[Stormbitch]

My mate has a 520 says its light and nimble! However he was coming from a Jag 3.0 sofa.

It seems to be 50kg lighter than the 530d and less power

Anythoughts

Should I step down to a more nimble 520d?

[jadnashuanh]

We don't get (or haven't up to this point) had that kind of decision to make in the USA!

The rated efficiency differences between the two engines is small...your results may differ. The 530d should be smoother...an inline-6 has better basic balance than any I-4. Depends somewhat on where the cutoffs are for CO emissions and taxes, and your tolerance for the lower power and torque. Still, the low-end torque is impressive compared to their petrol brothers!

Safest thing is to drive both, then decide if the differences are worth the money. Less weight on the front end has benefits, only you can decide if it's worth it to you.

[Sjoerd]

530d at any (on)cost...

[pablo-the-diablo]

Hi Stormbitch,
I was about to buy 520d a few months ago as my preferred option -530d- was not available at that time in Korea, where I am currently living... but eventually I decided I was better off... Now 530d is available here and I have just placed an order for one... it is an xDrive with M sport package and a very comprehensive set of options. You really cannot choose here... the 530d comes with the korean package... you take it or leave it... but I am very happy...
Bottomline... I wouldnt step down to 4 cyl even if it would be powerful enough to get speeding tickets day after day ;-)
... just my 2 cents :-)

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Stormbitch

My mate has a 520 says its light and nimble! However he was coming from a Jag 3.0 sofa.

It seems to be 50kg lighter than the 530d and less power

Anythoughts

Should I step down to a more nimble 520d?

Has to be about priorities from my perspective.

I'd only step down for cost benefits myself, as the I6 engines are what a 5-series is all about, IMO.

Certainly the 520d is a lighter car and the front will be more nimble, so a benefit there, how much and how important is debatable. But what are you losing in the 5-series by having a 4-cylinder diesel? Losing that creamy smooth performance and a more refined drive.

Don't get me wrong, the 520d is a very sensible package, has a lot going for it, as much car as many want, or need.

I'll stick with my 535i at present.

HighlandPete

[gspannu]

Same as Highland Pete...

I bought a brand new 520D last year, but changed to a new LCI 2014 535D in September this year.

... and the difference is immense. The I6 engines are a different breed and the power delivery is very smooth.

The 520D is a good car, but I feel the 5 series is too big for a 2.0L engine; it may be better to choose a 525 or 530 or 535.

I am loving my 535D

[NeoCortex]

There's a huge difference. Get the 530D if possible!

[AP]

I test drove a 520msport a couple of years back (although with a view to getting a 530d) and wasn't impressed.
On paper its fine and I can see why it exists as its economical and in terms of performance, adequate but no more. I didn't think it was that refined.
I've come from a E39 530i and I guess you can argue that diesel will not be refined as petrol (fair point) but when you compare the 530d to the 520d, it so much better and smoother and the performance is more than adequate. Ok its not an M5 but if you wanted a M5, you'd buy a , er M5.
for the 258Hp engine, 0-62 is 6.0s (5.9 I think for the LCI) which is very respectable.
I've not driven a 535d but that is going to obviously be that bit faster.
Whatever you do , go for the straight six . If you can't afford one now, save up, sell the kids and get one when you have the budget, you won't regret it.

[Piers]

For balance, I have had a 520d MSport for the past 3 years, and went straight to another 2014 520d MSport LCI, due this week.

I have an Elise for my thrills as a second car though

I enjoy the BM for mile munching, back roads and motorway.

It is more important that any of them have an auto gearbox I believe. A manual is just such hard work, the auto just suits the size ( and I never thought I would back auto!!)

[EmArAsOnS]

It all depends....
taxes? will u buy any of them with the same options? Or will the 530d have less?
If u want a proper d and can offord it get the M550d period.

[xs2man]

We don't get the M550d in the UK. That would be the ultimate motor, especially with xdrive.

Personally I would (and did) go for the 530d. It was initially going to have less options, but I upped the deposit to cover a few nice ones. But they are pretty well spec'd as standard, so only added MFD, Folding Mirrors, Reverse Camera and Ski Bag.

I only added the ski bag as I was upping the budget a certain amount, and without adding that, there wasn't enough discount to be had, lol. As it was I got the ski bag for free, as well as a healthy discount on the rest.

[Ellmat]

Don`t forget the residual values in a few years time. The 520D is popular as a company car and apparently 80% of F10`s sold in the UK will be this entry model, but for those buying a 520D with their own money you need to consider how many of these cars will be for sale. The 535D/I will always be a rare car and IMO will be easier to sell on... i don`t think this can be said for smaller engines of which there are plenty.

