pjinca

Basically the difference is this: The 528 being the base model (a.k.a. cheapest) will be harder to find with the options you want, if any, simply because people buying the base model obviously don't usually have the $$$ to option it out. The 04-05 530i (yes, I'm a little biased) was perfect for me because I did want many options that were mostly seen on 545s and 550s and I didn't want another V-8 at the time.

BTW, the 04-05 525 did not have 215HP as previously mentioned - they had 184, another reason I got the 530 (40HP DOES make a difference, just ask the 545/550 owners).

Bottom line, drive em both, find either one at a price point you want with the options you want and pull the trigger.

TEAM M

08 is lot smoother more refine it's hard to tell hp diff since both are under power get a 08535i pay the few extra $ there u have both 255hp and new. GL

pjinca

Um, doesn't the 535 have 300HP? Also, it's not just a few $$ and 08 535 in my area runs between $38-44K whereas an 04-05 530 will set you back about $15K less. And that's a lot of MOD $$$

Richard in NC

If I recall correctly it goes like this:

04-05: 525i 184 hp, 530i 225 hp.
06-07: 525i 215 hp, 530i 255 hp.
08-09: 538i 235 hp, 535i 300 hp.

I don't recall the torque figures but I'd bet the 04-05 530i would feel just a bit stronger than the 08-09 528i. Although, the 528i will feel more refined.

Jrowe

Get a 05 545I if your in the market for that year... 325HP


Although the way you say you drive 6k/yr... I don't think hp should really matter... You won't get much time to put it to use.

pjinca

Good point, if HP is a concern you will find plenty of optioned out 545s out there for a reasonable price, I would since gas is not over $5/gal anymore. Just make sure you check it out, get either a clean Carfax or get it CPO, you'll spend a little more for CPO but you'll sleep better. our cars are not cheap to fix.

08white

go for 08 LCI

alot of people put money for the LCI headlight, LCI tailight, and also brither angel eye(which i dont think you can get for 05, 06, 07 model)
you can save those money for HP

Kzang

Because your not comparing the same car model line up.

The 528 is an updated 525i and the 535i is an updated 530i.

Old: 525i = 215hp
New: 528 = 230hp

Old: 530i = 255hp
New: 535i = 300hp

PraiseTheLowered

if you want a fast car dont buy a luxury sedan unless you plan on paying top dollar for one

a 530i even pre lci is a fast car and is very competent and nimble

do a few select upgrades and its even more pronounced, tires, sway bars etc are a good place to start for that

CAM5728

Ya i am not looking to spend another $15k for basically the same car just a little faster. Like I said I will not drive it much and if I want to race around I can take my Mustang out.
Just wondering basically is everyone with an 04-05 530i happy with the power of the engine?
And what is LCI?