I have changed sides...

Well done on the sale of the 2.0 TDI. I dont blame you because the balancer shaft and oil pump would keep me awake if I had one especially with no history of it being replaced or revised.

But in all fairness even thou you have gone to the dark side you cannot really compare apples with pears its sadly not how the game works a C6 3.0 tdi is more of a car than what the BMW will ever be especially if its a E39. Sorry to say it "opinion based". If you bought a auto then fair play the bmw in that era will win hands down. And obviously your 2.0 tdi tractor will sound like a rough bag of spanners but comparing it to a 3 litre 6 pot is not a fair comparison when an A4 and 5 series are in a different league let alone the engines. I would say go drive the Audi competitor and then compare it to your 530d and then do the same comparison. Unless you did then fair play.

BMW don't hold there value very well not that Audi is much better but they definitely have a stronger point of value.

But not that much of the above matters now as you have purchased the vehicle.

Look forward to seeing the pics.

You have to expect some banter....

That car is sick man

Seriously, looks good hope it turns out v good for you

Lovely motor. I would have snapped that up with such low mileage to.

Had a 51 plate the same model/colour (facelift E39 530d SE auto). Loved every minute of ownership. Was way ahead of its time back in the day, and a fantastic drive even in SE form. 3.0ltr straight six diesel with steptronic box was so smooth, quick and returned 50mpg - used to love hitting the resume button on the cruise control from the lights (or toll booths) and watching it go. It'll be a bit of a handful in that snow though.

I expect you'll be off to the bmwland.co.uk forums now.

Enjoy.

Nice one on the sale etc... but being an Audi through and through type, that BMW rivalry is not for this forum!

You need to get the swirl flaps removed as soon as you can, a known fault on Bm's, if one lets go & they do then it's goodbye engine, another well known fault is battery drain, have a look on bimmerforums. that should cheer you up, Sorry & all that.