To GT or not to GT...

...that is indeed the question.

I have always liked the look and the concept of the GT having enjoyed driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee in the past, but I can't really justify the economy (and economics) of another SUV or indeed an X.

Over on the new members forum Sean called his GT 'reliable'. Been serving you really well, hasn't it?

Been driving a fairly run of the mill E61 for three years now, but are hoping to change it for either a used F11 or an F07 in the future. So any 'vs' discussions would be welcomed!

 

Ultimately it's a decision only you can make, the best way to help you make that decision is test driving a few
So as not to make it biased, I'll ponder my thoughts and write an overview of my ownership, albeit there's not many problems to report,

I do believe the F11 Is a very competent and tasteful car, the only benefits I see the "F07" has over it is the raised seating position which is a balanced between saloon (touring) and SUV, otherwise both can be similarly specced.
The raised seating makes a notable difference on a day to day basis,
The GT has enhanced standard spec over similar trim levels moreso as its primarily based on the 7 series, though does compromise with handling characteristics, in that the F07 offers wooly & lazy driver feedback, I've proven their tyre pressure sensitive and better behave if you run the lower recommended pressures without compromising uneven wear.
The GT is a big lump, parking can be troublesome, moreso in tight multi-storeys which you learn to avoid, life without a rear view camera would prove troublesome as the letterbox rear window (looks small due to sloping lines) doesnt give much confidence when backing up!
The slab front, is prone to paint chipping, I'd say the paints and plastics are "very"soft and chip all to easily (yes I need a front end refresh) I'm sure it's manufacturing derived as opposed to driving style.
Driving around town you appreciate the space required, very commanding but difficult to judge your distances, you'll command more of the road and require larger parking spaces.
The GT parts bins are expensive, consumables carry the German inflated tax rates, pads and discs are overly expensive, though aftermarkets are comsiderably cheaper,
Tyres are expensive moreso due to the need for the GT to only look correct with 20" wheels (which doesn't help handling characteristics as mentioned above) though 20" can equally be placed on the F11.
There have been several reports of tyres de laminating and suffering heavy inner wear, not correctable by alignment, said to be due to high camber angle / Rft combination, whilst plausible, it doesn't make it easier to replace the rubbers midway through their servicables life.
Both models come with problematic rear suspension, airbag perishing, seems to effect the near side only, (U.S. Has an active recall, though UK doesn't )
Service intervals are ridiculously high, whilst both models are effected, I'd never advise on sticking to them religiously
As always, the M sport is the model to find, though "I" don't think it's so dramatic with the F07, I actually like the SE looks (though admittedly prefer the M Sport)
Being 7 series based, the interior is a nicer place, almost more purposeful and baron, they're big inside and the comforts shared with the peasants in the rear with plenty of leg room & space, space that's not compromised by the sloping roof line.
I'll not dwell on the engine / transmission as they're equally shared by both, the 550 is the model to go for, I can only imagine the 535d/535i is awesome, however the 530d is no slouch, the combination is remarkable and probably the first notable difference, being the linear torque delivery. The 520d is offered in the GT...........
The problems you may encounter with the bigger power units is the chassis not supporting, certainly in the case of the GT, though ultimately they're both meant for long distance cruising & mile munching which the GT does very well and leaves you as fresh as the time you set off, effortlessly and most enjoyable.
Drive the Gt like you stole it And it'll make a fool of you and most likely get in the ditch quicker.

Happy hunting!

 

This one seems well specced.

http://www.cargiant.co.uk/BMW/5-series/details-718895-BMW-5-series.asp

What is 'surround view'?

 

Several cameras that generate a birdseye view of the car, realy good when parking

 

Haven't seen Peter signing up here [yet], but he'd have some very useful pointers for you, I'm sure.

 

The Surround View system makes provides a 360° panorama view around the vehicle with help from cameras in the exterior mirrors, a wide-angle camera in front and the Rear View camera. The system assists the driver during parking or manoeuvring in tight situations or when navigating in areas with limited visibility.

