[ananbanka]

Hello BHPians!

Quick Context:

I am currently driving a Superb 2.0 TSI since 2021, which I feel is amongst the best driving car in my family's garage. The garage has a 2.0 TSI Kodiaq, 2.0P Velar, 2.0 Hybrid Hycross, 1.0 Slavia, Grand i10 (this is our beater car).

Since the past few months, there's been an itch to drive something with a little more oomph; something that's more thrilling to drive. After moving from looking at a pre-owned TT, to a new Z4 M40i, to waiting for a CLE, to a pre-owned C43, I have finally zeroed in on a pre-owned 530D considering pricing and practicality. The Slavia will be sold in replacement of this 530D.

The Question:

I intend to tune the 530D with G-Power's map bringing the performance figures to 330HP and 700NM. While the BMW is over 200KGs heavier over the Superb, will a RWD, adaptive suspension, six cylinder engine and remap provide me a significantly better driving experience than the Superb? Will this sort of a 530D lean more towards entry level sports cars territory?

Also, remapping the Superb is not an option. Nor is buying a pre-owned sports car, or trading / selling any other car than the Slavia from the existing garage. The choice is precisely based on the difference between a stock 2.0 Superb and a tuned 530D!

It'll be great to have inputs from members who have driven both! If the experience is only marginally better, I would wait and invest in another car a little later. I understand that this can be fairly subjective, but would love the inputs!

Best,
Anan

[GTO]

Originally Posted by ananbanka

I am currently driving a Superb 2.0 TSI since 2021, which I feel is amongst the best driving car in my family's garage. The garage has a 2.0 TSI Kodiaq, 2.0P Velar, 2.0 Hybrid Hycross, 1.0 Slavia, Grand i10 (this is our beater car).

Bud, I got to say, that is one heck of a garage! Well selected cars .

While the BMW is over 200KGs heavier over the Superb, will a RWD, adaptive suspension, six cylinder engine and remap provide me a significantly better driving experience than the Superb?

I own both cars, a tuned 530d and a Superb 2.0 TSI. The 530d is way, way more fun, way better crafted, and is a lot more fun to drive.

Will this sort of a 530D lean more towards entry level sports cars territory?

Easily as fast as entry-level sports cars in the real world. That being said:

- G30 530d handles better. It's the best sporty sedan for India.

- F10 530d is more of a luxury sedan that also goes fast. It's got amazing grip levels, but it's soft and you feel the weight / body roll in corners.

Even the newest F10 is anyway too old to recommend as a used buy today. Get the G30 530d - it's a significant upgrade from the Superb in terms of build, quality, interior opulence, handling and has the best 6-cylinder diesel & AT combination in the world. Get your hands on a 6-cylinder diesel before they become extinct. In comparison to the Superb, you will at the cramped rear legroom though.

Also expand your search to see if you get lucky with a pre-worshipped M340i. Although the 530d will still be more practical (a segment higher, diesel FE on the open road, comfier suspension). But once you revv that M340i on the open road, you are gone...hook, line & sinker.

[100Kmphormore]

I’d say keep the Slavia and sell the Velar, if it’s more than 5 years old and if you can. The Slavia is relatively newer and you have a Kodiaq too in the same segment.

I drove the G30 530d and was in love the moment I gunned the accelerator. Can’t go wrong with it. Compared to the F10 this felt much sportier. I’d say look for a M5 too, that is another beast in stock form itself.

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by GTO

I own both cars, a tuned 530d and a Superb 2.0 TSI. The 530d is way, way more fun, way better crafted, and is a lot more fun to drive.


Also expand your search to see if you get lucky with a pre-worshipped M340i. Although the 530d will still be more practical (a segment higher, diesel FE on the open road, comfier suspension). But once you revv that M340i on the open road, you are gone...hook, line & sinker.

@ananbanka - Listen to this man! Especially his last suggestion! Worth the stretch if you can.

[ananbanka]

Originally Posted by GTO

Bud, I got to say, that is one heck of a garage! Well selected cars .

Haha, thanks! I must say that the reviews and content on Team-BHP were a deciding factor for most of the cars we purchased!

Originally Posted by GTO

I own both cars, a tuned 530d and a Superb 2.0 TSI. The 530d is way, way more fun, way better crafted, and is a lot more fun to drive.

I think this is exactly what I wanted to hear! I do intend on getting the G30 as this is going to be my first pre-owned vehicle and my cap for its age is five years.

