Ha Ha - yeah it took all of 2-3 days to get comfortable with buying a new one, after being pretty set on a used one for months.

I'm not so sure I need the x-drive here in Denver - I know plenty of folks who are fine with RWD and snow tires. Despite the common misconception, the winters here in Denver are fairly mild, with perhaps 5-6 bad snowstorms per season.

But, having said that, I'm just a lot more comfortable having the extra security of AWD for those few storms.

The Sport package on the xi only includes the comfort seats, sport steering wheel and the shadowline trim. Larger rims are an additional option, requiring the sport pack first. So no true performance improvements with the sport pack on the xi models.

Maybe I'm getting a little older, but that's how I'd prefer it. I think pretty much any BMW, stock, provides a very sporty character as it is, so not adding a "true" sports package provides a great balance in my opinion - a very comfortable ride combined with very good handling. Though I probably will add 18" wheels sometime in the future for the spring and summer.

 

Congrats!! You will love it!

 

Well, to be honest, I did think the 525 was merely "adequate" in its acceleration, though all the other great aspects of the 5-series are there. And that's not to say the 530 is dramatically faster, but worth the extra money to me. Assuming you add the options to a 525 that are standard on the 530, I believe the premium for the extra 40 horses is right at $3k.

And with the potential upcoming 528 and 535 models next year, I figured a 530 would be a very nice "middle ground" to be in. I know I wouldn't want to spring for the 535, so I think the 530 is sort of a "sweet spot" in the lineup - taking all the model years as a whole.

 

That is true, but i first thought about a 530xd but went for the lovely sound of the petrol engine and less taxes. On the other hand the price difference wasn't that much for a 530xi but here in Belgium taxes are really high and that would be too much for me. It wouldn't compensate the difference with 530xd on the subject of taxes and petrol prices...

 

Good Choice!

 

I agree with what you say about the sporty character in stock spec. Every now and again I'll see an E60 from a distance, think , wonder if it has 17s/18s and sports suspension on it etc, and then get closer and realise its stock. Now that either backs up your opinion, or I need to get my eyes checked!

Glad to hear the winters are not too bad where you are - should make it easier for you to keep that Alpine gleaming...

 

Sounds great, and you will be happy with the sedan vs. the wagon. Welcome to the e60 X club!