Surround View includes the Rear View camera with Top View and Side View. Top View displays the areas on the side of the car for more convenient manoeuvring. Side View's wide-angle camera between the double kidney grilles on the front and the Rear View camera allow for a panorama view of the front and back of the vehicle. The Cross Traffic Assistant assists the driver by first displaying yellow beams on the side edges of the image as well as a yellow warning triangle in the presence of crossing traffic. The Side View function is automatically deactivated when the car reaches 15 km/h. The driver can then choose to activate the Rear View camera, Top View or Panorama View. The system is activated when the car is put into reverse or at other predetermined activation points. The image is shown on the Control Display.

Taken from : http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/x/x4/2014/showroom/driver_assistance/surround_view.html#t=l

 

They've now taken £300 off the price. Tempted, but Mrs Merc doesn't see the need... Should there be one then?

What is Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function? If I remember correctly there are mixed feelings about Active CC.

Snrbrtsn (have you added an extra r to your name?...well at least it's another consenant... ;)), thanks for your excellent write up.
Do you know if the MSport chairs come with memory?

 

My mates selling his 530GT, 3 years old, had it on contract but bought it himself at the end waiting for his new car. Its just gone on Autotrader - £21650.
They are very luxurious, prob better inside than my 6 was. Not my cup of tea, but it was nice for sure. Was always reliable and was pretty quick too.

 

M Sport does come with memory seats as standard, as does the SE after Oct 11.

That one at Car Giant seems expensive for what it is. Mine will be for sale next Easter with half the mileage of that and with a good spec - heads up, pro media, internet, Apps, enhanced Bluetooth, 20" wheels, xenon, electric tailgate etc etc and I will be asking around £20K, it will be four years old next April and has a five year service package.

 

There are a lot of combination settings possible, even on the non electric chairs, making it sometimes infuriatingly hard to get back to your favourite position when, despite requests not to, the garage mechanic or carwash attendant has changed it again. So good news memory seats have become standard.
In the F11 as well?

I thought car giant's GT is well equipped. Did you see the extras at bottom of page, Kleynie?

Keep me posted of your selling plans! I like the low mileage...

 

F11?

 

It's probably a pipe dream but I have a mate with a two year old M6 GC which he may move on next year, so I am hoping for mates rates! If not I am tempted with a new 430 or 440 GC, if I can get 20k ish for mine that's a good deposit without getting in horrendous dept

 

No mate, done the 5 touring thing five times now and I don't need an estate now I've finished building my house.

 

Yes, the only thing out of the ordinary is the surround view, I only have the rear view camera which I never use. Personally I wouldn't want one without the head up display, it works with the Nav so well that you wonder how you got on without it. I never look at the dash now, no need.
One thing worth mentioning is that mine is on conventional Michelin Primacy all round. This may be a bone of contention when selling on as there is no room for a spare wheel. Personally I think it's a price worth paying especially as I have BMW emergency assistance. I just couldn't bear more cracked alloys.

And memory seats are extra on the F11 M Sport.

 

What type of chairs does this GT have?
Doesn't look like standard SE to me.

http://www.cargiant.co.uk/BMW/5-series/details-715310-BMW-5-series.asp

 

Didn't realise you get the Nav info on the windscreen as well with Head up. Sounds great. Radio as well?
I suppose your eyes easily adjust from looking at the windscreen to through the windscreen.

Re tyres, what caused the cracked alloys?

 

Sports seats, looks like it has the dynamic package which is sports seats, anthracite headlining and 20" wheels

 

Yes the nav comes up on the head up display as well as the cruise control and speedo. I haven't had cracked alloys on this car but my E61 did as the run flats are too harsh for the alloys and cause cracks

 

I am a former member of bmwland and have a 2011 F11 msport which has done 30,000 miles made the mistake of buying a manual box as I thought that was the best option(was used to the old 3 speed auto,s)have been looking around to replace with an auto car and been looking at the GT speck,as I want a car with all the toys.
one question I need the answer to is they say the seating is higher on the GT than the F11 does that apply to the front seats, is it easier for a 69y old to get into,will be wanting to change my car next year(when paid for).
my present car is a 520d is it worth going for the 530d for better experience.
Tim