Replacement for a 9-year old BMW 530d in Gurgaon: Which car to buy?

Even the new 5s do not have the same build quality. Another 1 year and the life of this car in Delhi-NCR will come to an end.

BHPian ashishkashyap recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Completed 9 years with F10 530. Still absolutely love it! Even the new 530’s do not have the same build quality. Another 1 year and the life of this car in Del NCR will come to an end 🙁

Those in a similar boat : What are the new wheels that you all are considering after this? Any of the BHP-ians considering the new X5 40i M sport? It is launching in August.

Here’s what GTO had to say on the matter:

I hear you, man. My 530d is going to be 10 this year, but looks + drives + feels like a 3 – 4 year old car. More importantly, it is still comparable to any sedan in the 70 – 90 lakh segment. I feel the pain of the 10-year ban in Delhi and am sure it will make its way to Mumbai sometime in the future. My girl’s family had to let go of a pristine 9-year old Audi Q5 because of the Delhi ban. Meanwhile, I plan to enjoy my car till its 12th – 13th year.

Suggestions:

• I have considered the W222 S-Class (IMHO, the best S-Class ever made) and the GLS as the family cars to replace the 530d. Take a spin in the W222 or W223, the 223 is more driver-oriented.

• BMW X5 40i M-Sport should be your top choice.

• If you’re looking at fast & 4-doors, take a spin in the Audi RS5 (Audi RS5 Sportback Review).

• Don’t know if you can increase your budget, but the Porsche SUVs (whether Macan or Cayenne) are both fantastic (and overpriced with options).

• The Land Rover Defender is unbelievably wild and big on the feel-good factor. If you drive it, you will fall in love. But again, overpriced and you better have another car as a backup.

Here’s what BHPian Turbanator had to say on the matter:

Yes, it’s coming early next month, but delivery dates are uncertain. Some say around September. M will be pretty loaded per the details; you can connect with any dealer and make the booking. They will be adding Seat cooling in the M trim finally

I checked a Defender recently, and some of these are now in stock with the dealerships. No discounts yet but stock delivery. If you have any other fast sedan, you can consider Defender (caveat being the reliability part), especially the 6-cylinder. This is a genuine truck-like drive (for good, mostly), but if it’s going to be the only car with you, I will pick X5.

An example of 75 Years sitting at a dealership. I can’t get past those wheels and turns out I am not the only one cribbing. But the fix should be easy should you wish to consider it.

Here’s what BHPian Prashant316 had to say on the matter:

Can i be a little different here?

I am not sure of your preferences in terms of body style and luxury/mass brand preferences or if this is your primary or additional car. GTO has already well covered the luxury replacements.

If I were you and money no bar, I would go towards that Defender. It would be something you will not forget till you kick the bucket. Maybe even have traces of it in your memory in the next life.

But here is my different opinion.

Except on very rare occasions, luxury brands only provide you with a snob value, which i understand is important to some. Not to me.

Hence:-

• Sedan – Camry. I couldnt believe my own self on how much i ended up appreciating this car. The comfort is phenomenal and if you forget the Toyota badge, you will be forgiven to think that you are in an upgrade to that F10.

• SUV – Wrangler. You will stand out on the road and enjoy every bit of your adventure on the roads or off it when the monsoon arrives.

Special mention, in case electricity ignites a buzz inside you – Ioniq 5. Though for now i am unable to recommend an electric car whole heartedly due to their inability to tour.

Here’s what BHPian ashish22 had to say on the matter:

Hi Ashish, any specific reason for not replacing sedan with a sedan or you want to consider X5 for SUV practicality?

I was in the same situation, sold my F10 BMW 530d when it was 7 years old due to the NGT ban and knew that only at this point i could have lot of takers for the car and the decent sale price which i eventually did!

I would recommend you to look at few options:

1. BMW X5 40i surely if SUV is the only choice you have!

2. Defender would be my second preference in SUV however it’s 3L petrol engine would be in X7 price territory and the base 2L petrol would be underwhelming coming from 530d. Reliability would again be second to BMW.

3. Audi RS5 Sportback if you are still considering sedans. The RS5 would be smaller than 530d but more than makes up for it in outright acceleration, grip and sweet sounding petrol engine tone.

4. BMW Z4 m40i because why not!

5. BMW M340i is also an interesting alternative and would have my recommendation for it’s selling price but Z4 (road presence and as fast as 340i) and RS5 (explosive performance) have proper USPs and your 530d is no slouch when compared to another fast sedan like M340i.

6. Kia EV6 and Jeep Rubicon Combo (interesting take, you get so much for money spent albeit the badge value!)

7. BMW X3 m40i if SUV is primary buying factor and performance also has to be top notch!

Happy buying!

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