Seriously tempted to pull the trigger on buying a 2nd-hand diesel from 2014 (Euro 5 emissions rating). However, I'm hesitating somewhat due to recent bans on pre Euro 6 vehicles in German cities and the outright ban on sales of petrol and diesel cars in UK from 2030, the recent measures taken in Geneva.

So I wanted to canvas some opinion on here. How quickly do people think things will move here in Switzerland, in terms of measures to penalize diesel drivers, and in terms of a collapse in second-hand values? Bit scared about dropping a 5 figure sum on a diesel car now. Would like to sell it on in 3-4 years, and it would be nice if it had some kind of resale value left.

You’ve seen how Switzerland is with Corona virus and the re introduction of alcohol at Autobahn services - so don’t expect a UK-style ban on the sale of Fossil-fuel vehicles.

However, the Swiss were early adopters or EVs and I would think in 5 years’ time at least 50% of new sales will be electric.

Your dilemma is being repeated around the western world today. And you have basically answered your own question.

If you are going to drive it into the ground over the next 10+ years, it’ll be worthwhile, but don’t expect much at all at trade-in time...

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Personally I'd only buy a euro 6 anyway.
Euro 4 and 5 are basically filthy.

out-of-warranty 2014 diesel (complicated enough already for EURO 5)? Might easily spend 5-10k on engine repair pretty soon, will only know whenever you there.

You don’t know the mileage, producer, price etc but already draw such conclusions

It will be OK-ish for a while - in Switzerland.


But expect to pay extra or outright be banned in various cities in the rest of Europe.

If the engine software has been updated (which is almost certainly the case), big repairs like that of the exhaust gas recirculation system are lurking in the future.


The engine itself should be pretty solid, provided it is maintained well.

Engine repair on a Diesel with maybe 100.000 km?

I bought a 2013 Diesel (Euro5) in 2018. Haven't encountered any problems, also not in Germany (depends on where you go of course, but often the closed areas are a couple of streets within a certain city only). Very good fuel economy, service more expensive than petrol. I intend to have the car to end of lifetime and then replace with electric, now that this market comes alive.

Also have a EURO6 Diesel from 2017. Same as above with of course even less issues with NOX emissions and potential bans in certain areas.

The "filth" argument is ridiculous in my view, particularly when you are not in a major agglomeration. Diesel engines are more efficient than petrol and therefore normally emit less CO2 even when adjusting for the higher carbon content in Diesel.

Don't forget the NOx.

I didn't. I even mentioned it. NOX is an issue in cities and when the air doesn't circulate a lot. When I follow the NOX measurements in the area where I live and drive, it is never even close to the limits.

Thanks for all the great responses. Ride I had in mind is a BMW 530D Touring from 2014. Some further research seems to reveal that it has the Euro 6 classification, just. As per @Komsomolez's post, perhaps the trick is to keep it for 10 years / end of life. Then you deal with the depreciation issue pretty easily, and get to drive that sweet inline 6 for as long as possible, before the inevitable switch to something 'cleaner'.

Great engine.

Check the Conformity Certificate for the Euro 6 rating as two seemingly identical models can sometimes have different ratings on the form, and it's the form that counts.

Called statistics.

Ok, then provide the statistics on "out-of-warranty 2014 diesel (complicated enough already for EURO 5)? Might easily spend 5-10k on engine repair pretty soon, will only know whenever you there.".

Arguably the best diesel engine BMW have ever produced.

I had the same 3.0 - 6cyl engine in my 2014 330d and it is fantastic, so much power and effortless cruising on the highway.

I had the car from new all the way upto 225k km and the only thing of note is that after I passed 150k km it started to consume about a litre of oil between its regular services. Other than that completely reliable, and if you can get the twin turbo 535d it would be even better.

Thanks Castro! That’s heartening to hear. Yes, my heart says the 535 but what sways it in the 530’s favor is better fuel consumption, lower road tax in Vaud plus the fact you can grab a better optioned 530 for the price I’m prepared to pay. I’m guessing because the 535 was rarer. Heartening to hear that the 530 is a sweet drive in any case. Currently driving a 1.8t Passat B5.5 so it’d be a nice upgrade!

It's the same engine, as far as I know. The 35 has one more turbo. I have the 330d and I am more than happy. Tested the 335d and didn't feel much difference. On the 5 maybe, but then again the 530d offers plenty of power. As regards features, most second hand cars of this class are absolutely stuffed with shit you'll never need.

It is a good engine. If you ever see oil leaking, maybe at first some drops on the ground around where you park it or something smelling after a long drive, or later when you open up the bonnet... it could be the swirl flaps which can be a problem on these models and need replacing / modifying as if one gets sucked into the engine it's kaputt. Hard to spot when you buy as they're likely to steam clean it etc but if you do see traces of oil high up around the motor, well look out.