BMW 520dA Touring or VW Passat Variant 2.0 TDI 170PS DSG6?
08-08-2006, 02:00 AM
#1
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Salonika, GR
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello all!
I live in Greece and currently own a BMW 520i A E39 '97 model upgraded to 2.6 216PS / 270NM. Not so happy with this car, quite a lot of problems when new, luckily it was under warranty for 3 years.
I will be buying a new car pretty soon and want to move on to a diesel engine. So my best options are at the 2.0 litre range, either one of the following:
1. BMW 520dA Touring with a price around ?55.000 (a selection of needed extras)
2. VW Passat Variant 2.0 TDI 170PS DSG6 with a price around ?40.000 (full of extras, almost anything available!)
I was almost tempted to go for the Passat until I read some topics at several forums that the car has quite a lot of problems and that in the first months! Maybe the model has to "mature" a couple of years.
Anyway I'm glad I joined this great forum and hope I get some useful replies.
Regards.
I live in Greece and currently own a BMW 520i A E39 '97 model upgraded to 2.6 216PS / 270NM. Not so happy with this car, quite a lot of problems when new, luckily it was under warranty for 3 years.
I will be buying a new car pretty soon and want to move on to a diesel engine. So my best options are at the 2.0 litre range, either one of the following:
1. BMW 520dA Touring with a price around ?55.000 (a selection of needed extras)
2. VW Passat Variant 2.0 TDI 170PS DSG6 with a price around ?40.000 (full of extras, almost anything available!)
I was almost tempted to go for the Passat until I read some topics at several forums that the car has quite a lot of problems and that in the first months! Maybe the model has to "mature" a couple of years.
Anyway I'm glad I joined this great forum and hope I get some useful replies.
Regards.
08-08-2006, 04:20 AM
#2
Contributors
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Germany
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi,
You?re comparing two totally different cars, no matter if they numerically have nearly the same hp or the same options. It doesn?t make sense to discuss the technical differences between front or rear drive, or the advatage of a 50:50 weight allocation, I think you know.
You can get a citron from both, BMW and VW. I own one of the first e60 (08/03) and never had any problems. I don?t know if I would like to have a ?matured? car (I think the passat looks already like his own grandfather <_< )
If you use your car just to get from point A to point B take the passat (especially when you have to transport large amounts of cement bags). If 15.000 ? are an issue and you have a good idea how to spent this money for better purposes than for cars take the passat.
If you love driving and want to have fun ??..guess what
Matts
You?re comparing two totally different cars, no matter if they numerically have nearly the same hp or the same options. It doesn?t make sense to discuss the technical differences between front or rear drive, or the advatage of a 50:50 weight allocation, I think you know.
You can get a citron from both, BMW and VW. I own one of the first e60 (08/03) and never had any problems. I don?t know if I would like to have a ?matured? car (I think the passat looks already like his own grandfather <_< )
If you use your car just to get from point A to point B take the passat (especially when you have to transport large amounts of cement bags). If 15.000 ? are an issue and you have a good idea how to spent this money for better purposes than for cars take the passat.
If you love driving and want to have fun ??..guess what
Matts
08-08-2006, 11:15 AM
#3
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Salonika, GR
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for your reply.
You made your point very clear. One more question, would you consider a second hand (1 year old BMW) at 40.000? or a brand new Passat as described?
You made your point very clear. One more question, would you consider a second hand (1 year old BMW) at 40.000? or a brand new Passat as described?
08-08-2006, 12:39 PM
#4
Contributors
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Trieste, Italy
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Cars:2011 - BMW F11 535i, Alpine White, Msport version2009 - MINI COOPER, Mellow Yellow2007 - BMW E61 LCI 530i, Space Gray, Msport version - SOLD2006 - MINI COOPER, Park Lane Version - SOLD2005 - BMW E61 525i, Titan Silver, Msport version - SOLD2003
Model Year: 2012
Originally Posted by gianton' post='320288' date='Aug 8 2006, 09:15 PM
Thanks for your reply.
You made your point very clear. One more question, would you consider a second hand (1 year old BMW) at 40.000? or a brand new Passat as described?
You made your point very clear. One more question, would you consider a second hand (1 year old BMW) at 40.000? or a brand new Passat as described?
No doubts whatsoever, I would go for an used 525d or an used 520d. however if you do not mind about room take into consideration the 320d as well. A friend of mine has it and he is absolutely happy about it.
I have already the third 5 series and second E60/E61 and I would not change it with anything else.
