Looking for people who drove E60s of both fuel types. I have a 530d and the auto transmission shifts too hard in my opinion. I have not driven another diesel so I don't know. But all other BMW's I owned/drove with petrol engines shifted so smooth like butter. My diesel really lets me know "gear change...now!"

Just asking because I have an "open ticket" at the dealer and if I could fully justify my transmission is broken (after 67,000 km) they would replace it under warranty. The whole thing. But they won't do it just because I say so. I need strong arguments.

thanks

 

My 535d shifts very smoothly (except 2 -> 1 at near standstill). I have other complaints with the transmission (speed, over-nannied in manual, downshifts/unlocks TC too easily), but smoothness is not one of them.

I don't have an E60 petrol comparison, but my previous car was an E39 535i, and I'd say that from a smoothness point of view the two are equivalent.

 

I drove both 530d & 530i for 3 months now, so I maybe best placed to judge here.
Both shift the same in D mode. In DS mode the petrol felt smoother.

 

A bit off topic but what made you choose the petrol version? A more silent, refined engine ?

 

Most of my driving was in town, where the diesel
1-Loses alot of its fuel consumption advantage (espetially Autos)
2-Its unrefined character becomes much more apparent

Moreover, I keep my cars out of warranty, and a Turbo charged car is a time bom that will go off at anytime and expensive to fix.

The petrol is smooth, refined and naturally aspirated

It suited me more, but if someone drive 90% on motorways and always lease the car = Diesel is the right choice as its clatter is much less noticeable on motorways, its fuel consumption would be huge and its turbo would turn into a huge overtaking advantage.

 

I meant time bomb - I need to slow down

 

Same here where I'm doing 90% town driving. Guess that I have to see about the new 525d if it's audible when cold.

Also, I think there's the question of the FAP not being cleaned on short distances (remember reading something about this...). Did you tested also the 525i and if so, what was your impression of it considering the everyday town driving ?

 

I didn't test the 525i, I felt the 530i offers more power and same fuel consumption and the price gap was very small. Some said the 525i was gutless compared to the 530i N52 engine with the 258 bhp. This is probably the reason I can see more 530i than 525i on the road (out of petrol choices).

 

Indeed the LCI 530i Auto looks like a cracker... Has better consumption figures than my 'old' 530d!!!

 

And will be more refined and responsive without the Turbo lag or worry of failure