I've been here in forum for a while now and joined primarily to get info about ordering my current company car. I've answered hundreds of posts advising people on options and giving my opinion. Its now my turn again to order a car and I must have changed my mind at least 500 billion times in the last few weeks!!!

Basically I love my current ride -- full stop! There are only 3 items that I would like to change: engine, colour of leather and the sun-roof...

The 2 litre engine is fine, but I am just a bit fed up with the turbo lag from a standing start (if you do not rev the engine to approx 2000rpm) and the frequent gear changes to get the engine really performing. I test drove the 525dA and with the power + (max) torque coming in already at 1300rpm, the negatives I currently have are a non-issue. It feels more effortless and I also prefer the sound of the 6 cylinder engine. (I also considered the 530dSAT, but would have had too make to many compromises on options to get it in my budget.)
As for the sunroof, I just had the seals swapped out for the second time in 16 months due to excessive and unbearable wind-noise at high speed. Enough said!
The black leather is great, but I really wanted a bi-colour look. When I ordered my current ride, I didn't dare take this route, but having been here at E60.NET for a while now, my opinion on what is "pushing it" has completely changed!


I found myself going through all sorts of configurations primarily for the sake of "ordering something different" Having now driven myself, my wife, our fleet manager and BMW dealer completely mad with all my questions & considerations, I ended up simply focussing on the 3 items above. In other words, why change something if it ain't broke! I guess we all go through this -- or am I the only one?!?

Thanks to those who have been helping me with my questions and get things clear in my mind -- much appreciated


Here is the full spec listing of what I have ordered -- hopefully with me in 8-10 weeks:


Model: E60 525dA M-Sport
Exterior colour: Carbon Black
Interior colour: Natural Brown Dakota Leather, with Black high-gloss trim

Wheels:
- Summer: OEM 19" type M166, front 245 / rear 275
- Winter: OEM 19" type 128, front & rear 245

Basic Package (- for large company car customers in Germany)
- Folding rear seats & ski-sack
- Extended air-conditioning
- Park distance control
- Front heated seats

Business Package (- for large company car major customers in Germany)
- Navigation System Business (incl. the DVD!!)
- CD Changer
- Light-Package
- Xenon-lights
- Adaptive head-lights
- Head-light washer

M-Sport package
- M-Sport exterior package (front/side/rear spoilers)
- Sport seats
- M-sport steering wheel
- M-sport suspension
- M135 18" rims - I replaced this with 19" M166s
- Aluminium trim - I replaced this with black high-gloss trim
- Antracite headliner

Other Options:
- Logic7
- USB audio connection
- Drink holders
- Auto-dimming & folding mirrors
- Rear heated seats
- Rear M-sport boot spoiler

 

Looks very complete ! should look great..... a bigger engine would be nice though................

 

totally agree!

 

What's "extended air conditioning?"

 

I Agree.... you should not have compromised on the engine. what would the option compromises have been if you chose the 530?

 

Well I think it's the perfect choice. One step at a time: 520d, 525d, 530d, 535d... 550i, M5 (at least that's how I've planned it :-))

I like your choices, good luck with the car.

 

That's a very nice car !! Very nice options !

I testdrove the LCI E61 525dA this summer, and it was a pleasure to drive. Very smooth and powerful. Our 530dA is faster, but the new 525dA would be more than enough for me.

The speedlimit in Denmark is only 130 km/h, so I rarely drive above 180 km/h, Only in Germany or by night

What's your current milage ?? Or do your company only lease/own the cars for 2 years?

 

Hehe same here, started on 525d, then 530d, now 535d ... There are a few options I would personally add, but you have a great car specced, and I am sure the LAST thing you want to here from any of us now it's all finalised is "you really should get x y and z"

 

It would have meant no M-Sport, no metalic paint, no leather plus none of the cheaper useful options -- only the Basic and Business packages. I love the look of the m-sport and need my leather (- but not in a weird way! ) My brother in law went for a 530 without any decent options and regretted it -- I remember look at the car and thinking In this case, I have a very similar engine, but without the real umpf -- I can live with that... for now!

That said, it comes down to personal preference and I am sure there are a whole load of people out there would go for limited spec car and the bigger engine.

 

Its my translation of the German name for the Air Conditioning version where you can set the temperature to a certain value, rather than just hot and cold using the blue-red dial. Make sense?!