OT: 520d

[sparoz]

I had this car on the weekend. Surprisingly nimble, it doesn't feel it is heavy at all for its size. Although the engine is surprisingly good once it is in its torque range, especially between 30-80 (probably because of the 8 speed), it lacks a bit of power over 80. It also have a huge lag and want to kick down after cruising, I think it is because the auto is in 8th, and the engine speed was just hovering above 1200. Even when it is in its rev range, the obviously lag is there, but I guess this is not a sports car.

RFT makes the ride a bit harsh, but the car is well appointed, and huge loading space at the back. It folds down flatter than the X3, 10cm longer, but you sacrifice that in height.

Overall, very impressive for its designed function and return a 6 L/100km on mix driving. A pity, we don't get the 35d here as it should eliminate some performance issues.

PS - the coloured HUD is actually a bit of a problem when you are wearing sunnies - not sure if there's a remedy.

[MikeVictor]

^ like.

I was thinking of one of these or a 323 Touring for the family car.

[amk2912]

I haven't driven the 520d yet but the 535d is a cracker! The price is ridiculous - about $160k drive away here. Sad thing is I have seen a second hand 2010 F10 535i in the dealership here for $119k plus on road so if that's an indication of retained value....

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by amk2912

I haven't driven the 520d yet but the 535d is a cracker! The price is ridiculous - about $160k drive away here. Sad thing is I have seen a second hand 2010 F10 535i in the dealership here for $119k plus on road so if that's an indication of retained value....

X5 is definitely the best buy, but my wife is not very tall and making climbing in and out of the car a challenge.

This seems to be a good alternative - although a lot dearer and crap resale.

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by sparoz

X5 is definitely the best buy, but my wife is not very tall and making climbing in and out of the car a challenge.

This seems to be a good alternative - although a lot dearer and crap resale.

The X5 is not THAT high, the running boards allow my brother (who's 10) to get in and out of dad's X6 no problems.

I thought we did have the 535d or is that only in sedan form? I reckon for the money the X5 is definitely the better choice. Best bang for buck BMW.

[x5mad]

Dealer gave me a 535i. It had decent options. The ride was good, toys were fantastic, 8 speed velvety smooth and engine was willing. However, I walked away somewhat disappointed. It just did not stir the soul, bland almost. $150k ? Hmmmm there are plenty of better options I think. End of day I was glad/happy to be getting my x5 back.

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by x5mad

Dealer gave me a 535i. It had decent options. The ride was good, toys were fantastic, 8 speed velvety smooth and engine was willing. However, I walked away somewhat disappointed. It just did not stir the soul, bland almost. $150k ? Hmmmm there are plenty of better options I think. End of day I was glad/happy to be getting my x5 back.

Interesting, I am deciding between the 520d, and the 535i. This car won't be driven fast anyway, and hence the 20d seems to be the better option at the moment. Less refueling = happier mother I think.

Only reason going with the 535i is the standard list that comes with it which I am ticking on the 520d.

X5 is still the best value BMW period. Unfortunately, my wife, like most asian ladies is vertically challenged, and we recently was in my cousin's odyssey. We were seating on the third row and she literally have to "hop" off the car. Not very convenient for woman in a certain life cycle. A friend 3 yo, also just fell off their X5 too, so kind of make me think getting a wagon as the next best option.

[WAY]

When is your wife due? With X5, all my Asian female friends who drive them (which is like all of them including my sister lol) have the steps option. With that she will be fine. Oh no steps for X5M though.

Wagon is good, but I found that it was harder to put the baby into a car compared with SUV. If you have a bad back like me, SUV wins all the time.

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by WAY

When is your wife due? With X5, all my Asian female friends who drive them (which is like all of them including my sister lol) have the steps option. With that she will be fine. Oh no steps for X5M though.

Wagon is good, but I found that it was harder to put the baby into a car compared with SUV. If you have a bad back like me, SUV wins all the time.

Not till Jan, might take the X5 out again, and see how she feels about it. Thanks Way!

[TimMc]

Steps on an X5? That's gonna wreck your ground clearance next time you take it to the cape...

[sparoz]

Originally Posted by TimMc

Steps on an X5? That's gonna wreck your ground clearance next time you take it to the cape...

lol

[BMWRX]

I got a 535i last week as a loaner. Wow! What a car. However, as noted above, $160K is a lot of money for something without an M in it's name.

[Jeef Beef]

You can easily score a 535i for well under 130k driveaway if you are determined enough. However that's still heaps more than an X5 30d which has most of the kit you'd want for much less.

Like others have said, get the aluminium running boards option and it shouldn't be an issue. Falling out of an F10 is not much different from falling from an E70.

[Ascari]

Consider the 320d MSport. Great package; superb steering - I will ultimately replace my x3 with one. Not as much space, but much more fun (though I do have a 1M on the way to take care of the fun factor!)

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by Ascari

Consider the 320d MSport. Great package; superb steering - I will ultimately replace my x3 with one. Not as much space, but much more fun (though I do have a 1M on the way to take care of the fun factor!)

I dunno man, the new X3 20d is cheaper than the 320d...and is a huge improvement on the old model!