BMW 5 series F10 buying question

Stallingrad

Mate is about to buy a demo, he is looking at a 518D (auto/leather) as there are a lot of them. I am advising a 520D, he is not to fussed about performance, does it really matter?

He is also looking at Cashmere Silver, which is looks more like a light gold to me, pretty sure a read here a while back that this is not a desirable colour, is this a problem come resale?

robbie99

In that size of car, at a minimum you really need to get an M5!

Only joking of course. If it was me, the extra €1,500 or so to get the extra 40bhp is a no brainier. But I was driving a 518d recently as a loaner and I was pleasantly surprised with it. It's no slouch. With the auto being so smooth and suited to the Diesel engine, the car had no problems taking off briskly and accelerating through the gears. Your mate is not interested in performance so he'll be more than happy with the 18d.

EDIT: the 20d is an extra €2,200 new.

Bigcheeze

I think torque numbers for the 518 are similar even though bhp is well down.

I have a 520 auto and while it's a big car, it feels relatively light and nimble (particularly in sport mode). People laugh at the engine but bottom line is it does 0-100kph in 8 seconds which is faster than 90% of what's on the road.

MetzgerMeister

robbie99 wrote: »

In that size of car, at a minimum you really need to get an M5!

Only joking of course. If it was me, the extra €1,500 or so to get the extra 40bhp is a no brainier. But I was driving a 518d recently as a loaner and I was pleasantly surprised with it. It's no slouch. With the auto being so smooth and suited to the Diesel engine, the car had no problems taking off briskly and accelerating through the gears. Your mate is not interested in performance so he'll be more than happy with the 18d.

What do you drive robbie? I know from the adaptive lights thread it's a Bimmer of some description

colm_mcm

I'm gonna go against popular opinion and say if he's happy with the test drive to get the 518 version. AFAIK the 20d version is €2500 more new.

bazz26

Depends what he is coming from really. If your coming from a lower powered car then obviously it's going to feel like an improvement.

I have an F10 520d with the older N47 engine, I find it's a bit lacking at times more so at low end speeds. It's a big heavy car and I find there is bit of flat spot in the lower revs at times. The newer B47 engine introduced last year is supposed to be better with regards low end torque but I'd still prefer at the very least the power of the 520d in a car that size and weight.

EazyD

Drove both last year (after the 520d was stolen), the additional 38-40Hp does make a noticeable difference. Definitely worth the premium.

Theboinkmaster

I have a 2011 520d and there's no way I'd go lower to a 518d. I find the power loads for my needs but it is a big heavy car. I haven't driven a 518d but based on the figures it looks underpowered.

Also IMO the Cashmere Silver looks horrible and would definitely effect resale. I bought silver and the only colours I would buy it in would be:

- silver
- black
- space grey
- red

and maybe navy.

Also I wouldn't buy one without the pro navigation system, the smaller screen really cheapens the interior I think.

Would only buy an m sport one.

robbie99

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

What do you drive robbie? I know from the adaptive lights thread it's a Bimmer of some description

420d GC msport

166man

Have driven quite a few of the F10 in both 520 and 518 guise.

In summary if performance isn't a high priority then the 518 is perfectly capable. It's still got the torque needed, however, don't expect a huge difference e in fuel economy. I'm not sure who's buying a 4 cylinder diesel 5 series for the performance either!

Always a demand for grey white and black colours too. Sophisto grey was my preferred colour.

Stallingrad

Follow up. He went with the 2015 Cashmere silver 518i, Oyster leather, auto, Xenons, ambient lighting. Beautiful car, plenty of poke for him. Coming from a 159 he is super impressed. Glad I talked him out of a C class. :-)

Donieh

Sorry to jump onto this thread but I am looking for your general advice.
I came across a 2014 518D SE today with only 30KM for 27K at an authorized dealer (2 years warranty) which I test drove today. Just like the guys friend above I am not too worried about power as I only do approx. 12/13KM a year (now to be fair I may do more in such a car if I did purchase it). It is jet black and is exactly what I was looking for (even though I was initially looking at 12/13 520 so I have to increase my budget a bit however I think its worth it)
This car does seem to be decent value comparing these cars out there, correct or am I missing something?
Cheers
Donieh

Gumbo

When our E60 was in getting all the chains replaced, Bmw gave us a brand new 141 518d as a curtesy car. I remember at the time saying it was nice, not too slow but we had the 132 520d also so we were able to give a direct comparison. I found the 518 nippy but I noticed the lower power higher up the rev range/speed range.

Both autos. Ours is an MSpprt and the curtesy car was an SE.