Buying advice (1 series to 5 series)

WillyWonka

I currently have a 2007 BWM 116i SE (with comfort pack) and 50k miles.
I'm looking at an upgrade to a 2008 520d M-Sport (just not gone on the 3 series)

It's looking like about 20k+ with trade in for upgrade to 2008 5 series in Ireland.

However if I sell privately and import from the UK I reckon I'll sell mine for 10k and buy in from the UK for about £18,000/€20,500 + €5500 VRT (rough costs that will also include a few hundred of travel and ferry).

Surely looks as though there's a saving of about €4/5k by the quick maths above.
Do the figures above stack up? or have I made any glaring errors?

I'm still debating auto v manual (4% in VRT differnece for a 520d). I've always driven manual and understand the benifits of auto but I'm worried that it'll take the fun out of driving.
I think the sport auto transmission is the way to go but am I right in saying that this is a pretty top end extra??
Or does that new auto stick in the ED models do a similar job (without the sport button)?

Any advise appreciated.

Willy

mickdw

How much are dealers quoting you here as cost to change?

08 520d Msport would be worth ? little over 20k maybe. You uk prices seem more expensive.

Do you mean it is costing 20k + your car to change here? If you do, you have to be mistaken surely?

WillyWonka

mickdw wrote: »

How much are dealers quoting you here as cost to change?

08 520d Msport would be worth ? little over 20k maybe. You uk prices seem more expensive.

Do you mean it is costing 20k + your car to change here? If you do, you have to be mistaken surely?

Cheers Mick,

I've priced and spoken to a dealer or two about a 07 520d Msport. The asking price seems to be about the 25k mark from the dealers.
Seem to be offered 9-10k for my own so it's about 15k to upgrade to a 07.

Since looking at the UK I figured I'd stretch to a 2008 ED model with a few decent extras for about the same difference (obviously have to sell my own privately)

Not sure a (decent) 520d from a dealer is as cheap as you reckon mick?!

R.O.R

08 520d is going to hold it's value (looking myself too). Maybe not as much as we thought in July 08, but not that far off.

Sport Auto is only an option on the F10 model. Was only the standard auto on the E60, ED models got the step-tronic box (the new auto stick). You can shift that left from D to put it in to Sport mode, and use it as a sequential manual if you want (you'll try it a couple of times and never use it again).

Reloc8

Just did an import myself.

Very happy.

Saved a good few quid (in the region of 4k), and got the car I wanted, no compromises.

Its very straightforward. Assuming you've looked at the price of the car in the UK and run it through the online VRT estimate I can't see that you've left anything out in your figures.

dr.fuzzenstein

Why go from slowest 1 series to slowest 5 series?
How about a 3 series with a bit more CC and a few extra cylinders?
At least you'll have a car that can more than barely move itself.

mickdw

WillyWonka wrote: »

Not sure a (decent) 520d from a dealer is as cheap as you reckon mick?!

Well you seem to be figuring on 30k for one here. That is lunacy imo. low mileage Msports certainly seem to be available for 25k asking from retailers. If you were to go for straight sale here (like you would do in the uk), that 25k asking would be nearer 23k.

WillyWonka

R.O.R wrote: »

0
Sport Auto is only an option on the F10 model. Was only the standard auto on the E60, ED models got the step-tronic box (the new auto stick). You can shift that left from D to put it in to Sport mode, and use it as a sequential manual if you want (you'll try it a couple of times and never use it again).

I drove an 07 520d Msport and it has the old auto stick which also has that triptronic thingy going on. Didn't really impress me either

WillyWonka

Reloc8 wrote: »

Just did an import myself.

Very happy.

Saved a good few quid (in the region of 4k), and got the car I wanted, no compromises.

Its very straightforward. Assuming you've looked at the price of the car in the UK and run it through the online VRT estimate I can't see that you've left anything out in your figures.

did you go for auto or manual? how does it compare?

