|
|
|
2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 520d Auto - advice needed on options |
|
Post Reply |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
10-31-2010, 08:47 PM | #1 |
Registered
3
Rep 3
Posts |
520d Auto - advice needed on options
Hi Folks
I'm just about to order a 520d Auto with VDC. 3 options that I'd like some advice on: Auto transmission - normal vs sport. The dealer told me that for the smaller 520 engine, the sport transmission doesn't add any value, and just reduces mpg - it's only useful for the bigger engines. Your thoughts/experiences? Sports Steering Wheel - other than a bit of chrome, does this add anything to the experience (assuming it's a stand-alone option and not as part of the sport auto transmission)? Reversing Assist Camera - I've never had this before but then again, I'm used to driving a 330 Convertible with M sport suspension that's fairly easy to park- is this option worth it, or a "nice-to-have" as the car has parking sensors anyway? All opinions appreciated ... |
11-01-2010, 04:04 AM | #2 | |
Major
178
Rep 1,008
Posts |
Quote:
The steering wheel its just the looks, no difference in driving. I agree with the dealer, the engine is to weak for a sport box. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-01-2010, 04:08 AM | #3 | |
Second Lieutenant
11
Rep 229
Posts |
Quote:
The sports steering wheel is slightly smaller and thicker than the standard wheel. It also has thumb grips. I went for the M sports steering wheel because it's even thicker. I didn't order the reverse camera. Having seen it in action I think I should have ordered it. It even displays the tow hitch if you have one.
__________________
Current: 2014 F11 lci 520xd Touring, Imperial Blue
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-01-2010, 05:19 AM | #4 |
Lieutenant General
6659
Rep 15,858
Posts |
Interesting isn't it, how opinions vary.
I'd personally go for the sport auto, both for the way the box can extract power from the smaller engine (you may need all you can get, as fast as possible ) and the paddles, to get the control as 'gorban' suggests. We can argue that the biggger engines don't even need a sport setting, let alone a sport auto. To me it is nothing to do with engine output, but for options and/or better control. Don't forget it allows steering weighting to be modified as well. HighlandPete |
Appreciate
0
|
11-01-2010, 05:25 AM | #5 | |
Lieutenant General
6659
Rep 15,858
Posts |
Quote:
The birds-eye view is great... kerb parking anyone? HighlandPete |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-01-2010, 05:53 AM | #6 | |
Private
14
Rep 70
Posts |
Quote:
And it's the best bargain of all the available options at £220 (including the sports steering wheel). It's a no brainer. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-01-2010, 06:28 AM | #7 |
Registered
3
Rep 3
Posts |
Thanks guys - all proving to be extremely useful input.
If I go for these, then I have a trade-off to make ... VDC vs SatNav I know they are 2 completely different things but what do people think? I'm used to an in-car SatNav, but my test drive had VDC, so I don't know how the car is without it. Also, on SatNav, what does the Professional one give you that the business one doesn't - i.e. is it worth the 400 gbp extra? |
Appreciate
0
|
11-01-2010, 07:09 AM | #8 | |
Private
14
Rep 70
Posts |
Quote:
I also ordered VDC (my car was delivered on Sarturday) and I'm pleased I have it. I ordered it for comfort reasons because I found the standard suspension didn't cope with bad road surfaces well. It thudded over potholes and other imperfections in a way that intruded into the cabin (and my spine). Even my wife (who is not a car enthusiast) noticed it. With VDC the car copes with bad road surfaces very well. I have no complaints - and my last car was a Mercedes S Class. If you are going to spend £1500 for business sat nav you will forever kick yourself for not spending the £400 extra for the professional version. It is so much nicer. The most obvious difference is a 10" wide screen compared to a 7" 4:3 aspect screen. The smaller screen has what the press has called "horrible plastic inserts" to cover up the space the 10" screen would have taken. If you can find any way of doing it, buy both - even if it means living in poverty for a couple of months |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-01-2010, 12:26 PM | #9 | |
Second Lieutenant
11
Rep 229
Posts |
Quote:
I only use a navigation system occationally so I have a Garmin Nüvi instead, which can't of course be compared with the beautiful Navigation Professional in the F10. Stay with the VDC if comfort is important to you. If you only want performance, add in the M sport suspension instead. That will save you a few quid for the navigation system. Otherwise I think you will be fine with standard suspension. Btw, for me HiFi Professional and a tow hitch was a must have.
