New joiner

Just joined the site. There seems to be a big stateside presence (I'm UK based) but I like the posts I've seen so far - very informative. I am new to BMW - bought a 2008 520d 6 months ago. This is a wicked car and out-classes the Volvo and Audi company cars I had for the past several years. As I am retiring this year, I have taken cash in lieu of car and so far, have no regrets at all at buying the Beamer. I am becoming accustomed to prudent use of the BMW dealerships - for example, I had a parking light bulb replaced today. I was quoted £40 ($60) by the local dealership. Instead, I went to Halfords, who charged £10. I can't see how the dealership could have given better service and the parts are Unipart, guaranteed. I will probably still use the dealership for main service but for bulbs, tyres, and oil, I shall be selective.

Originally Posted by ormsray

Just joined the site. There seems to be a big stateside presence (I'm UK based) but I like the posts I've seen so far - very informative. I am new to BMW - bought a 2008 520d 6 months ago. This is a wicked car and out-classes the Volvo and Audi company cars I had for the past several years. As I am retiring this year, I have taken cash in lieu of car and so far, have no regrets at all at buying the Beamer. I am becoming accustomed to prudent use of the BMW dealerships - for example, I had a parking light bulb replaced today. I was quoted £40 ($60) by the local dealership. Instead, I went to Halfords, who charged £10. I can't see how the dealership could have given better service and the parts are Unipart, guaranteed. I will probably still use the dealership for main service but for bulbs, tyres, and oil, I shall be selective.

^ That's good thinking off the bat. You want the dealer to their job on the car they specialize in, but the little things can be dealt with by amateurs.

Welcome to the 'fest, and happy retirement. I hope I get there some day, way too old to be working as hard as I do.

Welcome to the Fest and congrats on your retirement. That's intersting model, one we don't get here. How is the accelleration with, what I presume is a 2.0 litre diesel? Is it turbocharged? Also, this forum is good for tips on small DIY jobs like lightbulbs. It'll also give you stuff to do now that you aren't working....

Hi themust...
The 520d accounts for 60% of the 5 series beamers sold in the UK (and I believe Europe). The model I have has a 177hp (132kW) direct injection turbocharged engine and 6-speed automatic gearbox. This is quite modest by BMW standards but is astonishingly quiet and smooth to drive and I have not found the power lacking in any situation yet. I know you guys in the US aren't so concerned with fuel prices but here in the UK, deisel fuel is £6.40 per gallon (approx $10). The fuel economy of my 5 series is excellent for a car of this size and power - 43 miles per gallon overall and over 50 on motorway runs. In short, I would say this is the best all-round car I have driven.

Thanks for that. I believe I have also earned the right to retire after a lifetime in engineering - culminating in an intensive spell of contracts engineering and project management. Don't worry, retirement comes along all too soon and it helps if you have a nice German car to drive home in

Welcome and congratulations on the retirement.

Welcome to the forums!

congrats and welcome aboard