520d v 320d

Thackers · 02-28-2014, 04:39 AM

My brothers just bought a new 520d Msport and I've picked up on a few noticeable differences to the F30 and I would be interested in your thoughts.

1. 320d road tax is £30 , 520d is £120/£130

2. 320d has single exhaust , 520d has twin exhaust

3. 320d has puddle lights, 520d none

dopper99 · 02-28-2014, 06:22 AM

320d is faster, lighter and hence more agile

teaston · 02-28-2014, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thackers

My brothers just bought a new 520d Msport and I've picked up on a few noticeable differences to the F30 and I would be interested in your thoughts.

1. 320d road tax is 30 , 520d is 120/130

2. 320d has single exhaust , 520d has twin exhaust

3. 320d has puddle lights, 520d none

What no LEDs under the door handles?

jimboss · 02-28-2014, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

What no LEDs under the door handles?

you have to pay for it. cost option on 520d models. standard on every other model...

Dave_3 · 02-28-2014, 07:22 AM

The 320d is a clattery old lump, while in the 520d it is MUCH more refined.

I've driven both back to back and that was the most noticeable difference. The pace and refinement of the 520d with the 8sp auto impressed me for a car of that bulk.

D.

Spoonhead · 02-28-2014, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_3

The 320d is a clattery old lump, while in the 520d it is MUCH more refined.

I've driven both back to back and that was the most noticeable difference. The pace and refinement of the 520d with the 8sp auto impressed me for a car of that bulk.

D.

I'm assuming that down to the soundproofing, as both engines are the same? If the 320d was a manual and not in auto, that might also explain the difference.

HighlandPete · 02-28-2014, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gazzared_typer

I'm assuming that down to the soundproofing, as both engines are the same? If the 320d was a manual and not in auto, that might also explain the difference.

5-series is definitely better, even compared against the 320d auto. I'm afraid the F30/31 is not the best car for noise levels. A lot of extra noise gets into the cabin, compared to the 5-series.

HighlandPete

....,,,,..,,.. · 02-28-2014, 08:50 AM

The 5 series list of options is probably better and includes useful items for those that buy 5 series, pipe and slipper holders, easy wipe seats.

As to noise etc, the 5 is nice and quiet very smooth drive.

The only issue my dad had was with a pipe being loose in pipe holder...

JustChris · 02-28-2014, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thackers

My brothers just bought a new 520d Msport and I've picked up on a few noticeable differences to the F30 and I would be interested in your thoughts.

1. 320d road tax is £30 , 520d is £120/£130

2. 320d has single exhaust , 520d has twin exhaust

3. 320d has puddle lights, 520d none

Hmm I wonder hiw this might go in a 3 series forum

oop north · 02-28-2014, 09:05 AM

320d SE auto with business nav, auto, leather, front heated seats and xenons (all standard on 520d) comes to £33,645 list

520d SE auto is £33,515 list... So the bigger, more refined (or fatter/less wieldy if you like!) is cheaper! Extras on the five are more expensive though

For me the biggest problem with the three is it has way too much road noise - though it is the ideal size. And 330d cheaper than 530d

Thackers · 02-28-2014, 10:02 AM

Have to say I disagree with alot of the comments. ..

Dave...a clattery old lump is an F30?...The 5 series is a second slower 0-60 - so to be impressed with the pace is an interesting thought..!

The 320d is very quiet and hardly any road noise imo...
I appreciate even less in the 5 series.

Seems bizarre the puddle lights arent standard on the 5 series....

If your in your 50s and grey haired then 5 series is the choice..lol

Dave_3 · 02-28-2014, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thackers

Dave...a clattery old lump is an F30?...The 5 series is a second slower 0-60 - so to be impressed with the pace is an interesting thought..!

I've had a good drive in a couple of 520Ds (including my friend's touring) and wasn't expecting it to feel so sprightly considering it was such a large car. On part loads and under brisk acceleration it was more refined than I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised.

In comparison, I have driven a few F30 320Ds and thought they were markedly less refined and far more clattery. Just as many have commented, in this and other threads.

D.

NISFAN · 02-28-2014, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_3

I've had a good drive in a couple of 520Ds (including my friend's touring) and wasn't expecting it to feel so sprightly considering it was such a large car. On part loads and under brisk acceleration it was more refined than I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised.