__________________
Current: 2014 F11 lci 520xd Touring, Imperial Blue
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-01-2010, 12:32 PM | #10 | |
Major
178
Rep 1,008
Posts |
Quote:
Now Im happy he gave me an offer I couldnt refuse though |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-09-2010, 02:46 PM | #11 |
New Member
0
Rep 12
Posts |
- If you have VDC (as I have on my 520dA), you already have dynamic drive control, main advantage of the sport auto in my opinion, beside the shift paddles. Also the normal autobox has a sportprogram option. But if you like the shift paddles: the supplement for the sport auto is very very reasonable, I wouldn't hesitate.
- I tried a car with normal steering wheel and the sports one: the sports steering wheel is really added value, much better feeling, try it in real live and you won't hesitate. And the supplement is very reasonable again. - hesitated for the camera, but sticked to the PDC. Works perfectly!! My dealer suggested the camera was a good idea if you have to fix a caravan... |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2010, 03:56 PM | #13 |
Second Lieutenant
463
Rep 249
Posts |
Igonore your dealer on this call. No dis-respect. I have the 520d M Sport with Sports Auto. I have used the paddles on hills and at fast roundabouts. It's useful and it works. The mpg reduction is total nonsense ... again, no dis-respect intended ... you don't have to use the paddles all the time, just when you feel like it, or indeed, need it: the auto box is amazing, granted, but it can't predict the road ahead - you can.
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2010, 04:52 PM | #14 | |
Major
178
Rep 1,008
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-28-2010, 03:14 AM | #15 | |
Second Lieutenant
463
Rep 249
Posts |
Quote:
I think anyone who has extensively used both of these options should chime in. Cheers. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-29-2010, 03:20 PM | #16 |
Commander
14
Rep 210
Posts |
Fellows,
I ordered a 520d Sedan with Sport Auto transmission but no VDC. Is there any mode driving selector? Thanks
__________________
Stay Ahead!
E46(00-03) - E46 Touring (03-06) - E90(06-10) |
Appreciate
0
|
11-30-2010, 11:03 AM | #17 | |
Second Lieutenant
463
Rep 249
Posts |
Quote:
Cheers |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-30-2010, 11:57 AM | #18 |
Commander
14
Rep 210
Posts |
Yes, I think so. I ordered the plain sport auto transmission with no other options (dumpers control, etc.). Do I get with this the forward/back button for selecting the chassis/gearing set up?
Cheers
__________________
Stay Ahead!
E46(00-03) - E46 Touring (03-06) - E90(06-10) |
Appreciate
0
|
11-30-2010, 02:26 PM | #19 |
New Member
0
Rep 22
Posts |
I have a brand new 520d manualgb , options required for me :
-Autodim mirror -Ipod connection & bluetooth phone -Leather and heated seats -Aloy inside finish -The PRO gps is stunning but $$$ |
Appreciate
0
|
12-03-2010, 10:19 AM | #20 |
Second Lieutenant
463
Rep 249
Posts |
Then I can confirm yes, as I got these Normal, Sports, Sports+ and I did not order any of the advanced suspension options. Cheers and have a good w/end.
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-03-2010, 12:57 PM | #21 |
M40d Phytonic Blue
36
Rep 72
Posts |
Hi, my question really is directed to ipso facto. I have a M-Sport 520d on order. I also have gone for the sports auto box.
But living in Kent, and having to deal with the weather we've had over the last week, I'd really like to know what it's like in the snow? Are you able to lock it into a higher gear and pull away? Can you stop it changing up or down while driving? Be pleased to hear from anyone who has had experience with this setup. |
Appreciate
0
|
12-03-2010, 03:22 PM | #22 | |
Second Lieutenant
463
Rep 249
Posts |
Quote:
I'd post this one as a dedicated topic if you want to get some response on these questions. 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! Cheers. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Tags |
520d, automatic transmission, camera, parking sensor, sport wheel |
|
|