[BimmerBahn]

Originally Posted by Luigi524TD

I can't explain why except that I too have traveled throughout Europe (not having lived there but for a few days / weeks at a time) for business and pleasure. There, vs here (the United States), diesel is very common. In the United States, except for a smaller percentage of scattered "gas" stations that carry diesel fuel, it is somewhat limited to what we call "truck stops" ... where large trucks refuel.

Agree that in Europe, at lease the areas I've been to (Germany, Austria, Italy, Czech), Diesel was available at pretty much every fuel station I stopped at.

I would say that over the last five years, the number of stations in Florida (cant really speak to other states) has increased significantly. I can count on one hand the number of times I've pulled into a station to fill up my D and had to find another one that had Diesel. My problem is usually finding the pump with the small (car/light truck) nozzle instead of the wide mouth for the semi's.

Originally Posted by Luigi524TD

And, it's been my experience that where the pumps are attended by workers at the gas stations the area around diesel pumps is 'dirtier'. Maybe it's because diesel fuel is not as volatile as gasoline and doesn't evaporate as rapidly.

Agree.... does seem to linger around a lot longer and wind up on the nozzle handle.... I keep a box of gloves in the trunk for that purpose

[exthree]

400+ lb.-ft. torque and 40+ MPG hard to ignore!

[rsyed]

can anyone point me to the document that proves that the US 535d is a EU 530d? Why would BMW USA import the singe turbo diesel if they have been bringing the bi-turbo diesel for the other cars such as x5 and 335d... if the only proof is the power of the engine, then I am sorry: not enough to convince me..

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by rsyed

can anyone point me to the document that proves that the US 535d is a EU 530d? Why would BMW USA import the singe turbo diesel if they have been bringing the bi-turbo diesel for the other cars such as x5 and 335d... if the only proof is the power of the engine, then I am sorry: not enough to convince me..

does it really matter whether or not you are convinced?

[rsyed]

Originally Posted by raleedy

does it really matter whether or not you are convinced?

Probably not but with such a logic, you can close down 90% of all threads where people ask for help..

[BavariaExclusive]

I live in NJ too. Debating if to get 528xi or 535xi. Still not sure yet.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by DrRx

Keep in mind that the USA 535d is actually the European 530d, so the difference(s) are not as great.

Champion of the irrelevant? The cars he is considering are the ones he can buy.

[raleedy]

For purposes of the OP's calculations it may well matter what kind of driving he plans to do. The diesel is in its element on long drives -- excellent highway fuel consumption and range on a tank that will challenge anyone's bladder. I started down the same road and chose the 528i over the 535d (RWD versions) because I thought the performance and fuel economy and price tradeoffs favored the 4-cyl. car. It turns out that in the kind of city driving I do, the 4-cyl is not spectacularly economical. On the other hand, I can easily get 36 mpg on the highway.

For a good look at possible resale value, check out what BMW is offering as a percentage residual value on a 36-month lease, comparing the two cars. That should be revealing (I don't know what it is).

[Diesel_Lover]

Get the 535d!

Wait for the eco-credit.

The 535d will have better performance and better mpg than the 528i.

Also, you will have better resale with the 535dx, especially with the eco-credit.

There will be tones of 528i's for sale, and just a few 535dx out there at resale time.

In the U.S. diesels make up about 10% of all car sales.

[fmohajer]

535 hands down! I've driven both… and I chose the 535.

[dixy2k]

The torque generated by the diesel engine can be intoxicating (in a good sense).

I would recommend a look at the 335d section of the forum to see what kind of problems that engine has.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by dixy2k

The torque generated by the diesel engine can be intoxicating (in a good sense).

I would recommend a look at the 335d section of the forum to see what kind of problems that engine has.

That will be entertaining, but not especially relevant since the engines are different.

[dixy2k]

I may need a correction but I still think they use the same N57 engine, with some slight modifications in this case (535d/530d).

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by dixy2k

I may need a correction but I still think they use the same N57 engine, with some slight modifications in this case (535d/530d).

I guess you're right, according to Wikipedia, in the sense that N57 describes the family of six-cylinder, 3-liter diesel engines used in recent years by BMW, with different induction systems (including one or two turbochargers).

[kube]

Originally Posted by gspannu

No, the US is getting the European 530D badged as a 535D.

There is however a difference. The US 535D will have the same exhaust pipe design as the European 535D.

The European 535D has exhaust pipe each side of the car, while the 530D has twin exhausts on the left.

The US 535D (actually a 530D) has exhaust pipes on each side - so visually it looks similar to a European 535D.

Strange are the ways of BMW

Sorry -- you are incorrect. The US 535d has twin tailpipes on the left side. I picked up my 535d xDrive a few weeks ago, and despite some of the pictures from the old (incorrect) configurator on the website, I can confirm that the pipes are both on the same side. I liked the balanced look of one pipe on each side on my 2011 535i, but opted for the diesel. So far, 35mpg and not disappointed at all. Loads of power and love the growl of the engine. It has definitely turned a few heads.


.

[gspannu]

You are right, the US 535D looks exactly like the European 530D. I had actually posted about this in a few other posts as well.... but never got around to correcting my post here.

If you love the 530D (the US 535D) wait till you get a chance to drive the real 535D. It is quite a car.

Anyway, glad you are enjoying your new buy....

[newtoav]

Back to the OP's original question, I think that driving habits make a huge difference. For a car that is to be driven 80% + in town, on short runs, I would vote for the 528. It will actually have better economy, be lighter and feel a tad more nimble.

If you are considering a good percentage of highway driving, and you generally drive for 20 minute runs or more, the diesel is the better choice. You'll enjoy it's pulling power more, and you'll let it warm up so that you get the promised mpg.

My 2 cents.

[sbu1]

I have the 528 xdrive. I agree with above poster about the 528 around town. Also the engine being lighter gives the car some zip especially with a few mods. The only thing I don't like is the side to side vibration with the auto start stop, which is why I had it coded.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by sbu1

I have the 528 xdrive. I agree with above poster about the 528 around town. Also the engine being lighter gives the car some zip especially with a few mods. The only thing I don't like is the side to side vibration with the auto start stop, which is why I had it coded.

The extensive LCI mechanical and electronic changes are described as including modifications to the ASS to reduce or eliminate the pulse of torque that it sends through the car. Try the new one -- it may be much improved.

[igom3]

535D.IMO 4cyl engine doesn't belong in BMW 5 series.

[BMWJester5oS]

Diesel for sure. Torque, Torque, and more Torque....