Any PI willing to bring in 520d?

[Mirage77]

I read all about the diesel BMWs and they are just spectacular. In terms of power delivery and fuel consumption at the same time. Now since diesel tax has fallen its the time for us to take advantage of the diesel technology we've been missing out on all these years. I was wondering if any PI is willing to bring in a diesel 5er, a 520d. Or if it makes commercial sense (eg. for a group buy), a 535d. PML doesn't have any plans in the near future to bring in, which is quite regrettable.

Is anyone else interested in a diesel BMW?

 

[satines]

Re: Any PI willing to bring in 520d?

The reduction in road tax is good, but still too hefty. $3750 more in road tax for a 535d over 535i (if they are available) is still pretty substantial.

 

[coolant]

Re: Any PI willing to bring in 520d?

Based on the new LTA road tax structure after 01 July '08, I did a quick comparison calculation on the BMW 520iA (Petrol) and BMW 520d (Diesel) models (managed to got all the figures from the 5-series brochures):

BMW 520iA (Petrol)
Horsepower: 156 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 200 Nm @ 3,600 rpm
0-100 km/h @ 10.6 sec
6 months road tax payable: $604

BMW 520d (Diesel)
Horsepower: 177 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,750 rpm (Wow!)
0-100 km/h @ 8.7 sec
6 months road tax payable: $604 + $1,247 (surcharge) = $1,851

So the question for potential buyers is, would the performace gain and savings from pumping diesel be attractive enough to offset the extra $1,247 road tax every 6 months?

I believe PI companies will start to bring in diesel models very soon. I'd definitely consider one too!

 

[SC_IS]

Re: Any PI willing to bring in 520d?

HP part is tempting enough but Torque is really impressive.

 

[Mirage77]

Re: Any PI willing to bring in 520d?

The reduction in road tax is good, but still too hefty. $3750 more in road tax for a 535d over 535i (if they are available) is still pretty substantial.

But I think the money you will save at the pumps would compensate for it. The 535d despite being so powerful does only 9L/100km on the urban cycle. The 535i does what, 14 or 15? Plus the 535d has the heaps of torque that's what important for our type of driving conditions.

Based on the new LTA road tax structure after 01 July '08, I did a quick comparison calculation on the BMW 520iA (Petrol) and BMW 520d (Diesel) models (managed to got all the figures from the 5-series brochures):

BMW 520iA (Petrol)
Horsepower: 156 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 200 Nm @ 3,600 rpm
0-100 km/h @ 10.6 sec
6 months road tax payable: $604

BMW 520d (Diesel)
Horsepower: 177 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,750 rpm (Wow!)
0-100 km/h @ 8.7 sec
6 months road tax payable: $604 + $1,247 (surcharge) = $1,851

So the question for potential buyers is, would the performace gain and savings from pumping diesel be attractive enough to offset the extra $1,247 road tax every 6 months?

I believe PI companies will start to bring in diesel models very soon. I'd definitely consider one too!

Depends on how much you drive I guess. Considering if you drive about 2000km per month, it just about makes sense. The 520d does 8.1L/100km on the urban cycle. Phenomenal man... Check this out: Toyota Prius proves a gas guzzler in a race with the BMW 520d review | Used Car Reviews | Driving - Times Online

I think BMW really makes the best diesels out of the big three Germans. It balances refinement, power and frugality very well.