[SportyMorty]

First post, so bear with me if I do something «wrong»…

TL;DR: Did I do the right thing ordering a brand new 5 series diesel Touring? (a car I technically haven’t even test driven)

Been driving Skodas for the longest time (a couple Octavias, then recently a Superb, all estates, with a diesel motor).
Have always had a dream of buying something more «premium», though the Skodas have yielded tremendous real life value. Especially the Superb has been wonderful (with that insane space in the back seat and the trunk).
Have basically «never» driven a BMW (or any other «premium» brand, for that matter), except for a very short stint with a 330i I had at my disposal for just some days several years back.

Now found myself with some «spare» cash (imagine that…), and felt like being a bit «thoughtless» and finally fulfilling that dream.

I’m living in Norway, and here the electric car hype has been going on for several years, with a new sales ratio of close to 90 %(!) for electric cars.
However, I have some serious doubts about the long term ownership of electric cars in general, so still wanted a diesel. Please don’t let this thread become an ICE vs EV one - let others discuss that elsewhere…

I also wanted to keep having the larger estate/Touring, even though at my age (50+), I can’t claim that I REALLY need all that trunk space. Just feels better…

Anyway, upon contacting the local dealership, I quickly learnt that they didn’t even have a diesel 5 series for me to test drive, as literally NO ONE buys these things any more (Norway has an overall goal to not sell any non-EVs from 2025 onward).
At the time (right before the summer), they didn’t even have a Touring model for me, as it had just been launched.
Thus I had to make do with a sedan i5 M60.

Explicitly NOT wanting an EV, I told myself not to get too hung up in the EV part of it, and rather focus on the driving experience as such - the look and feel of everything. But of course, kicking it with that motor was something different than a Skoda, I promise you.

Looking at the pricing options (which are outright scandalous in Norway - food for an other thread, maybe), I later also wanted to test drive the more reasonable eDrive 40, this time actually available as a Touring.
It must be said that by now, I had started getting slightly into the EV hype - something I had solemnly promised myself I would not do. I therefore test drove the M60’s little brother to see if it had «enough» oomph. Which it did, for me at least, without the neck breaking lift off that the big brother provides.

On second (or third) thought, I landed on the eDrive not being a viable option nonetheless, despite the much more reasonable pricing.
I guess the main turnoff was the RWD, which doesn’t quite cut it exactly where my house is situated (the Skodas have all been either FWD or 4WD).

In any case, «we» decided that «we» were not going to (ever) have an EV.

Still being a bit hyped, and partially let down by my better half, I therefore went for the original option, a diesel, but with some additional bells and whistles, that probably can’t be justified for such an «entry level» motored model.
On a side note: Had there been a heftier diesel option available, I might have gone for that, but the Norwegian dealer won’t offer any other than the 520. I’ve seen the 540d in the German configurator, so BMW DOES have it, but never mind.

So I now find myself in a situation where I’ve actually gone and ordered a car I strictly speaking haven’t even test driven…
But I’m pretty sure it will be just all right nonetheless.

Aside from that slight concern, I’ve also been reading some not so stellar reviews of the new 5 series, with concerns about the sheer size of it, the look (with the compromise of building both a regular and an EV off the same frame), knobless dashboard etc. etc.
(the infamous review done by «Harry’s Garage» was both saddening and entertaining - some points obviously being applicable even for the non-EV models)

So, all in all, have I done a blunder by ordering a(n almost) full spec’ed «entry level» diesel, or will I have the time of my life, in the longer run, as a BMW newbie?

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by SportyMorty

First post, so bear with me if I do something «wrong»…

TL;DR: Did I do the right thing ordering a brand new 5 series diesel Touring? (a car I technically haven’t even test driven)

Only you will know the answer to that - I bought an EV and love it, but you have your choice, so diesel it is. You’ve already test driven the car in terms of the size, build quality and ride etc, so I would ignore the noise online and trust your gut. You can pretty much find a review to support any point of view you wish at this point BUT….I will say if you look at those of us who have owned the new G60 for for several months, it seems the feedback is predominantly positive.

