520i : Without Paddle Shifters on Steering - does it still make a wise buy?

[Driveit]

Hi,I have just given up on 328i mostly due to the average cockpit material + room.It'll be a big thing in my life deciding to own an F10. I do not have the budget for 528i but two things concern me i.e. the missing HUD and paddle shifters in 520i.3 Questions:#1. Without the paddle shifters on steering, does it still make 520i a wise buy?#2. Do most of you the enthusiasts find the HUD a must-have on a 5er? (I wonder are these the reasons behind the uninspiring sales figure of the 520i that AB has a good number of ready stocks and looks eager to find a buyer.)#3. An SA offers a 1% discount. Is this the maximum discount level BMW would usually budge?I thank you for your generous feedback.

 

[primus2211]

#1. doesn't matter most don't use them since it was not meant for "that kind" of driving.
#2. If you've never had it, no major loss I reckon
#3. can get a little more if you're more persuasive. They're more willing if you ask for things than actual discount.

 

[Juan Powerblow]

I agree with Primus2211 completely. Initially, I thought the paddle shift would be nice since I had in a previous car and tended to use it a fair bit. But the F10 is a different sort of ride, pleasurable in its smoother, cruisier driving style. You tend to just wanna be more relaxed but by no means is it a slouch. Get past the initial weight barrier, the 520i can still be fun, the torque distribution is sublime. The HUD is cool too but it's not a must have. After all, the data communicated via the HUD is also shown on the center instrument i.e. directions, distance to turn offs etc. It was a pleasant surprised to notice this the last time I used Sat Nav, and with it, I was relieved there's no need to look at the screen but straight ahead most of the time! You get used to it quite quickly.

 

[Juan Powerblow]

Yet again, if I don't get paddle shifters in the F30 328i I ordered, I'm gonna tear my hair out. I intend to drive that a lot differently though, heh!

 

[Driveit]

Many thanks to your opinions. Points taken.

(I for one have this phobia of serving hire purchase instalments hence prefer to park a larger sum upfront. As a middle-class executive, it truly hurts the pocket wanting a piece of this gorgeous continental material.)

 

[ck318ci]

err...
Is not only the paddle shift right? If you take the option, it actually comes with the Sport 8 speed auto box too.

 

[tIANcI]

I find the manner in which BMW programmed their auto boxes that I hardly bother to use the paddle shift. Its more than enough for daily driving. Going gor a spirited drive, yeah but then how often do we do that?

 

[alpina b5]

not really important, prefer to use my full left hand to shift the gears, but the paddle shifter version of the gear stick looks nicer and comes with a nicer steering wheel too

 

[Driveit]

My bad, I just read that the discontinued F10 523i does not come with paddle shifters and HUD either.

Could any owners of 523i confirm this? (Am trying to justify my would-be purchase of a 520i.)

Thank you.

 

[Driveit]

not really important, prefer to use my full left hand to shift the gears, but the paddle shifter version of the gear stick looks nicer and comes with a nicer steering wheel too

I do agree. And the 520i's stick resembles that of the E60... correct me if I'm wrong.
View attachment 25001 520i
View attachment 25002 528i

 

[Driveit]

err...
Is not only the paddle shift right? If you take the option, it actually comes with the Sport 8 speed auto box too.

Hi, would you mind dropping an extra line enlightening me on what you meant by "if you take the option". Didn't quite get it.
Thanks.

 

[ck318ci]

Actually the whole driving experience will be elevated if you have the sport gearbox.
Apparently the gearbox setting is slightly different compare to standard 8 speed.
AND of course not to mention the thicker sport steering and the gear knob
I was driving along the motorway around 80kph leisurely until a lorry tailgate me with a disgusted face, I just flip the paddle to downshift 2 gears and gently step on the paddle and upshifting as it hits 110- 120KPH... The purring of the sweet six and linear delivery put a smile on my face and the bloody lorry was no where in sight briskly....
I cruise back to 80kph continuing my journey and it has certainly made my day...

 

[ck318ci]

Hi, would you mind dropping an extra line enlightening me on what you meant by "if you take the option". Didn't quite get it.
Thanks.

I thought you were comparing the Standard 8 speed gbox without paddle shift and sport gearbox with paddle shift.
What I meant was if you opt for latter.

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=474192

 

[Juan Powerblow]

My bad, I just read that the discontinued F10 523i does not come with paddle shifters and HUD either.

Could any owners of 523i confirm this? (Am trying to justify my would-be purchase of a 520i.)

Thank you.

Yup, the 2012 520i is not only cheaper, it's got better performance, handling and some extras, if I'm not wrong, it's got ECO PRO, Voice Command, 2012 map and bigger screen than 523i CBU. There are others, I can't remember offhand.

 

[Driveit]

Actually the whole driving experience will be elevated if you have the sport gearbox.
Apparently the gearbox setting is slightly different compare to standard 8 speed.

Now you open my eyes to how 528i being more superior than the 520i apart from the greater hp, torque + msports accessories. Thanks a bundle, again.

 

[Driveit]

Yup, the 2012 520i is not only cheaper, it's got better performance, handling and some extras, if I'm not wrong, it's got ECO PRO, Voice Command, 2012 map and bigger screen than 523i CBU. There are others, I can't remember offhand.

Oh... now that's something interesting. I have been reading your posts a bit and I must say you are knowledgeable. Thank you thank you.

 

[r1m]

If you are not gonna be using the paddle shifters 95% of the time then go for it. Also, tried them out on the 528i and they didn't feel all so great.

 

[Driveit]

Hi again.

Sorry for my ignorance. Does the present F10 520i come with keyless entry? Thank you.

 

[gerenti]

Hi again.

Sorry for my ignorance. Does the present F10 520i come with keyless entry? Thank you.

the answer is "NO".. there is no comfort access a.k.a keyless entry at almost all the BMW models including F10. the only F10 got the function is 535i but the model is no longer offered in the market anymore by BMW Malaysia..

i have no idea why they are not introducing keyless entry as a standard item to have but it seems like they are playing this as a marketing strategy. just mine 2 cents

 

[Tungsten Blue]

...the 535i is no longer offered in the market anymore by BMW Malaysia..

What is your source of this? AFAIK, it's still offered by BMW M'sia, and I even was offered $25K discount from AB if I purchase one.