BMW

Summer wind

Hello everyone I would like some advice please. I drive a 2012 520d manual and want to change to an auto of the same model. I don't want to spend more than €40,000. I've been offered €27,000 for my own from my own dealer and I've seen a nice 132 reg car in Frank Keane in Dublin that's in my budget.

I would like to know if you think I should go ahead and buy the car now or wait a couple of months and see what else may come along. Would I save some money when the dealers revise their prices. The car I want to buy is the lci model with the xenons as standard which is important to me as I'm used to them for the last 3 years and milage is 19,000. I'm just unsure if paying €13,000 to go up just 18 months would be the right thing to do. What do you think?

Gumbo

Summer wind wrote: »

Hello everyone I would like some advice please. I drive a 2012 520d manual and want to change to an auto of the same model. I don't want to spend more than €40,000. I've been offered €27,000 for my own from my own dealer and I've seen a nice 132 reg car in Frank Keane in Dublin that's in my budget.

I would like to know if you think I should go ahead and buy the car now or wait a couple of months and see what else may come along. Would I save some money when the dealers revise their prices. The car I want to buy is the lci model with the xenons as standard which is important to me as I'm used to them for the last 3 years and milage is 19,000. I'm just unsure if paying €13,000 to go up just 18 months would be the right thing to do. What do you think?

If you wait, yes the dealer will revise the price of the new car down, but so will the value of your car too, and probably by more with it being a manual.

Leonard Hofstadter

With the greatest of respect, paying €13k to buy exactly the same car as what you currently have except it's 18 months newer shows you've got more money than sense.

I understand the desire to switch from manual to auto with your car being diesel (the world would be a better place if diesels with manual gearboxes were banned), but €13k is absolutely bonkers IMHO.

mloc123

27k is low enough money for your own...I think.
2011 autos are selling for 30k at the moment and manuals for a grand less usually. I would expect them to sell yours for around 31-32k depending on spec... Possibly more.

Summer wind

I've been told the offer for my own will stand until the end of April so that's why I was saying should I wait a couple of months to see if anything else comes along. But I don't really want to wait much longer. I was at the start going to change to an X3 20d Xdrive so my dealer gave me a loan of an X3 for a couple of days but it was the 18d Sdrive model and I didn't like it in the low gears around town and couldn't see myself keeping it for a few years.

I think the offer for my own is a little low too because my milage is only 45,000 and I've the lights pack and metallic paint,sunroof, sports wheel, and service pack with it too. I don't want to part with any more cash than I have to so I'm hoping to get more for it.

Voodoomelon

Everyone has their reasons for changing, and you're perfectly entitled to do as you please. But can I ask why you want to move up 18 months and get the same car again, seeing as you have a service pack and a decent spec as is? Is it just the facelift you're after?

€13k is a colossal premium to pay to move up to a marginal facelift and frig all fewer miles. If it was me, i'd be holding on to that €13k and wait another year or so, you'd even be into 640d Gran Coupe territory then.

It's great picking up a newer model and it has a nice "glow" about it for the first few weeks. But seeing as you're picking up the same model again, I can only imagine myself sick to the stomach after a few days knowing i'm €13k lighter and i'm driving the same car.

But no doubt you're looking at it from a different angle, I tend to always go for the less logical choices.

Summer wind

The reason I want to change is because I'd an operation on my knee and now I find using the clutch is literally a pain in heavy traffic. I've considered the Audi A6 and Mercedes E Class but I dont think I'd like them as much as my 5 Series. If I wait a couple of years my own car will be worth about 15k less so it will cost me more to change.

I'm not bothered about the facelift because I've got all the spec I want on my own but I don't think I can go another two years using the clutch. I test drove an auto a couple of months ago and really liked it. I don't want to part with €13,000 so that's the hard part.

Roger Mellie Man on the Telly

Please buy a 6 series gran coupe. Gorgeous gorgeous vehicle which makes the 5 series look like the very ugly sister.

I'd say they're pricey but **** it you only live once and you've a good deposit for a lease deal.

Voodoomelon

Ah yes, forgot about the auto requirement. The 5 probably is the best choice in the segment, so if you need the auto, I guess its gonna cost you. I can understand you wanting to move up the years to get your money's worth.