In comparison, I have driven a few F30 320Ds and thought they were markedly less refined and far more clattery. Just as many have commented, in this and other threads.

D.

My thoughts exactly

Tengocity · 02-28-2014, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_3

I've had a good drive in a couple of 520Ds (including my friend's touring) and wasn't expecting it to feel so sprightly considering it was such a large car. On part loads and under brisk acceleration it was more refined than I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised.

In comparison, I have driven a few F30 320Ds and thought they were markedly less refined and far more clattery. Just as many have commented, in this and other threads.

D.

Completely agree. I'd take the 520d over the 320d every time, due to my dislike of the 4 cylinder diesel noise when in the 3 series.

Thackers · 02-28-2014, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Completely agree. I'd take the 520d over the 320d every time, due to my dislike of the 4 cylinder diesel noise when in the 3 series.

I totally agree bearing in mind the price difference....you get what you pay for!!

I would take a 535 over a 335 anytime!

Nobody's really read the thread to be fair

I made a point regarding 3 differences and just wondered why ?...bearing in mind the same engine......

Apart from the puddle lights nobody answered the questions.

JustChris · 02-28-2014, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thackers

I totally agree bearing in mind the price difference....you get what you pay for!!

I would take a 535 over a 335 anytime!

Nobody's really read the thread to be fair

I made a point regarding 3 differences and just wondered why ?...bearing in mind the same engine......

Apart from the puddle lights nobody answered the questions.

1. BMW rate 520d at 119g co2 = £30 year. This is the same for manual or auto. Perhaps your comparing an older 5 series? Recent LCI 5 just months ago.

2. Twin exhausts look better so the 5 gets it.

3. No idea on puddle lamps, be amazed if the 3 has it standard vs 5. I think with extended lighting you git this on 4 pots? If so though great for the 320d!

Obvious I have 5 bias as a current owner but I think in a load of these threads were all coming to the same ask "dear BMW can we have the same quality finish and refinement across the range?"

335D xdrive with refinement and quality of a 5 would probably be the top seller.

SaintMac · 02-28-2014, 01:27 PM

Thackers, I have grey hair and will be 50 in April, so do I have to get a 5 series

Thackers · 02-28-2014, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaintMac

Thackers, I have grey hair and will be 50 in April, so do I have to get a 5 series

You should be fine..

My brothers is only 38 and younger than me but he's as grey as Philip schofield

Thackers · 02-28-2014, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChesterX5

1. BMW rate 520d at 119g co2 = £30 year. This is the same for manual or auto. Perhaps your comparing an older 5 series? Recent LCI 5 just months ago.

2. Twin exhausts look better so the 5 gets it.

3. No idea on puddle lamps, be amazed if the 3 has it standard vs 5. I think with extended lighting you git this on 4 pots? If so though great for the 320d!

Obvious I have 5 bias as a current owner but I think in a load of these threads were all coming to the same ask "dear BMW can we have the same quality finish and refinement across the range?"

335D xdrive with refinement and quality of a 5 would probably be the top seller.

No his 5 series is brand new and road tax an extra £100

Pablo68 · 02-28-2014, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thackers

I totally agree bearing in mind the price difference....you get what you pay for!!

I would take a 535 over a 335 anytime!

.

Tried a 535...it felt like a (fast) barge. An absolutely gorgeous tourer, or fast dog mover, but not a "drivers" car as such

The 335 still feels small enough to be a "drivers" car. Yes the finish in the 5er is better but in reality the 3er is still a nice place to be.

In fact I had on my short list an M135i, a 335i saloon and 535i touring (can you spot the commonality?

). In the end I went with the 335i Saloon as it was a good compromise between sporty and GT.

Irnbrukid · 02-28-2014, 04:13 PM

The 5 is a step up in quality over the 3.. 520d v's 320d is a no brainer.

HighlandPete · 02-28-2014, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChesterX5

Obvious I have 5 bias as a current owner but I think in a load of these threads were all coming to the same ask "dear BMW can we have the same quality finish and refinement across the range?"

335D xdrive with refinement and quality of a 5 would probably be the top seller.

