[rich1068]

The number of BMWs I've seen abandoned in Sheffield over the last couple of days is frightening!

Oddly, I cancelled an order for the new Touareg for my 520d.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by ipso_facto

I would have seriously considered the xdrive if that were an option for UK spec 5's, but it is not currently - what a shame!

I was speaking with one of BMW's dealers who sell a large volume of xDrive vehicles and there are plans for 5-series xDrive in the future, for the UK. The new 3-series (F30) is definitely getting xDrive for the UK. That is good news.

HighlandPete

[Sonny520]

The Sportsautomatic is def. worth it with a 20d engine, when you put it in sport it's a really different driving experience!
The sportswheel is also a good value option, it lays better in the hand.
Don't bother with the camera, just take the parking sensors. I mean com'on, when you buy a BMW 5 you really shouldn't need a camera to park

[Titanflux]

The OP commented that the dealer said the sport auto reduces mpg. Is this right.

I can understand it in sport modes, but in normal mode? The blurb from BMW in the brochure says it improves efficiency....

Any experiences out there before I regret ordering the sport auto box and end up with far less mpg?

[k44ENT]

Originally Posted by Titanflux

The OP commented that the dealer said the sport auto reduces mpg. Is this right.

I can understand it in sport modes, but in normal mode? The blurb from BMW in the brochure says it improves efficiency....

Any experiences out there before I regret ordering the sport auto box and end up with far less mpg?

You won't regret ordering the Sports Auto, my car has done less than a 1000miles and it's doing over 45mpg and although I have been running it in I still like to get a move on. I also think that the standard auto changes gear to early putting more wear on a new engine by causing it to labour. I tend to use sports setting (gear selector to left)to get up to speed (changes at around 2000rpm on light throttle) then switch back to standard to get 8 gears when cruising.

[Simmo24]

I have the 530D, I don't have the Flappy paddles and quite frankly I never use the manual mode. The eight speed auto just doesn't need it imo.
Also have normal suspension and dampers and I don't notice the potholes and bumps.

Combined Mpg since August 37.5 mpg.
Motorway Mpg 42-43.

cheers
Simmo

[sunnyUK]

I didn't geta chance to test the 520d sports auto - as there was not much info about it at the dealer so did not order it - But with the standard auto it changes up smoothly but the engine tends to labour( <1500 rpm) when driving in stop start( london) traffic and has less rush when accelerating until the turbo cuts in. Standard box in DS mode does drive better inside London as it keeps the revs up. It would be inteerring to know what exactly is the differnce between the Sports gear box and standard in DS mode?.

[Titanflux]

Originally Posted by sunnyUK

It would be inteerring to know what exactly is the differnce between the Sports gear box and standard in DS mode?.

My understanding from forums and technical info from BMW is that with the sports auto in normal mode:

- the gear changes are faster
- you can set up the DDC function to give you sharper throttle, steering and drivetrain responses.

In sport mode:

- adds allowing higher revs before gear changes - pretty much like DS on a std auto I guess
- you lose 8th gear.

In sport mode:

- all of the above plus the DSC/DTC is adjusted to allow some wheel slip, particularly at the rear


Please someone correct me if I'm wrong!