Considering an F10 520d instead of an SUV for the wife

MR_Y

Well-known member
Hi,

So, my significant other (SO) has the Volvo V60 CC Dragon Wagon (raised to 210mm and with AWD, so more an SUV than a wagon).
She wants a premium badged SUV (I mentioned this in another thread on the new X3 M40i vs the 30d) later next year to replace the wagon.
After going through used car ads and working through the numbers, it is evident that the interior space vs value for money argument seems to swing to a used executive sedan (5 series, E class, A6, etc) rather than a compact SUV (X3, GLX, Q5).
Granted, the only negative is the lower ride height of the sedan compared to the SUV or cross over brigade.

So, I am considering an F10 520d. I drove this car a while back, when it just came out, and I loved it (I ended up getting an F30 since F10s were still quite highly priced back then).
Now, there are great used car buys out there, with some M/Plan left, and these cars tend to be less hammered than the F30.

So, my question: do any of you have an F10 that is used primarily by your SO (wife, girl friend, partner), who is under 1.65m tall?
How do they find using the F10 as a daily - especially for ferrying school going kids and the like?

(PS - I will still keep the V60 as the mild bundu basher)
 

SubLoaded

Resident Derailer
Staff member
My aunt used to daily an F10 M5 to drop her kids off at school and do the usual day-to-day tasks such as grocery runs. Her other options, at home, were an x5 and golf R. She took the F10 every single time. That specific f10 has since been replaced with a g30 530d now. As a side note, my mother uses my car from time-to-time and has no complaints other than it beeps unnecessarily (she thinks PDC is for ppl that don't know how to drive :biglol: )

I know you mentioned MP but have a look at this ad. I know nothing about this specific vehicle, but a well cared for n47t/B47 isn't gonna surprise you.
I actually shared this with another member last night. https://www.autotrader.co.za/redirect/listing/25716321

Try look for something with pro nav and extended cluster. Generally they'd have the better sound systems spec'd too. The pre lci steering wheel does date the car a bit imo.

F10 comes standard with a lift kit. Ground clearance is it's Forte.
 

TurboLlew

Honorary ///Member
My wife is under that height and has driven my F10 M5 many many times to work as well as co pilot on long trips. Fortunately she can't stand SUVs LOL. She finds the C200 too small and still wants to use the F10 in alot of cases (it is alot more comfortable and obviously better to drive) so we might be changing into something else soon.

I've mentioned numerous times before that we have never needed an SUV with he F10... in fact it has alot more space than many of the smaller SUVs... certainly from other manufacturers... and i have zero need to go offroad.

The ride height I dont get... yes it can be nice but it comes with more negatives IMHO. I also see guys justifying it by talking about potholes in South Africa while not leaving the city and with lower profile tyres on their heavy ass "performance" SUV than on my cars... the irony

Anyway i will always encourage someone who is thinking of the two to get the sedan. I fully appreciate the need for SUVs especially when you really have need for it... as well as performance versions for people who are forced to have just one thing. If you don't really need it, don't do it.

My 2c
 

///M Individual

Well-known member
My cousin who is also under that height has an F10 520d and she has no issue piloting it around all day everyday. Brilliant vehicle.
 

GravityLee

Well-known member
The F10 is such a well rounded platform that it will excel in daily driver/family transport duties. The SUV/sedan debate is more of a want vs. need debate in this case (which is not in any way less important as a deciding factor).
 

VinceM

Well-known member
If you get used to the SUV, you’d prefer it to a sedan.
And I get some points around “hiring” a bakkie for loading etc. but I found it convenient for that builders warehouse trip. The other day I loaded two doors with ease (when renovating the bathrooms). Yesterday, loaded a shower door, a rimless toilet, basin, etc. No need to negotiate with some oke with a bakkie!

Might be the mind playing tricks on ground clearance issue. For me, certain trips I just prefer SUV over a sedan. I do see Kia Picantos in the bushveld too hence I mention it might just be a preference on my side to want a higher clearance vehicle for short holiday trips to Kruger, Malibongwe, Welgevonden, etc.

Sometimes I just like the fact that I can park on a pavement (where it’s legal, safe and limited parking).

F10 is a lovely car, my boss drives one, we sometimes travel from jhb to Limpopo, jhb to Nelspruit, very comfortable drive....

In a household that allows more than one car, I’d chose versatility (sedan plus suv)
I have a Sedan and SUV, talking from that vantage point.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

akash

Well-known member
My Wife and I were also pondering between the F10 and an SUV, we decided on the 520d and we are both loving it.
 

VinceM

Well-known member
akash said:
My Wife and I were also pondering between the F10 and an SUV, we decided on the 520d and we are both loving it.


Is it not too long? (From her side)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

akash

Well-known member
VinceM said:
akash said:
My Wife and I were also pondering between the F10 and an SUV, we decided on the 520d and we are both loving it.


Is it not too long? (From her side)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Today is the first day she has driven the car and she's already comfortable with the car.

The PDC and rear camera also helps.
 
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