525i Pride
04-11-2009 | 05:57 AM
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 60
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From: Princeton, NJ
My Ride: 2007 525i Black/Black Sport, Prem, 6M, Sirius
People have long mentioned "de-badging" or "replacement badging" when it comes to driving a 525. I've heard that many seem embarrassed, with the halogen lights, the smaller engine and the bottom of the E60 pack mentality. I'm not, but I was just reading this review on automotive.com that was exactly how I felt, and one of the reasons I chose a 525i over it's 530i equivalent...
What are other 525i/xi owners thoughts?
"When it comes to handling, we like the six-cylinder models, and particularly the 525i. Despite its horsepower deficit compared to the other models, it's no lightweight, and because it's lighter, it feels spry and light on its feet. This is a good, honest sedan in the BMW tradition, with a comfortable ride, precise steering and nice, sharp handling, and without a lot of high-tech stuff to muddle the picture." -Automotive.com
What are other 525i/xi owners thoughts?
"When it comes to handling, we like the six-cylinder models, and particularly the 525i. Despite its horsepower deficit compared to the other models, it's no lightweight, and because it's lighter, it feels spry and light on its feet. This is a good, honest sedan in the BMW tradition, with a comfortable ride, precise steering and nice, sharp handling, and without a lot of high-tech stuff to muddle the picture." -Automotive.com
04-11-2009 | 06:10 AM
#2
Contributors
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 606
Likes: 0
From: South. Deeep South.
My Ride: 2008 535i Monaco blue/cream beige, light poplar trim, sport, nav, premium, Logic 7, 6 speed manual
My other rides:
Departed: 2006 530xi Silver gray/black, anthracite maple trim, cold, sport, nav, premium, Logic 7, 6 speed steptronic, bluetooth, adaptive xenons
Departed...2002 525i White/beige, 5 sp manual
Originally Posted by jalanson' post='843929' date='Apr 11 2009, 08:57 AM
People have long mentioned "de-badging" or "replacement badging" when it comes to driving a 525. I've heard that many seem embarrassed, with the halogen lights, the smaller engine and the bottom of the E60 pack mentality. I'm not, but I was just reading this review on automotive.com that was exactly how I felt, and one of the reasons I chose a 525i over it's 530i equivalent...
What are other 525i/xi owners thoughts?
"When it comes to handling, we like the six-cylinder models, and particularly the 525i. Despite its horsepower deficit compared to the other models, it's no lightweight, and because it's lighter, it feels spry and light on its feet. This is a good, honest sedan in the BMW tradition, with a comfortable ride, precise steering and nice, sharp handling, and without a lot of high-tech stuff to muddle the picture." -Automotive.com
What are other 525i/xi owners thoughts?
"When it comes to handling, we like the six-cylinder models, and particularly the 525i. Despite its horsepower deficit compared to the other models, it's no lightweight, and because it's lighter, it feels spry and light on its feet. This is a good, honest sedan in the BMW tradition, with a comfortable ride, precise steering and nice, sharp handling, and without a lot of high-tech stuff to muddle the picture." -Automotive.com
04-11-2009 | 06:15 AM
#3
Senior Members
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Leicester, UK
My Ride: 2006 523i M-Sport
For me my 523i is great....Unfortunetaly the previous owner badged it as a 550i! Thats the only reason it got de-badged.
Slightly OT.....but why is my car a 523i...but have a 2500cc engine? Same with the LCI 528's...they have a 3000cc engine?
I allways thought the end 2 numbers related to engine size??
Slightly OT.....but why is my car a 523i...but have a 2500cc engine? Same with the LCI 528's...they have a 3000cc engine?
I allways thought the end 2 numbers related to engine size??
04-11-2009 | 08:35 AM
#4
Contributors
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10,301
Likes: 0
From: New York, New York
My Ride: See my signature
Originally Posted by jalanson' post='843929' date='Apr 11 2009, 09:57 AM
People have long mentioned "de-badging" or "replacement badging" when it comes to driving a 525. I've heard that many seem embarrassed, with the halogen lights, the smaller engine and the bottom of the E60 pack mentality. I'm not, but I was just reading this review on automotive.com that was exactly how I felt, and one of the reasons I chose a 525i over it's 530i equivalent...
What are other 525i/xi owners thoughts?
"When it comes to handling, we like the six-cylinder models, and particularly the 525i. Despite its horsepower deficit compared to the other models, it's no lightweight, and because it's lighter, it feels spry and light on its feet. This is a good, honest sedan in the BMW tradition, with a comfortable ride, precise steering and nice, sharp handling, and without a lot of high-tech stuff to muddle the picture." -Automotive.com
What are other 525i/xi owners thoughts?
