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.

 

Good point. I'll be test driving a BMW shortly and see how it goes.

 

I do not know about Greece but in Italy you can have Audi A6 2.0 Tdi and Mercedes E200 CDI.

 

The Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI multitronic is not availabe in Greece by the dealer, but available in Germany. As for the MB E 200 CDI the displacement is more than 2.000 cc it't 2.200 cc.

 

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.

 

Even if it's a second hand one (1 year old)?

 

The fact that is 1 year old will not change the shape, the level of engineering or the specification. AFAIK, since 2004 there have been a number of minor details changed in the E61 (e.g. rear door opening button in the cabin), but no major re-design/re-speccing.

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!

 

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.

 

Hi Gianton.

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.

--
Przemek

 

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.