Originally Posted by GTO

Also expand your search to see if you get lucky with a pre-worshipped M340i. Although the 530d will still be more practical (a segment higher, diesel FE on the open road, comfier suspension). But once you revv that M340i on the open road, you are gone...hook, line & sinker.

I did give the M340i some thought, but concluded that I will be buying a six/eight cylinder petrol at some point in my life, and it has to be a coupé or roadster! I think the tuned G30 530D should suffice for now, because I know that I'd want another upgrade 4-5 years down the line!

Originally Posted by Sahil

@ananbanka - Listen to this man! Especially his last suggestion! Worth the stretch if you can.

Thanks, Sahil! I do think I'll pick the 530D for now; the higher segment, better interiors are equally important for me. Also, since it's the Slavia that's getting replaced, it's my wife who'll be driving the 530D on the weekdays. I do think she'll appreciate that more as well!

Appreciate the input, guys! This helps. Thank you!

[vredesbyrd]

Get the G30 530D eyes closed. Recently drove a used G30 520D and I am blown away. This was the first time I drove a G30 chassis (have spent most my selective BMW time around F30s and F10s).

It is exceptionally sorted and the handling is super-precise. Just like everyone has said, F10 is great too but more comfort oriented.
Imagine a generic labrador vs a show dog. Both have great handling but the latter is a bit sharper.

My observations on the 520D, the good stuff:

• Exceptionally sorted chassis dynamics. Turns at triple digit speeds would put you to sleep (that planted)
• While the 20D sounds rough, it pulls great. 190PS/400Nm is sufficient and can beat most vehicles on the road
• The ZF8 feels slightly quicker here but maybe I am just imagining things. It loves keeping the engine at around 1500-1800 rpm most of the time which is a great thing (Mahindra could learn).
  Downshifts at the drop of a hat. Full-throttle shifts happen at around 4200 rpm in D. No complaints here
• 360 camera is really helpful as the visibility is poor. Parking sensors all around
• Ground clearance is low but manageable. IDC Road (where Bird Automotive is located) has some terrible spots. But go slow and you won't have any issues
• Ergonomics is sorted. Everything falls right where you want it to. Seats are really comfortable except the headrest
• The sheer length shrinks around you once you start driving
• Edit: Auto Hold is a godsend

The not so good:

• The drive mode buttons do not provide the correct tactile feedback. While it is bracketed in F30 and has individual buttons in F10, here it is just a weird surface. Needs muscle memory to use without looking
• The headrest felt weird and uncomfortable. Maybe it is my adjustment or maybe I need a neck pillow
• 360 camera has a mind of it's own. Will only show front view when the button is pressed in a stationary car. Only reversing would show the full 360 view
• Auto Start-Stop is garbage

Basically if a 20D can make me so happy, I can barely imagine what a 30D will do to me. But not in a position to consider for at least 3-4 years.
Luckily, you can and you should. There are few like a 530D.

Here are some pictures:






















TLDR: Get the 530D

[ananbanka]

Originally Posted by vredesbyrd

It is exceptionally sorted and the handling is super-precise. Just like everyone has said, F10 is great too but more comfort oriented.
Imagine a generic labrador vs a show dog. Both have great handling but the latter is a bit sharper.

TLDR: Get the 530D

Thanks vredesbyrd! Your post really helps! I am going to inspect a G30 530D coming Saturday and it happens to be in the same shade as your car! Quite a stunner, I must say!

Very excited; hoping the vehicle and paperwork both check out!

[ananbanka]

Originally Posted by GTO

Get the G30 530d - it's a significant upgrade from the Superb in terms of build, quality, interior opulence, handling and has the best 6-cylinder diesel & AT combination in the world.

Originally Posted by Sahil

@ananbanka - Listen to this man!

Originally Posted by vredesbyrd

Get the G30 530D eyes closed.

Thanks a ton for your suggestions, guys! I saw a couple of 530Ds in the past couple of weeks and was very let down by the dealer experience in the used car space. To avoid the hassle of being cheated and being extremely worried about the car's history, I have decided to wait for the CLE, and find a way around tuning the Superb in the meantime.

I intend to remap the Superb to 250HP and 440NM, while upgrading suspension to Bilstein B6 OR, changing the springs and upgrading the anti-roll bar. That coupled with better brake pads from Brembo and Pilot 4 tyres should suffice for another year! Driving the 530D was a ball! While this will not match up to that, it will make the gap a lot lesser.

Once again, thanks for all your inputs!