BR
///Marco
08-08-2006, 12:41 PM
#5
Contributors
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Germany
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The second hand E61 is the clearly better choice. And this is the incontrovertible truth!!!!! ( 
as long as you don't post this question in a VW forum)
But without kidding, I would take the E61 in a second.
It should be an average car of course, without accident, with adequate mileage etc. And I would not take a loaner or a demonstration car (I had some trouble with an Audi as a demonstration car some years ago). With a one year old e61 in good shape you'll get everything what a new car should have except the high decrease in value in the first year.
Sorry to hear that you in the beginning had some problems with your E39.
I normally drive my cars three years and then give them away............to my Dad.
These days he waits maybe more impatiently than me for my new E61 to come, so he can change from his -or better my- old E39 to my current ti-silver beauty. He swears one cannot make a better deal than this cars and he could be right, at least they are perfectly trained. So I have some reason to believe that you can drive these cars at least six years without more trouble than tires and brake pads and other expendable parts.
Matts
as long as you don't post this question in a VW forum) But without kidding, I would take the E61 in a second.
It should be an average car of course, without accident, with adequate mileage etc. And I would not take a loaner or a demonstration car (I had some trouble with an Audi as a demonstration car some years ago). With a one year old e61 in good shape you'll get everything what a new car should have except the high decrease in value in the first year.
Sorry to hear that you in the beginning had some problems with your E39.
I normally drive my cars three years and then give them away............to my Dad.
These days he waits maybe more impatiently than me for my new E61 to come, so he can change from his -or better my- old E39 to my current ti-silver beauty. He swears one cannot make a better deal than this cars and he could be right, at least they are perfectly trained. So I have some reason to believe that you can drive these cars at least six years without more trouble than tires and brake pads and other expendable parts.
Matts
08-08-2006, 01:04 PM
#7
Senior Members
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Scotland, UK
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: E61 530d Touring, May 2004
I cannot comment on the latest Passat. But I previously ran a 2000 Passat V6 4-Motion Estate.
It probably won't be popular on this site, but I thought the 4-Motion was a tremendous car
* over 5 years it broke down less than my replacement 530d did in 6 months !
* the VW dealer treated me much better than the BMW dealer
* in many ways the Passat estate was more practical
The amazing thing was that the V6 4-Motion was in practive also tremendous fun to drive - and though drank petrol with a vengeance, it transpired the 530d was no better.
Relative to cost, the 4-Motion was far and away the best drivers car purchase I have done. Front wheel drive 4 cylinder workhorse probably a different beast.
It probably won't be popular on this site, but I thought the 4-Motion was a tremendous car
* over 5 years it broke down less than my replacement 530d did in 6 months !
* the VW dealer treated me much better than the BMW dealer
* in many ways the Passat estate was more practical
The amazing thing was that the V6 4-Motion was in practive also tremendous fun to drive - and though drank petrol with a vengeance, it transpired the 530d was no better.
Relative to cost, the 4-Motion was far and away the best drivers car purchase I have done. Front wheel drive 4 cylinder workhorse probably a different beast.
08-08-2006, 01:48 PM
#8
Contributors
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MIAMI B*CH
Posts: 6,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following:
530dA (steptronic), Black II (JET), leather Dakota auburn black, mapple trim, head-up display, dynamic drive, active steering, adaptive xenon headlights (auto levelling) with headlight washers, alarm, comfort seats with massage function, advanced A/C, big compartment armrest, aux-in, MP3, Logic 7, Radio PRO, CD in-dash+cd changer, power rear sunshades, rear airbags, park distance control, auto dimming folding mirrors, smoking package, shiny shadow line (individual), fold down rear seats, ski bag, sport suspension, run flats on �116-style� rims (Good Year NCT5+), cup holders, debadged, fire extinguishers, additional permanent power outlet, BMW coat hanger, trunk release button (installed by Hobi), GPS tracking device and a big thx 2 Iceman.
