Switch to BMW???

[mattsurf]

I was looking around to replace my 1999 E320CDI estate with a newer W211. However, today my boss offered me his 2006 BMW 525D M Sport Touring for £12k (none of the dealers are interested in PX at sensible money at the moment, the Mercedes dealer offered just 11k, Audi and BMW 13k, however, he thinks that he could negotiate a better deal without the PX). The car has covered 46k miles, and has been really well cared for. For this price I could only get a high mileage 2003 E320 CDI Estate. My boss paid £36k for the car in September 2006!

I can't find any other cars like this for less than 18k... however, in the current climate, is this a sensible price. If I hang on will I be able to get a similar Merc (my preference of course) for this type of price.

I know that there are a number of BMW owners on this site, who may be able to provide an objective view.

I drive 30k miles a year, my old Merc has now done 150k miles, and I worry about reliability, however, I really can't complain so far - although she does look pretty tatty now, with rusty wings and big scratch on the bumper.

From the road tests, the 525 gets excellent reviews, many people say that it is probably the best car in the range with a good mix of running costs and performance - I certainly like the prospect of 45+ mpg

 

[Ron Palfrey]

Matt,
Sounds a fair price to me. Snap his hand off. You know the car's been looked after. You'll lose more in depreciation than you are at the moment but your boss has taken the big hit in losing 2/3rds of its value in 24m.
I'd be very tempted myself. Staying with German quality engineering too!
Ron

 

[stumpy]

525d is a great car and pretty quick too. Only snag is that the facelift 07 onwards cars are much better in many ways.

 

[simon winn]

What spec does the car have and these cars are very colour dependant? If it doesn't have the media pack this is about what the car is worth (the car industry is in meltdown). I had a fully loaded 535d before this car and sold it earlier this year as the car's price was tumbling (1k /month) and I no longer do many miles for 14k (car had done 70k).
Just remember that cars advertised at higher prices are not selling at those prices if at all (as with houses). A mate of mine sold his 2006 530i sport saloon (fully loaded in dark blue/black leather interior with 30k) for 15k last week as he thinks they will fall further.
Owning wise these cars have plenty of issues with build quality - see whatcar - they are also a pain to service as BMW have opted for staggered services which involves about 15 separate services in 50k miles. They do, however, drive better than the equivalent Merc.

 

[jberks]

Its a very good price and if you like the car, then why not?
But - if you want a 211 then do remember that just as people with BMs can't get a decent trade in, neither can merc owners. Hence there will be people who are advertising private sales on 211s who will grudgingly take an offer, just as your boss is doing. So, if you can get a 2006 BM, I suspect with a bit of hunting around you could get an early V6 320cdi on a mid 05 plate. Also, dealers are sitting on stock they probably paid bugger all for but still can't sell. They don't want to advertise lower prices because of the effect on the market but a quiet word to the sales manager on a let me know if you want to move anything on basis and you may be pleasantly surprised. After all, they aren't exactly fighting potential buyers off with a stick and turnover is turnover.

 

[mattsurf]

The car has M Sport Pack and Media Pack, it is black, with Black leather. I am really tempted, however, I may look for a bargain on an E320CDI - especially if I can get a V6 CDI for that money.

Given the fall in value of my E320CDI (I guess it is worth 2k now) I may keep it as a workhorse, towing trailer, ferrying kids and bikes etc, it is still an excellent car (a bit scuffy round the edges) and fantastically reliable - just with 30k miles a year, I think that I may be pushing my luck

Car dealers must be very worried, no credit on top of a certain recession - who is buying new at the moment (other than my boss)

 

[Rory]

they are also a pain to service as BMW have opted for staggered services which involves about 15 separate services in 50k miles.

Confused by that - I thought BMW, unlike Mercedes, had got the long-life servicing properly sorted so in 50K miles the car should only 2, possibly 3, services?

They do, however, drive better than the equivalent Merc.

A colleague has 525d Sport and the thing that amazed me (compared to my Merc) was how well it rode. I expected Sport to be harsh but it was almost magic-carpet like.

 

[hardtop]

i bet they have a forum that f&%£ing works

 

[hardtop]

i bet they have a forum that f&%£ing works

 

[hardtop]

i bet they have a forum that f&%£ing works

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I expected Sport to be harsh but it was almost magic-carpet like.

I twice looked at adopting BMs which had been returned to our company garage by people moving on to other jobs. Both were excellent cars - earlier model 530 diesel estates.

Great to drive, but the mem sahib became car sick quite quickly in each (5-10 miles on A Roads). Might be worth testing for this before committing yourself.

We have never had the problem with other cars, so I doubt if its my driving, but I a sure other forum members will be quick to offer opinions on that!

 

[st4]

I'd be tempted with that 525d. Try and get him to drop his price a wee bit just to seal the deal.

