[CallMeSteve]

It's time for a new car and I've quite fancied a 5 series BMW. I've been looking at the diesel variants and have narrowed it down to an '07 530d or an '05/06 535d. I would prefer an '07 535d with lowish mileage but have a max budget of £18k.

Is there much of a difference between the two? Should I hold out for a 535d or would I be happy with a 530d? It would be my work/general runaround car so I'd be doing roughly 100 non-motorway miles a week with the odd weekend run up North.

P.S. I've also been looking at the Mercedes CLS 320 CDI. Any thoughts?

[FZR400RRSP]

535D is a proper fast motor, it really is.
Can't see you feeling the 530D is lacking though, it's still 218bhp and an absolute mountain of torque.
If getting the 530D means you get a newer/lower mileage/better spec, then I reckon you should go for it.
You could, if you feel the need, get a remap for the 530D.

[eric pisch]

both monster engines for oil burners

both easily chipable

[DPinBucks]

Agree largely with FZ, though I'm much stronger for the 535. Running costs are about the same, but it's much better to drive. To me it would be a no-brainer, but nonetheless the 530 is no slouch.

It depends on your driving style and requirements in that respect.

Are you sure you're only doing 100 miles a week? That's very low, but if so then buying a higher-mileage car would be less of an issue.

=== EDIT ===
Personal opinion. Me & Mercs: think bargepoles.

[CallMeSteve]

Thanks for the replies. For now I'm doing a max of 100 miles a week but that will change in a few months when I sell my other car so I could be looking at 200-250 per week.

To give you an idea, these are the price/spec models I'm looking at:

530d, high mileage 535d and low mileage 535d

I'd prefer to buy from a dealer for the extra peace of mind and maybe warranty. I've seen a couple of private 535d's for around £18k but I'm not sure I'd like to risk it as most of them want cash in hand!

[FZR400RRSP]

With regard to Mercs, it's only recently, with the new C-class, that I'd consider one.
Prior to the new C-class, not a chance.
Even now, they have some stupidly annoying aspects.
Like the ridiculous foot-operated 'handbrake' and the combined lights/wipers stalk.

[CallMeSteve]

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

With regard to Mercs, it's only recently, with the new C-class, that I'd consider one.
Prior to the new C-class, not a chance.
Even now, they have some stupidly annoying aspects.
Like the ridiculous foot-operated 'handbrake' and the combined lights/wipers stalk.

Haha! I'm driving an older C-class at the moment and I've got used to the foot handbrake and the combined stalk though at first it was very strange to come to terms with.

I'm decided on a BMW anyway. Just read the 535d is the best in its class (though I'm sure not everyone agrees!).

Now to book in some test drives.

[booyaka]

Well can't compare the 2 but i got a 530D M Sport just over a year ago from a main dealer and very very happy with it. Mountains of torque, quick and 38/39/40 mpg.

Not sure how the 535 stacks up regards mpg etc.

Personally i would got 530D and lower mileage as possible.

[marksovereign]

Originally Posted by CallMeSteve

Thanks for the replies. For now I'm doing a max of 100 miles a week but that will change in a few months when I sell my other car so I could be looking at 200-250 per week.

To give you an idea, these are the price/spec models I'm looking at:

530d, high mileage 535d and low mileage 535d

I'd prefer to buy from a dealer for the extra peace of mind and maybe warranty. I've seen a couple of private 535d's for around £18k but I'm not sure I'd like to risk it as most of them want cash in hand!

Why if you are doing only 10000 miles p.a do you need a diesel ?
The BMW petrol engined variants will be much cheaper to buy and sound nicer.

[t72bogie]

I was gonna say the same - diesel only usually pays if you do 20K miles a year or more

for 100 miles a week ....a 1.4 Fiesta petrol will do the job just fine LOL

[CallMeSteve]

Originally Posted by booyaka

Well can't compare the 2 but i got a 530D M Sport just over a year ago from a main dealer and very very happy with it. Mountains of torque, quick and 38/39/40 mpg.

Not sure how the 535 stacks up regards mpg etc.

Personally i would got 530D and lower mileage as possible.

Thanks, I'm going to test drive them both and see if the difference is worth it to me.

Originally Posted by marksovereign

Why if you are doing only 10000 miles p.a do you need a diesel ?
The BMW petrol engined variants will be much cheaper to buy and sound nicer.

Because of the better fuel economy? I thought diesels were generally cheaper to run?

