Woodstock

Looks like many people are opting for the 545. I'm curious as to the real breakdown, since I was thinking 530.

ISUK

Hey, is this a poll for US buyers only? Stick the 530d diesel on there for those of us in Europe and you may be surprised at how popular this variant is over here.

jmcaiado

Don't forget the 530d. I kicks the 530i ass

RichReg

Looks more to me like the 530i is the most popular choice, not the 545.
I'm sure resale value & initial cost as well as maintenance costs after 4 years
play a part in this.

The 530d is great too, but is not available here in the U.S.
however, I'm sure that it would be first choice over the 530i if it was.

R.R.

Sam

I clicked on the 530 meaning 530d. I am ordering one of the April 04 UK 530d vehicles with the full nav system.

I can see the 530d being the most popular option in the UK due to its excellent price/performance ratio.

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Sam

Sam

That's strange. Any idea why?

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Sam

amcbride

I am getting the 545. I like the power.

Woodstock

What are the spec. differences (price and performance) for the 530i vs. 530d. I think the whole desiel car thing over here came and went several years ago. I think MBenz tried to sell a desiel for a bit in the 90s, but it didn't get very far.

rodybmw

What are the spec. differences (price and performance) for the 530i vs. 530d. I think the whole desiel car thing over here came and went several years ago. I think MBenz tried to sell a desiel for a bit in the 90s, but it didn't get very far.[/quote]
Actually any diesel that has been sold in the U.S. before is not even close to being in the same league as the new diesels available in Europe. There have been huge advancements in diesel engines with respect to power, noise, smoke, and pollution. However, I heard a program on the radio a few months back and they were saying that the diesel fuel available in the U.S. is not suitable for these new diesels from Europe (I think they said it has way too much sulfur??) They did mention however that diesel fuel formulation in the U.S. was going to be changed to be like that in Europe so that the new engines would be able to run on it. Once that happens then the manufacturers would be able to import diesels to the U.S. Appearently MB is going to start importing the E320 CDI soon.

Personally I have driven diesel rentals in Germany (Audi A3 1.9TDi and MB C270 TCDI) and have been VERY impressed both times. They both had great acceleration, just as good as comparable gasoline engines. The diesel noise is much less than old diesel engines and very muted inside the car. Overall, the cars had slightly more engine noise and were slightly less smooth than gas engines, but not by much.

Would I buy a diesel if it were available in the U.S.? Probably not, because gas prices are not as bad here as they are in Europe, and as quiet and smokeless as these diesels are you can still hear a somewhat muted diesel noise (from outside) and you can still smell diesel exhaust. However, even though I said I would not buy one at this point I'm sure many people will-there is something very tempting about a car that will give you the same performance while giving you almost 45 miles per gallon.

rodybmw

rem

It all has to do with power for me...i need the speed....mid-december...car is in production...I SAW THE ORDER STATUS REPORT AT MY DEALER THIS WEEKEND!!! Oh..it's a 545i 6 speed i'm getting btw

well maybe not all to do with power...the driving experience is also important...otherwise i wouldn't have gone for a bmw....