Kasmo

Hey guys, figure id ask here. I like my 525xi, iv had plans for it, but after a while I realized its just not worth dumping so much money to gain 100hp out of the n52 motor. I like my 525 because its awd which makes me feel a bit more safe in terrible weather conditions. Its good on gas. But i dont see myself driving that 525xi for much longer. I am BMW fan, specifically the 5 series, iv owned an e34, e39 and now the E60. My dad owned like 7 E34 over the last 8 years, 2 E30s and now currently he has a 1991 850 project going on.

I feel like my E60 is missing something, to fix that I was going to buy a supercharger for 5k. But its not worth it. So I started to look at 535s and 550s as a possible option. Now i know the N54s have problems and so does the engine in the 550s. It seems like its a 50/50 shot with getting a 535 that isnt gonna break down as often as some, but then again iv heard BMW will help out with turbos and HPFP up to 125k miles. It also seems like the 550i has some issues as well that are pricey, but i just havent heard as much about them.

Its hard for me to choose because i could either get smiles per gallon (since gas is pretty low right now anyway, but what if jumped up again lol), or I can get a twin turbo set up that I can mod, and still get close MPG compared to my 525xi and deal with the possible maintenance that occurs on the 535. Fingers crossed id be lucky enough not to go through like 5 HPFPs in the first year. Id honestly own both if i could. But I cant.

So I was wondering if some owners could chime in on mods, maintenance, maybe some advice which way would be better to go in terms of fun. Which could probably cause less headache. There is a decent selection of 535s around my area, not too much of 550s, but they are cheaper.

Some people say im weird for going for the same car again, but I like the E60 just too much, it looks awesome, its nice. I was planning on keeping my 525xi until I get a M4, but if I could get a good deal on a faster and more fun E60 I feel like it would make a great addition in my garage next to my future M4.

Thanks in advance!

skrelnik

out of curiosity did you look at the M5. I wish I was handy enough to afford that beast, but I am not, so I have a 535i xdrive with that n54 engine. It is a blast to drive for the size of it. If you are concerned about failing parts just pick up a Rt 66 extended warranty. It is available for the 535, but I don't think it's available for the M5 nor 550, but you should check it out.


mods...MHD is the new favorite tune, and is overtaking Cobb and JB. FMIC, air intakes are other performance mods. New wheels for sure, VMR has great deals. Audio upgrades are huge as well, if you get the hifi audio system that will be the best one to upgrade in terms of price and overall sound.


if you have any specifics just let us know.

JDeezyNYC

I own a 535i. I love it, the car is seriously underrated. The 550i isnt worth it. Its only 60 more horsepower. For only 500 bucks, you can can be faster. For about $2500 your 535i can be close to 500 horsepower.

The 550i however is over 5 grand to supercharge and many people have said that the engine weight to power ratio is no worth it.

Kasmo

Im leaning torward the 535 more. Just because of all the mods. And being a 5 series it would keep me limited to spending tons of money lol. I was looking at E92s and there is so much stuff for those cars.

Im just wondering how my 525xi would compare to driving a 535. I need to go and test drive one. People say once you try the N54 its hard to go back to a N52, unless you have to.

Id keep my 525xi but there isnt much, the only mods i can think of is a stage 3 intake manifold that costs about 1300 and then I need a tune so thats about another 400-500, and then maybe a air intake or something, so thats another 300-500 bucks. And id be at 280 if im lucky...

Unless somehow i convince my parents to see if I can keep a project car at their place, since I live in an apartment right now and go no garage space and ill keep the e60 and get a E30 or something. But i see the 535 as one whole package and the better deal.

illogic847

535i hands down. I own a 535xi and have a jb4 and downpipes. Car is a blast to drive and has been reliable. Just make sure you get one with services records that include the HPFP and turbos. When you decide to chip it do the valve cover gaskets, carb cleaning, plugs, and coils at the same time. Have fun and happy hunting.

Booyaazaa

Both cars have their pros and cons. I love how much power you can get out of a N54 engine at a relatively low cost. While the power is great it is still a FI engine and power delivery is not as smooth through the rpm band as a NA engine. In the end I went with a 535i myself and I've really enjoyed owning one.

pocholin

535 and get an AWD if you can.

I love the gripping on dry and wet surfaces on my wagon. Also, look into MHD, you can get ~30% more HP with less than $200 bucks.

bmwmonkey

535xi without a doubt. Easier on the wallet and larger community to learn from.


With less than 5K the N54 motor will outperform the S85 engine in the M5.

Kasmo

Thanks guys, Iv been doing a lot of thinking and I think Ill stay with my 525xi. Its just a reliable car. Dont really have to worry about much. I can always get E30 or something for cheap and make that a more of a performance car. I feel like if i spend the 1,700 for the stage 3 intake and a tune, and hopefully that will bump me up to 230-240 (sites claim it should bump me up to 260), id be happy with it. I feel like one of my main problems is the throttle response in my 525xi. Its a little laggy.

Once that NA engine hits around 5k RPMs it throws me back in my seat a little bit.

By the way, sweet e60s/e61s guys!

seven11

Whatever you do NOT spend that $2000 for the 3 stage intake and tune. That would be a a total waste of money.

you can now have these 535's at a crazy deal! So save that $2000.