Enjoy!

[SkykingUSA]

Like you, I have never owned a BMW before, or an EV (not even a hybrid). I am very pleased with my eDrive40 that was delivered in mid-March. Coming from a 20 year old pickup truck, you could say I would be easily pleased with almost any luxury brand.

I agree with RichardInCA - you should go with your gut. However, I would add two things:

1. I don't think I would buy a car I have not been able to drive. Mainly because one of the important things for me was the feel of the drive. I have been used to a large 8 cylinder engine for the past 20 years and the responsiveness that comes with it. It was important for me to drive something that was responsive.
2. Since you have only test driven the i5 models, be prepared for a lesser acceleration with the diesel model (I think). I have never driven a diesel, so I'm assuming. However, an all-electric vehicle will almost always have greater torque/acceleration than an ICE car.

Honestly, I would be nervous too if I bought a car I could not drive. Yes, the size and look, and interior are all basically the same but buying a drive-train that you haven't tried is a risk. I think your best bet would be to try to find people on here (or elsewhere) who have a diesel model who can tell you what they think of it. Have you asked your dealer if you are committing to the purchase when the car comes in? Maybe they can order it and get in on their lot, and still give you the option to not take delivery. In my area, that's how it works because the dealers will just sell it to someone else.

Good luck, and I really hope you enjoy your new car!

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by SportyMorty

First post, so bear with me if I do something «wrong»…

TL;DR: Did I do the right thing ordering a brand new 5 series diesel Touring? (a car I technically haven’t even test driven)

Been driving Skodas for the longest time (a couple Octavias, then recently a Superb, all estates, with a diesel motor).
Have always had a dream of buying something more «premium», though the Skodas have yielded tremendous real life value. Especially the Superb has been wonderful (with that insane space in the back seat and the trunk).
Have basically «never» driven a BMW (or any other «premium» brand, for that matter), except for a very short stint with a 330i I had at my disposal for just some days several years back.

Now found myself with some «spare» cash (imagine that…), and felt like being a bit «thoughtless» and finally fulfilling that dream.

I’m living in Norway, and here the electric car hype has been going on for several years, with a new sales ratio of close to 90 %(!) for electric cars.
However, I have some serious doubts about the long term ownership of electric cars in general, so still wanted a diesel. Please don’t let this thread become an ICE vs EV one - let others discuss that elsewhere…

I also wanted to keep having the larger estate/Touring, even though at my age (50+), I can’t claim that I REALLY need all that trunk space. Just feels better…

Anyway, upon contacting the local dealership, I quickly learnt that they didn’t even have a diesel 5 series for me to test drive, as literally NO ONE buys these things any more (Norway has an overall goal to not sell any non-EVs from 2025 onward).
At the time (right before the summer), they didn’t even have a Touring model for me, as it had just been launched.
Thus I had to make do with a sedan i5 M60.

Explicitly NOT wanting an EV, I told myself not to get too hung up in the EV part of it, and rather focus on the driving experience as such - the look and feel of everything. But of course, kicking it with that motor was something different than a Skoda, I promise you.

Looking at the pricing options (which are outright scandalous in Norway - food for an other thread, maybe), I later also wanted to test drive the more reasonable eDrive 40, this time actually available as a Touring.
It must be said that by now, I had started getting slightly into the EV hype - something I had solemnly promised myself I would not do. I therefore test drove the M60’s little brother to see if it had «enough» oomph. Which it did, for me at least, without the neck breaking lift off that the big brother provides.

On second (or third) thought, I landed on the eDrive not being a viable option nonetheless, despite the much more reasonable pricing.
I guess the main turnoff was the RWD, which doesn’t quite cut it exactly where my house is situated (the Skodas have all been either FWD or 4WD).

In any case, «we» decided that «we» were not going to (ever) have an EV.