Remember this about 5 series, no 5* NCAP and turbo's are quite prone to going, and from other BMW cars (e46 3 series and X5) autoboxes aren't of the robust variety. However lovely to drive cars and v good value for money so its tempting. I looked at 5 series vs E's but for the money the E was to me the better buy, nicer cabin and actually very nice to drive.

 

[roadhog]

I was in a similar position a while back and my money went with the BMW, albeit a 535d. I've not regretted it yet.

A colleague has 525d Sport and the thing that amazed me (compared to my Merc) was how well it rode. I expected Sport to be harsh but it was almost magic-carpet like.

That's a new one to me, the ride on mine is bone shaking to the point where it almost spoils the car. It does go round corners like nothing else that size though.
Tyre choice is important, ditch the runflats if you can.
September '06, not sure if that's Efficient Dynamics or not (has it got the space age gear selector?) ED makes quite a difference to ride and economy, well worth it.
Spec is as important on BMW as on Mercs (and equally lousy from standard), did your boss tick any boxes when he ordered the car?

 

[stumpy]

March 07 reg was the change over I think. At least that's what ours is. Staggering performance and economy. MB and all the others have a lot of work to do in the engine department to catch up with BMW.

 

[hawk20]

Yes but not on a 2006 5 series. You won't get 45 mpg from that. The newer more economical engines came in autumn 2007 IIRC.

I drove two different 5 series and nearly bought one but two things put me off. The looks are still very odd to most eyes and I could not imagine looking with pleasure at it each morning.

Also, like an earlier poster, I found the ride was awful compared with an E class. The runflat tyres are part of the problem plus it is very sensitive to wheel size (many owners would fit tractor sized wheels with no tyres if they could find them). Drives well.

 

[stumpy]

Yes but not on a 2006 5 series. You won't get 45 mpg from that. The newer more economical engines came in autumn 2007 IIRC.

I drove two different 5 series and nearly bought one but two things put me off. The looks are still very odd to most eyes and I could not imagine looking with pleasure at it each morning.

Also, like an earlier poster, I found the ride was awful compared with an E class. The runflat tyres are part of the problem plus it is very sensitive to wheel size (many owners would fit tractor sized wheels with no tyres if they could find them). Drives well.

The E class ride is more compliant for sure. Run flats are the main problem with the BMW ride and without them it is a different car. I know they are safe etc, but I'm surprised BMW continue with them.

 

[JEZ.S320L]

The car has M Sport Pack and Media Pack, it is black, with Black leather. I am really tempted, however, I may look for a bargain on an E320CDI - especially if I can get a V6 CDI for that money.

Given the fall in value of my E320CDI (I guess it is worth 2k now) I may keep it as a workhorse, towing trailer, ferrying kids and bikes etc, it is still an excellent car (a bit scuffy round the edges) and fantastically reliable - just with 30k miles a year, I think that I may be pushing my luck

Car dealers must be very worried, no credit on top of a certain recession - who is buying new at the moment (other than my boss)

That sounds a good option - keeping it as a 'spare' as a 'workhorse'.

 

[st4]

Yes but not on a 2006 5 series. You won't get 45 mpg from that. The newer more economical engines came in autumn 2007 IIRC.

I drove two different 5 series and nearly bought one but two things put me off. The looks are still very odd to most eyes and I could not imagine looking with pleasure at it each morning.

Also, like an earlier poster, I found the ride was awful compared with an E class. The runflat tyres are part of the problem plus it is very sensitive to wheel size (many owners would fit tractor sized wheels with no tyres if they could find them). Drives well.

They are still pretty economical for the peformance they offer, however longevity is an issue for BMW TD engines with major components (Turbo's) being known to fail.

IMHO a 4* NCAP and plasticy cabin that is a tier down from its predecessor (which simply was an excellent car) seals the 211 deal for me.

 

[SQ_W211]

525d is surely a better ride and handles better, but i still think merc is a better place to be than BMW as all the BM's share the same shabby, dull and basic dash/interior whereas merc's have far better interior and more comfortable too.

 

[st4]

525d is surely a better ride and handles better, but i still think merc is a better place to be than BMW as all the BM's share the same shabby, dull and basic dash/interior whereas merc's have far better interior and more comfortable too.

The 211 E class has a magical ride, even in AG trim its terrific. My pal was in mine and reckoned it was every bit as good as an E65 730iL. Chris Harris of autocar described it as the "best riding car" on sale and he wanted one, but he reckoned he was too young for one. Nah, I am 23, and love it.

Because the car is very compliant it can be driven with greater vigerour over country roads and I've out cornered motorbikes, Impreza Boy racers couldn't lose it in the twisties and could only see off my E once the road had straightened. I sincerely doubt the stiffer 5 would have been as good.

Cabin quality is not a patch on BMW's of old, and these were the best cabins in the business. The 211 is leaps ahead. Plus its safer.