[TheGearBox]

Originally Posted by GTO

The time you get a speeding ticket, but you really don't mind because you always wanted a nice moving shot for the album

Attachment 2176100

Originally Posted by Axe77

Haha. Here's mine from less than two weeks ago.

Is this your go-to place for a quick pic of your cars?

[lamborghini]

Originally Posted by TheGearBox

Is this your go-to place for a quick pic of your cars?

Interestingly, I think the new buyer of our A6 also went for this very photo package after delivery

[Abhi_Automobile]

Originally Posted by GTO

Attachment 2029447

As explained in the rejuvenation thread, it is super important to keep "spicing" up your car.

All-black dual slat grille. Makes the 5 look sportier & more aggressive:
Attachment 2029448

Compare this mean look to the all-chrome grille that she originally came with! Today, there is almost zero chrome on the car, save for a few small highlights. BMW's shadowline treatment had anyway removed a lot of the chrome that you see on F10 520ds / pre-facelift 530ds:
Attachment 2029449

Glossy black border with matt black innards. Extremely classy. Idea credit goes to the Rapid TSI which I tested recently:
Attachment 2029450

Man, she looks -H-A-W-T!!! No one, and I mean it, can tell she is 8 now (?).

I bought a new 3 GL Luxury Line. Can you please advise what is the best way to get the black kidney grille? Source readymade one (OEM or AliExpress version?), or get it wrapped up glosssy black?

On 3GL, the car - found the 3 GL to be much more comfortable compared to regular 3 yet not sloppy in any way. And obviously it is better value than 5 LCI, which is the only other car I considered.

I have peculiar taste in that I like my car’s interior to be opulent, but exteriors to be sporty! Can you advise, please?

[lamborghini]

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

I bought a new 3 GL Luxury Line. Can you please advise what is the best way to get the black kidney grille? Source readymade one (OEM or AliExpress version?), or get it wrapped up glosssy black?

Personally prefer getting a new grille from OEM / Ali / One of the tuners near you.
With the wrap it can get damaged & doesn't look as neat. Given it doesn't cost too much (relative to the cost of the car of course) better to get a new one.

You can even play around with a few combinations such as the diamond pattern grille as seen on the 340i, or some combination thereof : A friend has the slatted grille in black, with the matte silver surround on his 340i.

[Abhi_Automobile]

Originally Posted by lamborghini

Personally prefer getting a new grille from OEM / Ali / One of the tuners near you.
With the wrap it can get damaged & doesn't look as neat. Given it doesn't cost too much (relative to the cost of the car of course) better to get a new one.

You can even play around with a few combinations such as the diamond pattern grille as seen on the 340i, or some combination thereof : A friend has the slatted grille in black, with the matte silver surround on his 340i.

Thanks bud. Do you know where I might get this on AliExpress or any dealers in NCR?

Others - feel free to chime in here, given my lack of knowledge on this topic!

[lamborghini]

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

Thanks bud. Do you know where I might get this on AliExpress or any dealers in NCR?

Others - feel free to chime in here, given my lack of knowledge on this topic!

I got mine from Akshay who runs a workshop - Redline Autohaus Mumbai.
Try getting in touch with them if they can source it and ship it across to you.

[sangam_mm93]

Originally Posted by GTO

The time you get a speeding ticket, but you really don't mind because you always wanted a nice moving shot for the album

Attachment 2176100

All the more why I fall for the F10.

Neither the E nor the G series car attracts as the F does to me. I hope I will get a good one from the last of the F10s if or when I upgrade from my Jetta. And when I do, I hope it is a 30D and not a 20D.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

I bought a new 3 GL Luxury Line. Can you please advise what is the best way to get the black kidney grille? Source readymade one (OEM or AliExpress version?), or get it wrapped up glosssy black?

I'd have gone for BMW OEM for ~22K. Alternatively, reach out to dealkarde.com and check availability.

[gollabhat]

Originally Posted by lamborghini

Interestingly, I think the new buyer of our A6 also went for this very photo package after delivery

Attachment 2176422

The Verna went for the photo-ops honor a fortnight back.

Due apologies if this is getting a little off-topic.

[ashishkashyap]

Recent updates :

1. Finally changed the tyres of my BMW 530D. Tried to hunt for Tubeless Found Good year F1 run Flats from BMW Deutsche dealership itself. Got the staggered set up. After changing the quality is 2x improved versus the previous continental sport Run Flats.

2. Had to get the a/c condenser changed. (A/C gas leakage problem). Price : Rs.57k.

3. A sensor was giving trouble. It would often show the Engine Check light. Got the same sorted out.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by ashishkashyap

Finally changed the tyres of my BMW 530D. Tried to hunt for Tubeless Found Good year F1 run Flats from BMW Deutsche dealership itself. Got the staggered set up. After changing the quality is 2x improved versus the previous continental sport Run Flats.

Wait till you get proper tubeless . That'll improve the experience even more.

Had to get the a/c condenser changed. (A/C gas leakage problem). Price : Rs.57k.

As the 530d ages, I am mentally prepared for 1 big replacement every year. Last year, it was the air-con compressor, this year I changed the AGM battery. Am happier paying 1-lakh a year for upkeep rather than 50-lakhs extra for a new 530d which is a very similar car (except for the equipment).

A sensor was giving trouble. It would often show the Engine Check light. Got the same sorted out.

If your running has drastically reduced in the new Covid era, be sure to get a trickle charger. These cars hate low voltage conditions. Check out my detailed thread (Low voltage situations & weak batteries | The bane of German cars).

[abhinavsureka]

Hi, I'm getting a used 2016 F10 530d which has done approx 34000 kms.

Car is in good condition and with a complete service history from the service centre.

The use will be about 1500 kms a month.

What are the things i should check before buying this car ? Like the things that generally go wrong in the F10.

Thanks

[GTO]

Originally Posted by abhinavsureka

What are the things i should check before buying this car ? Like the things that generally go wrong in the F10.

There are no common failure points in the later F10s AFAIK. They are solidly engineered cars. Be sure to get a full PPI done from a BMW dealer and follow our used car checklist (including service history, checking for past insurance claims etc.).

[GTO]

8 years up, and the beast is performing superbly! These cars are built to extremely high quality standards & hence, age very slowly. I'm enjoying her combination of speed + practicality so much that I think I'll hold onto her for another 3 - 5 years (if the W222 S-Class bug doesn't bite a bigger one). Just came back from a weekend in Pawna. What an engine, what a gearbox, what a car! Had a mid-range roll-on with a Mustang and absolutely murdered it. The 530d is one of the best sedans ever sold in India (whether its the E60, F10 or G30).

At the family favourite, Sunny's Dhaba. Always the best parking


People are worried about taking non-SUVs on crazy village roads. Not me, I take my sedans everywhere. Fat girl barely fit into some of these though:


At home:


My sister's (bumpy) Tiguan ahead. This stretch was badly broken, but a little love & care means the car makes it through. I don't believe in garage queens. She did scrape her underbelly 3 - 4 times this weekend, but it doesn't bother me:


This is how I roll...


In total bliss at the Pawna house:




Saved the life of a bird that was dying on the highway


Always got bhp:


With my kid brother on the left. He's becoming a car guy ever since he bought the Superb. Gave him a couple of "handling lessons" on the Lonavla ghats:

[amol4184]

Originally Posted by GTO

Always got bhp:
Attachment 2220430

Beautiful vintage dining table there. Liked everything about it but that color is the best.