Still being a bit hyped, and partially let down by my better half, I therefore went for the original option, a diesel, but with some additional bells and whistles, that probably can’t be justified for such an «entry level» motored model.
On a side note: Had there been a heftier diesel option available, I might have gone for that, but the Norwegian dealer won’t offer any other than the 520. I’ve seen the 540d in the German configurator, so BMW DOES have it, but never mind.

So I now find myself in a situation where I’ve actually gone and ordered a car I strictly speaking haven’t even test driven…
But I’m pretty sure it will be just all right nonetheless.

Aside from that slight concern, I’ve also been reading some not so stellar reviews of the new 5 series, with concerns about the sheer size of it, the look (with the compromise of building both a regular and an EV off the same frame), knobless dashboard etc. etc.
(the infamous review done by «Harry’s Garage» was both saddening and entertaining - some points obviously being applicable even for the non-EV models)

So, all in all, have I done a blunder by ordering a(n almost) full spec’ed «entry level» diesel, or will I have the time of my life, in the longer run, as a BMW newbie?

I have ordered a 540ix sedan. When I test drove one whilst visiting my daughter in CA, it was after testing an Audi A6 the same day. I loved the Audi. Everything about it was superb. I felt as if once I got to test the BMW it would just be for comparison. When I got to the BMW dealer and sat behind the wheel of the BMW G60 I knew I was home. As soon as I got home I went to the broker and ordered my own as the 540i is not available in Spain, but the Military sales Broker can order US Spec vehicles for US Military/civilians stationed here Tax Free. So i am getting my 540i X Drive. It will likely be the only one in Spain.

As to your wish for a larger engine, Is there a possibility there is a broker outside Norway you can custom order a 540xd Touring and have it delivered to you instead and cancel your original order with the dealer? That might be the better option if you wan the bigger engine. I am sure it would make a huge difference. Or if not, maybe you could pick it up at the factory and drive it home since the Norwegian configurator does not have the 540d available.

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Like you, I have never owned a BMW before, or an EV (not even a hybrid). I am very pleased with my eDrive40 that was delivered in mid-March. Coming from a 20 year old pickup truck, you could say I would be easily pleased with almost any luxury brand.

I agree with RichardInCA - you should go with your gut. However, I would add two things:

1. I don't think I would buy a car I have not been able to drive. Mainly because one of the important things for me was the feel of the drive. I have been used to a large 8 cylinder engine for the past 20 years and the responsiveness that comes with it. It was important for me to drive something that was responsive.
2. Since you have only test driven the i5 models, be prepared for a lesser acceleration with the diesel model (I think). I have never driven a diesel, so I'm assuming. However, an all-electric vehicle will almost always have greater torque/acceleration than an ICE car.

Honestly, I would be nervous too if I bought a car I could not drive. Yes, the size and look, and interior are all basically the same but buying a drive-train that you haven't tried is a risk. I think your best bet would be to try to find people on here (or elsewhere) who have a diesel model who can tell you what they think of it. Have you asked your dealer if you are committing to the purchase when the car comes in? Maybe they can order it and get in on their lot, and still give you the option to not take delivery. In my area, that's how it works because the dealers will just sell it to someone else.

Good luck, and I really hope you enjoy your new car!

I know Almanzor in Spain was on this thread, and has purchased a 520xd sedan in Spain. Maybe he can give you some insight as to handling and power etc.

[SportyMorty]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Have you asked your dealer if you are committing to the purchase when the car comes in? Maybe they can order it and get in on their lot, and still give you the option to not take delivery. In my area, that's how it works because the dealers will just sell it to someone else.

Thank you (and others) for replying. I don’t think your suggested option can work. I have a contract which allows me to walk out from the deal for an 8 % fee.

I’m not too worried, to be honest. I’m well aware of the responsiveness difference between an(y) EV and a mid-range diesel.
The cars I’ve been driving so far have typically had the staple 140 HP VAG motor. The 520d has 197 HP, and although slightly longer and heavier than the Skoda Superb, should be able to do quite well.
If I had wanted the «typical» BMW experience, I would’ve bought something smaller, like a 3-series. I don’t really care that much, as long a it gets me where I want, with a decent amount of power. The car salesman also vouched for it…

In late September, when I get it, I will let you know what I think.

