BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

Hi motorists

I face a nice dilemma and would be glad to have a wise word from you:

F31 - YoM '19, 22tkm, 4-zyl diesel, awd, first owner
F11 - YoM '17, 80tkm, 6-zyl diesel, awd, first owner, costs more by a 1000.-

F11 cons for me: only 1 free service left, then every 20tkm a ~CHF 1000.-, higher tax and insurance(although not too different compared to F31), parking space is tight whenever you go

F31 on the other hand: free service up to 100tkm, read for the next 80tkm no to little investments expected, easier parking

F31 cons: louder inside, less pleasure on motorways, less space inside(I am tall), weaker engine

F11 is overall a better car and more expensive to run, someone spoke highly of its engine: https://www.englishforum.ch/3258794-post16.html

I plan to own either of them until for some reason I am not able to - job, regulations, move etc.

I have a feeling in 10 years/100tkm they will cost about the same, prolly 10'000.- if I am lucky, only F11 will cost more to run by about 10-15%, but pleasure-wise should compensate for it.

What would be your pick and why?

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

Why don't you get an F31 with the 6 cyl engine? I drive a 330xd from 2017 (bought with 45k on the clock), and it is great. That is of course if the 3 is big enough for you.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

thanks, the 4-cyl F31 is my leasing wheels which I am on the verge of keeping, but wanted to see what else my budget can buy me and voila - the 5-er popped up. I did not want to deal with an unknown vehicle but the F11 is from a private seller.

I looked up the 330s and to my surprise they are not only not cheaper, but more expensive https://www.autoscout24.ch/de/autos/...dy=1&vehtyp=10

I fit, I am not crammed, but F1x offers more comfort, that is why on the other verge I am keen on switching to a bigger kombi.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

Sounds as if the money is your biggest concern. You have to figure out whether the money would make a difference or not.

I'm 6'5 and my 7-series felt like a properly sized car and great for the motorway but I also have had a 3-series since like forever. Neither of them diesels, neither of them cheap to run.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

curious how you manage to park it? sneak into garages? open doors?

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

I have recently just bought the f31 and being quite tall myself at 6ft 1 have more and enough space.
Also pleased with the car very comfortable on long journey's and if you want a bit of fun has more and enough power, can only recommend it...

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

Reverse in, retract the mirrors for the garage entrance and there was no problem. The 3-er coupe was worse as the doors were bigger. Having a double width garage should have helped but there's usually like a ladder or giant jacks down the middle.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

You're not comparing apples with apples here. The 530xd is a better car in every sense. Bigger, more power, more torque, quieter, better road manners. That said, the 320xd is the sensible option. Younger, lower KMs, lower servicing, parts, fuel, tax, insurance costs. It's a listen to your head or follow your heart decision.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

The 530 probably has a higher spec? I can imagine the 320d being poverty spec.
Some low-end BMW models they even took away some things to make them more affordable.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

both have M-Packet, F11 although has a few more extras

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

this.

heart says F11, mind says F31 is good enough.:msncool:

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

Maybe look outside of the BMW brand. A Skoda would also probably be good enough.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

nope, the choice is to be made between these two as specified, I am not trying foreign waters at this time.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

Why are you asking random people in Switzerland their views on BMWs? Ask a BMW forum.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

Not only I already did, as well as read general comparisons, I also used to own both F10 and F11 in the past. This subforum is dedicated for such topics, innit?
BMW is popular in CH and quite a few EFers own one or used to.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

I recommend you get both , test then and provide feedback so next forum member could use your advise when having same dilemma ..

forum is to share experiences so it be great for all of us (that are BMW 5xx vs 3xx aware).

me being Audi driver ever since - little to add here

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

Just the optional comfort seats make the 5 the better car.
As both are in the end of their life cycle, I would buy an older one that don't lose that much value.

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

I think I would go for the F31, its newer, less km, cheaper to run, still in warranty and although not as nice as the 6cyl, its perfectly adequate.

I had an F31 330d for 4 years and drove several times to London with no comfort issues whatsoever. Its quiet, refined and very economical (I could squeeze 1000km on a single tank). Twice I got a 5 series loaner from the garage and I didn't find it as engaging a drive on the twisty bits. For sure on the highway its a little more refined and wafts along, but the 3 series is the overall best allrounder and the benchmark for D-segment cars.

https://i.ibb.co/2sq1Qvw/IMG-2427.jpg

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

Škoda is always great.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8fwz7

Re: BMW F11(530xd) vs F31(320xd) considerations
 

Better value, more reliable, true work horses... but not fun to drive :msnnerd:.
I've test driven all the Volkswagen group cars and Merc A and C class and none of them have the driving dynamics of a BMW.