E60525d

I do agree with all the advantages you have mentioned about the petrol engine. Im just having difficulty justifying the extra premium, i think a test drive would be the best thing to do.

My personal opinion is that BMW have not got the engine line up sligtly wrong compared to its competitors. Audi and Mercedes are using 4 cylinder turbo petrol engines at the bottom end of the engine lineup unlike BMW who are using a detuned 3.0 in the 523i. The turbo 4 cylinders are producing more power, more torque and substantially better fuel consumption.

There were rumours that BMW were bringing 4 cylinder engines in the F10 but now there saying it will be introduced in the next 3 series. http://www.autospies.com/news/Next-g...engines-43792/

Also i think it would be better if the 2 litre twin turbo diesel engine from 123d was available rather than the 525d. Obviously the 6 cylinder is smoother and more refined but i think they would get much sales with the 123d engine.

525d MSport

In your shoes I would wait for the sport version.

In terms of engines, test drive the 520d and see what you think of the refinement. If I had to choose between my current 525d and the 520d I would spend the extra money just to get the improved refinement. Ditto, between petrol and diesel. The key is to get to drive the different models which is often easier said than done.

Good luck whatever you decide.

E60525d

I agree, a test drive is the best thing to do.

I do have a 525d which is really well refined and smooth compared to a 4 cylinder. The price difference is around £5000 between the 2 models. I dont do much driving as i have a differenct car for work, i have only done 26,000miles since i got my car new in 2004. I see the 528i is the same price as the 525d. For the same price i would rather go for the 528i.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Most likely i will wait for the M Sport as i have heard its only a few months away.

pitshanger

Option 677 in UK is "Loudspeaker System - BMW Professional"
On my E60 option 677 was "LOGIC7 Professional HiFi", so I was assuming the F10 has Logic7.

But the German brochure says Dirac ?
HiFi System Professional 677
16 Lautsprecher, digitaler Verstärker (600 Watt), DIRAC-Signalverarbeitung, Surround-Modus

... which is more like the BMW Individual Audio system, but at Logic7 price point.


Anyone know what 677 is now ?

PS Hope/pray info on MSport release date is accurate

E60525d

677 is the professional Logic 7 audio system which is the top of the range, this looks similar to the E60 individual system.

pitshanger

Looking at the Dirac website, I suspect 677 is not like old Logic7. Logic7 also not mentioned in brochures ?

Ricracing

Hi E60525d,

The 520d has a great little engine. I'm very happy with it in the E60.

A F10 520dA "Business" will be my next car, also.

Here in Finland we have a so called "Business" model that offers Xenons,
fold down rear seats, PDC and the extended AC for only a grand.

Heated seats and the winter package are standard over here, for obvious reasons.

My extras will be
- BMW Professional speakers (Pro radio/CD is standard over here)
- 19" wheels for the summer (18" for the winter)
- sport steering wheel
- and maybe sport seat and sport suspension

Color: Jet Black - int. beige or black, non-leather.

For you I recommend the Xenon's!


Cheers,

Rr

narvselius

The Dirac technology is also used in the "Logic 7" option. The "Individual High End Audio" option comes from the M-division and it could be that this option is to be released a bit later, with the rest of the M-stuff.

PoleApart

After 4 years in a 530d I went for a 523i. I haven't seen a single review of this car, only 530d, 535i and 550i's so I'm really curious how it will perform. I'm fed up with the morning clatter and general lack of smoothness of the diesel.

BRAD

What's the difference between sport auto and auto transmission. If it's steering wheel paddles the premiun over regular auto is small???