[jed1982]

Hi I am looking to purchase a used 5 series 17 to 18 plate but am stuck between a 520d with all the options or a 530d because of the better engine and more refined drive. Just looking for some advice on if the 530d is worth the extra money over the extra spec on the 520d. Many thanks

[SpencerP]

30d all day long for me! Absolutely nothing wrong with the 20d, I've had 2, but the 6 pot in the 30d has such a more effortless feel to it, never seems to run out of puff like the 20d can sometimes feel. Also sounds way better!
I suppose it really depends on how much you want the toys!
As always, best advice is drive them both!

[jed1982]

This is the sort of the side I am leaning to as I don't want to feel like I could always have bit extra and how many of the gadgets will I end up actually using.

[ztx84]

I might advise the other way here. I had a F10 520d and it was really very good indeed. Yes - it did run out of puff at the top end, and that required a bit of planning sometimes when I was wanting to overtake slow moving traffic, but overall it was super. The refinement of the 30d is definitely better (my neighbour has one) but the 520d is definitely not a poor relation. If I had a choice between a fairly basic 30d spec and a higher spec 20d with say the driving assistant, upgraded leather, and so on I'd go for the 20d. Each to their own though, and both great cars!

[Nordboy]

Personally, I'd definitely go 530d. In fact I had a similar decision, ordered a 530d with a couple of extras, ended up actually driving away in a 540i which is, I guess, pretty basic spec.
But tbh, it has everything on it that I really need and will actually use.

[Walesy]

I had this dilemma too when I was buying and had the 2 sat in front of me, as what to do was not an easy decision.

I had to consider the real life world, in many respects.
. If I travel to Inverness - Avg Speed cameras
. If I travel to Aberdeen - Avg Speed cameras
. If I travel to Ayrshire - Avg Speed cameras
. If I travel to ..........you're getting the idea, the police & Goverment up here are speed trap mad in all the wrong places, what I mean its not outside a school or residential area.

After driving the 2, I didn't see the real need for the 3.0d, although a little bit smoother, tbh I didn't feel a lot was in it to justify the decision towards the 3.0d and the 520d I was looking at had a few more toys too. I wasn't bothered about running costs...so that was not a considered factor.

I went for the 520d Msport Plus in the end, I don't regret it (plus I have calmed down over the years with my right foot) and if I were buying again, the 3.0d would be considered to satisfy my curiosity and I wouldn't rule it out. But so far the 520D, does all I need.

[Shatter]

In my opinion the 4-pot engine in G30 is much better if you compare it to the F-chassis, most likely because added sound proofing kills most of the engine noise. Though you cannot compare it to the good old inline six.

[Deathstar]

Well if it's of any help, I currently have an 520d SE F10. However I have just signed on the dotted line for a 530 G30.
The G30 has a few extra toys on it, if I can't fully remember until I get it and decode the VIN.

[GaSelle]

Just had the same "dilemma". I´m currently driving a G30 520d from 2017. It´s completely standard (no sat nav, no sound system, no driving assists etc.) and needed more room.

I went for a 2018 G31 Sport Line 520d with a load of options ticked off, such as:
*Head-up
*Navi Professional
*Driving Assist Plus
*Parking Assist
*ICON headlights
*Towbar
*Gesture control
*Full digital dash
*Ambient light
*Comfort Access
*Wireless phone charging
*High beam assist
*Privacy glass and sun blinds for the rear doors
*M-Sport suspension
*Sport seats

And a lot of other gadgets.

Due to the taxes here in DK, a fairly basic 530d would have set me back €20.000 more than this. I got a very good deal on this particular car, so I went for gadgets and toys over engine power. Speed limits are very strict here anyway. I´ve had a 530d as a rental, and it pulls like a train - but I prefer to save some money and get a better spec´ed car.

[sjak92]

Depends on what kind of driving you do. If you will be sat on the motorway/traffic, id much rather have a well spec'd 520d rather than a basic 530d.

There is so many 530d on the market now which have absolutely no options ticked and that, as a car, apart from electric windows, heated seats and digital dash has no creature comforts. It has an absolutely shocking sound system, no reverse camera, nothing. from a car that was £50k new is really bad!

Also, if you are looking at a 17 plate car, likely out of warranty or just about to go out of warranty, a 520d with a remap from a reputable company is probably your best bet.

You'll end up with a car thats got around 240bhp and 500nm. Yes thats less than the 260bhp and 620nm from a 530d but with a lighter car, probably gets you the best of both worlds

[KoenG]

When you opt for a pre-used, the options are almost for free. Much is also depending on the recurrent taxes they will charge you. Where I live, a 30d will cost you more than double in taxes. The 520d is a marvellous efficient machine, but the 530d feels so much more magestic. And... even in 30d guise, you should grant yourself a leather interiour, a HiFi upgrade, an active cruise control, a wide screen nav and, why not, a HUD!? When you have all this, what's left to desire?

[GaSelle]

Drove 1440 km today to pick up the new (to me) 520d in Germany - the trip back gave me plenty of time to try out some of the gadgets. (The white one is the old one, the black one is the new)

For me, this was the right choice. Loads of options over engine power. Can´t have both with the taxes in Denmark (and my income).