Mods done:
� Authentic HAMANN FRONT APRON Including ellipsoid fog lights Item-No.: 10 060 110
� Authentic HAMANN REAR SPOILER Item-No.: 10 060 130,
� Authentic HAMANN HAMANN ALUMINIUM PEDALS For cars with manual gearbox Item-No.: 80 099 100 81,00 For cars with automatic transmission Item-No.: 80 099 120
� Authentic HAMANN FOOT REST In aluminium For left-hand drive vehicles Item No. : 80 099 122
� Authentic HAMANN HAND-BRAKE LEVER In aluminium For left- and right-hand drive cars Item No. : 80 099 216
� Authentic HAMANN Idrive of alu (sorry this is the only one in the World) but you can have it in carbon fiber ,
� Authentic HAMANN EXCLUSIVE FLOORMAT SET In black with HAMANN logo in silver For left-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 120 For right-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060
� Authentic HAMANN COVER FOR OIL FILLER CAP In aluminium Item-No.: 80 099 117
� Authentic HAMANN SPORT REAR MUFFLER 4 TAILPIPES Sport rear muffler with four round stainless-steel tailpipes ( � 76mm ) Item-No.: 50 060 111
� Authentic HAMANN new add-on for M pack rear with diffusor for quad pipes -AVAILABLE NOW (http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=30630&st=0#entry332409)
� ///M steering wheel w Pegasus logo (this will be also changed to three spoke sports)
� ///M pack rear
� HAMANN ECU upgrade 265 HP 608 Nm.
most improtant:
�real and working like a charm forumsbuy real LED tails and PIAA 4700k fogs!!! for HAMANN full front apron you need H3
� CustomAngels, Angel Eyes Brighter than stocks 10X, WHITE & (REd for shows).
� Authentic HAMANN LIGHT-ALLOY WHEELS DESIGN EDITION RACE 20"
Ultra-light forged 3-pieced light-alloy wheel, Cross-spoke-design,Spider in black, titanium, screwing,polished flange
DIMENSIONS : 9.0 J x 20 FA Item No.: 91 207 315
10.5 J x 20 only RA Item No.: 91 207 625
Recommended 20" Complete Wheel Set DESIGN EDITION RACE I went with most aggressive Combination A.10 FA 9.0 J x 20 / RA 10.5 J x 20 with tires: FA 245/30 ZR 20 / RA 285/25 ZR 20
� Authentic HAMANN LOWERING KIT 4 progressive sport springs Lowering by approx. 40 mm FA, 20 mm RA Item-No.: 20 060 125
� Authentic HAMANN TIRE - PRESSURE CHECK SENSOR SYSTEM
� Authentic HAMANN SIDE SILLS Item-No.: 10 060 120
� Authentic HAMANN REAL CF ROOF SPOLIER Item-No.: 10 060 235
� Authentic HAMANN AIRBAG SPORT STEERING WHEEL 3-SPOKE Three-spoke design w their SMG paddles (For assembly O.E. airbag in exchange)
� Authentic HAMANN sports mirrors (all functions)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and of course !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
E60.net Clings
Still to do list;-):
� Our Hobi's camera system from : ww.switchchange.com).
� Individual leather interior (auburn+auburn alcantara)... and drive with sheer drivin' pleasure ... until 2009/2010 F10 comes or E60 possibly a 540d V8 diesel early in 2009 badly juiced!
Welcome, as you have now E60 and this is the best place to ask about a VW, what is that 
of course diesel 530dA and even you can remap it to 200hp if you need it. But sure an E60 nothing is comperable to that
we are here all objective on cars E60 Forums
of course diesel 530dA and even you can remap it to 200hp if you need it. But sure an E60 nothing is comperable to that
we are here all objective on cars E60 Forums
08-08-2006, 02:05 PM
#9
Members
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: E61 525i SE Touring Automatic - Titanium Grey II, Auburn-Dakota Leather, 17" Light Alloy Wheels Star-Spoke Styling 138, Anthracite Headlining, Maple Wood, Electric Front Seats, Front Seat Heating, Automatic Air Conditioning Advanced, Navigation System Professional, Bluetooth phone prep, Professional radio, Hi-Fi Loudspeaker system, Park Distance Control, Rear Side Airbags, Side Blinds
Guess even a 'basic' E61 or a second hand one is better than a fully loaded VW.
But in all honesty both are not comparable as the BMW clearly is a more sophisticated car.
I'm surprised you are not compare the E61 to a A6 or E-class T model which are the more logical alternatives.
But in all honesty both are not comparable as the BMW clearly is a more sophisticated car.
I'm surprised you are not compare the E61 to a A6 or E-class T model which are the more logical alternatives.
08-08-2006, 09:53 PM
#10
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Salonika, GR
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all for your replies.
I think I got the message and will think it twice to go for the Passat. Maybe a good value second hand BMW is a wiser choice.
I don't consider in getting an A6 Avant nor an E-Class T model as both of them dont have 2.0l diesel engines and automatic transmission.
I think I got the message and will think it twice to go for the Passat. Maybe a good value second hand BMW is a wiser choice.
I don't consider in getting an A6 Avant nor an E-Class T model as both of them dont have 2.0l diesel engines and automatic transmission.