Scandic24

dieseltouring

Don't think it is really about performance, or even noise levels, but about the quality of both. If you value the smoothness, flexibility and sophisticated hum that builds to a growl of a six cylinder then it has to be the 525d. If you value fuel economy and want a good performance, but aren't worried how it sounds, save the cash and go for the 520d. For me, the engine is the heart and soul of a car so it has to be the characterful BMW 6 which is a world apart from the very efficient, but almost soulless 4, but that's just me.

morkjt

Thanks all - all good advice, and helped me consider my options. Given the 525 is absolutely on the edge of my budget, meaning absolutely no options, I've gone with the 520d. Placed the order today, very happy with it:

520d SE Saloon
Oyster/Black Dakota Leather Deep Sea Blue 18" V-spoke style 328 alloy wheels
Media package - BMW Professional
Automatic Gearbox Sport Steering Wheel
Run-flat tyres Alarm system (Thatcham)
Floor mats, velour
First Aid Kit & Triangle
Rear-view mirror, auto dimming
Comfort seats, front
Lumbar support, driver and front pass.
Seat heating, front
Dark Ash-grain wood, high-gloss
Ambient lighting
Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear
Air conditioning, automatic with extended features
Navigation system-BMW Professional Multimedia (Part of Media package - BMW Professional)
BMW Assist (Part of Media package - BMW Professional)
BMW Assist online portal (Part of Media package - BMW Professional)
Voice Control (Part of Media package - BMW Professional)
Bluetooth phone prep + telematics (Part of Media package - BMW Professional)
DAB digital radio
Loudspeaker system - LOGIC7 Professional USB interface

Thanks all!

DeepGreen?

Do you have a delivery date yet?

I ordered a 520d two weeks ago, but have yet to receive a delivery date.

dieseltouring

Puts the price difference in perspective when you see the list of tasty options you can get in the 520d. Looks like it will be a lovely car, esp with Logic 7.

Ricracing

Congrats morkjt,

A very good choice!

That will be an heck of an F10.

LOGIC7 is as our HiFi Professional (600W with 16 speakers).

morkjt

As I order via a leasing company, I only get an indicative date - they have said late September is most likely, but should be able to get a confirmed date within 2 weeks.

PoleApart

I think you made the right choice. For what it's worth I never really liked the sound of my 530d. At the end of the day it's still a diesel. My personal preference was to go for petrol and since I was also budget constrained I went for the cheapest 523i but loaded it up with goodies. At the end of the day you'll be sitting inside the cabin or looking at it from the outside much more often than maxing it out at over 120 mph

Ricracing

Hi PoleApart,

Why not a 520dA?


520dA vs. 523iA: 0 -100 km/h, 8,1 sec vs. 8,2 sec

520dA vs. 523iA: Torque, 380 Nm vs. 270 Nm

520dA vs. 523iA: Horsepower, 184 hp vs. 204 hp

520dA vs. 523iA: Fuel (average EU consumption), 5,2 l/100km vs. 7,6 l/100/km

520dA vs. 523iA: CO2's, 137 g/km vs. 178 g/km


So the 520dA beats the 523i by 4 to 1.

PoleApart

After 4 years in the 530d - my first ever diesel I just don't like it. I prefer the smoothness of an unstressed in line petrol six. If the 530d was too rough for me the 520d would likely be even worse. I rode in a friends E39 520i and was shocked how wonderful that engine sounded compared to my car. CO2 I don't believe in and consumption I don't care.

There's not a lot of rationality behind it just subjective preference. I would be paying much less for the 520d since we get an additional 13% of excise tax on cars over 2 litres here so there's about 5k EUR price difference between 520d and 523i.