525i Pride
04-11-2009 | 04:31 PM
#22
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This is my first BMW and one i could afford. If i got another one in a few years i will compare prices and maybe upgrade to the next model. If not, im very happy with the 525i. I would love for more initial acceleration but once its moving, its totally cool on the open road.
04-11-2009 | 05:03 PM
#23
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From: New York, New York
My Ride: See my signature
Originally Posted by elk42' post='844313' date='Apr 11 2009, 08:31 PM
This is my first BMW and one i could afford. If i got another one in a few years i will compare prices and maybe upgrade to the next model. If not, im very happy with the 525i. I would love for more initial acceleration but once its moving, its totally cool on the open road.
You'll be hooked for life.
04-11-2009 | 05:11 PM
#24
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From: Southern CT
Originally Posted by -Mike-' post='844068' date='Apr 11 2009, 02:45 PM
I love my 525. I have only 2 complaints. 1) I really really wish I would have gotten a 6 speed. I miss it every day, and the stepronic is no replacement. But, my wife will not learn how to drive stick in my car, and it makes swapping cars when necessary very easy. She refuses to learn. 
2) I wish my 525 had about 40-50 more HP. I moved from an 06 330i into this, and my 330i was like a rocket. I do miss the extra 50 HP on the highway, hills, etc.
I will say that they did a nice job on the steptronic (DS). It's actually tuned well to compensate for the lack of HP. In the end, it is a heavy car for the motor, IMO, but I really do enjoy driving this car. Especially now that I just put on a new wheels setup. That has helped in the handling dept.
As far as being embarassed? That's a bunch of crap! I live in Chicago, and they don't make a 550xi, so this works out great for me.
2) I wish my 525 had about 40-50 more HP. I moved from an 06 330i into this, and my 330i was like a rocket. I do miss the extra 50 HP on the highway, hills, etc. I will say that they did a nice job on the steptronic (DS). It's actually tuned well to compensate for the lack of HP. In the end, it is a heavy car for the motor, IMO, but I really do enjoy driving this car. Especially now that I just put on a new wheels setup. That has helped in the handling dept.
As far as being embarassed? That's a bunch of crap! I live in Chicago, and they don't make a 550xi, so this works out great for me.
Can you share the details about your new wheel setup?, I am interested too. right now I have the stock wheels in my car.
04-11-2009 | 07:35 PM
#25
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From: San Diego, CA
My Ride: Silver/Grey E60
When I got my 525 gas prices here in San Diego were at 5 dollars a gallon for 87 and almost 6 dollars a gallon for 91.
For me it was a matter of a car that suited my needs and financial situation. Do i wish I had a 535 or 550? OF COURSE! Then again I would rather have my 525i with it's horsepower than a lot of other cars with more. I'm glad that BMW thinks enough to offer different trim levels so that all of us can enjoy an E60.
Ok. I'm getting emotional time to go! HA!
For me it was a matter of a car that suited my needs and financial situation. Do i wish I had a 535 or 550? OF COURSE! Then again I would rather have my 525i with it's horsepower than a lot of other cars with more. I'm glad that BMW thinks enough to offer different trim levels so that all of us can enjoy an E60.
Ok. I'm getting emotional time to go! HA!
04-12-2009 | 05:01 AM
#26
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Massachusetts, USA
My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
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
"The performance factor is not in raw horsepower but in the fine balance between suspension, engine, and overall handling that would allow a BMW to effortlessly carve through switchbacks and tracks alike, competing against cars claimed to be far superior in specific aspects but none that combined them all."
This my friend, is why I keep saying that power is so overrated in our wonderful car. With the proper driving training you can get as thrilled in a 525 as you can in a 550. It's all about your preference for day to day use. For most of us an extra $5-10K is not an issue to "move up" to the next engine. It's just a matter of preference. So let's be proud of our 525's and let's kick some non-BMW ass.
04-12-2009 | 06:14 AM
#27
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From: Miami Gardens, FL
Originally Posted by hafnia' post='844027' date='Apr 11 2009, 01:02 PM
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........ 
04-12-2009 | 09:51 AM
#28
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From: Orlando, FL
My Ride: 2006 550i - Metallic Mystic Blue, Sport Package, STEPTRONIC Auto Transmission, Leather Interior, Power Front Seats w/Lumbar Support, Xeonon Head Lights (Angel Eyes), Park Distance Control (PDC), 6-CD Changer, Adaptive Head Light, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Professional Radio, Premium Sound Package 13-Speakers Logic 7, Weather Band Radio, Voice Control (for Bluetooth Telephone Operatoin), 18" Run Flats, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Front/Rear Heated Seats, Flat Tire Monitor (FTM), Moonroof, Fold Down Rear Seats, Hardwired Valentine One
Originally Posted by Krozi' post='844069' date='Apr 11 2009, 02:45 PM
I really doubt that anyone on this forum thinks that 525i/530i/528i are inferior.
Too me, every BMW on the road is family
Too me, every BMW on the road is family
I owned a '99 540i/6, second owner, and the previous leasor de-baged it.. When I bought it, I asked the dealership to please give me the 540i badge and I re-installed it... I like the car's to have the correct signature.
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04-12-2009 | 10:53 AM
#30
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From: San Antonio, TX
My Ride: 04 525i, 04 Dinan M3
Even if you did debage because of how you think other people preceieve the car, 98% of people wouldn't know the difference. I myself am a big car person. I happen to like how the lexus IS looks, I don't think any less of one I see on the road if it says 250 or 350, honestly I don't even know the power difference. A friend of mine has a sick IS250 bagged VIP style. He told me the car only apparently has 200HP. I couldn't believe it, I don't think any less of the car, I always like seeing them on the road. So its pretty much all mental and how you think people with precieve it is most likley different from reality. Though I would like more power than my 525 in traffic to get past cars, I DONT race. The car looks the exact same anyway.