I remember years ago (~1980) BMW boasted that very thing in their literature. Wish I'd kept the brochures as it would be a good reference. The gist was, the engineering of 3, 5 & 7-series was to the same standard and build. And having driven different BMWs back then, it was pretty much true. Given a similar optioned car, the 3-series was a small 7-series, the 5-series sat in the middle. I particularly remember getting in an E30 323i and it did really feel like a small E28 528i. Both to the senses and to drive.

Was speaking to a BMW Area Technical Manager a few years back, and we were discussing this very thing. As he said, it used to be "same sausage different skins", but these days each model has a target buyer, which influences a lot of individual characteristics, BMW have moved the goal posts.

The other point, is the keen pricing of the 520d SE as mentioned in another post. That is definitely a marketing ploy to get users into 5-series. Once there, many move to bigger engines and more options, clever move by BMW.

HighlandPete

02-28-2014, 04:39 AM	#1
Thackers Yorkshire Sniper 34 Rep 592 Posts Drives: F30 320d Sport Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Leeds UK iTrader: (0)	520d v 320d My brothers just bought a new 520d Msport and I've picked up on a few noticeable differences to the F30 and I would be interested in your thoughts. 1. 320d road tax is £30 , 520d is £120/£130 2. 320d has single exhaust , 520d has twin exhaust 3. 320d has puddle lights, 520d none __________________ Thanks in Advance......
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02-28-2014, 06:22 AM	#2
dopper99 Lieutenant General 3531 Rep 11,292 Posts Drives: Golf R Mk8 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	320d is faster, lighter and hence more agile __________________ Current: Golf R Mk8 Previous: Golf R Mk7.5 Mercedes AMG C63 S Coupe F80 M3 Competition Pack
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02-28-2014, 07:22 AM	#5
Dave_3 Brigadier General 652 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: G22 M440D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CH / SCO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1973 Escort RS2000 MK1 [10.00]	The 320d is a clattery old lump, while in the 520d it is MUCH more refined. I've driven both back to back and that was the most noticeable difference. The pace and refinement of the 520d with the 8sp auto impressed me for a car of that bulk. D. __________________ Escort Mk1 RS2000 (2.1 2x44IDFS, BVH, Kent FR32, 5spd, 180 BHP) : M440D ¦ Previously : F32 435D : F32 430D M Sport sDrive, 335D E92 2006
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02-28-2014, 08:50 AM	#8
....,,,,..,,.. General 6733 Rep 20,651 Posts Drives: xxxx Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: xxxx iTrader: (0)	The 5 series list of options is probably better and includes useful items for those that buy 5 series, pipe and slipper holders, easy wipe seats. As to noise etc, the 5 is nice and quiet very smooth drive. The only issue my dad had was with a pipe being loose in pipe holder...
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02-28-2014, 09:05 AM	#10
oop north Private First Class 9 Rep 125 Posts Drives: Subaru Outback 3.0R Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Lancashire iTrader: (0)	320d SE auto with business nav, auto, leather, front heated seats and xenons (all standard on 520d) comes to £33,645 list 520d SE auto is £33,515 list... So the bigger, more refined (or fatter/less wieldy if you like!) is cheaper! Extras on the five are more expensive though For me the biggest problem with the three is it has way too much road noise - though it is the ideal size. And 330d cheaper than 530d
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02-28-2014, 10:02 AM	#11
Thackers Yorkshire Sniper 34 Rep 592 Posts Drives: F30 320d Sport Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Leeds UK iTrader: (0)	Have to say I disagree with alot of the comments. .. Dave...a clattery old lump is an F30?...The 5 series is a second slower 0-60 - so to be impressed with the pace is an interesting thought..! The 320d is very quiet and hardly any road noise imo... I appreciate even less in the 5 series. Seems bizarre the puddle lights arent standard on the 5 series.... If your in your 50s and grey haired then 5 series is the choice..lol Last edited by Thackers; 02-28-2014 at 10:14 AM..
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02-28-2014, 01:27 PM	#17
SaintMac Private 16 Rep 94 Posts Drives: F31 320d xDrive M Sport Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Thackers, I have grey hair and will be 50 in April, so do I have to get a 5 series
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02-28-2014, 04:13 PM	#21
Irnbrukid Major 45 Rep 1,486 Posts Drives: Imaginary M2 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	The 5 is a step up in quality over the 3.. 520d v's 320d is a no brainer.
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