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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums Regional Forums UK Hi, new to the forum.
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      09-20-2012, 05:29 AM   #1
Davie
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Hi, new to the forum.

Hi all,

Prospective BMW owner and new here.

Looking for advice regarding a 6 cyl 5 series, turbo diesel.
Planning to arrange a test drive soon but would very much appreciate any advice beforehand.

All info welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

Dave
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      09-20-2012, 10:59 AM   #2
Jon D
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Hi Dave,

Welcome to the forum and to potential BMW ownership.

If you want a 6 cyl turbo-diesel, the current 5 series (F10) comes in two variants - 530d and 535d. They share the same basic 3ltr engine, except that the 530 has a single turbo, whereas the 535 has two.

They're both extremely good cars and, on paper, there's not a great deal of difference in performance. However, statistics are one thing and how the cars actually feel are different things altogether. The 535's extra turbo makes a huge difference to the mid-range punch - flooring the throttle at 40+mph releases a seemingly endless surge of torque, which results in virtually instantaneous and very rapid acceleration. Granted, there is a small degree of turbo lag, but it's far less noticeable in the 535.

I'm sure there'll be many who'll say that there's nothing wrong with the 530 and, in no way, would I disagree - just that the 535 is significantly better and I think the extra cash is money well spent.

Whichever car you decide on, I would strongly recommend the sublime 8 speed sport auto box and the adaptive drive suspension package.

Best thing is to arrange for an extended test drive and judge for yourself.

Good luck,

Jon

PS: just noticed your location - check your PM inbox.
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      09-20-2012, 11:24 AM   #3
Davie
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Thanks Jon.
Quite a bit to digest. Will get back to you.
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      09-27-2012, 05:21 AM   #4
obr2d2
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davie just a hi to the forum. I am new like you too,
All the best,
Sam
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      11-30-2012, 02:37 AM   #5
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Welcome! I have a 530D which is great but I do miss the power of the 535D (E60) I had previously. That said theres still plenty to loose your licence with...
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      11-30-2012, 05:13 AM   #6
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welcome to the forum.

as others have said both the 530d / 535d are excellent cars. i test drove both and opted for the 530d for no other reason than I got a great deal on the car (cancelled order) and it had pretty much every option on it I was about to request on a factory order.

530d + 8spd sport auto box is a great all around combination. sublime engine, great cruising + overtaking capability all you ever need for real world driving. 535d definitely has more punch but you always have to remember the 530d is not exactly lacking in that department either.

Test drive will help you decide for me i took the 530d as I spend more time stuck in traffic pootling about so I wanted a car with the toys fitted inside rather than take the 535d i was looking at at the time which didn't have many extras fitted at all. there is FAR more choice on the market now if looking for approved used for example so if i was buying the car now my decision might have been different but at the end of 2010 there weren't too many F11 M-sport tourings around so my choice was limited and i was looking for a deal on nearly new.
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      11-30-2012, 06:06 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Davie View Post
Hi all,

Prospective BMW owner and new here.

Looking for advice regarding a 6 cyl 5 series, turbo diesel.
Planning to arrange a test drive soon but would very much appreciate any advice beforehand.

All info welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

Dave
Hello Dave,

Perhaps if you give us some idea of the age and/or price range you're looking at, it might help narrow it down a little.

In general, you probably can't go too far wrong with a 530d, but the 535d is even better (depends if you want power or economy though).

I hope I don't upset anyone here, but perhaps one model to avoid is the older 525d which was a de-tuned 3 litre. Not that it was a bad engine, but it had the weight of the 3 litre with less power. I think the new 525d is now a 2 litre with twin turbos (but I'm not 100% certain), so no longer a 6-pot.

I had a 530d and a 335d, both great engines, but I dropped down to the 2 litre 320d, and soon 520d, to get better economy. I've been quite happy with the performance of the 2-litre diesel, but have to admit the 4-pot does sound like a tractor at idle and low speed.
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2018 G30 520d M Sport with M Sport Plus - Mediterranean Blue
Previously: 2015 F32 430d M Sport, 2012 F10 520d M Sport, 2009 E92 320d M Sport, 2006 E92 335d, 2004 E60 530d, 2000 E39 525d, 1997 E39 523i
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