Joel

Any help here is most appreciated from this first time poster: I am trying to estimate the cash cost of ordering a new '08 535i (still unkown but higher MSRP and no deals in first six months) vs. buying a '07 530i right now (significant deals below MSPR can be had as BMW needs to get rid of all the 07's). Obviously the engine difference makes the comparison less than exact, but I would guess there might be a $US 5K difference. More? Less? I am trying to figure out if the new MY08 enhancements and IPOD interface are worth it. Obviously, if I lease there are even more savings with MY07 as BMWFS has low money factors out there. Thanks in advance for all help here....

ImolaRedM

The biggest difference will be in MF of a lease. I think you'll be able to get similar deals off MSRP if you shop around. Being that we're so close to the '08 production I would wait unless you're looking to lease. On the other hand the current engine is going to have less problems in the long run if you're buying. There is no beating a normally aspirated engine.

Veight

You might be able to get a 550 now (07) vs. waiting for the 535 later (08). Given the discounts on the 07's and the increase on the price of the 535 you might get close.

Ricracing

Try to go for the 535i Joel and welcome.

The differance between a N52 530i and a N54 535i is huge.

The US facelift 528i will be a N52 but in Europe we'll get the new N53 530i.

C's Bimmer

It's funny that we're welcoming him as a first poster, when he joined in 2003 before most of us! Haha!

0700700

damn youre right mate

BetterMakeWay

wow you can trully see the specific NA delivery in both torque and hp, compared to the n54. Although the N54 revs higher than the N52 and has more peak hp, it reaches it sooner than the N52.

jet190rs

wait for the 535i.
they are doing some sick things to the turbos now. for $2-3k in mods you will be able to smoke 550i's.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43252

uglybear

I actually ordered 535xi next day they were announced but then flipped back to 07 530xi. Primary reason was that I, in fact, didn't like new turbo engine. I tried 335i automatic which weigh almost the same as 530i. There was clearly low torque until around 1500+ rpm followed by a mild turbo lag and a bit of a jerk when turbo compressor picked up. There was another, smaller bump in power at around 2500-3000 rpm, where, I presume, the second compressor picked up. 335i felt faster if I stepped on it, but in the typical daily driving (i.e. stop and go, 25-40 mph) 530xi engine felt much smoother and more pleasant to drive. I am assuming that 535xi will be heavier than 335i and the low torque before turbo pick up will be even more prominent.

So I flipped my order back to 2007 model. It seems like turbo engine needs a bit of work before it can compete in comfort with the classic I6. Or maybe steptronic needs to be adjusted better to the turbo engine. It is a bit sad that current 3.0 I6 with 255hp is going away in US. I'd love to get 530xi with Euro 08 engine: 272hp without turbo.

Besides, 07 model will cost me at least $5K less since I can get a discount while 535 will be sold at the sticker.