[jhynds]

Hi all,

My Dad is looking to order a new 5 series and is considering a 525d.

I don't think I've ever seen an F10 525d on the road here, and he can't test drive one as there are none around.

There's a 7k price difference between the two, the 530d is out of the budget.

The 525d is still only a 4 pot engine, can't see it being that different to the 520d.

Would you recommend getting the 525d or getting the 520d and getting 7k worth of extras?

Thanks!

[kave]

Is it a new or old one?
Since My12 it's same 4 pot engine. The 525D have different turbos etc.
Today I would say it's not worth it. Top Gear Magazine tried it and they liked the 520ED better than the 525D.

[jhynds]

It's a new one.

I've researched and can't see any differences in terms of standard equipment, etc.

I have an E92 325d myself, and the difference is huge between the 320d and the 325d given that it's 4 pot vs 6 pot. But with the F10 the 520d and the 525d seems the same engine with a different turbo.

€7,000 seems like a lot for a different turbo, so I think maybe get the 520d, spec it up with a few nice toys and get a remap.

[lmaleke]

Originally Posted by kave

Is it a new or old one?
Since My12 it's same 4 pot engine. The 525D have different turbos etc.
Today I would say it's not worth it. Top Gear Magazine tried it and they liked the 520ED better than the 525D.

I thought 525d is better due to more torque delivered?

[HighlandPete]

The 525d has the N47S1 engine which has the "two-stage twin-turbo" setup, small turbo for faster initial pick up and the big 'un for getting more HP and better top end performance.

If you drive quite hard the 525d engine is the one to have, will be more flexible and have a more powerful feel.

HighlandPete

[MPH]

I test drove a 520d and a 525d and if you want performance and a smoother engine and you can afford it, go for the 525d. Or order the M Performance Power Kit for the 520d and get a 10% torque boost to 420 Nm for around a £1000. There have been some good reports on it (http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/owner/acc...312___,00.html)

BTW you get ambient lighting and a USB interface brown in with the UK 525d. Whoopee!

[bimmer man]

I've run both 520d and 525d xDrive. There are clearly differences in acceleration and traction. 525d is faster and pulls much better at high rpm. I would go for the 525d.

[AP]

Another possibility to consider
Bmw make a performance kit I'm sure for the 520d don't they? Not sur
e cost but maybe cheaper than buing a 525. You have a bmw warranty aswell
Worth a google on that , sure I've seen a article about it on this site

[LiveLarger]

I tried both. Even though I could afford both even with a lot of options, I dont't think the 525 has enough power increase to justify the cost. You are not going from slow to superfast or anything like that.

If you want a car with the "this is really hauling ass" feeling, you need a 530 or 535.

Better get a 520 with more options. Get the performance kit if you want more push up trough the revs.

[Richard Cranium]

Originally Posted by LiveLarger

If you want a car with the "this is really hauling ass" feeling, you need an M5

Fixed it for ya.....

[LiveLarger]

Originally Posted by Richard Cranium

Fixed it for ya.....

Haha, I get your point. The 535 is a quick car, but sure. Get an M5. With the norwegian taxes few can justify the cost here. Not sure how it is in Irland. If I lived in the states I sure would get one. Annoyingly you get an M5 in the US for less then what you pay for a 520 with decent options in Norway.

[tr0tt3r]

I've driven a 520d and it's a little slow for my taste. It's not snail like slow, but it sure ain't fast. My current car is a VW Passat with 170hp and I can't find much of a difference in terms of acceleration. So I opted for the 525xd and I hope it does the job.
Of course if you just want a comfortable car, luxury without drama, get 7k worth of options. Comfort seats are a must, HUD, etc.

[LiveLarger]

or 1K for the performance kit, all warranty intact, 6K of options and have near identical performance to the 525. It really should be a "no brainer".

[MPH]

Originally Posted by LiveLarger

or 1K for the performance kit, all warranty intact, 6K of options and have near identical performance to the 525. It really should be a "no brainer".

Not quite identical performance: 420 Nm vs 470 Nm torque and 147 kW vs 160 kW max output. The 525d still puts a performance boosted 520d to shame. But then again 6k of goodies goes a long, long way.........

[MPH]

Originally Posted by LiveLarger

If you want a car with the "this is really hauling ass" feeling, you need a 530 or 535.

Went exactly that route. Tried the 520d and it was waaaay too sluggish, the 525d started to feel right but lacked a bit of oomph, so ended up with the 530d which does what it says on the tin.

[LiveLarger]

Originally Posted by MPH

Not quite identical performance: 420 Nm vs 470 Nm torque and 147 kW vs 160 kW max output. The 525d still puts a performance boosted 520d to shame. But then again 6k of goodies goes a long, long way.........

BMW.no says 450Nm in the 525. Where are you getting the 470 number? 6K goes a long way yes. I honestly wouldn't get a bare bone F10 no matter what the engine.

Edit: Just stumbled over this on youtube.

[MPH]

Originally Posted by LiveLarger

BMW.no says 450Nm in the 525. Where are you getting the 470 number?

oops my mistype. It's 450 Nm not 470 Nm. I thought our permanently wet weather may have created unique atmospheric conditions giving a power boost but it was just a mistype.