Photo: BMW
Along with the facelift of the F10 5 Series, BMW decided to launch a couple of new models in the range, one of the most interesting being the new entry-level 5er, the 518d.
The guys from CAR Magazine went out for a drive in it, to see exactly what you’re missing out on for the near EUR3,000 price tag difference.
First of all, the one thing everyone’s going to be concerned about is the lower power output. As the badge suggests, the 518d has 143 HP and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque so around 31 HP and just 20 Nm of torque less than its bigger, 520d brother.
What does that mean? Well, not much. Since the torque is plentiful, the car never feels slow on the road. As for the fuel economy, BMW rates them both at the same level.
Not even in the optionals you won’t find meaningful differences, as both can be fitted with just about anything. Furthermore, if you’re still worried about power, you can get a 518d and then get it tuned and pocket the change.
For example, Hartge offers a plug-and-play option for this model that costs just EUR1,050 (excl. VAT) that will take the car up to 174 HP and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. The rest of EUR2,000 could be spent on gas or optional features.
Bottom line, the price cut makes the 518d a good entry-level car, especially with all the tuning options out there. Even so, the guys from CAR Magazine would go for the 520d instead, without looking back. What would you do?
Via: CAR Magazine
First of all, the one thing everyone’s going to be concerned about is the lower power output. As the badge suggests, the 518d has 143 HP and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque so around 31 HP and just 20 Nm of torque less than its bigger, 520d brother.
What does that mean? Well, not much. Since the torque is plentiful, the car never feels slow on the road. As for the fuel economy, BMW rates them both at the same level.
Not even in the optionals you won’t find meaningful differences, as both can be fitted with just about anything. Furthermore, if you’re still worried about power, you can get a 518d and then get it tuned and pocket the change.
For example, Hartge offers a plug-and-play option for this model that costs just EUR1,050 (excl. VAT) that will take the car up to 174 HP and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. The rest of EUR2,000 could be spent on gas or optional features.
Bottom line, the price cut makes the 518d a good entry-level car, especially with all the tuning options out there. Even so, the guys from CAR Magazine would go for the 520d instead, without looking back. What would you do?
Via: CAR Magazine
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