Any other thoughts in the meantime are of course much appreciated, even though it might not change much.

[ToddRGuy]

I can't speak for the 520d but I can tell you, that my mind was made up that I wanted the G60 for quite a while. Like yourself and SkyKing, I've never owned a BMW, either. In fact, my current Audi is the first German car I've owned.

I did an obsessive amount of research, investigation and poured through hours of video and review commentary. I took all of the opinions of people on the forum quite seriously, and I appreciated that people would answer my questions.

I had actually pre-negotiated my financials with my selected BMW dealer before I ever set foot on the lot. I told him that I would come in and put down a deposit for ordering. He then asked me, "Todd, have you ever driven a 5 series?". We both laughed when I sheepishly said, "Well, No." and he made a laughing comment about me putting the "cart before the horse."

The day I stopped in, he got me their only 540 on the lot and brought it around for me to take out for a test drive. It wasn't the color I wanted or optioned the way I wanted but it did have the MSport package. I was thankful for this as it let me know what the suspension would be like.

This being said, the test drive only confirmed and locked in my confidence. I realize you've already ordered one, but perhaps you should find a BMW dealer where you can test drive the 520d and give yourself some piece of mind.

[SportyMorty]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

I can't speak for the 520d but I can tell you, that my mind was made up that I wanted the G60 for quite a while.

Much appreciated! Feels so much like myself. In fact, my BMW planning began even pre-G60. I was tinkering with the configurator for the current 5 series at the time, opting for a 540d.

As I happened to be not quite ready to push the button yet, I stumbled across the news about the upcoming new series. As I deemed it stupid to buy last year’s news, I decided to wait until it came around.

Seeing the pictures of the new G60 didn’t put me off in the slightest, even though I didn’t quite fancy the knob-less dashboard experience.

I then had to wait even longer for the Touring to be launched - as mentioned, I didn’t really need that, but my gut feeling had been saying it all the time.

In all fairness, my initial «dream car» was for the longest time the Mercedes E-class, also as estate. This was primarily because it was the only car that actually had a comparable trunk size to the Skoda Superb (this was way back when I actually had verifiable need for transporting «stuff»).

As it happens, once I neared ready to buy the dream premium car, the Mercedes dealership in Norway stopped taking in anything non-EV, because Norway…

On closer inspection, I also felt that Mercedes had managed to seriously mess up the design of the E class since I first laid my eyes on it.
Maybe just a detail, but the difference between the big E class and the «cheap» C class was whether the Mercedes star was embedded in the grille or not.
Now with all the models having the star in the grille, I frankly don’t like it any more.

An Audi A6 (Avant) was my number two on the wish list. But what do you know - same Norwegian story there; The only A6 you can still buy is the monstrous RS6, with a ridiculous asking price, and a motor that gulps down petrol like nothing else (petrol prices are also something to fear in Norway).

With those two other options out of the picture, I started looking at the BMW for real. Then it really grew on me - it’s not just whatever happened to be third in line.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by SportyMorty

Much appreciated! Feels so much like myself. In fact, my BMW planning began even pre-G60. I was tinkering with the configurator for the current 5 series at the time, opting for a 540d.

As I happened to be not quite ready to push the button yet, I stumbled across the news about the upcoming new series. As I deemed it stupid to buy last year’s news, I decided to wait until it came around.

Seeing the pictures of the new G60 didn’t put me off in the slightest, even though I didn’t quite fancy the knob-less dashboard experience.

I then had to wait even longer for the Touring to be launched - as mentioned, I didn’t really need that, but my gut feeling had been saying it all the time.

In all fairness, my initial «dream car» was for the longest time the Mercedes E-class, also as estate. This was primarily because it was the only car that actually had a comparable trunk size to the Skoda Superb (this was way back when I actually had verifiable need for transporting «stuff»).

