[en1gma]

Time for me to also say Goodbye - but not to BMW…

I've had a 5 series in my stable since 2001 when I bought an e39 530d to replace my e46 318i company car. Amazing 6-cylinder engine which made a lovely growling noise when pushed… It was Sapphire Black with Lemon Yellow/Black interior and was fondly called "the Pimpmobile" by all!

Followed by an e60 525d, f10 520d, another f10 520d (back to company car this time) and then a g30 530i. A couple of 3 series in parallel also.

This Saturday I collect an X3 xDrive30e hybrid - the missus would not tolerate any kind of estate/Touring which I was insisting on to accommodate the reduced luggage space in an hybrid; but somehow she was OK with a medium-ish SUV. Go figure…. Having said that, I think I saw something about the X3 being the most popular BMW???

Looked at going out with a bang (have hit a certain age ) with a fancy used 535d or 550i - or even a Porsche - but living in London UK, the taxes stack up (something like £2000 per year road tax alone). In my area they even charge different tariffs in public car parks depending on the car's CO2 levels!

It's been an absolute pleasure and I may come back for another taste at some point.

Die Fünfer (as the Germans call the 5 series) is one of the most accomplished all rounders - fast but economical, comfortable but sporty, good value but well built and reliable, practical but sexy (in the right spec) - anyone can buy over the last 20-plus years and it's been an honour and a privilege.

[en1gma]

Just wanted to say…

The X3 PHEV is quiet and the transition from electric to ICE virtually imperceptible (I'd suggest you won't notice unless you were really, really, looking/listening for it )….

But the 530i is just as quiet, maybe more so. The job BMW have done on their petrol (and diesel) engines over the years is phenomenal.

I drove (mainly motorway) to collect the X3 with the radio off and you could not hear the engine at all in the 530i - plus it was also dead quiet in town. Amazing. I can only imagine how good the 6-cylinder engine would be.

Also, some elements of the build quality are much better in the 530i - the actual iDrive controller and lack of felt in the door bins spring to mind. But I'm happy overall with the X3 and can see why it's so popular!

[admranger]

Originally Posted by en1gma

Just wanted to say…

The X3 PHEV is quiet and the transition from electric to ICE virtually imperceptible (I'd suggest you won't notice unless you were really, really, looking/listening for it )….

But the 530i is just as quiet, maybe more so. The job BMW have done on their petrol (and diesel) engines over the years is phenomenal.

I drove (mainly motorway) to collect the X3 with the radio off and you could not hear the engine at all - plus it was also dead quiet in town. Amazing. I can only imagine how good the 6-cylinder engine would be.

Also, some elements of the build quality are much better in the 530i - the actual iDrive controller and lack of felt in the door bins spring to mind. But I'm happy overall with the X3 and can see why it's so popular!

I had a 2016 X5 40e and it was excellent. It was especially good in DC (though a bit too large in older parking garages). An X3 in London seems to be a great play by you (or your wife, more appropriately...). We have the X3 M40i now that we're back in the wild west, but BMW hybrids are exceptional vehicles. I think you did well.

[charlessimms82]

I’m waiting on my 530i Build to show up. First 4 cylinder but it’s not my primary vehicle. Any thought on this engine?? I’ve heard in the past that the 2.0 had issues but this next generation engine is pretty good.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by en1gma

I think I saw something about the X3 being the most popular BMW???

Hey, at least you are sticking with the brand! Yeah, the world is gravitating to SUV's and the X3 presents a nice balance of size and affordability. Easily the most common BMW on the road, I could count double digits on my short commute home. It is a very practical car.

The trend is moving away from ICE sedans, but I am going to buck the trend until I have absolutely no choice. I will be the last person in the US plugging anything in for a car with the exception of my battery tender.

I have had all the 5's you had with the exception of the E60, I just could not bring myself to even remotely talking myself into liking anything about the E60. I am hoping the next generation M5 will still be ICE and I think I will spring for a last hoorah on that.

[en1gma]

Originally Posted by charlessimms82

I’m waiting on my 530i Build to show up. First 4 cylinder but it’s not my primary vehicle. Any thought on this engine?? I’ve heard in the past that the 2.0 had issues but this next generation engine is pretty good.

Like everything, it depends on needs and want…. By itself, I think it is a great engine. Very smooth and quiet (as quiet as an electric in most use cases!), no rattles and paired with the ZF automatic is amazingly effortless and refined. Gives great mileage on the motorway also.

Should be even better now with the mild hybrid tech which should sort out any auto stop/start transition.

But it's not going to shove you into the back of your seat when you floor it, nor sing to you like an Alfa Romeo (or growl like a six cylinder diesel!).