BMW 535d or 335d Estate
Discussion
Hi,
I know this is all subjective and many people ask for advice on what car next, but was wondering if people who own a 535d or a 335d, or even better and owned both and can compare can offer some advice?
The cars i've been looking at are all around the year 2017-2021, and around the 20k mark.
The car will be mainly for me, I travel around 120 miles each day to work, mix of motorway and back roads. Sometimes for work I do travel 300+ miles in a day, but usually just the 120.
I keep cars a long time, currently the cars on the drive have 275k miles (Mondeo estate), 155k miles (E46 M3) , 175k miles (Peugeot 2008 1.6 that I borrowed of the wife a few years back when it had 20k on!), 150k (Camper) and 70k (Cooper S, wifes car now, and i've done most of the mileage on it!)
Previously I had an E39 that I loved, sold at 200k, another Mondeo estate i sold at 250k, a 306 estate that i sold at 280k. E36 M3 I sold at 180k. Then many dozens more but that i only kept for months at a time. (Trucks/XR3/Supra/play cars)
Currently using the above Peugeot 2008, and its great as in reliable, but really need something a bit more comfortable.
I'm really not sure which model to aim for, I need decent MPG, but I like quick, I need a boot/estate, as i do a lot of DIY and also for travelling up to Aberdeen now and then. I need reliable. well, as you can see, just need a nice car.
Then i need to decide manual or auto
I know this is all subjective and many people ask for advice on what car next, but was wondering if people who own a 535d or a 335d, or even better and owned both and can compare can offer some advice?
The cars i've been looking at are all around the year 2017-2021, and around the 20k mark.
The car will be mainly for me, I travel around 120 miles each day to work, mix of motorway and back roads. Sometimes for work I do travel 300+ miles in a day, but usually just the 120.
I keep cars a long time, currently the cars on the drive have 275k miles (Mondeo estate), 155k miles (E46 M3) , 175k miles (Peugeot 2008 1.6 that I borrowed of the wife a few years back when it had 20k on!), 150k (Camper) and 70k (Cooper S, wifes car now, and i've done most of the mileage on it!)
Previously I had an E39 that I loved, sold at 200k, another Mondeo estate i sold at 250k, a 306 estate that i sold at 280k. E36 M3 I sold at 180k. Then many dozens more but that i only kept for months at a time. (Trucks/XR3/Supra/play cars)
Currently using the above Peugeot 2008, and its great as in reliable, but really need something a bit more comfortable.
I'm really not sure which model to aim for, I need decent MPG, but I like quick, I need a boot/estate, as i do a lot of DIY and also for travelling up to Aberdeen now and then. I need reliable. well, as you can see, just need a nice car.
Then i need to decide manual or auto
Weren't all the >30d 5-Series discontinued in G30?
Your real choice is 530d vs 335d/340d, the 5 being bigger and more refined (my 330d is 'meh' from that perspective, while everything I hear about the G30 is "mini-7'"), the 3 still having the tt engine option.
Your real choice is 530d vs 335d/340d, the 5 being bigger and more refined (my 330d is 'meh' from that perspective, while everything I hear about the G30 is "mini-7'"), the 3 still having the tt engine option.
Edited by AmyRichardson on Friday 27th September 18:00
Wolfer said:
Hi,
I know this is all subjective and many people ask for advice on what car next, but was wondering if people who own a 535d or a 335d, or even better and owned both and can compare can offer some advice?
The cars i've been looking at are all around the year 2017-2021, and around the 20k mark.
The car will be mainly for me, I travel around 120 miles each day to work, mix of motorway and back roads. Sometimes for work I do travel 300+ miles in a day, but usually just the 120.
I keep cars a long time, currently the cars on the drive have 275k miles (Mondeo estate), 155k miles (E46 M3) , 175k miles (Peugeot 2008 1.6 that I borrowed of the wife a few years back when it had 20k on!), 150k (Camper) and 70k (Cooper S, wifes car now, and i've done most of the mileage on it!)
Previously I had an E39 that I loved, sold at 200k, another Mondeo estate i sold at 250k, a 306 estate that i sold at 280k. E36 M3 I sold at 180k. Then many dozens more but that i only kept for months at a time. (Trucks/XR3/Supra/play cars)
Currently using the above Peugeot 2008, and its great as in reliable, but really need something a bit more comfortable.
I'm really not sure which model to aim for, I need decent MPG, but I like quick, I need a boot/estate, as i do a lot of DIY and also for travelling up to Aberdeen now and then. I need reliable. well, as you can see, just need a nice car.
Then i need to decide manual or auto
Given the % of your life you are spending in a car I would go for the comfiest option with the nicest interior. I know this is all subjective and many people ask for advice on what car next, but was wondering if people who own a 535d or a 335d, or even better and owned both and can compare can offer some advice?
The cars i've been looking at are all around the year 2017-2021, and around the 20k mark.
The car will be mainly for me, I travel around 120 miles each day to work, mix of motorway and back roads. Sometimes for work I do travel 300+ miles in a day, but usually just the 120.
I keep cars a long time, currently the cars on the drive have 275k miles (Mondeo estate), 155k miles (E46 M3) , 175k miles (Peugeot 2008 1.6 that I borrowed of the wife a few years back when it had 20k on!), 150k (Camper) and 70k (Cooper S, wifes car now, and i've done most of the mileage on it!)
