5 series bmw

Ryder

Hi. Looking at getting a second hand 523i. Not many around.......is there much difference between sport and se? It seems that sport is a more engaging drive bit is there enough difference to hold out for one of those?

Thanks

bmwguy

Ryder wrote: »

Hi. Looking at getting a second hand 523i. Not many around.......is there much difference between sport and se? It seems that sport is a more engaging drive bit is there enough difference to hold out for one of those?

Thanks

What year/model? E39/e60/f10? Not much difference in the drive but the sport look miles better in my opinion.
Stiffer suspension setup but they will all feel similar to drive.

Idbatterim

if its an E60, I would try get a 525, a good bit more bhp and the same motor tax...

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-5-series-525-factory-m-sport-auto-tax-nct/15925688

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-msport/15750137

bmwguy

2 nice cars linked. Big price differential between the 2 of them. The Limerick one is ballpark what you want to be paying

Ryder

bmwguy wrote: »

2 nice cars linked. Big price differential between the 2 of them. The Limerick one is ballpark what you want to be paying

Thanks it is an e60 I'm looking at. See two option on carsireland for around 6500 with mileage of 70000.

Mileage of over 100000 is a bit worrying? This is my first car in a couple of years and would be hoping to keep it for around 3 years

Ryder

Ryder wrote: »

Thanks it is an e60 I'm looking at. See two option on carsireland for around 6500 with mileage of 70000.

Mileage of over 100000 is a bit worrying? This is my first car in a couple of years and would be hoping to keep it for around 3 years

http://www.carsireland.ie/1671339
http://www.carsireland.ie/1644889

These are the two

Thanks

Big Nasty

Suspiciously low mileage on both of those.

Many dealers have a habit of stating FSH in ads but when you go see it it's incomplete or missing altogether.

Idbatterim

just a word of advice, dont purchase any car , in particular these bmws without having them checked by a bmw specialists, gary in chelmsford, bloomfield motor in D.8 or valdas in north dublin.

secondly the bhp on the 523 is 177 v 218 for the 525, motor tax is the same...

MarcusP12

OP, if you come back to me in a couple of years (i'm overseas till then) i'll sell you my 08 523i se!!

But to answer your initial question, I would say it depends on what you want from the car as to which to go for. When I bought mine back in '12, I was changing from an 06 318i M Sport. So i'm in a reasonable position to comment on the difference between MSport and SE. When I was changing, we were expecting our first child so I wanted a big comfortable car. The 3 series boot was too small and the suspension was very firm anyway and a bit uncomfortable to be bussing a sleeping baby around in (not that it would probably matter that much). I did actually test drive an MSport 5er and liked it a lot but you will pay a decent premium relative to the SE for the M sport.

In terms of differences, main ones are that in the M Sport, you'll get sharper steering, stiffer suspension, sports seats which have you set a little lower down, bigger wheels (equals big replacement cost) and nice body kit. Not sure what extras you get as standard with the MSport but the SE is decent enough anyway.

Note that around 07/08, the 523i changed from 177bhp to 190bhp and is a 2.5l which is the one I have. Its currently around 800 a year in tax. Its decent enough for the power and does handle nicely for a non sport. Consumption isn't bad and if you drive steady you'll get high 30s if not 40 for motor way cruising. Looks wise the MSport is always nicer and that applies across the BMW range IMO but its not bad to be fairness. Had a few problems with breather valves and coils but sorted now and apart from that has given 4 trouble free years of driving. Its a very good bus, I call it my road going yacht!

Ryder

Idbatterim wrote: »

just a word of advice, dont purchase any car , in particular these bmws without having them checked by a bmw specialists, gary in chelmsford, bloomfield motor in D.8 or valdas in north dublin.

secondly the bhp on the 523 is 177 v 218 for the 525, motor tax is the same...

Thanks. Haven't seen many 525 around....mostly the 523. Mostly my driving is city anyway.

Will probably have to buy up north so was planning to get an TAX check

Ryder

Ryder wrote: »

Thanks. Haven't seen many 525 around....mostly the 523. Mostly my driving is city anyway.

Will probably have to buy up north so was planning to get an TAX check

Should read....a RAC check

Idbatterim

I doubt it makes an financial sense to get one up north or the uk

bmwguy

Just on your points the 523i is perfectly fine power wise but it's just lacking a bit of oomph when you floor it. Superemely comfortable and very quiet and refined. I have one. A sport model. Picture attached. I bought it this year an 06 for 4k with 160k k ms which is 100 k miles. Thats the kind of money you should be looking at. From a dealer with a short warranty. Add 1000 for an 07.
So your links are a bit on the expensive side. Especially the SE one. Buyers market for these cars.

525i are rare and probably a premium on the price. They have that bit more like though. UK not worth it at small money like 5k or so. City driving they will be a pig on fuel in around 22 mpg. Motorway up to mid 30s. 40 hard to achieve but can be done at 100 kmph.

I am either selling mine or converting to LPG as my mileage has shot up since I bought it unforeseen at the time.