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01-13-2012, 06:03 AM | #1 |
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520d M-Sport
Hi
I'm new and looking for some advice as I am about to order a 520d M-Sport auto with 19s. 1) Should I go for VDC - I keep hearing press reports saying it's needed but my local dealer insists it's not? 2) Is flappy paddle gear change any good? 3) Should I be considering anything else? Thanks J |
01-15-2012, 01:15 PM | #2 |
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Cant comment about VDC but sports auto is a must. I put sun protection glass on as an option-darker rear windows. I listen to loads of sport so went for DAB. I put business sat nav in but wish I had either went for the pro nav or better still just not bothered with it at all. Can't load speed camera database onto it! Just use my iPhone most of the time. It's a great car! Enjoy
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01-16-2012, 06:30 AM | #4 |
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VDC has been extensively discussed on this forum; do a search and you'll find lots of info. IMO well worth it.
If you do a lot of night driving on unlit roads, you should seriously consider the adaptive (cornering) bi-xenon headlights. Comfort seats are expensive, but live up to their name, especially on long drives. |
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01-17-2012, 09:45 AM | #5 | |
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What I surmise from that is that those who don't have it are perfectly happy with their ride (including me). I'm speculating here, but my view is that if your driving tendancy is towards predominantly performance driving then you'll benefit from it - but if that were the case you wouldn't be buying a 520d. You will see this a lot on the forum. The standard car is really good and so you just don't miss what you never had. Save your money and spend it elsewhere. Sports Auto is awesome. Prof Media is very good. Flappy paddles are occassionaly useful. I stayed with the standard headlights and can testify that they are poor on unlit country roads - my wife's Mazda 3 is way, way better. Fortunately I don't do much of that at night or else I'd be pretty annoyed. |
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01-17-2012, 09:49 AM | #6 | |
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Standard headlights are crap, crap, crap if you want to drive above 50mph at night on an unlit road. |
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01-17-2012, 04:27 PM | #7 | |
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I keep thinking they must need cleaning or raising up a bit. I definitely drive slower on unlit roads in this car due to the reduced visibility. If you don't live in a city, or mostly drive on motorways, go for the upgrade !
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01-23-2012, 04:41 AM | #8 |
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VDC if you can
Hi jdc06
Some good advice from other posters above already, and as Shake n Bake said there are supporters and skeptics of VDC. I have the new 520d M Sport on 18" 350M rims. I wanted to get VDC as I had driven a demo car with it (and SE with thinner tyres), noticeably comfortable whilst being very safe and predictable.... but could not afford it in my limit. My experience (and each to their own!) is that it is OK 90% of the time, but not sumptuous (I deleted Sport Suspension BTW). You really notice on bad roads with potholes and rough parts... but perhaps I expecting too much. What I can say is that it does soak it up still, as in the car does not shudder or lose track, but you feel it... I suspect because of the 245's at front and 275's at back you get more feedback. I don't regret not having it (i.e no grudges), and the more I drive it without VDC, the more I get used to what I have, and really it's fine, my family say I am too picky!.... well of course I am that's why I got a BMW ! Overall, the sheer control and smooth cornering with no feeling of rolling or diving, makes me feel OK I don't have VDC... Flappy paddles: great when you are in Comfort mode and want to change down quickly without using the accelerator to floor it/kick down... and exhilarating when pulling off into traffic in Sport or Sport+... and they feel very solid in your hands compared to paddles I had in a VW Touran. Anything else.... I didn't get Satnav, and miss it from my Audi.... and I have basic radio, which compared to Audi and Touran, is boring ... so would get the next one up if you can. Good luck in your choice! jedpause
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Bluestone G30 M Sport - Gone to Stud Alpine White F10 M Sport - Gone to Stud Last edited by jedpause; 01-23-2012 at 04:44 AM.. Reason: grammar fix |
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01-23-2012, 04:44 AM | #9 |
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I'd try and get the pro-media - the 10.2" screen looks much better then the small screen with the plastic fillers on each side.
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Ian
Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2 |
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01-23-2012, 01:34 PM | #10 | |
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3) Pro Nav is a must I think Visibility pack - great (the white halo rings are cool) Folding auto dimming side mirrors MalithS |
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01-23-2012, 02:45 PM | #11 | |
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