Originally Posted by t72bogie

I was gonna say the same - diesel only usually pays if you do 20K miles a year or more

for 100 miles a week ....a 1.4 Fiesta petrol will do the job just fine LOL

My Fiesta days are long gone mate! I'm after a mans car.

[Razor]

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

535D is a proper fast motor, it really is.
Can't see you feeling the 530D is lacking though, it's still 218bhp and an absolute mountain of torque.
If getting the 530D means you get a newer/lower mileage/better spec, then I reckon you should go for it.
You could, if you feel the need, get a remap for the 530D.

Its actually 231 bhp. The 218bhp is the non M Sport ie just Sport.

The only difference between the two cars is the twin turbo on the 535. Both have 3.0L engines. The difference in 0-60 times is about 0.2 secs.

I went for the 530D M Sport as it was slightly more economical than the 535 and it only had one turbo to fix if it went wrong. Both are stunning cars and you wont go wrong with either model.

[Decadence]

I'm waiting for a decent crashed one at auction to come along at the moment...unless an A4 Cabriolet turns up beforehand in which case my wife wins! And before anyone says it...no it isn't an Oxymoron!

[marksovereign]

Originally Posted by CallMeSteve

Thanks, I'm going to test drive them both and see if the difference is worth it to me.



Because of the better fuel economy? I thought diesels were generally cheaper to run?



My Fiesta days are long gone mate! I'm after a mans car.

The Diesels are cheaper to run in terms of MPG but diesel is dearer to buy- but the car is dearer to buy and service - Petrol models are not as expensive to buy a 525i should return 30 mpg whilst a 530d circa 40 mpg - i ran a 330d for 50000 miles and it averaged 40.1 mpg over the 50000 miles - if you look at your mileage there is no benefit to you going diesel

[Decadence]

But what about the sweet engine note?

...oh wait.

[inkinoo]

Until recently I owned a 535d E60. Only reason for sale was moving to Switzerland so have bought a 530xd E61 (4WD 5 series estate). So I can give an opinion from both sides.

The 535d is a beast of a car. One of the best cars I've ever owned. Power is amazing and with the M-Sport version the handling is damn good.

Saying that, the 530xd is *almost* as good. The longer wheelbase and air suspension make it a very good ride. My 530xd is also specced up to the max so it is a slightly nicer place to be.

For the money you are looking at, consider this:

BMW : Facelift model 535d SE Touring with Huge Specification

2007 so model refresh and being estate no-one will expect you go to so fast.

Pistonheads is a great site to look at too ...

[CDphobe]

Originally Posted by Razor

I went for the 530D M Sport as it was slightly more economical than the 535 and it only had one turbo to fix if it went wrong. Both are stunning cars and you wont go wrong with either model.

Someone please correct me, but I seem to recall that the 5series turbos are all variable vane, but of course the twin turbos on the 535 cover different ranges and therefore have reduced geometry variations. I don't know if there's any evidence about the relative failure rate, but the added complexity of the increased variation on the 530D might offset the two turbos on the 535D.

For info, I drive a 535DSE E61 (fairly well loaded) and I have to say I love it. Came to it from a 330DSE E46 and the 535, whilst a little less "chuckable" as an estate rather than the 3 series saloon, just has oodles of power to spare. I'd echo the thoughts on miles being driven though, you need to be doing a fair few to make the diesel work for you on a pure economy argument. The other thing to remember is that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) needs to go through a regeneration cycle from time to time so the engine needs to have a good workout occasionally.

I was in a similar position to yourself when I bought, looking for either a 530D or a 535D. I'd have preferred the 530D in a manual personally, but having used a 535D for a couple of years I'm certainly happy with it - just make sure you get a decent warranty (BMW or 3rd party) because there's an awful lot of toys to go wrong! I've only had a parking sensor fail to date but there's always that worry...!

Al

[CDphobe]

Oh, and there's BMW Land - A Drivers Chat Talk Discussion Forum Board for UK BMW cars and owners 3 5 6 7 series Questions & Answers to take a look at too

[marksovereign]

Originally Posted by CDphobe

. I'd have preferred the 530D in a manual personally,
Al

The manual is essential if you want to take advantage of the economy these engines can achieve - Autos increase the consumption quite dramatically

[CDphobe]

Originally Posted by marksovereign

The manual is essential if you want to take advantage of the economy these engines can achieve - Autos increase the consumption quite dramatically

Yes, but most 5 series are sold as "luxury" or "exec" vehicles, and are therefore normally spec'd with an auto box - there is evidence that a manual 5 series is more difficult to sell and commands a lower value (great in terms of cost if you want one, but bad for availability). My preference for a manual is more to do with control than fuel efficiency but I agree with your point.

