2007 530i or 2008 528i
10-12-2009, 04:41 PM
#1
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Help me out here. Aside from the window switch placement and shifter difference, which one would you get and why if everything else is the same (looking for Sport Pkg, Premium Pkg). Is the auto transmission the same for both?
10-12-2009, 04:51 PM
#2
Contributors
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Originally from Koeln, Deutschland. Enjoying it in Bonita Springs, Florida Now :)
Posts: 7,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Sanford23' post='1030885' date='Oct 12 2009, 08:41 PM
Help me out here. Aside from the window switch placement and shifter difference, which one would you get and why if everything else is the same (looking for Sport Pkg, Premium Pkg). Is the auto transmission the same for both?
I haven't looked into the LCI's too much so I can't be sure of this, but I think the LCI can be ordered with the SAT (Sport Automatic Transmission)
Here is Rudy's review
https://5series.net/forums/index.php...opic=42608&hl=
10-12-2009, 05:03 PM
#3
Members
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: So Cal
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2010 535i, Sports Package, Nav, Prem Sound
Definitely get the 530i! I have a pre-LCI 530i, and I've driven a service loaner 528i (2008 or 09).
I can tell you that the 530i has better performance (obviously it has a power advantage), but the interior of the 530i seems to be of higher quality! I think in the LCI cars BMW cost-cut a little. The interior pieces feel more like an e90. Also the LCI new-style gear shifter feels cheap compared to the "Old school" shifter in the pre-LCI.
On the other hand, the LCI cars have some convenient storage areas that the pre-LCI lacks (for cell phones etc.).
I can tell you that the 530i has better performance (obviously it has a power advantage), but the interior of the 530i seems to be of higher quality! I think in the LCI cars BMW cost-cut a little. The interior pieces feel more like an e90. Also the LCI new-style gear shifter feels cheap compared to the "Old school" shifter in the pre-LCI.
On the other hand, the LCI cars have some convenient storage areas that the pre-LCI lacks (for cell phones etc.).
10-12-2009, 08:08 PM
#6
Contributors
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Thousand Oaks, California
Posts: 11,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
Originally Posted by amit1947' post='1030898' date='Oct 12 2009, 06:03 PM
Definitely get the 530i! I have a pre-LCI 530i, and I've driven a service loaner 528i (2008 or 09).
I can tell you that the 530i has better performance (obviously it has a power advantage), but the interior of the 530i seems to be of higher quality! I think in the LCI cars BMW cost-cut a little. The interior pieces feel more like an e90. Also the LCI new-style gear shifter feels cheap compared to the "Old school" shifter in the pre-LCI.
On the other hand, the LCI cars have some convenient storage areas that the pre-LCI lacks (for cell phones etc.).
I can tell you that the 530i has better performance (obviously it has a power advantage), but the interior of the 530i seems to be of higher quality! I think in the LCI cars BMW cost-cut a little. The interior pieces feel more like an e90. Also the LCI new-style gear shifter feels cheap compared to the "Old school" shifter in the pre-LCI.
On the other hand, the LCI cars have some convenient storage areas that the pre-LCI lacks (for cell phones etc.).
10-12-2009, 08:18 PM
#7
Contributors
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: St. Louis Burbs, USA
Posts: 8,998
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
As the owner of an '07 530, who has had more than one 528 as a loaner (both '08 and '09), I can say I prefer the 530. Obviously, this may have more to do with familiarity than anything else. Nonetheless, I was happy to get my car back. I'm sure there are many 528 owners who would feel similarly about their cars as well, as we all have differing tastes and requirements. The best thing you can do is go drive each car. The good news is, no matter which you select, it will be a wonderful e60. Good luck.
10-12-2009, 09:07 PM
#8
Members
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Golden State
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: BMW 528i
Lexus LS460
Lexus GX470
Lexus RX300 Silversport
528i hehe. Kinda biased but then again I've never driven a 535i or a 530i. I can tell you is that between the 525i and the 528i, the 528i is a little more responsive than a 525i lol. I test drove a used 07 525i just for the heck of comparing the engine power 
Plus you will really love the LCI tails and headlights (angel eyes)!
But drive both of them and you make the decision on where you think your money is worth more
Plus you will really love the LCI tails and headlights (angel eyes)!
But drive both of them and you make the decision on where you think your money is worth more
10-13-2009, 05:50 AM
#10
Senior Members
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: 11791
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 BMW 535XI white
Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by brabusw209amg' post='1031127' date='Oct 13 2009, 02:28 AM
i like the lci heads and tails of the 08. but the performance is better on the 530. try to get the 535i and u'll be happier.
LCI headlight and tail will cost you about $1000