Took a couple of BMWs out this week, probably wont interest most of you, but thought i would give you my thoughts - mainly as i am thinking about on next year.
Currently i am driving a Passat TDI Sport, so i am into my diesels at the moment.
The first is a 530d SE. First impressions were i actually liked the look of the thing after hating them at first, goes to show you things can grow on you. Next on driving the car was "WOW!" how much torque!! this thing was shocking. Power delivery was so good, and similar to that of the P1 as crazy as that may sound... (nothing...then boom! off you go!). The gearbox is great, very smooth for an auto and works well. Suprising as i am a die hard manual fan. Inside was a bit on the basic side, felt a little plastic to be honest, but being the base spec SE model i didn't expect much, but it had the essentials like cruise etc. Xenons were a plus, and looked nice with the angel eye style headlights.
Very comfortable to sit in, felt like it was very sure of itself at speed, and very comfortable on the road. Moved with a purpose, and rev'd very freely.
Light to turn in, and handling wasn't that bad for a large car. Completely different ball game being RWD, and honestly, its such a better experience than my Passat which feels high, ropey, and understeers like a ferry.
I would say i am sold on the car, definately on my next car list.... maybe the 535 diesel will be in my price range by then, but overall a brilliant car. More spec, and toys and it would be on the nose.
Next up was the 320d, once again an SE. First impressions, i liked the looks... alot. The lines were fantastic, aggressive front end, and sat nicely on the road. Only thing i would change is the rear lights for the new 3 series range. This car was manual, which in this car i would prefer. Could have a bit of fun with it, and it liked to step out quite a bit, but with confidence. Snaking down the road on gear changes. Bags of torque for a smaller engine, but top end was no match for the 530d's pace. More noticeable on an incline. Inside felt even more basic than the 5's, and the seats weren't as comfortable. The car felt a little a lot more stiff on the turn in, hard work on the arms.
Another strange factor is the car felt bigger than the 5. More difficult to park, and blind spots was larger. Definately a good car, but on choice would have the 5 series.
Quick question which some of you may or may not know. The E46 330d (2004 onwards) does this have the same engine as that you find in the 530d shown above? reason i ask is i could be interested in trying one.
Anyway, here is a quick pic. If any of you have any questions let me know.
Comparing the two to my passt, simply put. It made it feel laggy, slow, ropey, top heavy, and made me realise that my car understeers similar to that of a P&O Ferry liner...
Sorry its hardly "car of the year" but, diesels saloons are my future lol.
Cheers
Currently i am driving a Passat TDI Sport, so i am into my diesels at the moment.
The first is a 530d SE. First impressions were i actually liked the look of the thing after hating them at first, goes to show you things can grow on you. Next on driving the car was "WOW!" how much torque!! this thing was shocking. Power delivery was so good, and similar to that of the P1 as crazy as that may sound... (nothing...then boom! off you go!). The gearbox is great, very smooth for an auto and works well. Suprising as i am a die hard manual fan. Inside was a bit on the basic side, felt a little plastic to be honest, but being the base spec SE model i didn't expect much, but it had the essentials like cruise etc. Xenons were a plus, and looked nice with the angel eye style headlights.
Very comfortable to sit in, felt like it was very sure of itself at speed, and very comfortable on the road. Moved with a purpose, and rev'd very freely.
Light to turn in, and handling wasn't that bad for a large car. Completely different ball game being RWD, and honestly, its such a better experience than my Passat which feels high, ropey, and understeers like a ferry.
I would say i am sold on the car, definately on my next car list.... maybe the 535 diesel will be in my price range by then, but overall a brilliant car. More spec, and toys and it would be on the nose.
Next up was the 320d, once again an SE. First impressions, i liked the looks... alot. The lines were fantastic, aggressive front end, and sat nicely on the road. Only thing i would change is the rear lights for the new 3 series range. This car was manual, which in this car i would prefer. Could have a bit of fun with it, and it liked to step out quite a bit, but with confidence. Snaking down the road on gear changes. Bags of torque for a smaller engine, but top end was no match for the 530d's pace. More noticeable on an incline. Inside felt even more basic than the 5's, and the seats weren't as comfortable. The car felt a little a lot more stiff on the turn in, hard work on the arms.
Another strange factor is the car felt bigger than the 5. More difficult to park, and blind spots was larger. Definately a good car, but on choice would have the 5 series.
Quick question which some of you may or may not know. The E46 330d (2004 onwards) does this have the same engine as that you find in the 530d shown above? reason i ask is i could be interested in trying one.
Anyway, here is a quick pic. If any of you have any questions let me know.
Comparing the two to my passt, simply put. It made it feel laggy, slow, ropey, top heavy, and made me realise that my car understeers similar to that of a P&O Ferry liner...
Sorry its hardly "car of the year" but, diesels saloons are my future lol.
Cheers
