[Chris330]

Evening all, I need some advise... Took the Mrs in to the Dealers today to confirm spec on a new 340i Tourer.

But such is life, she has now decided she prefers the 5GT. Honestly, I've never even considered the GT as an option.

We are looking at a bigger car to replace my 435i as we now have a 6 week old baby and the huge amount of infrastructure that goes with her!

But, I'm not convinced the 5GT is my cup of tea, but it has a huge amount of space and makes a lot of practical sense with a new born in the back.

Any views on the GT? Engine? Options?

Thanks

[DougMcL]

The 5GT is the ugliest car BMW produce. If you need big get a 5er Touring. Seriously. Show her the review from Top Gear. The 5er touring and saloon are much better cars.

The 520d is all the car you will ever need.

[martin mustang]

It is far more practical in comparison to the useless F10, if you have kids and you happy well your wife like the looks I think it is a good move, it does also stand out as the number of F10 on the road is phenomenal, so nice to see GT’s around.
The touring is same as the salon only gain is high and more practical boot, as for passengers nothing same as the useless salon, space, and seat design with seat belt positions anti kids.
The only down side to the GT is the replacement due any time soon and I say even sooner than the F10, so if going for new make sure you get a bargain as you about to be exposed to double depreciation the normal new car plus the new model coming on board.

[IanS100]

[un1eash]

We initially were going to go for a 320d Tourer but ended up with a 520d Tourer and glad we did. Plenty of space for our 4 month old with a big boot for the dog and pushchair.
How about a 4 gran coupe also?

[shiner]

Depreciation is higher on 5GT than the BMW touring. 5 series Touring and saloon much more desirable, hence residuals higher.

I disagree with those who say it is ugly. it is a great car IMO, but I did not get one because of said depreciation.

[Piers]

They are on a 7 series chassis, hence more space. More glass with full glass roof too, higher seating position, in fact they are fantastic inside.....only slight problem is that from the outside they are not the best else I would have had one. Friend did have one, but he had merciless piss take!

[gspannu]

5GT... definitely a far more spacious car than the F10. I wouldn't go for the 520D though, heavy beast and too small an engine. One of my friends has one (the 520d) - loves everything about it except the engine. Would go for the straight-6, 530d instead.

Panoramic roof, rear seats, very well designed and ergonomic.

Looks very much a personal choice, if you like it get it. Magazine reviews only tell so much of the story - and do be aware that most reviews are biased by some interested party.

Another benefit; coming to end of life; so expect to negotiate discounts equaling VAT.

Good luck.

[morellomax]

If you do buy a 5GT, maybe buy used ? Heavily specced GTs seem to be cheaper s/h than modestly specced F10's with the same engine.

[Chris330]

I'm seriously swaying towards the GT, yes I know it's not the greatest looking BMW (especially coming from a 435i) but ticks nearly all boxes for practicality and performance.

I would only look at the 535d engine. Is there any options on the 5 Series saloon and tourer that are considered essential and need spec'ing on the GT?

[AP]

HUD
wouldn't get a car without it now!

ACC is also good

both not cheap options though.

DAB, worth getting in case FM goes away (not sure on the latest news on when that might be)

upgraded hifi i.e. not the basic one.

professional nav if it doesn't already come with that.

pay for the "free" 5 yr servicing.


my thoughts

[MrPogle]

Agree on HUD, is DAB not standard now? Outrageous if it isn't. I think the HK audio is excellent and the electric boot is ridiculous (especially when it's raining).

The 5GT gets called ugly a lot but I think it looks good. But only from the front.

[martin mustang]

If you ordering new, make sure you get a good deal, if not wrong the new one is due before the new 5, hence possibly end of this year! The current model was out before the F10.

[ob2ob2]

5GT is a great car. Mine is 520d GT Msports, it may weights 2 tons, but it is certainly fast enough. When driving at speed higher than 20, the engine noise is rarely heard (unless driving up hill), especially when using the cruise control to let it drive itself. Fuel economy wise, motor way trips usually 42 MPG. Local short distance trips usually 36 to 38 MPG.

The big sunroof, DAB, power tail gate, rear-axel air suspensions are standard. The reverse camera (or 360 cameras) is required, and I do recommend heated steering wheel and the comfort seats, which I enjoy almost every cold days.

Get the big sat nav (professional version), as the inside cabin feels big, the small sat nav may look a bit low-rent. Upgraded stereo is recommended, as the standard one (even with professional sat nav) only has slightly stronger bass, no tweeters on the A-pillar (dialogues from the speakers are not clear).

If you can get all these toys in an ex-demo or nearly new one, you get a big bargain: They are likely to have 20in wheels equipped, with usually options of £8k included, roughly 40% off from the full price. Feels like paying the price of a 3/5-series saloon, and got a 7-series hatchback.

The 20in Pirelli Pzero wheels on mine last about 26,000 miles (rear), front ones still have some way to go. (I am not an aggressive driver) The 5GT shares the same alloy wheels with the F01 7-series, not with F10 5-series. They are not cheap, but not too bad. The front is 245/40/R20, the rear is 275/35/R20, you can check the cost yourself.

Do not expect it to be a sharp 3-series BMW. Expect it to feel like a chauffeur driven limo, relax and comfort are the nature of this car.

[niggle]

I bought a 14-month old 530GT from a main dealer a couple of years ago, and still love it. I was going for a Touring, but like you, my wife preferred the GT, because of the higher seating position. It's a bit strange looking from the rear, granted, but overall the appearance is growing on me, and I prefer that it's something a little bit different.

Comfort-wise, it can't be beat, it's so roomy and light inside, helped by the 7-series chassis width (beware multi-storeys) and panoramic sunroof (which is standard on the GT, along with DAB radio and professional satnav). Mine came with HUD and lane-departure/blind spot warnings as well, which all adds to the fun.

With the rear seats down, the boot is truly cavernous (even bigger than the Touring) so very practical too. As mentioned, depreciation is faster than the Touring, but you get more toys for your money. So buy a 1 or 2-year old one. And if you're buying used from a dealer, try and persuade them to install the latest Nav/Phone/Music software version, as part of the deal.

The 530GT is more than fast enough for my needs - I'm not sure the 535's extra turbo and 2nd exhaust pipe is worth the extra money. Spend it on some desirable extras instead.

[BMW Steve]

I have both, F11 & F07GT, both 535's

Both slightly modified,

At a show last year with the GT I had lots of people come over and look at her, as it was slightly lower, after market wheels, chrome had been colour code, they were surprised how just some subtle mods changed the look of the car and in the back there is so much leg and the rear seats are adjustable. The ride is smooth, comfortable, the engine pulls and is quick for a big car and it's nice just getting in at the weekend after driving the F11 all week.