Of course, the 535D is auto only

Al

[FZR400RRSP]

I agree that a 5-series should really come with an auto box.
Unless it's an M5, of course.

[CallMeSteve]

I think I'm still going to go for a diesel even with the low mileage I do. The price difference between a 530i/530d is in most cases is a few hundred pounds which I'd make back over a few years in fuel savings. Plus the diesel engine would last longer(?)

I've always preferred a manual but my missus is ruthless with a manual gearbox (she think she's a rally driver!) so I'm inclined to go with an auto this time.

I've got some appointments booked to test drive a 530d and 535d this weekend so I'll decide then as to which I (we) prefer. Whilst searching, I came across a few 525d's. Am I right in guessing the engine will feel underpowered for a car this size?

[Razor]

Originally Posted by CallMeSteve

I think I'm still going to go for a diesel even with the low mileage I do. The price difference between a 530i/530d is in most cases is a few hundred pounds which I'd make back over a few years in fuel savings. Plus the diesel engine would last longer(?)

I've always preferred a manual but my missus is ruthless with a manual gearbox (she think she's a rally driver!) so I'm inclined to go with an auto this time.

I've got some appointments booked to test drive a 530d and 535d this weekend so I'll decide then as to which I (we) prefer. Whilst searching, I came across a few 525d's. Am I right in guessing the engine will feel underpowered for a car this size?

The 525D is a detuned 3.0L engine. I wouldn't say it would feel underpowered but it will have to be worked harder and its not as quick as the 530D.

Also the auto box on these cars are sublime, you cant even feel the gear change and the 0-60 time on the auto is the same as the manual.

Another thing to consider or look for is a car with the media pack. Its a very nice piece of kit.

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by Razor

The 525D is a detuned 3.0L engine. I wouldn't say it would feel underpowered but it will have to be worked harder and its not as quick as the 530D.
Also the auto box on these cars are sublime, you cant even feel the gear change and the 0-60 time on the auto is the same as the manual.

My bro-in-law operates a 525D auto M-sport as an executive hire car.
Dunno about performance, but the auto-box is lovely.
He'd probably have been better with an SE for the softer suspension though.

Incidentally, I read BMW are now offering suspension 'downgrades' for M-sport models.
You can have the M-sport spec, but without the lowered/stiffened suspension.
I digress though...

[Razor]

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

My bro-in-law operates a 525D auto M-sport as an executive hire car.
Dunno about performance, but the auto-box is lovely.
He'd probably have been better with an SE for the softer suspension though.

Incidentally, I read BMW are now offering suspension 'downgrades' for M-sport models.
You can have the M-sport spec, but without the lowered/stiffened suspension.
I digress though...

There is a company that sells SE models with the M Sport body kit. I drove one of these cars and didn't like it as much in terms of handling corners. I much preferred the car with the proper M sport suspension.

I suppose its all down to personal preference.

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by Razor

There is a company that sells SE models with the M Sport body kit. I drove one of these cars and didn't like it as much in terms of handling corners. I much preferred the car with the proper M sport suspension.

I suppose its all down to personal preference.

I admit I prefer body control to ride comfort.
Alpina softened the suspension on my car, compared with an M-sport.
I find it too soft, to be honest.

For a taxi (sorry, executive hire), the M-sport suspension with runflats is too hard though.
But no denying M-sport is the best looking option.
At least BMW are giving you the option of the looks without the hard ride now.

[Razor]

I didnt know that the Alpina was a softer ride than the M Sport. Your Alpina is a lovely car.

Allot of owners get rid of the run flats and say the ride quality is better. I had a chance to do that this year but I just stuck with the run flats as I couldn't be bothered to sort out a spare wheel. I do sometimes wonder how much of a difference it would of made to the ride.

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by Razor

I didnt know that the Alpina was a softer ride than the M Sport. Your Alpina is a lovely car.

They fit different shocks and ditch the runflats.
So the ride is definitely more compliant than a standard M-sport.

[Razor]

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

They fit different shocks and ditch the runflats.
So the ride is definitely more compliant than a standard M-sport.

Sounds good mate. I have always been a fan of Alpina cars.

[CallMeSteve]

Oooh, all this talk of Aplina's has got me thinking. I see there is a 3 series Alpina diesel but is there a 5 series diesel equivalent?