bavariancowboy

I contemplated these choices just two years ago and went with an 07 530i. This has more horsepower but similar mileage to the 525 and 528 but better mileage than the 535 and 550. I really like the power of the 535 twin scroll but was in the mid 20s in mileage even though 75% of the driving was highway.

With the 530 (sport package/6 speed) I am in the low 20s for all city, around 27 mixed and up to 33 for all highway. Granted this is per the OBC which I think is usually a little optimistic. In any case, I like the 0-60 in 6.7 when I want it and decent mileage when I am not standing on the gas.

Wolrab

If you're running any BMW, fuel isn't a big part of your cost structure.

tpaxadpom

Well said. I rarely notice 5 series with m package on the road on a rainy day. That tells me most of these cars are sunny weekend drive. That is why I asked these questions. I understand the difference between being able to buy this car and being able to afford one. All my friends that own German cars(mercedes, bmw) tell me to stay away from them.

Jim165

LOL, actually the REAL reason for my mileage is because I have to watch my speed pretty much all of the time now that I've amassed a couple of tickets on my CBR1000RR. Just got one about 3 weeks ago, in a construction zone no less. Cop was super cool and only wrote me up for going over the limit and not the construction zone infraction .
But like E60_550i perfectly stated, sometimes it's just nice to have the power available when you need it...

browncow

If this is a daily commuter for the wife, 528 for a couple of reasons; 1) best MPG of the bunch, even if only marginally, 2) cost...buying used and in a 1:1 option comparison, I'm willing to bet the 528 will always be less, 3) (like mine) she probably would prefer a little less torque for a smoother drive. If it is being purchased as a car for the wife, but you will drive it every chance you get and in 6 months buy her something else...go with the 535.

BTW...I'm in the Seattle area too (Bellevue) and I normally get 19-21 with daily driving (about 90% of my driving...we have an SUV for long trips, etc.) with my 530i. Reset computer and on a trip to SEATAC with minimal traffic 29-30 MPG. I think terrain and traffic make a huge difference. Even with "daily driving" you don't really coast if you are in traffic or going up and down hills the whole time.

Range99

535d around townsend motorway use I do 1000 miles a week half city driving half motorway I drive quite hard and I return 31.7 average, the 535d ihas plenty of punch the twin turbo is a grat set up, I also have a re-map to 330bhp it makes a quick car with good mpg.

tpaxadpom

Last week we test drove 2010 528i with M aero package with 19" (172). The day prior to that we drove Infiniti 2007 G35 sedan (sports package). I was very disappointed in this BMWer. I would have bought 528i for my wife but it didn't have logic 7 (she got used to some high quality stereos) so it wouldn't work. I did like CIC high res screen though. Both cars had automatic transmission as my wife won't ever drive manual. I think G35 handles/performs on pair with 550i but is more fun to drive (IMHO). About 5 months ago there was one M45 in Seattle with 44k miles on it for $22k. I should've of bought that car but she wanted status car "BMW".

BSLNoel

WTF? Both of you sound a bit nutty honestly.


I hope you were trying either trying to flame us or make your last post.

tpaxadpom

??? If I was to drop the word "status" would it sound better? Like I said before the search goes on.
I called couple dealerships on Friday (550i). No one answered the phone so I left voice mails. Guess what, no one returned my call. I also called 2 BMW dealerships in CA to schedule pre-purchase inspection. The service guys were busy and they promised to call back (which they never did). Thankfully I didn't get into agreement with the guy selling the car so no service was needed.

Roy7

I think a lot of what he says is actually reasonably valid, I was looking at the G37S as a daily driver, and that car is a beast and extremely good value (cheap, reliable, fast).

But, I chose the BMW because I wanted a larger, all-wheel drive car with a distinctive appearance (read gorgeous), that's fun to drive while also conveying a sense of elegance and maturity.

The car is your wifes, not yours, if she didnt notice the difference between the 528 and the G35, and wants a status car, go with the 528. If she doesnt car about size (eg was looking at the G35), then even look at a 335, 328, you get the brand name, and a substantially cheaper car. There are a ton of options in the price range you've set out (MB c300/c350; Audi A4, A5, A6; and BMW's).

It's very easy to get all emotional here (and lord knows many of the posters on this thread have gotten a bit impassioned), but it's just a practical issue - the 550, 535, and even a BMW is not for everyone.