WillyWonka

mickdw wrote: »

Well you seem to be figuring on 30k for one here. That is lunacy imo. low mileage Msports certainly seem to be available for 25k asking from retailers. If you were to go for straight sale here (like you would do in the uk), that 25k asking would be nearer 23k.

Really? I'm not seeing them from the dealers...
This is an '08 ED 520d Msport auto with some trimmings we're talking about?

Linky?

WillyWonka

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

Why go from slowest 1 series to slowest 5 series?
How about a 3 series with a bit more CC and a few extra cylinders?
At least you'll have a car that can more than barely move itself.

Dr. Fuzz I just don't like the 3er. I does nothing for me. The coupe yes, but it's too similar inside to what I already have, so wouldn't justify the upgrade for me. And I'd prefer 4 doors to 2.

I'd look at a 530d if I found one worth the money. For a nice enough car I'd consider paying the €600 tax. But ultimately the 520d with 177bhp seems like the obvious choice for me and most 5 series drivers. I don't plan on trashing the car in and out of every bend in the road so don't need to reach for the top end engines.

0-60 in 8.3 seconds isn't bad and surely a step up from what I have?

Reloc8

Sure if you've driven the 520d and liked it what else do you have to worry about if you found it decent for your needs ?

mickdw

I didnt realise you were talking auto only. Also if you are only looking at bmw main dealers, you will only see inflated prices. It would be foolish to limit yourself to bmw main dealers only although it would be interesting to see how they compare with the uk price if you go in for a straight sale and drive a hard bargain. They would in most cases have a fair bit to play with on their prices.

bazz26

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

Why go from slowest 1 series to slowest 5 series?
How about a 3 series with a bit more CC and a few extra cylinders?
At least you'll have a car that can more than barely move itself.

While the 520d is no rocket the 07/08 models have 177bhp which is still decent enough from a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine and can definately move itself. If that is not enough then a remap will bump it to just over 200bhp.

TheBazman

Go for the 2008 520d if you can. In terms of price - a decent spec 08 520d M-Sport should be setting you back 27 - 29k from a main dealer. You will notice a decent step up from the 116 - I had a loaner of a 116d ( I know yours is petrol) recently and wasnt impressed at all. The 520d is plenty also for most - the engine isnt as refined as the 6 cyl but it's grand

Padraig Mor

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

Why go from slowest 1 series to slowest 5 series?
How about a 3 series with a bit more CC and a few extra cylinders?
At least you'll have a car that can more than barely move itself.

What a pile of crap. The 520d has more power and is faster that the Octavia vRS, the official Boards Best Car Ever In the World. Sure it's no 535d, but compared to the vast majority of cars on the road, it IS a rocket.

Max Power1

Padraig Mor wrote: »

What a pile of crap. The 520d has more power and is faster that the Octavia vRS, the official Boards Best Car Ever In the World. Sure it's no 535d, but compared to the vast majority of cars on the road, it IS a rocket.

But how does the boot size compare?

Padraig Mor

Max Power1 wrote: »

But how does the boot size compare?

7% smaller! But what is infinity minus 7%????

whippet

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

At least you'll have a car that can more than barely move itself.

stupid post ..... 177bhp ... barely move itself :rolleyes:... do you still have a poster of a Lambo on your bedroom wall and as you are going to sleep at night keep telling yourself any thing less is worse than walking?

Max Power1

whippet wrote: »

stupid post ..... 177bhp ... barely move itself :rolleyes:... do you still have a poster of a Lambo on your bedroom wall and as you are going to sleep at night keep telling yourself any thing less is worse than walking?

Its the least powerful, and slowest, 5 series.

I (and i'm sure a lot of others) would prefer to get a 330d or something instead of the basic boggo 520d.

Stevie Dakota

Max Power1 wrote: »

I (and i'm sure a lot of others) would prefer to get a 330d or something instead of the basic boggo 520d.

Well start your own thread and tell us all about it.

Max Power1

whippet wrote: »

stupid post ..... 177bhp ... barely move itself :rolleyes:... do you still have a poster of a Lambo on your bedroom wall and as you are going to sleep at night keep telling yourself any thing less is worse than walking?

