[S350L-E240]

Congrats on getting one of the finest cars one can get in the world today, I am seriously burning with a big smile for the color you have, I seriously wanted black exterior with similar interior but had no choice.

do update the thread with more pictures and ofcourse your ownership report, until then congrats and have miles of happy driving which I am sure you will, those 2 extra cylinders are with me if you ever need them

Regards,

[androdev]

Originally Posted by Sahil

Congrats androdev !

Super report for a super car ! You heft roadtax does ruin the part, for that kind of money you could have got a 530d elsewhere. Nonetheless you made a good choice.

I am glad BMW has put more attention to the interiors.

Thanks Sahil. Your BMW posts were immensely helpful. BMW is doing everything right in our market. My money is on BMW (pun!)

Originally Posted by luky_13

I wish like Parktronic and Tiptronic someone thought about Humpotronic. It could prove to be a major selling point.

Hey it might sound funny, but it is actually a great idea. Btw, BMTC volvos can do this I am not wrong.

Originally Posted by @tombum

Wow! That first pic! Awesome!

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

The first pic is TOPCLASS !!
I thought in 5 series, the gear can be pushed to the left extreme or so to make it manual !! Had seen that in OverDrive TD of some 5 series!! Dont you have this option in 520D ?

The concept of the first pic is good, but my execution is pretty average. I did it before it got too dark and as a father of two small boys, time is a super luxury!

Yes, AT can be pushed into 'sports/manual,etc.' mode. It is the left foot (clutch) and left hand (shifter) co-ordination that makes MT fun. Shifter alone is no fun - very video-game like! Paddle shifters on the steering would be somewhat more fun.

Originally Posted by PlatzdaTurbo

Congrats androdev on the fantastic and practical purchase. You say BMW offer a darker shade of black internationally but i dont know if its the pictures but this shade of black looks dark and classy enough for me as well.
You are right in saying that the 530d would have provided the ultimate driver satisfaction experience but trust me ,this 520d will keep you more than satisfied.
Enjoy her
Cheers

Thanks Platzda. Your car is my drool car, unfortunately couldn't get one within my personal budget. F10 seemed like a practical car for family usage.

Originally Posted by sachinj12

And oh, the first pic is my wallpaper,please don't mind

*blush* By all means! Wish I had done the pic better!

Originally Posted by S350L-E240

Congrats on getting one of the finest cars one can get in the world today, I am seriously burning with a big smile for the color you have, I seriously wanted black exterior with similar interior but had no choice.

do update the thread with more pictures and ofcourse your ownership report, until then congrats and have miles of happy driving which I am sure you will, those 2 extra cylinders are with me if you ever need them

Regards,

I made the photo look a tad darker for extra marks Like you were saying the other day, coffee-brownish would have been simply awesome. This is 50-50!

And thanks for entertaining all my phone calls :-) Get well soon!!

Running a generic OBD scan on this car:
The scan software is called Ross Tech VCDS (VAG-COM) which I bought for my Laura. This software can diagnose/test/tweak pretty much every control module on VW family (vw, audi, skoda) cars. However on non-VW family cars, it can do generic engine diagnostics if the car supports OBD protocol. Was not terribly impressive having seen the sophisticated stuff that can be done on VW cars, but here is it is:

OBD port location in 520D: Above the accelerator pedal. See the pic below. That is my VW/Ross Tech Cable already plugged in and ready to go. Other end of the cable is USB and plugged into computer. Port location is hard to reach (better in Laura).


Here is some of the stuff you can do (you can log data and view real time graph/chart):


Since there were no error codes or MIL/CEL (malfunction indicator lamp/check engine light) is not on.. touch wood.. the logs do not contain anything interesting, here is some stuff I logged.

Thursday,07,April,2011,22:55:17:34591
VCDS Version: Release 10.6.3
Data version: 20101206

Mode 9 : Calibration Identification

Type 02 - VIN : WBAFW75020******* (Address E8)
Type 04 - Calibration ID : E638E73600000500 (Address E8)
Type 06 - Calibration Verification Number : E638E736 (Address E8)
Type 0A - Controller Name : ECM-EngineControl (Address E8)


Thursday,07,April,2011,22:56:08:34591
VCDS Version: Release 10.6.3
Data version: 20101206


Mode 01 - PID 01 : Readiness -- Address 7E8

Number of DTCs stored: 0 -- MIL Status: MIL OFF
Misfire monitoring: Not installed.
Fuel System: Passed
Comprehensive Components: Passed
Catalyst monitoring: Not installed.
Heated catalyst monitoring: Not installed.
Evaporative system monitoring: Not installed.
Secondary air system monitoring: Not installed.
A/C system refrigerant monitoring: Not installed.
Oxygen sensor monitoring: Not installed.
Oxygen sensor heater monitoring: Not installed.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation: Passed

In comparison here is the log for my Laura with this tool (note that it not only deals with the engine, but also with every control module of the car):

00-Steering Angle Sensor -- Status: OK 0000
01-Engine -- Status: OK 0000
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: OK 0000
25-Immobilizer -- Status: OK 0000
36-Seat Mem. Drvr -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000
46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000
47-Sound System -- Status: Malfunction 0010
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
55-Xenon Range -- Status: OK 0000
56-Radio -- Status: OK 0000
62-Door,Rear Left -- Status: OK 0000
72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: OK 0000
76-Park Assist -- Status: OK 0000
.....
.....
Tons of details truncated. When you are jobless you can spend all your free time diagnosing each control module, carry output tests, tweak settings, etc.

[sachinj12]

Originally Posted by androdev

*blush* By all means! Wish I had done the pic better!

That's not a problem at all. Just ping a request to the photoshop gurus on the forum, they will make it for you

[Dry Ice]

Quite a comprehensive report there androdev! Congrats on the F10!!
And camel toned interiors look fab!

[EP.]

Originally Posted by androdev

I have not driven the 530d. Based on the few other cars I have driven (india, abroad, etc.) I am reasonably qualified to comment on this :-)
In summary, had it been a manual transmission 530D would have seriously tempted me. Given it is an AT, then I am paying more for 530D mainly for the refinement and smoothness and getting a lower tank range. No extra kit either.

This is just my opinion ;-)

Thanks buddy. And congrats on your new ride, ride safe

[dot]

Wonderfully articulated review. Congratulations. The cinnamon brown interiors are refreshing from the usual beige. Overall the color combination looks really nice. Surprised to hear the bottoming out issue. Is it common in BMWs? Also, have to say that road tax amount is atrocious.

Originally Posted by androdev

Exceptionally clean and elegant design all around. Some may find it bland, but no one ever say it is ugly in any culture/year.

Bland! This is one of the most droolworthy cars on road, who can consider it to be bland?

Originally Posted by androdev

Acceleration: 530D will be outstanding. And you will enjoy it at every opportunity you get.

It is. Personal experience.

[Ravich]

OBD Scanner: Many thanks ! I will try this out on the 320d

[androdev]

Originally Posted by Ravich

OBD Scanner: Many thanks ! I will try this out on the 320d

It is the same engine, so you can expect it to work on your car too. Btw, all of us are waiting for pictures on your thread :-)

[shk 8896]

I know ,I am late.But better late than never.Congrats on the beemer.I did'nt know the 520d looks so great in black.Enjoy her .Drive safe.
Sreehari

[androdev]

I have always had an uneasy feeling about this car not having a spare tyre and not even space for a spare tyre. There no way one can go on a long drive without spare tyre - not in India at least!

So this is clearly my high priority issue to be resolved. After doing some research, this is what I am leaning towards:

1. Full size spare tyre with matching alloy. I never liked the "odd looking tyre" because it is always reminding you that you had a flat!
2. Jack kit
3. Some harness to fix it firmly.
4. To be used mainly on long drives.

Something like this:
E39 M5 Spare Wheel & Tire Package on eBay - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

[Ravich]

Originally Posted by androdev

It is the same engine, so you can expect it to work on your car too. Btw, all of us are waiting for pictures on your thread :-)

It does work of course ! The port is more accessible compared to your 5 series.
Puzzling, however, is the fact, the engine needs to be running for the controller to respond to the VCDS commands in the OBD II mode. The 12v sockets too are on only when the engine is running.
Will have to explore why.

[luky_13]

Strangely though, the 5 series is selling more than the 3. March sales figures reveal this startling fact. Consumers are more forthcoming to spend 50 big ones for a full blown luxury sedan than 30 for an 'almost there' package.

[xavieman]

Congratulations Androdev on your purchase!! Im sure your having a ball with it. Did you find any information on getting a space saver for the new vehicle.Its the one deterrent preventing me from thinking about this vehicle.

[Naparajito]

Now that is what i call a car!! Congrats for your new car. Happy motoring.

[Ricky_63]

Hey, so what is the on road price or the ex-showroom..This car is under active consideration for a friend who is driver driven 90% of the time.

Thanks for the acknowledgement !!

This makes about 185 Bhp right ?

Enjoy your new car, BTW how is the seating height ? Low slung ?



Cheerio