemoaning the brick in the front-end and the resultant weight and balance penalties when they tested their last diesel E60. The N52 is super light and makes the car the nimblest E60.
I doubt highly that the petrol would feel like much of a slouch, especially since it has more horsepower. I can break the tires loose upon downshift if I so choose. There is serious power to be tapped. The visceral feeling of torque on the diesel is probably very nice, but those sensations aren't always indicative of what's happening on the stopwatch.
Since when did not having to row the gears become a goal of true "drivers"? The interaction with the car and the manual shifting is a key part of driving enjoyment for me. I don't mind downshifting to tap into more power. That's actually quite enjoyable for me - along with the resultant kick in the pants.
I also love making the engine sing to the 7000 RPM redline.
I'm pretty sure the petrol engine is -way- lighter. I remember TopGear bemoaning the brick in the front-end and the resultant weight and balance penalties when they tested their last diesel E60. The N52 is super light and makes the car the nimblest E60.
I think top gears comments about the 'brick in the front end' are a bit rich though.
Clarkson said this when comparing the 535d to the 545i
The 535d is 1735 kilos and the 545i is 1700 kilos (both with auto's) (35 kilos difference)
The 530d is 1590 kilos and the 530i is 1565 (25 kilos difference)
The main point here is the new 3.0d engine in the 530d is a LOT lighter than the old one in the 535d.
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Originally Posted by BetterMakeWay' post='291017' date='Jun 1 2006, 06:43 PM
Back to the issue of the steptronic: YES i also have noticed that. It's ver very sensitive at kick-down (not the sensor at full throttle). But if you really learn it you can accelerate smoothley without triggering the downshift. In a way it's WOOOAAA to see the endless surge comgin almost from idle, seeing the tacho climbing only 1000rpms or so and the speedo going mad 
. But in a way that attitude of the gearbox never affected me too much since if it downshifted even at 3000-3500rpm i have no problems due to the 2nd turbo.
. But in a way that attitude of the gearbox never affected me too much since if it downshifted even at 3000-3500rpm i have no problems due to the 2nd turbo.
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Originally Posted by needforspeed' post='291582' date='Jun 2 2006, 06:44 PM
The main point here is the new 3.0d engine in the 530d is a LOT lighter than the old one in the 535d.
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Originally Posted by colejl' post='291596' date='Jun 2 2006, 07:14 PM
Isn't the block itself about 25kg lighter...
530d=1590kg
535d=1735kg
530d=1590kg
535d=1735kg
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Originally Posted by BetterMakeWay' post='291623' date='Jun 2 2006, 06:16 PM
I asked because it's rather not smart to draw this conclusion alone from the weight of both cars. The sheer extra weight doesn't come (from what i know) from the block itself. The weight according to bmw site for 530d is 1665kg and for 535d 1735kg. I dunno if that's the spec for the 530d steptronic (it might be manual). But anyway...the difference doesn't come from the engine block, but from the upgraded stuff in the car, bigger brakes, second turbo,bigger intercooler and so on...TT does come in a cost in weight. That's why i asked.
The figure I gave of 1590kg excludes the steptronic box, so your figure of 1665kg is probably right!
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Originally Posted by colejl' post='291669' date='Jun 2 2006, 09:55 PM
Agreed that the extra weight on the 535d comes from the additional kit to upgrade the power but the block itself like-for-like (from 218ps 530d to 231ps 530d) is 25kg less. The updated 535d should be 1710kg with just over 280ps
The figure I gave of 1590kg excludes the steptronic box, so your figure of 1665kg is probably right!
The figure I gave of 1590kg excludes the steptronic box, so your figure of 1665kg is probably right!
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My Ride: 09 - 520d M Sport - Steptronic - Carbon Black - Black Dakota Leather Sports Seats electric- Auto Climate - Piano Black Bamboo - Antracite Headlining - Business Media Kit - Sat Nav - Bluetooth - CD Changer - Auxillary Port and USB - M Sport Multifunction Steering - Lowered M Suspension - 18" Alloys with RFT - M Badged - M Bumpers and Bodykit - Park Distance Control - Advanced Voice Rec - Auto Dim Mirror - Privacy Glass - 5 Year Service Inclusive
Previous -06 - 525 M Sport - Steptronic - Sapphire Black - Black Nappa Leather Sports Seats - Auto Climate - Alluminium Cubed Interior - Anthracite Headliner - Business CD with Auxillary Port - M Sport Multifunction Steering - Bluetooth - Lowered M Suspension - 18" Alloys with RFT - M Badged - M Bumpers and Bodykit - Park Distance Control - Spare Wheel kit - Advanced Voice Rec
Originally Posted by BetterMakeWay' post='290806' date='Jun 1 2006, 10:52 AM
It's been discussed alot on the forum.
Big advantages for the petrol: smoothness, soundtrack and more revs and that's pretty much it.
Big advantages for the petrol: smoothness, soundtrack and more revs and that's pretty much it.
It has been discussed before, but given the choice you have to pick the diesel, its years ahead in every way