k44ent

I am due to order a 520d SE tomorrow, spec is Jet Black, Cinamon Leather, Sports Wheel, Sport Seats, Sun protection glass and Sports auto gear box. Question is should i be ordering the variable damper control option? will it improve the ride handling or is the standard set up on 17" wheel ok.
Thanks

gorban

I think the standard setting will be just fine for you and you will have the Dynamic Drive Control with the sport auto to be able to configure the steering and accelerator response. Adding VDC will give you a softer ride on really bad roads if that is important to you. The reviewers have been really positive about the ride in comfort mode. In addition, the VDC will give you the sports setting for the suspension that will be nice to have on windning country roads. Depends on you style of driving. I decided to order the VDC just to have all options available to me and I had some concerns that the standard suspension setting would be too soft.

k44ent

Did a few test drives today and drove a 520d, manual with 18" wheels and no damper control and it was really good, also drove an auto 520d with 18" wheels and sport box and didn't like it at all, gear box slow and car felt awkward when starting off even in sport mode. So i have ordered the following. 520d manual, jet black, oyster/black interior, fineline anthracite trim, business navigation advanced, sun protection glass, ambient lighting, sports seats and sports steering wheel and 5 years or 60k service pack.. Not sure if I got a good deal but I got just over £2500 off list price.....can't wait

BRAD

k44ent- I'd say you got a great deal. I managed a discount of e1800 or 3.5% after protracted negotitions during which the slaes guy started getting distinctly uncomfortable and advised there was no commission in it for him if he went any lower. He said the dealership gets a possible margin of 4.6% from which they can discount if necessary. Sales guy gets 15% of whatever margin the dealership laership get. He went on to say there are further sales bonuses from BMW if the dealership meet sales targets and they get good results from customer service surveys.

I'm not sure what the list price of your car in the UK is but I'm sure £2500 represents ca. 7% discount- well done , and your car sounds great.

k44ent

8% discount, just hope I've made the right choice going for a manual!!

gorban

Haven't driven the manual but I read a couple of reviews for the 520d where they wrote that you have to rev the engine before you set off in 1st gear in order not to kill the engine.

BRAD

Did you trade in?

k44ent

No trade in, current car is on lease so due back in December hence needing to order in September.

BRAD

That's a super deal on a newly launched car. I had sold my e60 privately so assumed I was in a good potition for a heavy discount, anyway deal done now a 3 1/2 mth wait for my car.

k44ent

So any more views on the variable damper option? Still not 100% sure if I should have it or not. Have gone for the sports auto anyway.