Max Power1 wrote: »

Its the least powerful, and slowest, 5 series.

I (and i'm sure a lot of others) would prefer to get a 330d or something instead of the basic boggo 520d.

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

Well start your own thread and tell us all about it.

I wasnt the one criticising, just trying to explain where I thought the other poster was coming from.

WillyWonka

R.O.R wrote: »

Sport Auto is only an option on the F10 model. Was only the standard auto on the E60, ED models got the step-tronic box (the new auto stick). You can shift that left from D to put it in to Sport mode, and use it as a sequential manual if you want (you'll try it a couple of times and never use it again).

Also some of the 530d E60 models seem to have the sport automatic transmission.

e.g. http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/details/0,,1156___sit-bmwuk%40ask-27%40adm-xx,00.html?ch=_V0JBTlg3MjBYMEMwMDExNDM=

R.O.R

WillyWonka wrote: »

Also some of the 530d E60 models seem to have the sport automatic transmission.

e.g. http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/details/0,,1156___sit-bmwuk%40ask-27%40adm-xx,00.html?ch=_V0JBTlg3MjBYMEMwMDExNDM=

That's just the standard Auto by the looks of it, unless that's a Sport button behind the stick.

The F10 Sports Auto has a myriad of buttons around the gear stick - no idea what they do, but who doesn't like buttons eh?

WillyWonka

R.O.R wrote: »

That's just the standard Auto by the looks of it, unless that's a Sport button behind the stick.

The F10 Sports Auto has a myriad of buttons around the gear stick - no idea what they do, but who doesn't like buttons eh?

We love them buttons!
Looks like a sport button to me. I thought the myriad of buttons was for the idrive shortcuts?

here's a link that describes the SAT
http://e60.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273085

Question is...does the E60 SAT have the flappy paddles?...the above link seems to suggest it does. (and the photo looks to be an E60)

dr.fuzzenstein

Max Power1 wrote: »

I wasnt the one criticising, just trying to explain where I thought the other poster was coming from.

Was kind of the idea, why not go for something nicer and faster, instead of just the biggest barge your money will buy regardless of performance, but in the end it's up to everyone what they want.
The 5 might be easier to live with if you intend to have passengers with you.
Was just trying to float an option here...

R.O.R

WillyWonka wrote: »

We love them buttons!
Looks like a sport button to me. I thought the myriad of buttons was for the idrive shortcuts?

here's a link that describes the SAT
http://e60.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273085

Question is...does the E60 SAT have the flappy paddles?...the above link seems to suggest it does. (and the photo looks to be an E60)

Well, you learn something everyday!

It probably was an expensive option, if it was even available here. The post linked above is about a 550i, so it might only have been available on the petrols - which really haven't been sold here for a while. They might be listed, but no one is buying them.

I-Drive buttons are around the controller. With the new Sport Auto there are a couple of extra buttons by the side of the gear stick. You can just about make them out in this photo -http://f10.5post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=499868&stc=1&d=1300823000

Padraig Mor

R.O.R wrote: »

Well, you learn something everyday!

It probably was an expensive option, if it was even available here. The post linked above is about a 550i, so it might only have been available on the petrols - which really haven't been sold here for a while. They might be listed, but no one is buying them.

I-Drive buttons are around the controller. With the new Sport Auto there are a couple of extra buttons by the side of the gear stick. You can just about make them out in this photo -http://f10.5post.com/forums/attachment.phpattachmentid=499868&stc=1&d=1300823000

Full details of Sport Auto Transmission are hopefully on the attachment (pic of e60 brochure - on mobile so hopefully doing it right!). Believe it or not it was actually a very cheap option, being only something like 200 euro on top of the standard LCI auto. Not hugely uncommon either - seen it a number of times, especially on 535ds. Pre ED box was also steptronic I think, but not electronic gear shifts.

/nerd hat off.

-Corkie-

OP there was a thread here earlier in the week where someone imported the SE model with a few extras and he reackoned it would be costing 21K with VRT paid.