As it happens, once I neared ready to buy the dream premium car, the Mercedes dealership in Norway stopped taking in anything non-EV, because Norway…

On closer inspection, I also felt that Mercedes had managed to seriously mess up the design of the E class since I first laid my eyes on it.
Maybe just a detail, but the difference between the big E class and the «cheap» C class was whether the Mercedes star was embedded in the grille or not.
Now with all the models having the star in the grille, I frankly don’t like it any more.

An Audi A6 (Avant) was my number two on the wish list. But what do you know - same Norwegian story there; The only A6 you can still buy is the monstrous RS6, with a ridiculous asking price, and a motor that gulps down petrol like nothing else (petrol prices are also something to fear in Norway).

With those two other options out of the picture, I started looking at the BMW for real. Then it really grew on me - it’s not just whatever happened to be third in line.

Haha, you are not alone my friend, in your car purchasing psychology

I wasn't put off in the slightest by the G60. I also test drove an Audi A6 and I have to admit the ride was very good, as well. The off-putting thing about the A6 for me was the technology. It was advanced when it came out 6-7 years ago, but seriously Audi has been lazy. They've not done anything significant with the tech for 6 years. Yeah, no thanks.

Regarding the G60's buttonless design, I haven't lived with it yet, as my 540 is still waiting for production, but being the Star Trek fan that I am, how could I resist not getting something that reminds me of the bridge of the Enterprise?

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by SportyMorty

Thank you (and others) for replying. I don’t think your suggested option can work. I have a contract which allows me to walk out from the deal for an 8 % fee.

I’m not too worried, to be honest. I’m well aware of the responsiveness difference between an(y) EV and a mid-range diesel.
The cars I’ve been driving so far have typically had the staple 140 HP VAG motor. The 520d has 197 HP, and although slightly longer and heavier than the Skoda Superb, should be able to do quite well.
If I had wanted the «typical» BMW experience, I would’ve bought something smaller, like a 3-series. I don’t really care that much, as long a it gets me where I want, with a decent amount of power. The car salesman also vouched for it…

In late September, when I get it, I will let you know what I think.

Any other thoughts in the meantime are of course much appreciated, even though it might not change much.

In that case, I suspect you'll be very happy with your car once it arrives! Congratulations and be sure to post pictures in the forum here when you're ready.

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

Haha, you are not alone my friend, in your car purchasing psychology

I wasn't put off in the slightest by the G60. I also test drove an Audi A6 and I have to admit the ride was very good, as well. The off-putting thing about the A6 for me was the technology. It was advanced when it came out 6-7 years ago, but seriously Audi has been lazy. They've not done anything significant with the tech for 6 years. Yeah, no thanks.

Regarding the G60's buttonless design, I haven't lived with it yet, as my 540 is still waiting for production, but being the Star Trek fan that I am, how could I resist not getting something that reminds me of the bridge of the Enterprise?

Ah, A fellow Trekkie. Todd I used to dream about the Enterprise Bridge on TNG. I started watching the original series as a kid on a 9" B&W tv in my room. Yes, I am dating myself. But the G60 reminds me so much of TNG when I was a young sailor stationed overseas. Used to watch it on AFN. It drove my wife crazy. Apparently not too much as we will be celebrating out 34th this Nov. I tell her i am still on my "Starter Wife".

In all seriousness my experience was close to Todd's. I almost pulled the trigger a couple of years ago on a 530e. I held off when I saw an article that told about the way the Lithium and other metals is mined in 3rd world countries. So I decided to do some more research. I drove my son-in law's Tesla and decided I didn't like it. I am a gearhead at heart. And I am also a techie in the head. So when I saw the new 5er I had to drive it. However, I also believe in test driving before I buy. Especially with a $70K+ car. I would hate to spend that kind of money only to say Oops! Don't like it. I don't lease So instead of running to put down a deposit for a 2024, I waited until my next trip to the US, and test drove an A-6 Prestige, and a 540i X-Drive Premium. Both were 6 cyl, AWD. Both were top of the line as far as trim. No comparison. Once I drove the Bimmer I knew I was home. I still had to convince the "Boss" that it made sense financially for us, because her 2013 Range Rover Sport HSE will need to be replaced soon after we come back to the states in 2-4 years. Her mind is between another RR Sport, or a Defender. But.....She also liked the looks of the X5. Her concern is that she doesn't want to buy something NEW, since we have 2 dogs, and she doesn't want to freak out about the upholstery. (in 11 years with the RR and using a good quality seat protector I showed her it's not really a concern) The RR still looks new. But after explaining that if I get my car now (I sold my VW CC when we left for Spain as the gov't will only ship 1 car.), then it will be paid for in the next 2-3 years. We can sell the RR in Spain to another US Citizen, and when we go back to the states, we can walk into a dealership and buy her car. Whether it's new or CPO.

