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[Del Boy]

.. but all I want on a dashboard is an oil pressure light. Why would I want a car full of toys like that when I'm supposed to be concentrating on driving it?

Whilst the development cost of a funky dashboard might be high, the cost difference once you're churning out millions of them is probably negligible.

.. it does answer a few questions about why BMWs are generally driven like they are.

So use the voice control and carry on concentrating 

[Crazycarzowner]

I must say that I wasn't really a BMW lover, never really floated my boat. But our traffic dept. has got rid of our last Volvo T5 now  which I've been nursing around with over 140k. We've gone to BMW 530d's and I'm quite impressed. For such a big car it handles very well and is only a tad slower on the uptake than our T5 Volvos were believe it or not. We've just received the brand new shape 530d now too....... holy $h1t!!! they're quicker than the old ones!!!!! They seem lower, squat, and corner like they're on rails, and the power  . There's always a fight now between the 4 of us who gets the new toy, if anything we always turn in early so we grab the keys before anyone else 
I wouldn't say I was a complete BMW convert but the 530's we've now got are lovely to drive, still I miss the Volvo T5, like an old friend we've been through a lot   

[JamesV6CDX]

There's always a fight now between the 4 of us who gets the new toy, if anything we always turn in early so we grab the keys before anyone else 

Must be a traffic thing.... I thought the secret was to let everyone else empty the key cupboard first, so when you get called to a crap job your reply is "negative, apologies, no vehicle" 

[YZ250]

I must say that I wasn't really a BMW lover, never really floated my boat. But our traffic dept. has got rid of our last Volvo T5 now  which I've been nursing around with over 140k. We've gone to BMW 530d's and I'm quite impressed. For such a big car it handles very well and is only a tad slower on the uptake than our T5 Volvos were believe it or not. We've just received the brand new shape 530d now too....... holy $h1t!!! they're quicker than the old ones!!!!! They seem lower, squat, and corner like they're on rails, and the power  . There's always a fight now between the 4 of us who gets the new toy, if anything we always turn in early so we grab the keys before anyone else 
I wouldn't say I was a complete BMW convert but the 530's we've now got are lovely to drive, still I miss the Volvo T5, like an old friend we've been through a lot   

Agreed.    The problem being that they have improved the three litre diesel to such an extent that it is now treading on the toes of the 535d/335d. Bit of an own goal as they have now got to do something with the 535d to widen the gap again.   

[tunnie]

Must admit, this is very nice:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201140419536947/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/model/5_series/make/bmw/page/2/postcode/tw89de/radius/1501/keywords/sport?logcode=p

But it costs nearly 10 times what my Elite did, that buys a lot of fuel. Combined with DIY work on my car, it makes it very cheap to run, despite its heavy fuel use. Costs nothing to 'own' per month & no big garage bills

[feeutfo]

.. but all I want on a dashboard is an oil pressure light. Why would I want a car full of toys like that when I'm supposed to be concentrating on driving it?

Whilst the development cost of a funky dashboard might be high, the cost difference once you're churning out millions of them is probably negligible.

.. it does answer a few questions about why BMWs are generally driven like they are.

So use the voice control and carry on concentrating 

Can the voice control operate the indicators?

Can it keep the vehichle to the left on motorways? Maybe there is a programming issue and some confusion between left and correct hand drive and actually keeping to the left hand side of the road in the relevant country...?

[YZ250]

.. but all I want on a dashboard is an oil pressure light. Why would I want a car full of toys like that when I'm supposed to be concentrating on driving it?

Whilst the development cost of a funky dashboard might be high, the cost difference once you're churning out millions of them is probably negligible.

.. it does answer a few questions about why BMWs are generally driven like they are.

So use the voice control and carry on concentrating 

Can the voice control operate the indicators?

Can it keep the vehichle to the left on motorways? Maybe there is a programming issue and some confusion between left and correct hand drive and actually keeping to the left hand side of the road in the relevant country...?

You asking questions about these cars Chris shows that you are slowly mellowing towards bmw's.    This can only be a good sign and I'm pleased for you.    I may even bring the bimmer to the Wycombe meet as a treat for you. 

Regards
Alan

[feeutfo]

.. but all I want on a dashboard is an oil pressure light. Why would I want a car full of toys like that when I'm supposed to be concentrating on driving it?

Whilst the development cost of a funky dashboard might be high, the cost difference once you're churning out millions of them is probably negligible.

.. it does answer a few questions about why BMWs are generally driven like they are.

So use the voice control and carry on concentrating 

Can the voice control operate the indicators?

Can it keep the vehichle to the left on motorways? Maybe there is a programming issue and some confusion between left and correct hand drive and actually keeping to the left hand side of the road in the relevant country...?

You asking questions about these cars Chris shows that you are slowly mellowing towards bmw's.    This can only be a good sign and I'm pleased for you.    I may even bring the bimmer to the Wycombe meet as a treat for you. 

