Hey guys and gals I have another question. I'm still in the market to getting a 5 series and have narrowed down my options. I want a 06-07 525i or 530i for sure. My question however is what are the main differences between them. I am under the impression that either can come with all the packages/options (cold weather, premium, nav, etc) and the main difference is that engine and horse power. Am I right? I also am under the impression that only difference between the engines is the intake manifold (525i have a stage 1 and 530i have a stage 3), which make about a 40 horsepower difference. What do you guys think. Do you think I could switch/swap the manifolds if I got a 525i for a better deal?

 

For obvious reasons, I 'd recommend the most recent model year that you can afford.
525 vs. 530 ... you will definitely feel the underpower of 525. With 530 you won't feel as much...

however, if you test drive 550 or any other equivalent vehicle, 525 and 530 will be like snails :-)

 

If you are going with an automatic transmission you are better off with the 530i v 525.

 

I would recommend a 530i with premium/sports package. The 530i is a good daily driver with decent horsepower. Good luck!

 

Get the newest model with the highest output you can afford and then enjoy the hell out of it!

 

As the owner of both a 2005 525 and 530 (one for son, one for daughter) there is a measurable difference in power and ride ( both have sports pkg).
My daughter has the 525 and prefers the ride over the tighter 530, and so does my wife, but likes and wishes for the power of the 530.
Interestingly, fuel mileage is similar. I purposely stayed away from the V8s (not a knock) but because I think the BMW straight 6 is the best all around engine made for a passenger car. Also, there will be maintence, and a 6 is much simpiler than the V8.
If you want a car/toy and are single; get the V8. Have good taste but on a budget? Get the 6.

 

A 530i with a 6 speed manual is the best balance and no headache of a v8