She had no real idea what cars cost. She has not bought a new car herself since 1989. After we got married she only had to tell me what she wanted in a car, I would show her what we could afford in that category. And we would go test drive it and I took care of the rest after she told me which one she wanted. She was still thinking a new car would be around $30,000.00 until I showed her what $30K looks like in a car. Thank god for the internet.

The last BMW we bought in 1993 and it was a new 318i we paid $19,000.00 for. I was stationed in Spain and buying US Spec. tax free from a broker. We needed a new car because she had just given birth to our Son, and we had a 1989 Jeep pickup with no room for a car seat. I loved driving that car. Manual Transmission, no cruise control, and no radio. I had to install a radio because then it was an $800.00 option and I could buy a new Blaupunkt stereo better than the factory one on base for $180. I was a young 25 year old E-5 in the Navy and money was not as plentiful for us then. Even though we lived within our means. She actually showed me we could afford it since I was afraid to even get close enough to see the sticker. She did and I was surprised. It was our family car for years. My dad had to co-sign the loan because, while I could afford the payments, I did not have the credit history for the bank to approve me. He called it my "Status Car" Even though he had 2 Mercedes at the time in NY. But when I showed him my finances he agreed to co-sign. It was the only positive thing he ever did for me, and threw it back in my face several times over the last 30 years like he was voted NY Times, Father-of-the year.

Anyway. You will enjoy your car. Stick to your guns, and don't doubt yourself. You will love it. I will too once my car ever gets built. Lol

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

Regarding the G60's buttonless design, I haven't lived with it yet, as my 540 is still waiting for production, but being the Star Trek fan that I am, how could I resist not getting something that reminds me of the bridge of the Enterprise?

The other thing about the reduction in physical buttons - remember how we all said that we could never survive without the physical keyboards on our Blackberry’s…..

That and the iDrive wheel is your friend.

After almost 9months, it’s a non issue ;-)

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

The other thing about the reduction in physical buttons - remember how we all said that we could never survive without the physical keyboards on our Blackberry’s…..

That and the iDrive wheel is your friend.

After almost 9months, it’s a non issue ;-)

lol, very good point Richard. Your post brought back some good memories of the qwerty keyboard. When comparing it to today's current iPhone, it might not quite be Fred Flintstone-like but darn close.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by AiredaleDad

Ah, A fellow Trekkie. Todd I used to dream about the Enterprise Bridge on TNG. I started watching the original series as a kid on a 9" B&W tv in my room.

This will be your big chance to get pretty close to that. But be warned, your wife is going to call you a nerd boy, if you go to back your G60 down the driveway and say "Aft Thrusters".

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

This will be your big chance to get pretty close to that. But be warned, your wife is going to call you a nerd boy, if you go to back your G60 down the driveway and say "Aft Thrusters".