[RandomGuy152]

520d, if you have no intention of frequently breaking the traffic laws

530d, for smoother diesel and street credibility

Both cars are brilliant in their respective ways

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Ellmat

Don`t forget the residual values in a few years time. The 520D is popular as a company car and apparently 80% of F10`s sold in the UK will be this entry model, but for those buying a 520D with their own money you need to consider how many of these cars will be for sale. The 535D/I will always be a rare car and IMO will be easier to sell on... i don`t think this can be said for smaller engines of which there are plenty.

Projected residual values still make the 520d the best financial decision. Whether that will change in the next 3 - 4 years is to be seen, but with fuel prices as they are I'm not sure it will change, unless the market is really flooded with good used examples.

Out of interest the 535d is the model with the biggest depreciation. After 4-years it is projected to have lost virtually the value of a new 520d. Also the 535d is projected to lose a lot more than the 530d, both in percentage terms and of course value.

I'm sure good 535d examples will be easy to move on, but I picture many customers getting a shock when the sales guys draw a deep breath as they mutter their offer at trade in time.

HighlandPete

[xs2man]

That certainly was the case when I was offered a trade in on my 3.5 year old 335d.

But if how much money you loose would be the ultimate deciding factor, then you'd be as well buying a Dacia Duster...

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by xs2man

That certainly was the case when I was offered a trade in on my 3.5 year old 335d.

But if how much money you loose would be the ultimate deciding factor, then you'd be as well buying a Dacia Duster...

The Dacia Duster idea is cheap motoring...

In reality depreciation is the largest cost of motoring, we will be hit hard if we buy new and spend big money.

I favour buying nearly new, to get that first heavy year of depreciation our of the way. I've bought into £60k car motoring, for new 520d (but basic specification) money. To get rid of over £25k worth of depreciation for taking on a one driver, 6,000 mile car, makes so much sense IMO.

HighlandPete

[Jif]

I agree with Pete, nearly new is a great option to avoid the first year hit in depreciation and get into a better model than you could afford new.

I did it for my current 330d and for the 530d I've traded it in for and will be picking up at the weekend.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Jif

I agree with Pete, nearly new is a great option to avoid the first year hit in depreciation and get into a better model than you could afford new.

I did it for my current 330d and for the 530d I've traded it in for and will be picking up at the weekend.

Same here get into a better car, and likely for even less money over the term of ownership.

I've bought new cars, both basic and well optioned specifications, and when you do the math you realise how depreciation is the real cost of motoring, for the average mileage user. A cost you can do something about, without losing out on the car choice.

If I were to buy a 520d to the specification of my car, it is a £50k price tag. I'd never buy a 520d to that sort of specification, with many virtually zero value options at trade time, as it is financial suicide. I'd not buy new in a 535i either, as that is still a financial black hole, although the specification looks more suited to the bigger engine and starting price.

But to buy the £60k price tag 535i for £35k and it's still like a new car, makes so much more financial sense. I'll also run it a year or two longer, get even more value out of it.

I can understand company car users being stuck for options, but as a private buyer the nearly new purchase makes so much sense.

HighlandPete

[xs2man]

Unless your buying on PCP. In which case, I have always found new cars to be cheaper per month than nearly new cars. And as I don't keep the car the full term anyway, the difference for me is the monthly payments, not the final payment.

[EmArAsOnS]

Originally Posted by xs2man

Unless your buying on PCP. In which case, I have always found new cars to be cheaper per month than nearly new cars. And as I don't keep the car the full term anyway, the difference for me is the monthly payments, not the final payment.

Same here


Plus the price of a used car is not negotiable at least where i live .

[Beancounter_74]

Originally Posted by xs2man

Unless your buying on PCP. In which case, I have always found new cars to be cheaper per month than nearly new cars. And as I don't keep the car the full term anyway, the difference for me is the monthly payments, not the final payment.

Agree
Having recently gone through this loop, for me the PCP was far better on a new 520D than a new 530D and miles better than a used 530D for that matter, that was because there was a large dealer incentive on the 520D so made it a no brainer.

For me, I have other cars so this one just needs to be comfortable, look nice and cheap to run month on month. If I was going to move up engine wise, it would only be for a 535D

[Piers]

Originally Posted by Beancounter_74

Agree
Having recently gone through this loop, for me the PCP was far better on a new 520D than a new 530D and miles better than a used 530D for that matter, that was because there was a large dealer incentive on the 520D so made it a no brainer.

For me, I have other cars so this one just needs to be comfortable, look nice and cheap to run month on month. If I was going to move up engine wise, it would only be for a 535D

Totally agree, me too! I have an Elise for my weekend fun