Previously I had an E39 that I loved, sold at 200k, another Mondeo estate i sold at 250k, a 306 estate that i sold at 280k. E36 M3 I sold at 180k. Then many dozens more but that i only kept for months at a time. (Trucks/XR3/Supra/play cars)
Currently using the above Peugeot 2008, and its great as in reliable, but really need something a bit more comfortable.
I'm really not sure which model to aim for, I need decent MPG, but I like quick, I need a boot/estate, as i do a lot of DIY and also for travelling up to Aberdeen now and then. I need reliable. well, as you can see, just need a nice car.
Then i need to decide manual or auto
Definitely the G31 540d but they seem to be incredibly rare (don't see any on AT or PH)
fflump said:
Given the % of your life you are spending in a car I would go for the comfiest option with the nicest interior.
Definitely the G31 540d but they seem to be incredibly rare (don't see any on AT or PH)
AT doesn't lie; I looked into a 540d a couple of years back, apparently Euro only and never made it here...Definitely the G31 540d but they seem to be incredibly rare (don't see any on AT or PH)
Thanks all so far.
G-wiz said:
Even the 4 cylinder 520d Touring is a very capable performer.
No issues/ complaints with mine, had it for 8+years and 160,000 miles.
G-wiz, would you mind expanding? As you can see from my cars, they need for nothing, as in servicing, general maintenance, and fixing where issues come, but you sound like me in as much as keeping a car for a while, and reasonable distances etc.No issues/ complaints with mine, had it for 8+years and 160,000 miles.
I think we worked out, for work, pleasure, holidays in camper, general travelling that i've done over 1.2 million miles in the cars ive owned. Not had an accident or one fine in that time either (touch wood and whistle) ... i've jinxed that!
fflump said:
True it increased to 282 bhp. Shame the M550d never made it over here. 760 nM!
Partially why I could drawn to an E/CLS with the 340hp diesel (maybe worth a try if that's not heresy?) but as it looks like my commute will be train-based for the next while the black can be left alone. Which brings to mind a 540i - apparently 40+mpg is quite possible if schlepping, miles better than previous generations of mid-size petrol engines. And miles nicer, obvs.
G-wiz said:
For me, refinement of the 520d is perfectly good. Of course, a 6 cylinder diesel will be more refined.
It sits at around 1800 rpm at 70mph, in 8th gear, and does 55mpg.
Adaptive dampers are best for comfort, but mine is very compliant on air springs at the rear, and 18'' alloys.
I owned a 19 plate G30 530d M Sport for 3 years replacing it in 2022. The quality is superb and they are a great mix of comfort and sportiness. Whilst they are quick, don’t think it’s going to really excite you massively performance wise. It sits at around 1800 rpm at 70mph, in 8th gear, and does 55mpg.
Adaptive dampers are best for comfort, but mine is very compliant on air springs at the rear, and 18'' alloys.
Another shout out for the 520d. Whilst it’s nice to have a 6 cylinder, the 520d (I owned an E60 back in the day) is a very underrated car.
Another vote for the G31 5 series. I tried the 3 series before opting for my F11 520D and found it a much better car in all respects except Sporting. The 3 series is a sharper drive and most likely quicker in the bends if that's what you want. The 5 series feels so much more comfortable but not as chuckable.
Once my 520D made it to 200K and the reason for owning it was sold I looked to replace it. The G31 certainly met the desire but i fancied more power than the straight 520D but the 530Ds were out of my price range. I came across a 525D so 231 BHP as standard, lighter 2.0 lump and it seems to be a good compromise. The only negative I've found is the purchase price of mine was £48K new so i'm paying much more road tax up until this month when it turns 6 years old. Averages 50mpg on my usage compared to about 48 mpg on the old 520D F11
Once my 520D made it to 200K and the reason for owning it was sold I looked to replace it. The G31 certainly met the desire but i fancied more power than the straight 520D but the 530Ds were out of my price range. I came across a 525D so 231 BHP as standard, lighter 2.0 lump and it seems to be a good compromise. The only negative I've found is the purchase price of mine was £48K new so i'm paying much more road tax up until this month when it turns 6 years old. Averages 50mpg on my usage compared to about 48 mpg on the old 520D F11
Thanks again for all the replies.
Been looking again all day, I have discounted the 6 series as not a touring. Still struggling to make a decision. I guess the less poke of the 5 series won't bother me too much. I may take a drive in both if i can find some locally.
I also only really like the sport models.
Been looking again all day, I have discounted the 6 series as not a touring. Still struggling to make a decision. I guess the less poke of the 5 series won't bother me too much. I may take a drive in both if i can find some locally.
I also only really like the sport models.
Wolfer said:
Thanks again for all the replies.
Been looking again all day, I have discounted the 6 series as not a touring. Still struggling to make a decision. I guess the less poke of the 5 series won't bother me too much. I may take a drive in both if i can find some locally.
I also only really like the sport models.
Definitely go for the M Sport version as they look soBeen looking again all day, I have discounted the 6 series as not a touring. Still struggling to make a decision. I guess the less poke of the 5 series won't bother me too much. I may take a drive in both if i can find some locally.
I also only really like the sport models.
much better and from a resale point of view are essential. My son has a 68 plate 320i M Sport and it’s a lovely car. 3 or 5 series, you’ll be delighted with either. Just to complicate things the equivalent Audi and Mercedes are also worth a look.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff