As a 640d simple stage 1 owner I’m loving it. People don’t realise how smooth and torque this engine is and it really goes when you need him to. At the same time Beats 1.2 puntos and corsas on mpg. Bmw in my opinion produces the best 6 cyl Diesel engine out there
I owned an F11 530D Touring and it was exactly as you report. A superb all rounder. I changed from runflats to Michelin and spent £ on a DMS remap. Absolutely magical. And .... 36mpg averaged over 85k miles. 54 might on a gentle run. I now drive a B5 Biturbo Touring which is in another league - particularly the suspension. But in all truthfulness the 530D does it all! Joe ... you are welcome to test the B5!
I'm an American that watches your videos, even ones on cars not sold in NA, and I gotta say I love your content. You're very articulate on the features in these cars and it makes watching them really interesting. Keep up the good work
Happy to help. BMW: I purchased a new X5 last year and I am purchasing another two cars this year. I watched Joe’s channel when making my decision. Keep them coming Joe.
@@Masa6x i do recommend it, but BMW is much better. Fuel economy, handling, fun, acceleration, stability on road. My personal opinion. My dream car M550d or M340d
@@Siggfuggggg2000 They are indeed very clean, powerful lighting and smooth, but just too thick. Should have kept it closer to the previous model or split the thick Bar into two thin LED Bars with the L-shape that connect to one thick bar. I mean you have those sharp thin headlights (althought I critize that they eliminated the iconic halos in exchange for these based on generic Volkswagen Group headlights similar to an Audi TT and VW models) and then those clumsy thick rear lights, distrubs the appearance.
Joe I’m on my 4th BMW because of your reviews. I started with 2016 120d xdr then 2018 335d xdr I’ve now have X5 M50d & next will be M3 Touring…thanks for properly explaining the concept. You crack on dude the best you tube review.
Great video Joe, love the channel. I own this car (pre-LCI, gloat!). We have a dog, two kids. It’s such a good car, fun enough and does everything well at 43mpg, thrashing it gives 35mpg. Such low costs too, with a service package and a decent PCP deal with 20% deposit. Everything it does is 8/10 - 10/10 in my view. You can tell that this is back to the E39 from a philosophical stand point.
By 2025, diesel (well built before 2010 but still) will be banned in Paris FR... seems like the age of diesel is coming to an end. That's just I'm 4 years maybe in 2030 all diesel cars will be banned in major big EU city!
The 5 series has always, in my opinion, been the best model in the BMW line up. Just a gorgeous car all round. Great video Joe, great to see videos on all the new BMW models.
I have a G31 touring and its an amazing car. To put it in perspective, when i was growing up and looking at sports sedans the E36 M3 was 286hp and 300nm of torque and this is the same Hp and double the torque. Is has more power than the first model B5 Audi RS4 wagons. they where the bench mark "fast Estate" Just mind blowing that this is family wagon that doesn't scream "look at me" its not even got a red badge or sport label anywhere on it. With summer holidays coming here in Australia we are heading off on a 4000km family road trip in one to see the country. Cant think of a better car for this job. It just ticks so many boxes. Comfy and sporty for the family to cross a continent. Great review Joe. if we dont see you before the Christmas season. Have a safe time with your family and friends. Its been a great effort from you this year.
Love getting home after a hard days graft to watch Mr. Achilles do his thing to such a high standard, whilst I burn, I mean cook, my evening dinner. Many congrats on your success dude!!! 🎉🎊🥇
Enjoy it in the very same way myself! Putting it on, on with a pair of AirPods and cook some dinner with a glass of wine. Glorious entertainment and information. Thanks Joe
Funnily enough, had my 530d about a week, ditched the p zeros for PS4’s. Massive difference. Ride, sound, handling....second set of wheels currently on Pilot Alpins for the winter.
Great to hear! I genuinely can't believe that so many manufacturers ruin their incredible creations by saving a tenner on rubber, tyres make such a difference! 👌
It's great to hear an honest opinion Joe. You could easily say that the car & wheel/tyre combo is perfect, but instead you give an honest appraisal. I agree that if you need the extra space, the 530d touring is all the car you'll ever need, but, just for the sake of argument, how about a test on the car most of us will be able to afford - the 520d or 520i? Keep up the great work, looking forward to seeing more in 2021!!
BMW 5 Series in that guise is probably the best all round car in the world. Fast, well made, prestigious, great looks, desirability, and good residuals. The envy of a lot of manufacturers. Tesla will soon be irrelevant. 2020’s are the years on the Hydrogen car
Thanks Joe. I have just bought a 2.5 year old 530d. I test drove it on 20" wheels and Goodyear tyres. I asked for the route to include poor B roads as I am surrounded by them. As you observed, it crashed over drain covers and was very figity. I got the wheels changed to 19" and had Micheline PS4's fitted. I thought about ditching run flats but decided against. The result was night and day. So much more comfort! You can still firm things up by chosing sport.mode. I should point out the car also has adaptive suspension and even with that mode I still wasn't happy on the 20" wheels on B roads. Glad I watched your review in advance! 3 month update.... still love the car and the tyres BUT just had it MOT'ed and was surprised to find my 3kmile tyres are down to 5.25mm to 5.5 mm. I've not driven particularly hard so wondering what tyre to put on next with similar ride, quietness and grip but with a bit more longevity. Any suggestions out there?
@blags2 I still have the PS4s on as my mileage has reduced. I might try michellin Primacy next. Work colleague has these on a 3.0d Merc E class and gets good wear and respectable grip. Will try to remember to post once I've changed.
A friend of mine has a 3 series on 20'. He changed the tyres to non run flat and kept the 20" wheels. His ride was much improved. So I guess two routes open to you.
Older car I know but I’ve just got a F10 LCI 535d and it’s incredible, completely agree about the BMW i6 diesel, you just have to drive one to appreciate it. Great video Joe!
Not many people tried em twin turbo diesels. I’ve got 2015 640d remapped. Driven it for almost 2 years and a half and absolutely loving the i6 in it. Great mpg
@@lewisvincent7479 I’m at 700nm with a safe map not pushing to get anything more. I think the gear box hasn’t been tweaked further. The car it’s way smoother now and packs a punch. I’m a motorcycle enthusiast and everything at round 300hp looks ridiculously slow but now at least I can feel something. No issue at all with the car after the remap
Great video Joe and what a fantastic spec! For me, white cars with red leather interiors are my preferred choice!! I do appreciate that B57 engine though, pulls like a train!!
The company I work for have got a few of these being delivered soon. Ours will have the optional battenburg markings and blue,white & red flashing LED lights and not fogetting the extra in car entertainment systems ! Coming to a motorway in the West Midlands soon.
Have the previous version 530d Sport Touring. Its mightily impressive. Question - Is that Harry Metcalfe's regular proving ground? That s-bends looks very similar. Another great vid, Joe. 👍🏻
Re: your comments on the ride quality of the 530D touring and in particular the 20 inch rims. I took delivery of my 530d x drive saloon just before the last lockdown, I have only completed 1280 miles, yet somehow I have managed to dent both front wheels. This is due to two separate incidents with pot holes. It will cost in the region of £240.00 to repair the rims. While bemoaning my luck to the wheel repairer, he explained the most likely scenario, which is as follows. Due to the 20 inch rims there is insufficient side wall rubber to absorb the impact, add into the mix my tyres are Goodyear Eagle Run Flats with stiff side walls, the energy travels through the tyre to the rim. The result is a bent rim. FYI I didn't opt for the 20 inch rims......The Joy of Motoring.
The looks of that car are amazing I love it and for years I’ve always said Audi avants look the best I even have a B9 a4 avant but this just looks so good in that spec 👏
@Joe Achilles what I am pretty sure about is you testing 530d on 20” with MSport suspension, which is indeed a harsh setup. but any 19” with even standard (not mentioning about adaptive EDC) suspension will ride very comfortable. 19” + Adaptive Drive suspension can easily be compared to MB with pneumatic suspension. 3 series with standard suspension on 19” can not be compared with 5 series in terms of comfort - these are different worlds I would say.
you are just doing the best car videos online!! why? your voice is great, you look great -no worry, I am not guy :-) but you are very empathic and what you say about the cars is real and people will believe you what you say. I drive also a 530d touring 2017 and I am going to change into the Lci 530d Touring beginning of next year. Keep going on with your tests - you are the best. warm regards from a Swiss artist - ANDREAS JORDI
Hey Joe, since the G30 platform seems to be undisputed a great development of BMW and you seemed quite positively impressed by the G05 45e Drive-Train and the whole concept of this car in general, as well as the 330e, it would be quite interesting to hear your opinion on the 545e, maybe you could get a chance to review this car shortly, too. But once again thanks for this great video and your honesty about this very model. Keep up the great work, you're doing a fantastic job, thank you ever so much for that.
Thanks for another great video Joe. A real pro at getting just the right level of detail in your reviews. Got an older 5 and was thinking of one of these next, I will be looking at the 3 now too 👍 great stuff 👍
Brillant video Joe 👍. I will always love the 5 series, back when I had my F21 118i and it when in for repair the dealer have me a F10 530d as a courtesy car, I was over the moon. I hired a G20 in Germany last year and my god what a upgrade the G20 was over the F10. It was only a 520d but it was comfortable at Vmax 142 mph (winter tyers) and very economical circa 53 mpg over 1000 miles. The only time it was bad, was on the twisty roads around the Nurburgring. When I was sold my 118i I said to myself, definitely next car a 530d. Though instead I bought a Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro instead.
Great review Joe, thanks for your honesty. I have an f11 stage 2+ (GKR) multimap (standard in Eco Pro, stage 1 in comfort, and stage 2+ in sport) - 430hp, 900Nm (xhp st3 gearbox). It’s quick enough but let down by handling also, back country roads are not fun and that’s on 18” wheels. Great on the Motorway though 🤪 (until having a blowout on the M6 at lest yesterday)
The main reason, why your car has a hard suspension is that you don't have the adaptive suspension but the 10 millimeter lower M suspension which is way stiffer. I saw that the car doesn't have the adaptive button next to comfort, sports and eco pro. The M suspension together with 20 inch wheels are hard as hell. As I am driving this car with the adaptive suspension and I can tell that it is extremely comfortable in comfort mode and gets acceptable stiff in sports mode
good review . I run my 2017 G31 on Michelins - makes a lot of difference, done 50,000 to date , average 41.8 mpg, and yes 50 on motorways . will be in for another in the new year so this was great to see
Joe's car does not have the adaptive suspension but the very stiff M suspension, he is telling that wrong in the video. You can see the missing "adaptive" button next to the gear lever, which is available if you have the adaptive suspension. I know both suspensions and the adaptive suspension is way more comfortable as I have it in my touring and had a M suspension model for a test drive recently, because I'm about to order a new one.
I've had the same problem with a comfort on 19inch alloys but after removing the run flat tires all work incredibly well! Currently running kumho ps91 and for the price I think they are very close to the michelin 4s! Great video!
It is weird. I have a pre LCI 530d xDrive touring with 20, and I also drove a g21 320i touring with 17 inch wheel, I think the ride in 5 is far better than that 3, especially the rear seat, since the g21 don’t have air suspension in the rear.
Hey Joe how is the wear factor on PS4's? I currently have the Bridgestone Turanza run flats on my 330i G20 and the wear on the rears after 11000 is shockingly poor.
@@omerta2002 ps4's are great. Used to use goodyear asymmetric, id say the ps4's last longer and grip better. I get 20k miles out of a set of fronts on a hot hatch.
Absolutely love your generous videos mate! Very humbling you're sending back thanks to the community who's following your channel. Keep up the good work and be an abundantly blessed forever and ever Amen.
My e91 325d which is stage 1 tuned to 319hp and 700nm is noticeably different with better tyres and even at 10 years old is a fantastic diesel estate I’d pick over most modern estate cars - this car converted me to estates!
Current owner of the 530d xdrive saloon pre facelift, hugely impressed at it's daily useage although on these fabulous UK roads the ride quality could be better so point well made Joe on the LCI. Still a great motor!
Nice one Joe, great work you doing, enjoying your review from South Africa - we may all be miles apart but the passion we all share brings us together....even right here in the comments section.
Hey Joe, great to be a subscriber, always loving and eagerly awaiting your top content - this one in particular...I own a pre LCI late 2019 in this X drive spec Tanzanite blue, M Sport Plus, heads up etc....agree with you on the comfort drive on the 20", but that aside, this car never ceases to impress me and put a big grin on my face; Top review as ever Joe.
Hello Joe... I really wanted to drop you a line after listening to your intro.... I’m only 1.25 seconds in, pressed pause and am tapping away. Firstly I’m so sorry that your business has suffered. As a business owner myself, I feel your pain..... secondly (and I’m sure I speak on behalf of the rest of your community) it should be us thanking you for your efforts, your excellent informed reviews and for entertainment in these horrendous times. I for one, appreciate your time that goes into your creations and I sincerely hope that you will see your way through to better times in the new year. Thankyou again. I’ve got my savings plan set up for a deposit on an Alpina B3 touring because of you...... Best wishes, David.
Thank you David, massively appreciate your support and kind words, makes me very happy 👌 Also massive congrats on your inbound ALPINA, what an incredible car that will be! Complications with their UK franchise means I won't be doing any videos on my favourite brand anytime soon, great to hear my old videos are still helping produce sales. ❤️
I can see your honorary of how you appreciate your fans and subscribers. Just without watching the video I liked the video already Good guy with great content
The original Mr BMW Man and long may it continue. Another great video but I’ve never been a fan of Tourers but a beautiful car anyway. Can’t wait for your new car next year but hopefully more M2 vids to come. 😃😃😃
I’m currently running a 520d touring loan car on the 19’ wheels and the comfort is extremely good. Took it to Skye and got around 700 miles on a tank.....🍺😎
The rant on ride (suspension set-up) distinguishes you from a cheap influencer to an aspiring car journalist. Thanks! -owner of a 3 litre diesel audi allroad (of course with air susp.) - the modern muscle (450 Nm) and comfortable cruising (extremely high maintenance) car. (Btw, I run 17 inch 235/40 summer and 16 inch (almost doesn't fit around the caliper) 225/55 (!!!) winter tires. The ride is plush and boasts great road-holding due to ok suspension geometry (pseudo double wishbone (actually multi-link) front and multi-link rear) and of course constant awd.)
@Joe Achilles. It's a great channel. You're great to watch. Always a good balance between knowledge/factual reporting and passion and enthusiasm. Personally you come across as really humble and likeable. Best Of luck with your business next year mate.
This is the perfect all rounder. If you throw a map in on that car you'd see 350bhp and probably 700+nm of torque. One of the best looking BMWs at the moment. Massive WANT!
First off refreshingly honest and enjoyable review!! Too many car reviews are about the reviewer showing how clever he is and not about the car. I own a late 2019 530d x drive. Coming from an Audi A6 3 litre quattro. My Audi’s engine was in my opinion the dogs dangly bits. Responsive, virtually zero turbo lag bags of bottom end grunt that went on for ever . However the latest audi V6 diesel has been ruined, you have to push it to get life. Hence I now own a BMW 530d and I have been pleasantly surprised at the 3 litre BMW lump. It does what it says on the tin and return amazing economy however and it is a big however!! Having test driven the 340d. Why oh why don’t BMW sell the 40d engine! In a 5 series ! I know you can get a 540d in Germany , it comes off the same assembly line so pretty please BmW !! Also I don’t know what other people’s experience is but customer service from my local dealer is not a patch on what I got from Audi!!
You emphasize that it's a heavy car yet it weighs 10kg less than a Volvo V60 and much less than any SUV of this class. You can also not fault the car for the drive comfort when it is clearly a configuration issue. Glad you explained that one.
I’ve owned a 520D saloon / 530D Saloon and now I currently drive a 520D Tourer - briefly the 530D is just awesome best engine ever and decent mpg - I do drive the SE spec though on 19” and find it for me the best ride ever……yes the M Sport looks good but for sheer comfort the SE is like a magic carpet. I don’t think you can get SE models now in 5’s I’m not sure about that as mine is a 2017 model but I wrapped the rear bumper (bottom section) in black so it’s very like an M Sport - it’s also very well specced Sports seats a must - one tip my 530D also was an SE had comfort seats with massage don’t get that - you sit on the seats not in them and no side bolsters to hold you in on corners trust me on that one. The 5 series is just the best car on the road and I’m 63, I golf and we have a dog so the Tourer is just perfect……..next car a 530D Tourer in 4 years time probably an M Sport on 19”s and Non Runflats. In summary the best car I’ve ever owned - if you’ve only had 520’s I’d suggest you can get a 530 even if it’s older you won’t regret it.
Joe if prospective buyers of this touring can`t make their minds up from all the points you have made then I don`t know what else to tell them. Brilliant video as always and it just shows that your experience and knowledge is second to none, so well done again and looking forward to the next one. I hear that BMW are shifting their engines to the UK to concentrate on EVs ?
Great vid and car. I love the BMW 3litre 6cyl diesels. Had a 330d coupe manual, loved the engine but always thought it’d be better with an auto box. Then had a 123d coupe... 4 pot, 2litre diesel... quite rattly and slow in comparison, didn’t cut it for me. Now have a 430d with auto box I bought brand new and whilst friends and family love the car for the looks and comfort, as do I, it is as much about the engine for me especially coupled with the auto box. Sounds so smooth and the performance with the auto box is great; that swell of torque is so addictive, still, even after 3yrs of ownership. Great engine. 👌😎
I have the 430d coupe the engine returns 52 mpg when driven sensibly such a superb engine, would love a 530d touring one day perhaps great review thanks
Great Video mate, BMW are amazing cars & the 5 series is my favourite. I brought a tasty F10 M5 competition earlier this year running 660bhp & it was a amazing motor 😍 Now running a Audi SQ5 tuned & it’s awesome. BMW & Audi the best & in diesel format especially the Torque is phenomenal. Stay Safe mate 🤜🏻🤛🏼
love the videos joe. as your do everything car, chucking muddy bikes in, giving mates lifts, going on road trips, occasionally blasting country roads - would you personally take a 530d touring or an X3 30d? trying to think which is the better do everything car? cheers!
For better the ride quality, if you are looking to purchase one, take the adaptive suspension, you can take the 20' but if you take those big wheels, you will have runflat tires that's the big issue when you buy a big German sedan, when you take optional big wheels, they always goes with runflat. So buy 20' or 19' and change to normal tire with same specification but non runflat. The ride quality will be really different. I know a lot of people on French forum bmw and they all have 5 series with 19' or 20' and they alway say that the 5 is very confortable but you have to change into non runflat. I even talked with a man with 5 series touring with 19' non runflat and without adaptive suspension and he said that you don't even need the adaptive because it still very nice
We had an LCI 530e sedan for a few months, on 18 inch wheels, adaptive dampers, M sport package. It had a great ride quality, extremely stable and comfy at the same time. Still, it didn't feel like a 1,9 tonnes heavy ship, it was nimble! Ok, it was a sedan and it had the about 10kWh battery in the floor, lowering the center of gravity. Anyways, love the 5 series, love this Diesel, love this video. :D
I was very surprised that you were honest about ride quality and not just a BMW fanboy keeping a lid on it. This is a serious turnoff since waking up the kids in the backseat after you hit a bump in a family car is just not what you are looking for. How was the ride quality in the prefacelift version? How about if you compare it to 6 GT?
Hey Joe 😊 You mention that the engine is one of the best BMW have produced. I will take it a little further an say that this engine is one of the best diesel engines in the world 😊 Here in Denmark a G31 530d is extremel expensive but I have have found a F10 530d only 4 years oold. Maybe I will buy it 😊
Thanks again for the support in 2020 guys, my hard work is literally paying off!
Keep making them and we will keep watching them. Cheers Joe
are they not doing a 335 or 535 anymore?? great videos by the way.
Keep rolling brother. Would love to see a 540d touring
You should do more live streams - great way to get donations!
@@bellastaffypearmapearman2666 I think a rhd 540d is scheduled for the UK in 2021. Joe might confirm with his insider knowledge
As a 640d simple stage 1 owner I’m loving it. People don’t realise how smooth and torque this engine is and it really goes when you need him to. At the same time Beats 1.2 puntos and corsas on mpg. Bmw in my opinion produces the best 6 cyl Diesel engine out there
I owned an F11 530D Touring and it was exactly as you report. A superb all rounder. I changed from runflats to Michelin and spent £ on a DMS remap. Absolutely magical. And .... 36mpg averaged over 85k miles. 54 might on a gentle run. I now drive a B5 Biturbo Touring which is in another league - particularly the suspension. But in all truthfulness the 530D does it all! Joe ... you are welcome to test the B5!
I'm an American that watches your videos, even ones on cars not sold in NA, and I gotta say I love your content. You're very articulate on the features in these cars and it makes watching them really interesting. Keep up the good work
Thank you buddy, appreciate the support from the US ❤️
Happy to help. BMW: I purchased a new X5 last year and I am purchasing another two cars this year. I watched Joe’s channel when making my decision. Keep them coming Joe.
Awesome Joe. I now own a 530d touring in white, pre LCI. What a car, what an engine. Best all round car I've ever owned 👌 another great video Joe 👍
Cheers Paul, great to hear that as well, genuinely brilliant package! Hope you're well!
Audi A6 piss on it all day long.
@@yousefbhoyroo6960 typical audi fan-boy, over the top frustrated, letting everyone know how sad he really is.
@@yousefbhoyroo6960 audi are not a patch on bmw
My heart says Alpina B5 touring, my brain says 530d touring, my wallet says...you don't want to know lol
After 10yrs of beemer, my wallet and covid said Mazda lol. I'll be back to beemer in a couple of years 💪
@@dougdougeson8692 I will be back On BMW after few year after I am getting rid of Mazda 3. Not as efficient as BMW, not as fun
7:43 2020 Money WIN ua-cam.com/video/DgK8LO1EyWg/v-deo.html
@@mapsandnavigation433 so you wouldnt recommend mazda?
@@Masa6x i do recommend it, but BMW is much better. Fuel economy, handling, fun, acceleration, stability on road. My personal opinion.
My dream car M550d or M340d
Those rear LEDs are ridiculously high quality
The LED Bar is however just too thick, always have to think about the designer didn't have a pencil so he used a text marker for the rear lights lol
@@LA-st6dq yeah maybe so but I don’t think any other brand has leds that look that clean
@@Siggfuggggg2000 They are indeed very clean, powerful lighting and smooth, but just too thick. Should have kept it closer to the previous model or split the thick Bar into two thin LED Bars with the L-shape that connect to one thick bar.
I mean you have those sharp thin headlights (althought I critize that they eliminated the iconic halos in exchange for these based on generic Volkswagen Group headlights similar to an Audi TT and VW models) and then those clumsy thick rear lights, distrubs the appearance.
5:59 Easy BIG WIN ua-cam.com/video/BwKDmjcXYM4/v-deo.html
just glad they don't do the stupid caterpillar indicator
Imagine we got the M550d in the UK
540d is enough for any Situation trust me
Well nobody gets it anymore so
That would be a beast
@@Stuttgart1887 540d doesn’t exist in the UK
@@lewisvincent7479 ok didn’t get that.. I’m Sorry then
Joe I’m on my 4th BMW because of your reviews. I started with 2016 120d xdr then 2018 335d xdr I’ve now have X5 M50d & next will be M3 Touring…thanks for properly explaining the concept. You crack on dude the best you tube review.
Great video Joe, love the channel. I own this car (pre-LCI, gloat!). We have a dog, two kids. It’s such a good car, fun enough and does everything well at 43mpg, thrashing it gives 35mpg. Such low costs too, with a service package and a decent PCP deal with 20% deposit. Everything it does is 8/10 - 10/10 in my view. You can tell that this is back to the E39 from a philosophical stand point.
Everyone should drive a good diesel estate like this. Lovely spec as well.
Let it be a petrol.
@@GabrielSTEFAN943 why
By 2025, diesel (well built before 2010 but still) will be banned in Paris FR... seems like the age of diesel is coming to an end. That's just I'm 4 years maybe in 2030 all diesel cars will be banned in major big EU city!
@@koookao doesn’t matter. Bmw said they will not stop producing their best 6 inline diesels any time soon. Who likes to drive in Paris anyway ?
@@koookao the euro 6 diesel models the air that comes out of the exhaust is cleaner than the air that breathes
The 5 series has always, in my opinion, been the best model in the BMW line up. Just a gorgeous car all round. Great video Joe, great to see videos on all the new BMW models.
I have a G31 touring and its an amazing car. To put it in perspective, when i was growing up and looking at sports sedans the E36 M3 was 286hp and 300nm of torque and this is the same Hp and double the torque. Is has more power than the first model B5 Audi RS4 wagons. they where the bench mark "fast Estate" Just mind blowing that this is family wagon that doesn't scream "look at me" its not even got a red badge or sport label anywhere on it. With summer holidays coming here in Australia we are heading off on a 4000km family road trip in one to see the country. Cant think of a better car for this job. It just ticks so many boxes. Comfy and sporty for the family to cross a continent. Great review Joe. if we dont see you before the Christmas season. Have a safe time with your family and friends. Its been a great effort from you this year.
For me,that is perfect car...No need for more power..
Yeah, the weakest inline-6 engine of BMW is already more than enough.
Love getting home after a hard days graft to watch Mr. Achilles do his thing to such a high standard, whilst I burn, I mean cook, my evening dinner. Many congrats on your success dude!!! 🎉🎊🥇
Thank you buddy, I love the fact people like your good self do exactly that ❤️ Have a great evening, enjoy your crispy meal 😂👌
Enjoy it in the very same way myself! Putting it on, on with a pair of AirPods and cook some dinner with a glass of wine. Glorious entertainment and information. Thanks Joe
Funnily enough, had my 530d about a week, ditched the p zeros for PS4’s. Massive difference. Ride, sound, handling....second set of wheels currently on Pilot Alpins for the winter.
Great to hear! I genuinely can't believe that so many manufacturers ruin their incredible creations by saving a tenner on rubber, tyres make such a difference! 👌
It's great to hear an honest opinion Joe. You could easily say that the car & wheel/tyre combo is perfect, but instead you give an honest appraisal. I agree that if you need the extra space, the 530d touring is all the car you'll ever need, but, just for the sake of argument, how about a test on the car most of us will be able to afford - the 520d or 520i? Keep up the great work, looking forward to seeing more in 2021!!
BMW 5 Series in that guise is probably the best all round car in the world.
Fast, well made, prestigious, great looks, desirability, and good residuals. The envy of a lot of manufacturers.
Tesla will soon be irrelevant. 2020’s are the years on the Hydrogen car
lol, how wrong
Thanks Joe. I have just bought a 2.5 year old 530d. I test drove it on 20" wheels and Goodyear tyres. I asked for the route to include poor B roads as I am surrounded by them. As you observed, it crashed over drain covers and was very figity. I got the wheels changed to 19" and had Micheline PS4's fitted. I thought about ditching run flats but decided against. The result was night and day. So much more comfort! You can still firm things up by chosing sport.mode. I should point out the car also has adaptive suspension and even with that mode I still wasn't happy on the 20" wheels on B roads. Glad I watched your review in advance! 3 month update.... still love the car and the tyres BUT just had it MOT'ed and was surprised to find my 3kmile tyres are down to 5.25mm to 5.5 mm. I've not driven particularly hard so wondering what tyre to put on next with similar ride, quietness and grip but with a bit more longevity. Any suggestions out there?
what tyres did you end up going with mate?
@blags2 I still have the PS4s on as my mileage has reduced. I might try michellin Primacy next. Work colleague has these on a 3.0d Merc E class and gets good wear and respectable grip. Will try to remember to post once I've changed.
@@andygowing9677 awesome thank you, I’ll give the PS4’s a try. Same as you, I’m relatively low miles normally
A friend of mine has a 3 series on 20'. He changed the tyres to non run flat and kept the 20" wheels. His ride was much improved. So I guess two routes open to you.
Older car I know but I’ve just got a F10 LCI 535d and it’s incredible, completely agree about the BMW i6 diesel, you just have to drive one to appreciate it. Great video Joe!
Not many people tried em twin turbo diesels. I’ve got 2015 640d remapped. Driven it for almost 2 years and a half and absolutely loving the i6 in it. Great mpg
@@YordanHristooov any problems after the remap? What torque are you at? Did you do anything with the gearbox software?
@@lewisvincent7479 I’m at 700nm with a safe map not pushing to get anything more. I think the gear box hasn’t been tweaked further. The car it’s way smoother now and packs a punch. I’m a motorcycle enthusiast and everything at round 300hp looks ridiculously slow but now at least I can feel something. No issue at all with the car after the remap
Great video Joe and what a fantastic spec! For me, white cars with red leather interiors are my preferred choice!! I do appreciate that B57 engine though, pulls like a train!!
Cheers buddy, hope you're well!
The company I work for have got a few of these being delivered soon. Ours will have the optional battenburg markings and blue,white & red flashing LED lights and not fogetting the extra in car entertainment systems !
Coming to a motorway in the West Midlands soon.
530d touring always a winner. We've got a 2006 one and it's just great for bike/hauling duties. Thanks Joe
Great review Joe! I love my B58, but actually miss the thrum and low down shove of my B57. Such a glorious engine.
Have the previous version 530d Sport Touring. Its mightily impressive. Question - Is that Harry Metcalfe's regular proving ground? That s-bends looks very similar. Another great vid, Joe. 👍🏻
I was just thinking the same thing about the s-bends 👍🏻
Haha yes it's the same brilliant road, well spotted!
@@JoeAchilles1 🧐 I'll take the 1M up that way for a leg-stretch. Have you got anymore MTB vids in mind, Joe?
Re: your comments on the ride quality of the 530D touring and in particular the 20 inch rims.
I took delivery of my 530d x drive saloon just before the last lockdown, I have only completed 1280 miles, yet somehow I have managed to dent both front wheels. This is due to two separate incidents with pot holes. It will cost in the region of £240.00 to repair the rims.
While bemoaning my luck to the wheel repairer, he explained the most likely scenario, which is as follows.
Due to the 20 inch rims there is insufficient side wall rubber to absorb the impact, add into the mix my tyres are Goodyear Eagle Run Flats with stiff side walls, the energy travels through the tyre to the rim. The result is a bent rim.
FYI I didn't opt for the 20 inch rims......The Joy of Motoring.
The looks of that car are amazing I love it and for years I’ve always said Audi avants look the best I even have a B9 a4 avant but this just looks so good in that spec 👏
@Joe Achilles what I am pretty sure about is you testing 530d on 20” with MSport suspension, which is indeed a harsh setup.
but any 19” with even standard (not mentioning about adaptive EDC) suspension will ride very comfortable. 19” + Adaptive Drive suspension can easily be compared to MB with pneumatic suspension. 3 series with standard suspension on 19” can not be compared with 5 series in terms of comfort - these are different worlds I would say.
you are just doing the best car videos online!! why? your voice is great, you look great -no worry, I am not guy :-) but you are very empathic and what you say about the cars is real and people will believe you what you say. I drive also a 530d touring 2017 and I am going to change into the Lci 530d Touring beginning of next year. Keep going on with your tests - you are the best. warm regards from a Swiss artist - ANDREAS JORDI
Hey Joe, since the G30 platform seems to be undisputed a great development of BMW and you seemed quite positively impressed by the G05 45e Drive-Train and the whole concept of this car in general, as well as the 330e, it would be quite interesting to hear your opinion on the 545e, maybe you could get a chance to review this car shortly, too.
But once again thanks for this great video and your honesty about this very model. Keep up the great work, you're doing a fantastic job, thank you ever so much for that.
Thanks for another great video Joe. A real pro at getting just the right level of detail in your reviews. Got an older 5 and was thinking of one of these next, I will be looking at the 3 now too 👍 great stuff 👍
Brillant video Joe 👍. I will always love the 5 series, back when I had my F21 118i and it when in for repair the dealer have me a F10 530d as a courtesy car, I was over the moon. I hired a G20 in Germany last year and my god what a upgrade the G20 was over the F10. It was only a 520d but it was comfortable at Vmax 142 mph (winter tyers) and very economical circa 53 mpg over 1000 miles. The only time it was bad, was on the twisty roads around the Nurburgring. When I was sold my 118i I said to myself, definitely next car a 530d. Though instead I bought a Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro instead.
Great review Joe, thanks for your honesty. I have an f11 stage 2+ (GKR) multimap (standard in Eco Pro, stage 1 in comfort, and stage 2+ in sport) - 430hp, 900Nm (xhp st3 gearbox). It’s quick enough but let down by handling also, back country roads are not fun and that’s on 18” wheels. Great on the Motorway though 🤪 (until having a blowout on the M6 at lest yesterday)
I prefer the looks of the touring over the saloon in the 5 series ,great engine ,I love my 430d ...keep up the great work
530d best car I have ever owned and about to get back down to the dealership and get one of these beauties!
The main reason, why your car has a hard suspension is that you don't have the adaptive suspension but the 10 millimeter lower M suspension which is way stiffer. I saw that the car doesn't have the adaptive button next to comfort, sports and eco pro. The M suspension together with 20 inch wheels are hard as hell. As I am driving this car with the adaptive suspension and I can tell that it is extremely comfortable in comfort mode and gets acceptable stiff in sports mode
Its a testament to the E39 touring that you can see elements of its styling in the this new model.
good review . I run my 2017 G31 on Michelins - makes a lot of difference, done 50,000 to date , average 41.8 mpg, and yes 50 on motorways . will be in for another in the new year so this was great to see
Great to hear, glad you appreciate decent rubber too 👌 Those figures are almost identical to my findings! Cheers for watching
Joe's car does not have the adaptive suspension but the very stiff M suspension, he is telling that wrong in the video. You can see the missing "adaptive" button next to the gear lever, which is available if you have the adaptive suspension. I know both suspensions and the adaptive suspension is way more comfortable as I have it in my touring and had a M suspension model for a test drive recently, because I'm about to order a new one.
Glad to hear your doing well Joe and seeing the channel grow! Great review as always!
Another great video, love my 530d. Glad you mentioned the personal assistant hahahaha
Haha yes mate thanks for giving me those commands 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I've had the same problem with a comfort on 19inch alloys but after removing the run flat tires all work incredibly well! Currently running kumho ps91 and for the price I think they are very close to the michelin 4s!
Great video!
It is weird. I have a pre LCI 530d xDrive touring with 20, and I also drove a g21 320i touring with 17 inch wheel, I think the ride in 5 is far better than that 3, especially the rear seat, since the g21 don’t have air suspension in the rear.
Awesome video Joe.
Every time Joe has a BMW Touring on his channel, I’m always sad. BMW South Africa doesn’t offer tourings😔☹️
Agreed. I’m very happy with my E90 330d, but the Touring would have been even better.
(Bloemfontein)
I've got a LCI F10 530d and the 1st thing I did was fit Michelin PS4S and it was night and day over the Bridgestone run flats!
Glad to hear that, so many giving me stick taking about tyres all the time, they make such a BIG difference! 👌👌
@@JoeAchilles1 I'm always talking about these tyres too. They are incredible all rounders 👍
Hey Joe how is the wear factor on PS4's? I currently have the Bridgestone Turanza run flats on my 330i G20 and the wear on the rears after 11000 is shockingly poor.
I've currently done about 10000 miles and still have between 5mm and 6mm all around.
@@omerta2002 ps4's are great. Used to use goodyear asymmetric, id say the ps4's last longer and grip better. I get 20k miles out of a set of fronts on a hot hatch.
Absolutely love your generous videos mate!
Very humbling you're sending back thanks to the community who's following your channel.
Keep up the good work and be an abundantly blessed forever and ever Amen.
Very anticipated video on the 530d😈😈😈
As always Joe. Great work. As always. The merch I bought from you got delivered really quickly and is top quality
My e91 325d which is stage 1 tuned to 319hp and 700nm is noticeably different with better tyres and even at 10 years old is a fantastic diesel estate I’d pick over most modern estate cars - this car converted me to estates!
Current owner of the 530d xdrive saloon pre facelift, hugely impressed at it's daily useage although on these fabulous UK roads the ride quality could be better so point well made Joe on the LCI. Still a great motor!
I bet that the b5s alpina is perfect with the comfort + setting 👍👍👍👍
Nice one Joe, great work you doing, enjoying your review from South Africa - we may all be miles apart but the passion we all share brings us together....even right here in the comments section.
The BMW enthusiast group has expanded all about the world😊
Hey Joe, great to be a subscriber, always loving and eagerly awaiting your top content - this one in particular...I own a pre LCI late 2019 in this X drive spec Tanzanite blue, M Sport Plus, heads up etc....agree with you on the comfort drive on the 20", but that aside, this car never ceases to impress me and put a big grin on my face; Top review as ever Joe.
This is the best BMW Content Joe! :)
Hello Joe... I really wanted to drop you a line after listening to your intro.... I’m only 1.25 seconds in, pressed pause and am tapping away. Firstly I’m so sorry that your business has suffered. As a business owner myself, I feel your pain..... secondly (and I’m sure I speak on behalf of the rest of your community) it should be us thanking you for your efforts, your excellent informed reviews and for entertainment in these horrendous times.
I for one, appreciate your time that goes into your creations and I sincerely hope that you will see your way through to better times in the new year.
Thankyou again. I’ve got my savings plan set up for a deposit on an Alpina B3 touring because of you...... Best wishes, David.
Thank you David, massively appreciate your support and kind words, makes me very happy 👌 Also massive congrats on your inbound ALPINA, what an incredible car that will be! Complications with their UK franchise means I won't be doing any videos on my favourite brand anytime soon, great to hear my old videos are still helping produce sales. ❤️
Great video Joe, lovely cars the G31. I literally just picked up a G31 a few weeks ago. (its just a 520d m sport, it is nice to drive and a huge boot)
Nice Video it is a lovely Car but U didnt mention the b57 has now 2 Turbos :)
Great review as always Joe, keep up the good work, we all appreciate it 👍
I can see your honorary of how you appreciate your fans and subscribers. Just without watching the video I liked the video already
Good guy with great content
Thank you 🙏
With the amount of times you mention your height I'm beginning to think you're compensating for something🤣🤣 Love the vids BTW.
The original Mr BMW Man and long may it continue. Another great video but I’ve never been a fan of Tourers but a beautiful car anyway. Can’t wait for your new car next year but hopefully more M2 vids to come. 😃😃😃
Totally agree that the I drive it's over the rest of the infotainment on the market but Matt Watson has change his opinion with Mercedes now🤫😂
I’m currently running a 520d touring loan car on the 19’ wheels and the comfort is extremely good. Took it to Skye and got around 700 miles on a tank.....🍺😎
The rant on ride (suspension set-up) distinguishes you from a cheap influencer to an aspiring car journalist. Thanks! -owner of a 3 litre diesel audi allroad (of course with air susp.) - the modern muscle (450 Nm) and comfortable cruising (extremely high maintenance) car. (Btw, I run 17 inch 235/40 summer and 16 inch (almost doesn't fit around the caliper) 225/55 (!!!) winter tires. The ride is plush and boasts great road-holding due to ok suspension geometry (pseudo double wishbone (actually multi-link) front and multi-link rear) and of course constant awd.)
@Joe Achilles. It's a great channel. You're great to watch. Always a good balance between knowledge/factual reporting and passion and enthusiasm. Personally you come across as really humble and likeable. Best Of luck with your business next year mate.
9:48 “Can a Tesla do that?” HAHA, You just roasted tesla and their fan base Joe 😂😂
Haha always mate, they won't watch this, they're not into cars 😂
@@JoeAchilles1 Yea they’re into stats only 😂😂
@@307skylake7 stats? Nah they’re about big tablets
They're into their dishwashers
This is the perfect all rounder. If you throw a map in on that car you'd see 350bhp and probably 700+nm of torque. One of the best looking BMWs at the moment. Massive WANT!
First off refreshingly honest and enjoyable review!! Too many car reviews are about the reviewer showing how clever he is and not about the car.
I own a late 2019 530d x drive. Coming from an Audi A6 3 litre quattro. My Audi’s engine was in my opinion the dogs dangly bits. Responsive, virtually zero turbo lag bags of bottom end grunt that went on for ever . However the latest audi V6 diesel has been ruined, you have to push it to get life. Hence I now own a BMW 530d and I have been pleasantly surprised at the 3 litre BMW lump. It does what it says on the tin and return amazing economy however and it is a big however!! Having test driven the 340d. Why oh why don’t BMW sell the 40d engine! In a 5 series ! I know you can get a 540d in Germany , it comes off the same assembly line so pretty please BmW !!
Also I don’t know what other people’s experience is but customer service from my local dealer is not a patch on what I got from Audi!!
You emphasize that it's a heavy car yet it weighs 10kg less than a Volvo V60 and much less than any SUV of this class.
You can also not fault the car for the drive comfort when it is clearly a configuration issue. Glad you explained that one.
I’ve owned a 520D saloon / 530D Saloon and now I currently drive a 520D Tourer - briefly the 530D is just awesome best engine ever and decent mpg - I do drive the SE spec though on 19” and find it for me the best ride ever……yes the M Sport looks good but for sheer comfort the SE is like a magic carpet. I don’t think you can get SE models now in 5’s I’m not sure about that as mine is a 2017 model but I wrapped the rear bumper (bottom section) in black so it’s very like an M Sport - it’s also very well specced Sports seats a must - one tip my 530D also was an SE had comfort seats with massage don’t get that - you sit on the seats not in them and no side bolsters to hold you in on corners trust me on that one. The 5 series is just the best car on the road and I’m 63, I golf and we have a dog so the Tourer is just perfect……..next car a 530D Tourer in 4 years time probably an M Sport on 19”s and Non Runflats. In summary the best car I’ve ever owned - if you’ve only had 520’s I’d suggest you can get a 530 even if it’s older you won’t regret it.
Joe if prospective buyers of this touring can`t make their minds up from all the points you have made then I don`t know what else to tell them. Brilliant video as always and it just shows that your experience and knowledge is second to none, so well done again and looking forward to the next one. I hear that BMW are shifting their engines to the UK to concentrate on EVs ?
Great vid and car. I love the BMW 3litre 6cyl diesels. Had a 330d coupe manual, loved the engine but always thought it’d be better with an auto box. Then had a 123d coupe... 4 pot, 2litre diesel... quite rattly and slow in comparison, didn’t cut it for me. Now have a 430d with auto box I bought brand new and whilst friends and family love the car for the looks and comfort, as do I, it is as much about the engine for me especially coupled with the auto box. Sounds so smooth and the performance with the auto box is great; that swell of torque is so addictive, still, even after 3yrs of ownership. Great engine. 👌😎
First uk review of a facelift 530d, thanks Joe!
I have the 430d coupe the engine returns 52 mpg when driven sensibly such a superb engine, would love a 530d touring one day perhaps great review thanks
Watching from Nairobi kenya, great informative review congratulations Joe.
Thank you buddy, great to see I have such a wide spread audience 🙌🙏
The Sky is the only limit for you... Keep up reviewing such great cars and you will not regret at all.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is still a global village.
It’s a good looking car, that’s for sure. I do miss the Halo DRL’s though. The 3l 6pot diesels are amazing. So smooth and punchy 🙂
love the bmw and alpina coverage. keep it going man!
Since you brought up the Diesel topic, I'd love to hear your opinion on a BMW 4 cylinder Diesel. 320d, 118d, etc.
Lovely motor that - great vid as ever Joe
I think we should app be thank you for the great content you churn out consistently. Thank You Joe!!
This car's spec is a killer!!
Great review!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
love your Tesla comparison! Absolutely right mate. Great channel and lovely reviews. Congrats!
This particular car is perfect replacement for my F10 530D
Just wow. That car is gorgeous.
Hey Joe, You are most welcome. Fab videos plenty of information provided. Good knowledge of the vehicles on review. 👍🏿👍🏿
Joe, thanks to you for sharing your opinions about cars, especially BMW! Also for the awesome CTRL&Shift collection!
Great Video mate, BMW are amazing cars & the 5 series is my favourite.
I brought a tasty F10 M5 competition earlier this year running 660bhp & it was a amazing motor 😍
Now running a Audi SQ5 tuned & it’s awesome.
BMW & Audi the best & in diesel format especially the Torque is phenomenal.
Stay Safe mate 🤜🏻🤛🏼
love the videos joe.
as your do everything car, chucking muddy bikes in, giving mates lifts, going on road trips, occasionally blasting country roads - would you personally take a 530d touring or an X3 30d? trying to think which is the better do everything car?
cheers!
The merino seats are just glorious
Great car. I have had the m550d. An absolute hamnercar. Because of the new job near my house a sold it but performancewise a brilliant car.
For better the ride quality, if you are looking to purchase one, take the adaptive suspension, you can take the 20' but if you take those big wheels, you will have runflat tires that's the big issue when you buy a big German sedan, when you take optional big wheels, they always goes with runflat. So buy 20' or 19' and change to normal tire with same specification but non runflat. The ride quality will be really different. I know a lot of people on French forum bmw and they all have 5 series with 19' or 20' and they alway say that the 5 is very confortable but you have to change into non runflat. I even talked with a man with 5 series touring with 19' non runflat and without adaptive suspension and he said that you don't even need the adaptive because it still very nice
We had an LCI 530e sedan for a few months, on 18 inch wheels, adaptive dampers, M sport package. It had a great ride quality, extremely stable and comfy at the same time. Still, it didn't feel like a 1,9 tonnes heavy ship, it was nimble! Ok, it was a sedan and it had the about 10kWh battery in the floor, lowering the center of gravity. Anyways, love the 5 series, love this Diesel, love this video. :D
I was very surprised that you were honest about ride quality and not just a BMW fanboy keeping a lid on it. This is a serious turnoff since waking up the kids in the backseat after you hit a bump in a family car is just not what you are looking for. How was the ride quality in the prefacelift version? How about if you compare it to 6 GT?
Good things come to good people Joe. Next step 200k subscribers!
Totally agree with the ride quality though
Soon as mine are worn out it'll be on ps4's to try and improve
JOE you have the best presentation on serie 5 , and y have seen a lot .
Nice to see you driving it little Joe
Hey Joe 😊 You mention that the engine is one of the best BMW have produced. I will take it a little further an say that this engine is one of the best diesel engines in the world 😊 Here in Denmark a G31 530d is extremel expensive but I have have found a F10 530d only 4 years oold. Maybe I will buy it 😊
Lovely motor and great vid bud 👍
Was on the market for the Touring but test car in sedan appeard to have enough space for our 2+2. Ordered last week, however 518d only :)