Todd. Seriously???? I expected more. Lol. She already knows I am both a Nerd and a Geek. It pays the bills, Lets me put 50% down on my G60 without affecting our travel plans, and paid for her Range Rover. She hasn't had to work since 2007. (She does make Natural soaps and candles etc... and sells them on base for fun and to stay busy). I was also able to correctly program a VCR back in the 90's. I am planning to rename my I-Drive JARVIS. You tell me if nerd boy is gonna bother me.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by AiredaleDad

Todd. Seriously???? I expected more. Lol. She already knows I am both a Nerd and a Geek. It pays the bills, Lets me put 50% down on my G60 without affecting our travel plans, and paid for her Range Rover. She hasn't had to work since 2007. (She does make Natural soaps and candles etc... and sells them on base for fun and to stay busy). I was also able to correctly program a VCR back in the 90's. I am planning to rename my I-Drive JARVIS. You tell me if nerd boy is gonna bother me.

lol, best I could come up with at this hour. I spent today in a room with 150 other people doing Jury Duty. Getting selected by prosecutors and booted by Defense Attorneys, for multiple trials.

Nope, you shall wear your nerd boy title like a badge of honor, as shall I. JARVIS, eh? I’m a marvel fan boy too hehe. Good choice.

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

lol, best I could come up with at this hour. I spent today in a room with 150 other people doing Jury Duty. Getting selected by prosecutors and booted by Defense Attorneys, for multiple trials.

Nope, you shall wear your nerd boy title like a badge of honor, as shall I. JARVIS, eh? I’m a marvel fan boy too hehe. Good choice.

Thanks. I thought so too.

[dombi]

We are in a similar boat... probably going to be ordering a 520xd Touring.
I will be actually buying the next car for my father... who will be switching from a Passat Variant.

I've never been a fan of Skodas. Especially since their pricing (in our area) is about the same as VWs offering. The VWs have better interiors (IMHO). But we've had some serious quality issues with the Passat (transmission failing, and the factory not covering it...).

So we looked at Audis too, which are a step up from the VW in terms of interior quality.
But for a higher price.

Unfortunately Audi hasn't been able to produce anything new in .... a long time. I sat in the A6. It felt very spacious inside, but the interior felt very outdated. The seats very a big disappointment... felt like a wooden bench.

And the delivery times (here) are about 1-1,5 years... Disappointing.

I looked at the EQE series and E-Series too... but the interior felt very cheap, especially the dashboard. Also disappointing.

With the 5 Series, I think we found a pretty good balance. While I miss the physical buttons (AC), the Dashboard look quite nice. The seats are fantastic. They look great, and feel great too.
There is plenty of room inside, both front and back. The trunk is spacious.

I owned 2 x 320ds in the past (E91 and F34). In terms of performance, the current 520d will be similar to those... yes, it is is a larger and heavier car than the 3 Series models, for daily driving (not pushing it too hard), I think it will perform about the same.

I, for myself, also bought a diesel BMW just a few months ago... we have others in the family using EVs.
I feel like I made the right decision. Filling up the gas takes 5 minutes... then I have 800-1000 km range... if I push it, then the range drops 1-200kms... not a big deal.

Norway is quite special, since most people buy EVs these days... but I don't think that you have to follow these trends. The diesel BMW are great. The 520d is also a great car... I think you will love it.

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

The other thing about the reduction in physical buttons - remember how we all said that we could never survive without the physical keyboards on our Blackberry’s…..

That and the iDrive wheel is your friend.

After almost 9months, it’s a non issue ;-)

RichardInCA makes a good point about the iDrive wheel/controller in the center console. I am a nut about fingerprints and I keep a couple of microfiber cloths in the center console and a stack of them in the trunk so I'm never short. However, once I learned how the iDrive controller works, I don't have to touch the screen as much as I thought I would. You can get used to using the controller wheel for most of what you need to do. Also, get used to using some voice commands.

The only thing I wish would work that does not seem to work for me is this: when I have Android Auto up on the screen for listening to a podcast or some music, I can't push up on the controller to pull down the shortcuts menu. It works on just about every other screen when using any of the native BMW apps, or the home screen, nav screen, etc., but not when I'm in an Android Auto screen. So, sometimes I will touch a button in the center console or try a voice command to get out of the Android Auto screen, but other than that, most of my navigation in the menus and various screens is done with the iDrive wheel. I sometimes even change the temperature settings by voice instead of reaching forward and pressing on the screen.