535dMAN

After nearly 3 years in my 535d (Pre LCI 2006) I've just bought another E60 and this time its a 530d M Sport (Pre LCI late 2005) for the Mrs. At first I was very sceptical about having two 5 series which are very similar (the main difference in look is the colour 535d is Carbon Black and 530d is Silver Grey) - both have the 172M 19"s with rear spoiler.

I must say the Carbon Black looks much more beastier and gangster like (maybe something to do with the sun protection glass) than the Silver grey which looks more like a subtle directors car ! The best thing about the silver grey is no visible swirl marks which are an absolute nightmare on my 535d ! The silver grey just shines and looks very elegant

Now for real world differences

MPG
Exact same A and B road routes: 535d = 27mpg but the 530d = 37mpg!
Motorway run at 75mph - 535d = 32mpg but the 530d = 41mpg!

Power (both cars non mapped)
In town I can honestly say there is hardly any noticeable difference the 530d feels very fast and quick off the line. It's when we're on the motorway that the 535d comes in to its own - 40-70mph kickdown it feels like the 530d is running out of breath with high engine sound and noticeable gear changes but the 535d's torque is immense and effortless with no major engine sound - its just very very smooth and fast

I suppose these are two great cars for different people - if you're after the mpg aspect then id suggest you stick with a 530d but if you want fun and mega torque then it has to be a 535d. Ive had a 535d in the past which was remapped and it was astonishing but I've never driven a 530d which has been remapped so cant comment.

The basic thing is that both are great comfortable cars which are now excellent value in the used car market.

Bob525D

You're a lucky man, however, i couldnt imagine have the up keep on two of these cars. I love my 525D but i wouldnt want the wife driving one as well as me, these cars are expensive for tyres and general maintenance. I spent around ?1K in my first month of ownership for essential maintenance then a further ?1.2K on a body kit to cheers myself up after that.

virgil

I'm surprised that the 535d is providing such a difference in fuel economy - especially since the second turbo doesn't kick in until around 2300rpm

Geez ... I'm not impressed by your fuel economy. I'm not having a go at you but maybe I've got a unique car:

I'm in Sydney, Australia and have a 2006, 530d. It's done nearly 40,000km (25,000 miles). I drive to work everyday - 25km. It takes me over 1 hour in peak hour traffic. I get the following economy: US MPG = 24.9, UK MPG = 29.9, L/100km = 9.4, km/L= 10.6. It's stop/start driving with speeds up to 70km/k (45mph).

I drove from Sydney to Melbourne on a single tank (around 950km). On that trip I travelled more than 1280km before putting 62 litres of diesel in. I got the following economy: US MPG = 48.5, UK MPG = 58.2, L/100km = 4.85, km/L = 20.6. That was cruising down the M5, onto the Hume Hwy, and taking the Canberra by-pass. I was sitting on 120kmh (75mph). That is better economy than actually claimed in the brochure ... and I had my wife and a couple of bags in the car.

Also, this review indicates an average 40.9mpg fuel economy for the 535d: http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-a...5d-1004407.html

I used to drive a 323i. I put 58-60 litres of petrol into it every week. With the 530d I put around 60-62 litres of diesel in per fortnight. In Sydney, petrol and diesel prices are on par. So my fuel bill is nearly half of what it would be with petrol.

I used the following link to make the conversions from L/100km: http://www.tdiclub.com/misc/conversions.html

I'd be interested to know what economy others are getting from the diesels.