I've driven the 525d when it was initially brought in(later discontinued due to lukewarm response). It totally changed my perception on the refinement aspect of diesel cars. I've driven couples of Ford diesel sedan in EU but this 525d is really special. And the torque, oh just amazing(reckoned 530d or 535d is heavenly better).
I also test drove the 525d during one of BMW's public test drive events at Hartamas, but it didn't impress me a lot back then. The 530d certainly did.
However, good as the car maybe, I think and believe that Malaysia service centers, workshop and even authorised SC are not ready and familiar yet for this technologically advanced diesel angine yet. And this shows with the so far slow public response to the 320d and 520d.
Change takes time, but I was told that BMW has already sold 10 units of the 730Ld
And our Euro 2M diesel quality doesn't help in the perceived dodgy reliability and high maintenance of diesel cars.
A weird misconception, actually. Diesel engines are practically bullet proof. There's a reason why all heavy commercial vehicles run on diesel.