If you're set on the 5 series, you could always make a less of a jump to a 520d of the same year as your own, or even 131, to save cash.

Voodoomelon

Roger Mellie Man on the Telly wrote: »

Please buy a 6 series gran coupe. Gorgeous gorgeous vehicle which makes the 5 series look like the very ugly sister.

I'd say they're pricey but **** it you only live once and you've a good deposit for a lease deal.

The Gran Coupes are still a good €20k out of the OPs budget.

bazz26

OP, I'd shop around, don't be afraid to travel for the right deal. You would be surprised at the difference in prices just by shopping around. €13k is mad money to be spending just to trade up one year. There is about a €3k premium for an auto over a manual so that still leaves about €10k to just move up a year which is mad.

Summer wind

Yes I think the best thing to do is wait awhile and see what else comes along. I really want to change though. I've got a couple of months before my dealers offer of €27,000 has to be revised so I guess it's not too bad. I like to pay cash when I'm trading my cars because I don't like having monthly payments hanging over me. I was quoted €681 a month on a pcp deal for a 151 X3 20d last December and I would hate to have to come up with that every month for 36 months.

166man

OP, does it have to be a 5-Series? You could potentially look to see the cost to change against a 318d auto. Smaller car but still punchy enough and it has the auto box.

You may get a more suitable figure going down that route. Worth a look anyhow, unless you're pushed for space.

R.O.R

Are you looking at the black 132 with the beige interior, parked more or less opposite the door in to Keane's? I was over there yesterday and wandered over to that car as it looked pretty good - turns out I ordered that car, delivered it and collected it when the driver was made redundant.


Was over there to pick up an X3 20d xDrive M-Sport auto from service. First time I've driven one for more than a few yards and it wasn't great. 5 Series is much better to drive and easier to get comfy in.

Summer wind

Yes I've thought about a 3 instead of a 5 alright but as you say I'm not sure about space. I may need to do some more research about that:)

Yes Id say that's the car I'm talking about. It's more or less what I'd have ordered myself except for the beige interior. Mine is Ivory and black as I think the black carpets are better. The xenons are important to me as I live in the countryside and it's hard enough to find a 520 with them.

I thought I'd like an X3 20d to drive even though I'm not a fan of its looks but the 18d I had a loan of kinda changed my mind. It was sluggish around town in the lower gears and felt a bit skittish when in sport mode on the main roads. I agree the 5 series is way better.

bazz26

The problem with the F30 is that coming from an F10 is going to be a comedown. The interior and comfort of the F30 are nowhere near as good as the F10.

What about a Jaguar XF?

Summer wind

Yes there is that aspect of it but I've driven a 316d once for a couple of days last year and liked it but not as much as my own. I'm not too sure about the Jag. I've never driven or been in one and I'd say backseat headroom may be tight so it's probably a case of better the devil you know. Although nothing's written in stone yet because I've a couple of months to decide. I just want to get the right car because I will be keeping it for the next four years.

carsfan

You won't get a better executive car than what you have in my opinion. Jag xf not as good at all. The auto gearbox is brilliant in the 520d
If you are going to keep it a few years, look around for a 14 plate for a little more money than what you have been offered.
I would stay away from the Venetian beige as gets very dirty. The oyster/ black is much better.

Summer wind

Yes I'm hoping to get more than €27,000 for my own. It's a fantastic car and I wouldn't be trading only I need an auto. My own dealer thinks the 141 plates won't come down much by April/May but if I got a bit more for my own maybe I could get a better deal.

Oafley Jones

carsfan wrote: »

You won't get a better executive car than what you have in my opinion. Jag xf not as good at all. The auto gearbox is brilliant in the 520d.

Both use the ZF gearbox. Brother in law changed from an f10 to a XF two years ago. Bought another this year. Much prefers the jag.

Summer wind

I haven't ruled anything out yet and looking for a good deal:)

166man

bazz26 wrote: »

The problem with the F30 is that coming from an F10 is going to be a comedown. The interior and comfort of the F30 are nowhere near as good as the F10.

What about a Jaguar XF?

Used to drive both cars regularly for 6 months straight. Interior is obviously better in the F10 but I'm terms of comfort found them broadly similar. I did quite like the manual box in the 520 too, very nice feel to it.

