[des16]

I am getting ready to order my M-sport MY14, with comfort seats, cold weather package and HK. I keep vacillating between the 528i and 535d (perhaps in part because I have not driven the 535d). The price difference, netting out some of the standard upgrades on the 535d, is around 4,000. On paper, the 0-100km difference is very small, and neither engine will have the lovely sound of my present car with the 6-cyl N55 engine. There is clearly a gas savings, but the break even time is probably around 8 years, so, that's not very compelling. Then there is re-sale, and my best guess (based on the experience with VWs and Mercedes) is that the depreciation will be less for the 535d. In any event, I presume I'm not the only one facing this dilemma and I am curious if anyone has done a comparison drive of the two eingines.

[Sjoerd]

Bothbare nice engined with good torque (528) and a lot of torque (535d). In daily commuting the 535d will be a better partner. Even though the savings are limited what you will find is that bevause of the long range your fuel stops are reduced a lot.

[DrRx]

Originally Posted by Sjoerd

Bothbare nice engined with good torque (528) and a lot of torque (535d).

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

[Sjoerd]

I know that; still I think it is a big difference. If I would to chose I would take the 535d

[Krill]

Definitely get the 535d! You will love the six cylinder growl it makes not to mention the smooth power delivery, plus much better real world fuel economy than the 528.
I own a euro 530d and have driven the 528i, it´s a pretty good engine but it´s still a 4 cylinder and I feel the F10 deserves six (or more) cylinders..

[K-A]

The F10 deserves a refined and amazing motor like a BMW I6 or V8. 4 Cylinder is just odd in this car, even if it is an impressively performing 4. The sound, nature and refinement of it will always be lacking.

[gspannu]

I would suggest driving both.... I have driven the non-x versions of both cars, that is the 528i and the 530D (in UK).

The 528i seems lighter and seems to be more free revving, but real world performance of the 530D seems to be better. There is more torque, more grunt available even when cursing at 70-80 mph and need to overtake.

The 528i is a great engine (no doubt about it, it has won so many awards) - but I think unless you are driving your car in high revs all the time (at 3500 or above), the 530D is more suited as an everyday car. You will have more available power/torque at all times in 530D as compared to 528.
When cruising; you almost feel the need to shift down twice in 528i and then push it; while the 530D mostly will just propel you in the same gear (or maybe one downshift).

Having said this, the 528i does sound sweet (not a straight 6 sound, but still sweet). The 530D will sound clunky at idle (all diesels do); but this is very much a perception thing - some people notice it, others don't..

Having driven both (and having owned a 330D).. I have ordered the 2014 LCI 535D (the actual 313bhp 535d as sold in UK/ Europe).
I would have bought the 535xD, the 5 series is not available as x-drive in UK.

[EdM5]

535d hands down for effortless cruising, waves of torque and awesome mpg

[Luigi524TD]

BMW Turbo-diesels have proven themselves in the rest of the world ... and in X5's and the earlier 335d's. I'm debating a switch of my 6 month old 535xDrive for another Diesel ... my first BMW was a 524TD in 1986! I loved that car - power and economy were unequaled! I put 300K on it before donating to a local charity and moving up to a 740i.

[kave]

I would go 530D over 528i if money is no factor. But what about 535i? I would say it is better compare to the 530D. In europe many 328i customers are complaining about very bad fuel consumption.
To be specific, many short trips mostly arround town, get the 528i. Going quick on the highways, the 530D is a rocket and will real life get much better consumption and performance.

[bimmer man]

I have a 535d xDrive 313 hp and is very happy with it. Torque and akselrason is very good. and can not be compared with the 528i, go for diesel.

[Russkey]

I vote for 535d

[Bmwlvr60]

Originally Posted by Luigi524TD

BMW Turbo-diesels have proven themselves in the rest of the world ... and in X5's and the earlier 335d's. I'm debating a switch of my 6 month old 535xDrive for another Diesel ... my first BMW was a 524TD in 1986! I loved that car - power and economy were unequaled! I put 300K on it before donating to a local charity and moving up to a 740i.

I live in NJ too. Any issues finding Diesel fuel ever in your experience?

