NewNiceMrMe Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 There's no doubt that finding a well specced 520d or 525d even can be an issue. SE's are popular but lack the stance of an M Sport in my opinion, and larger alloys are rare. We have the 40d engine in the X of course if I do feel like a bit more right pedal driving, but I'll also admit it isn't something that has happened. The only times I've driven it is when MrsMe has asked me to drive when dropping her off somewhere and the X has been at the end of the drive (i.e. not having to swap cars around). I do wonder if I've simply worn the performance bug out of me. My preference these days is very much for comfort and toys and even if I wasn't doing the high miles the simple fact is I don't get any leisure driving done and have other things to do with my time. If the bug does bite then I'd be inclined to buy something as a summer car anyway and keep the others. The only car I'd like to get completely out of my system is a Noble. That's still the vehicle that has left the biggest impression on me from any I've driven. But right now, even that has very limited appeal. I'd rather spend it on next years holiday in all honesty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waylander Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 There's no doubt that finding a well specced 520d or 525d even can be an issue. I concur! Obviously my car experience is very different but from having been happy in the cockpit of the A4 I am enjoying the 520 very much and the increased power for me is more than enough for commuting needs and a bit of fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudiPartner Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 On the flip side, my Dad went to test drive a 320d M sport back in 2007. He drove it knowing it would be good and it is was, and it was good enough for what he needed from it. He then got talked in to taking the 330D out, and he bought one that very day. He never intended to buy from BMW at all, he purely went for a test drive, but they offered him such a good deal on a preregistered 56 plate that he couldn't resist. And to be honest, it's his 330D that made me want a 6 pot this time around. Other than my Q7 which doesn't count, I've only ever had 4 cylinder diesels and its just a different gravy. HOWEVER, economy doesn't really matter to me. If it did I would have done more research and would certainly not have bought the 535d. Even now I wonder if I should have opted for a 530d. But I didn't, and I love my car, and it's twin pipes that 530d drivers envy! Also having had a brand new 320d for a few days last month, I am VERY impressed with the 2.0 engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 It was only after buying the 520d that I realised of one or two other benefits... Fully comp insurance with £150 excess - less than £300 p.a. for myself and MrsMe as drivers, protected NCB and legal insurance 12 months VED - £105 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldavo69 Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 The 5GT is built on the 7 series chassis as underpinnings, hence it's so luxurious (air ride) and big inside. The plan was to get 5 series owners to step up to the GT but it spectacularly backfired in that the buyer demographic is 7 series owners moving "down" to the GT. There are 2 3GTs where I live and I quite like them. Potential replacement for the touring when it goes back next year, I'd prefer another touring but will have to see what the lease deals are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 It was only after buying the 520d that I realised of one or two other benefits... Fully comp insurance with £150 excess - less than £300 p.a. for myself and MrsMe as drivers, protected NCB and legal insurance Na, that's just your age.............. (40 yrs........ 40 yrs......!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milo Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 I don't think he's got that many years NCB. Maybe 36, 37? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 Says you, with the S6 that doesn't go beyond 50mph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waylander Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 I was pleasantly surprised to find ensuring a 4 year old 520 was only £85 more than for a 9 year old A4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinspark Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 Once you get to a certain age, the 3rd party risk hugely outweighs the 1st party risk... so it doesn't really matter how much your car is worth, or how much performance it has, your risk is really negligible, and heavily skewed by ambulance chasing 3rd party claims. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patently Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 Provided you don't tell them about your racing history, that is 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waylander Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 True and once the other half's 3 claims within 2months finally times out.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinspark Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 Also having had a brand new 320d for a few days last month, I am VERY impressed with the 2.0 engine. The 2.0 diesel combined with the 8 speed ZF auto is very, very good. The one thing I regret is not getting a decent test in a 520d SE before I went with the 120d. (The 3, for me, is a bit 'no mans land' - it's not as practical as a 120, unless you get a 3GT or touring, and it's uncomfortably close to a 5 in price - yet the 5 comes with more kit as standard) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted November 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 Well one step forwards and ... nothing. Speak to dealer, e-mail details of mine over and then wait and erm wait. Stll haven't see the photos of the car and he hasn't got back to me with a value of mine. Maybe he doesn't want to sell cars afterall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudiPartner Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 what car?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booster Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 Well one step forwards and ... nothing. Speak to dealer, e-mail details of mine over and then wait and erm wait. Stll haven't see the photos of the car and he hasn't got back to me with a value of mine. Maybe he doesn't want to sell cars afterall. It is the same story time and time again. 17 years in the game and I still don't understand the mentality of car sales people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patently Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 I've come to the conclusion that there is something going on behind the scenes of car dealerships that is both huge fun and immensely profitable, and that it is the real reason they exist - selling cars is actually just a sideline. And a very dull and tiresome sideline at that. Any idea what it is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 Nah, I think it's simply because they're fúcking stupid. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted November 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 Car is a 530d GT, seems it's really easy to shift them and they don't need my business. I wouldn't mind if we got to discussing some figures and they were miles out of where I think they should be, but we haven't even got that far yet. Bizarre really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 My local dealer have a cracking 535d GT M Sport in at the moment. 19,000 miles, good spec, £30k. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted November 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 If they can come down a little on price and give me a decent offer for mine thats not a million miles away from what I'm looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billy2shots Posted November 7, 2013 Report Share Posted November 7, 2013 I have been to look at a few cars this week and am a bit stumped. Anything within 120 miles of me is overpriced with dealers unwilling to negotiate much. All the fairer priced cars are so far away. There seems to be a housing type of north/south divide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booster Posted November 7, 2013 Report Share Posted November 7, 2013 Dealers are very reluctant to move on price at the moment due to lack of stock in the used market and also the fact that they are working on thinner than usual margins as auction / dealer only online auction prices are incredibly high. Cars are selling well again now so that is another reason that they are unwilling to move much on price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted November 7, 2013 Report Share Posted November 7, 2013 If they can come down a little on price and give me a decent offer for mine thats not a million miles away from what I'm looking for. You should give them a call. I'll prep the guy I deal with there if you want me to, in advance? If a deal can be done, they'll do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted November 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2013 Dealers are very reluctant to move on price at the moment due to lack of stock in the used market and also the fact that they are working on thinner than usual margins as auction / dealer only online auction prices are incredibly high. Cars are selling well again now so that is another reason that they are unwilling to move much on price. I'd be happy to be given a price that they don't want to move on, I can't even get that! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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