Regards
Alan

RIIIIGHT, that's it, I'm not rather goin' now! 



The ones I've seen (e39 and an 06 plate 2,0d m sport the tramlines like a bitch with run flats, what ever number that is) seem well made, designed and thought out. Rwd ethos. Clever touches programming the interior functions. Although cant remember what they are. Some proper engineering under the bonet.
 But they are no way as good as "some" people think they are. Over priced, over confident (and over here) and a classic drive from the "all the gear, no idea types". A classic case of a brand completely let down by its customers.   ...generally speaking of course Al

I mean why is it ALWAYS a BMW? Every single time. 

[Kevin Wood]

I mean why is it ALWAYS a BMW? Every single time. 

I find it's actually either a BMW or a Skoda these days. Both preoccupied with a badge, from different ends of the perceived "status" spectrum.

[Kevin Wood]

But yes, on a serious note, I've never driven a BMW that's as stable on the road as a well sorted Omega, and that's not saying a lot, because a well sorted Omega is only acceptable in that respect.

[YZ250]

But yes, on a serious note, I've never driven a BMW that's as stable on the road as a well sorted Omega, and that's not saying a lot, because a well sorted Omega is only acceptable in that respect.

I'm glad you raised that Kevin as I was going to reply to Chris's reference to tram lining above. I bought my Omega when it was ten months old with 9k on the clock. Tyre tread depth played a part but it has always tram lined from nearly new and I put it down to the wide low profiles. My 330d has 235/35/19's on the front (I think) and 255/35/19's on the rear and does not tram line. It is not affected by white lines or Tarmac level changes like the Omega but in fairness the bmw's have all been brand new and done really low mileage when I px them. I assume it was the 'tightness' from being new that helped prevent this. 

Anyway, have we answered James's question about the E39.  I think not, but my vote goes to the 530d. 

Regards
Alan

[smithpa7]

But yes, on a serious note, I've never driven a BMW that's as stable on the road as a well sorted Omega, and that's not saying a lot, because a well sorted Omega is only acceptable in that respect.

I'm glad you raised that Kevin as I was going to reply to Chris's reference to tram lining above. I bought my Omega when it was ten months old with 9k on the clock. Tyre tread depth played a part but it has always tram lined from nearly new and I put it down to the wide low profiles. My 330d has 235/35/19's on the front (I think) and 255/35/19's on the rear and does not tram line. It is not affected by white lines or Tarmac level changes like the Omega but in fairness the bmw's have all been brand new and done really low mileage when I px them. I assume it was the 'tightness' from being new that helped prevent this. 

Anyway, have we answered James's question about the E39.  I think not, but my vote goes to the 530d. 

Regards
Alan

+1

[Nick W]

I must say that I wasn't really a BMW lover, never really floated my boat. But our traffic dept. has got rid of our last Volvo T5 now  which I've been nursing around with over 140k. We've gone to BMW 530d's and I'm quite impressed. For such a big car it handles very well and is only a tad slower on the uptake than our T5 Volvos were believe it or not. We've just received the brand new shape 530d now too....... holy $h1t!!! they're quicker than the old ones!!!!! They seem lower, squat, and corner like they're on rails, and the power  . There's always a fight now between the 4 of us who gets the new toy, if anything we always turn in early so we grab the keys before anyone else 
I wouldn't say I was a complete BMW convert but the 530's we've now got are lovely to drive, still I miss the Volvo T5, like an old friend we've been through a lot   

Kent did that about 3 years ago. I remember talking to one of the drivers, whilst waiting for the accident investigator to do his stuff, and his opinion was that it's good to drive, but had a lot less room in it than the Volvos. That's something that hadn't changed from the E34 estate, which I had at the time.

Funnily enough, the latest batch of motorway cars are Volvos again!

[feeutfo]

But yes, on a serious note, I've never driven a BMW that's as stable on the road as a well sorted Omega, and that's not saying a lot, because a well sorted Omega is only acceptable in that respect.

I'm glad you raised that Kevin as I was going to reply to Chris's reference to tram lining above. I bought my Omega when it was ten months old with 9k on the clock. Tyre tread depth played a part but it has always tram lined from nearly new and I put it down to the wide low profiles. My 330d has 235/35/19's on the front (I think) and 255/35/19's on the rear and does not tram line. It is not affected by white lines or Tarmac level changes like the Omega but in fairness the bmw's have all been brand new and done really low mileage when I px them. I assume it was the 'tightness' from being new that helped prevent this. 

Anyway, have we answered James's question about the E39.  I think not, but my vote goes to the 530d. 

Regards
Alan

probably needed set up. They are poorly set up from the factory when compared to Tony at Wims settings... By now, fairly certain it will need bushes and a thorough check over, THEN set up.

...and what tyres? Anything except Falken should be fine ok IME. And how do they wear?