I'm considering purchasing the 528 X drive or 535d X drive too.

[rsyed]

Originally Posted by DrRx

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

i am not sure your comment is right - the USA 535d has a twin turbo so it must be a based on a EU 535d and not a EU 530d which only has one turbo.

[760Lifan]

Originally Posted by rsyed

i am not sure your comment is right - the USA 535d has a twin turbo so it must be a based on a EU 535d and not a EU 530d which only has one turbo.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. It has a TwinPower Turbo. Sounds awfully like "Twin Turbo" - but it isn't. The US 535d "only" has 255hp.

[hyperboost]

so anything special with the European 535d? are we short changed on the US 535d(same as euro 530d)?

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by rsyed

i am not sure your comment is right - the USA 535d has a twin turbo so it must be a based on a EU 535d and not a EU 530d which only has one turbo.

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

[Luigi524TD]

Originally Posted by Bmwlvr60

I live in NJ too. Any issues finding Diesel fuel ever in your experience?
I'm considering purchasing the 528 X drive or 535d X drive too.

Unless you're in a remote corner of NJ diesel is readily available. Even newer "Super WaWa" stores have added diesel pumps so you're not stuck trying to squeeze into a truck stop to fuel up.

One observation, and remember I drove my '86 up until 2002 or so then passed it down to one of my children and it was driven daily until 2006 or so ... Diesel pumps and the surrounding around the pumps are often smelly and dirty with spilled fuel.

If you pump your own (and I recommend it - EVEN in NJ where the pump pilots have advanced college degrees and years of specialized training!!) keep handiwipes nearby because your hands will smell of fuel! BTW - in NJ you can pump your own diesel. And if you step into the stuff it will attach to the soles of your shoes with the tenacity of the IRS to your wallet!

[Bmwlvr60]

Originally Posted by Luigi524TD

Unless you're in a remote corner of NJ diesel is readily available. Even newer "Super WaWa" stores have added diesel pumps so you're not stuck trying to squeeze into a truck stop to fuel up.

One observation, and remember I drove my '86 up until 2002 or so then passed it down to one of my children and it was driven daily until 2006 or so ... Diesel pumps and the surrounding around the pumps are often smelly and dirty with spilled fuel.

If you pump your own (and I recommend it - EVEN in NJ where the pump pilots have advanced college degrees and years of specialized training!!) keep handiwipes nearby because your hands will smell of fuel! BTW - in NJ you can pump your own diesel. And if you step into the stuff it will attach to the soles of your shoes with the tenacity of the IRS to your wallet!

Great info, thanks!

[rsyed]

Originally Posted by Luigi524TD

Unless you're in a remote corner of NJ diesel is readily available. Even newer "Super WaWa" stores have added diesel pumps so you're not stuck trying to squeeze into a truck stop to fuel up.

One observation, and remember I drove my '86 up until 2002 or so then passed it down to one of my children and it was driven daily until 2006 or so ... Diesel pumps and the surrounding around the pumps are often smelly and dirty with spilled fuel.

If you pump your own (and I recommend it - EVEN in NJ where the pump pilots have advanced college degrees and years of specialized training!!) keep handiwipes nearby because your hands will smell of fuel! BTW - in NJ you can pump your own diesel. And if you step into the stuff it will attach to the soles of your shoes with the tenacity of the IRS to your wallet!

i have been driving a diesel for 13 years and never been confronted with these issues that you list here. why would someone be more likely to spill diesel than petrol? sorry, don't follow ur logic.

thanks

[Luigi524TD]

Originally Posted by rsyed

i have been driving a diesel for 13 years and never been confronted with these issues that you list here. why would someone be more likely to spill diesel than petrol? sorry, don't follow ur logic.
thanks

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.

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.

And, perhaps drivers who refuel their own cars are more careful and neater than the pump jockies who don't seem to mind leaving a trail of fuel running down the side of a customer's car.

[HighConcept]

Originally Posted by K-A

The F10 deserves a refined and amazing motor like a BMW I6 or V8. 4 Cylinder is just odd in this car, even if it is an impressively performing 4. The sound, nature and refinement of it will always be lacking.

+1