Summer wind

Yes I love my car it's silky smooth on main roads and fantastic on the twisty back roads where I live. I've seen models the same as mine but with bigger milage and less options advertised for €34,000. I know they won't sell for that price but I'm not letting a dealer make about €5,000 profit from mine.

166man

Summer wind wrote: »

Yes I love my car it's silky smooth on main roads and fantastic on the twisty back roads where I live. I've seen models the same as mine but with bigger milage and less options advertised for €34,000. I know they won't sell for that price but I'm not letting a dealer make about €5,000 profit from mine.

It all depends on each specific deal but as an example. All BMW dealers are offering a full two year warranty on used BMW's. When you trade the car in this has to be taken into account along with the margin for the sales guy, any work it needs etc.

Most cars we took in would have had dents and scratches removed, alloys refurbed, new tyres etc. Average spend on all this normally would be well over €1k plus they have to make money too.

I agree though, €5k is a bit much, especially if there's margin in the other car too.

bazz26

I think the dealer is giving such a low trade-in price because demand for F10 manuals is low and might be anticipating that the car will be on their forecourt for well into the middle of the year by which time it's value has dropped from what it is now.

delthedriver

Bazz is correct. Have a look at the Jaguar XF. You will be very pleasantly surprised:)

166man

bazz26 wrote: »

I think the dealer is giving such a low trade-in price because demand for F10 manuals is low and might be anticipating that the car will be on their forecourt for well into the middle of the year by which time it's value has dropped from what it is now.

141/142 didn't have much of a changeover in terms of price change from what I saw anyway.

I agree with you though, it's a car that will be of interest right up until people see its a manual at which point interest will collapse. The dealer has to price against that.

Summer wind

My own dealer has looked at mine and said all it needs is a quick valet. He knows the car and said he knows it has been well looked after. It has new tyres too. The only drawback as he keeps telling me is the manual gearbox. So I guess all I can do is bring it around a few more dealers and hope for the best.

delthedriver

Summer wind wrote: »

My own dealer has looked at mine and said all it needs is a quick valet. He knows the car and said he knows it has been well looked after. It has new tyres too. The only drawback as he keeps telling me is the manual gearbox. So I guess all I can do is bring it around a few more dealers and hope for the best.

It is certainly worth shopping around the various BMW dealerships. Your car sounds like it is in mint condition.

Summer wind

It is and I would keep it only I need an auto. It even has one more service left in the service pack:)

bazz26

I always found the clutch pedal on BMWs heavy and needs to travel a good bit before it bytes, a right PITA when stuck in traffic.

Summer wind

Oh yeah that's true. And to add to that my knee keeps shaking and hurting:)

carsfan

The dealer should have warned you not to buy a manual day one.
However I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't get a better deal shopping around.
A dealer down the country might have a bigger market for a manual and so would give you a better deal.
The jag xf is going to be replaced next year with An all new model I think.
The 3 series is not as good a quality car as the 5 at all and not cheaper enough to warrant buying either.

Summer wind

In fairness to him he did but I thought the manual would be ok. I'd never driven an auto before and didn't realise how great they can be.

Oafley Jones

carsfan wrote: »

The dealer should have warned you not to buy a manual day one.
However I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't get a better deal shopping around.
A dealer down the country might have a bigger market for a manual and so would give you a better deal.
The jag xf is going to be replaced next year with An all new model I think.
The 3 series is not as good a quality car as the 5 at all and not cheaper enough to warrant buying either.

New 5 series on the way as well. I'd imagine the jag will be hit worse in terms of trade in.

delthedriver

Oafley Jones wrote: »

New 5 series on the way as well. I'd imagine the jag will be hit worse in terms of trade in.

Perhaps, ...........................though not everyone has a Jaaaaaaggg!!!!;)

Summer wind

I really will have to give an XF a spin even if it's just to say I've driven a Jaaagg:)

Truckermal

Have you thought about selling your own private and buying straight?? Has your own car leather and navigation??

Summer wind

My car has all the usual stuff like heated leather seats but I didn't spec the nav because it wasn't important to me. It's added options are metallic paint, electric sunroof, sports wheel, lights pack, service pack. It also has a full service history with the main dealer I bought it from.