"When it comes to handling, we like the six-cylinder models, and particularly the 525i. Despite its horsepower deficit compared to the other models, it's no lightweight, and because it's lighter, it feels spry and light on its feet. This is a good, honest sedan in the BMW tradition, with a comfortable ride, precise steering and nice, sharp handling, and without a lot of high-tech stuff to muddle the picture." -Automotive.com
My problem is I love the gas pedal far too much. Hence, I've got a 550. If I could slide it past the wife, I'd have a M5.
But I have little doubt that in tight corners where power is not as much of an issue, a 525/528 with sport could outhandle my car -- at least until the part where you come out of the corner and mash the gas pedal on the straight.
04-11-2009 | 09:02 AM
#5
Members
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Malmoe, Sweden(Danish expat)
My Ride: 2008 E61 530i M-Sport
Carbon Black, black Dakota leather, advantage, comfort and M-Sport package, comfort seats, sport automatic transmission, alarm system, rails, folding and auto dimming mirrors, PDC, xenons, hi-fi loudspeaker system, USB interface, detachable towbar, navi pro, bluetooth phone prep.
light package.
You should be proud of what you own. I have debagded my 530 and would have done the same thing with a 52X or a 550, simply because I think a E60/61 looks better with no badge........ 
04-11-2009 | 09:14 AM
#6
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 515
Likes: 0
From: Southern CT
Originally Posted by jalanson' post='843929' date='Apr 11 2009, 09:57 AM
People have long mentioned "de-badging" or "replacement badging" when it comes to driving a 525. I've heard that many seem embarrassed, with the halogen lights, the smaller engine and the bottom of the E60 pack mentality. I'm not, but I was just reading this review on automotive.com that was exactly how I felt, and one of the reasons I chose a 525i over it's 530i equivalent...
What are other 525i/xi owners thoughts?
"When it comes to handling, we like the six-cylinder models, and particularly the 525i. Despite its horsepower deficit compared to the other models, it's no lightweight, and because it's lighter, it feels spry and light on its feet. This is a good, honest sedan in the BMW tradition, with a comfortable ride, precise steering and nice, sharp handling, and without a lot of high-tech stuff to muddle the picture." -Automotive.com
What are other 525i/xi owners thoughts?
"When it comes to handling, we like the six-cylinder models, and particularly the 525i. Despite its horsepower deficit compared to the other models, it's no lightweight, and because it's lighter, it feels spry and light on its feet. This is a good, honest sedan in the BMW tradition, with a comfortable ride, precise steering and nice, sharp handling, and without a lot of high-tech stuff to muddle the picture." -Automotive.com
04-11-2009 | 10:00 AM
#8
Contributors
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,998
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis Burbs, USA
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).
They make different engine sizes for different needs, wants. Most people never really maximize their car's potential no matter what engine they have in it. I had a 325 coupe and it was arguably one of the most enjoyable cars I've owned.
04-11-2009 | 10:10 AM
#9
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 202
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I am really sick of these boards making owners of 525/530/528 feel like their car is so inferior. I had a 07 530i that ended its lease and now have a 545i because I came across a great deal. I was more that humanly excited and loved my 530i.
I miss the i6 often when driving. The car did feel much lighter and maneuverable, you could actually take the car to 7k redline often v. in the 545 you rarely can do that since so much power is down low that you are already going 60 or 70 by the time you would hit redline on regular roads where I find hittin redline to be the most fun, in 2nd gear, on a normal road, there is nothing better sounding than the high pitched bmw I6 at redline.
You have a nicer car than 90 percent of the population, the car is smooth as hell, comfortable as hell and luxurious. The inside is so much more plush and nice compared to the 3 series.
I as well debadged both my 530 and now 545. I do think it looks cool
I miss the i6 often when driving. The car did feel much lighter and maneuverable, you could actually take the car to 7k redline often v. in the 545 you rarely can do that since so much power is down low that you are already going 60 or 70 by the time you would hit redline on regular roads where I find hittin redline to be the most fun, in 2nd gear, on a normal road, there is nothing better sounding than the high pitched bmw I6 at redline.
You have a nicer car than 90 percent of the population, the car is smooth as hell, comfortable as hell and luxurious. The inside is so much more plush and nice compared to the 3 series.
I as well debadged both my 530 and now 545. I do think it looks cool
