BMW 520dA Touring or VW Passat Variant 2.0 TDI 170PS DSG6?
#11
Unless you've posted the same question on a VW board, you really ought to drive both of these cars before making your decision.
My car is due to be changed and I've recently tested two E60s, one with standard seats and one with sports. For the life of me neither I nor, my wife nor any of my mates could get comfortable in either of these seats (extended non-adjustable lumbar support along with a recessed, barely adjustable headrest- bad combo) and eventually the SA conceded that he's heard the comment before and that many people plump for the comfort seats. Also the standard AC and sound system are poor ,and again apparently many people upgrade if they can. IMO the interior fit and finish is on a par with the Passat.
That said, and this is what is so frustrating, the ride and handling is excellent and whilst I was testing the 530d, the 2.0 BMW engine is more refined than the 140bhp 2.0tdi. I can't speak to the 170 engine as apparently they've improved it on this front and the superb DSG box would certainly smooth the drive.
Long story short you need to at the very least sit in these cars, but definitely have a drive.
My car is due to be changed and I've recently tested two E60s, one with standard seats and one with sports. For the life of me neither I nor, my wife nor any of my mates could get comfortable in either of these seats (extended non-adjustable lumbar support along with a recessed, barely adjustable headrest- bad combo) and eventually the SA conceded that he's heard the comment before and that many people plump for the comfort seats. Also the standard AC and sound system are poor ,and again apparently many people upgrade if they can. IMO the interior fit and finish is on a par with the Passat.
That said, and this is what is so frustrating, the ride and handling is excellent and whilst I was testing the 530d, the 2.0 BMW engine is more refined than the 140bhp 2.0tdi. I can't speak to the 170 engine as apparently they've improved it on this front and the superb DSG box would certainly smooth the drive.
Long story short you need to at the very least sit in these cars, but definitely have a drive.
#13
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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
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Originally Posted by gianton' post='320455' date='Aug 9 2006, 07:53 AM
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.
#14
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Originally Posted by mppockaj' post='320493' date='Aug 9 2006, 04:22 AM
I do not know about Greece but in Italy you can have Audi A6 2.0 Tdi and Mercedes E200 CDI.
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I would definitely go for the E61. No doubt about it. It's not just only a more luxurious car, I think it also more good looking.
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Originally Posted by mr_djurgarden' post='322207' date='Aug 13 2006, 01:47 PM
I would definitely go for the E61. No doubt about it. It's not just only a more luxurious car, I think it also more good looking.
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My Ride: E61 535d Apr 05. UK spec + Media Pack, Luxury Pack & Visibility Pack
Originally Posted by gianton' post='322343' date='Aug 14 2006, 05:59 AM
Even if it's a second hand one (1 year old)?
One significant advantage of a 1 year-old car is that a significant amount of depreciation will have already been "paid for" by the previous owner of the car. To me, this is the clincher; just be a little careful what you buy and give the car a careful pre-purchase inspection (mechanicals are unlikely to be a problem, but check the body for dings and dents, and tyres for wear).
However, to re-iterate the message from another poster, get in both cars and drive them!
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Originally Posted by gianton' post='322499' date='Aug 14 2006, 08:00 PM
That's a good point. Will have a test drive of the BMW and see any available second hand closer to my extra list and see it.
I had a similar dilemna - a company car lease allowance that would stretch to a fully specced Passat. Decided to pay 50% extra out of pocket to go for an E60. But this would only stretch to a standard 530d. Then the dealer showed me their fully loaded demonstrator car that was just reaching 19000 kms after 8 months. The car has been with me since April and I love it. My previous car was the Accord Tourer which is in the same league as the Passat and trust me - the E60/E61 is a far superior package. Before the E60 I was really cynical about BMW and German cars - this one has won me over.
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Hi PoleApart.
Thanks for your advise.
However, I will be buying a 520d A and not a 530d with the 6 cylinder engine. If I was to choose between a second hand BMW 530d entry level and a Passat fully equipped, I would take the BMW without a second thought.
Thanks for your advise.
However, I will be buying a 520d A and not a 530d with the 6 cylinder engine. If I was to choose between a second hand BMW 530d entry level and a Passat fully equipped, I would take the BMW without a second thought.