I don't think I'd sell it privately because the amount involved is too much. I'm hoping to try and get a better offer from a dealer.

Idbatterim

would converting it from manual to auto be a runner?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Used-BMW-F10-5-Series-N47-Auto-ZF-Gearbox-7642297-16-/281588512499?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item418ffbb6f3

alternatively go to severl bmw dealerships in the dublin area and see how much they will charge you to go for the auto...

Oafley Jones

Truckermal wrote: »

Have you thought about selling your own private and buying straight?? Has your own car leather and navigation??

I'd imagine he wouldn't get much more than what's offered by the dealer. Prices of f10s even from non BMW dealers are quite low from what I've seen. I really like them, but without the two year warranty I wouldn't even consider touching one. I just don't trust that engine.

Summer wind

I hadn't even thought of that. I've only heard of that once before ages ago and I'd forgotten about it. I think my brain is fried now:) I will find out a bit more about it.

Casati

27k is a very poor bid for your car - especially when they must have a lot of margin in the car your buying.You car looks like great spec

As somebody else said you might do better trying to sell privately - it could take a while to find a buyer with cash but if might be the cheapest way to trade up

For example, if you got 27k/28k cash privately (which I would think is v doable) you could buy something like this for less than 40k - i.e. move up two years and into an auto for 12k approx

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/5-series/used-2014-141-bmw-5-series-520d-se-4d-dublin-fpa-201452229581683

Alternatively, and if funds allowed, you could move up to a 2015 for what should be less than 20k if you are a little flexible - this facelift pre-reg A6 is just over 46k
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/audi/a6/used-2015-151-audi-a6-2-0tdi-150bhp-s-wexford-fpa-140714229721622440

Oafley Jones

Casati wrote: »

27k is a very poor bid for your car - especially when they must have a lot of margin in the car your buying.You car looks like great spec

As somebody else said you might do better trying to sell privately - it could take a while to find a buyer with cash but if might be the cheapest way to trade up

For example, if you got 27k/28k cash privately (which I would think is v doable) you could buy something like this for less than 40k - i.e. move up two years and into an auto for 12k approx

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/5-series/used-2014-141-bmw-5-series-520d-se-4d-dublin-fpa-201452229581683

Alternatively, and if funds allowed, you could move up to a 2015 for what should be less than 20k if you are a little flexible - this facelift pre-reg A6 is just over 46k
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/audi/a6/used-2015-151-audi-a6-2-0tdi-150bhp-s-wexford-fpa-140714229721622440

Just looking at carzone now. 2012 manuals from bmw dealers with the two year warranty are averaging about 31k asking. I think he's getting a fair enough deal. I wouldn't be spending 14k to get a newer auto one though. Again, I think the word has gotten out about the timing chain and it'll spook certain buyers.

166man

Oafley Jones wrote: »

Just looking at carzone now. 2012 manuals from bmw dealers with the two year warranty are averaging about 31k asking. I think he's getting a fair enough deal. I wouldn't be spending 14k to get a newer auto one though. Again, I think the word has gotten out about the timing chain and it'll spook certain buyers.

If what you're saying is correct about the prices for average 2012 manuals going for €31k asking then €27k is a fair enough bid from a dealer. I'm sure you could get the value up a bit if they thought you were serious about dealing.

Summer wind

I'd be wary about buying privately because I've never done it before and the amounts I'd be dealing with are high. That Audi is a looker but it's beyond what I can pay at the moment. I've never driven one but I think that model would be on a par with the 518d and may feel a bit underpowered?.

I haven't decided on any particular model yet though. I guess I need to do some test driving. I'm hoping to get a bit more for my own even if it's only €1 - €2k because even my own dealer has said its a great car.

tweaf1

Look at going down the country and try some more of the Dublin dealers, one of whom has a number of pre reg 520ds.

Truckermal

Just wondering has that car the N47 engine??

Summer wind

Yes it has the N47. I'd say the newer engine would be at the same risk as I don't think they've changed the position of the belt.

Truckermal

Summer wind wrote: »

Yes it has the N47. I'd say the newer engine would be at the same risk as I don't think they've changed the position of the belt.

Balls was considering buying it of you..:(

Summer wind

Well it had its end of warranty check on first week of January and there was no sign of a rattle:) but I know the N47 can spook some people.