I am planning no mods at this point. And after another test drive today, I am thinking I will order a new 528.
Now it's thinking about which options are essential. I don't want to break the bank. But I am also the type to keep a car for 8 years, so I want it to be perfect. Like I said in my original post, I still have a 2002 325. Since we also had a Volvo for part of that time and I work at home, the 325 has only 22,000 miles on it. Runs great, too.

Thanks for all your help. It's good to have people to help me think this out. It's a big investment. And it's going to be my ride for a long time. So it has to be right.

Thanks!

 

HID lights should be at the top of your list with a 528. Great debate over leather vs leatherette. So, my choices are:

HID
Nav
Prem
Comfort Seats

 

-dakota leather
-sport package
-comfort seats
-usb adapter
-M aero kit

MSRP, just under $52,000

 

It took me a while, but I've made my decision. I just made an appointment to buy the new 528. With the free premium package and other breaks, and .9% financing, it's just too good to pass up. I plan to keep it for years, pretty much stock, so it just makes sense. The options I'm sure about are: premium, nav, and ipod. I am torn between adding the xenon and logic 7 sound. What do you think? And I've never sat in a comfort seat. Is it really that much better than the standard prem package seat? Does it make sense to upgrade the seat if I don't drive long distances, except for a very occasional road trip? Any other option you are passionate about that I've overlooked? I don't want to overspend. But this is going to be my baby for a long time.

Thanks again for all your help. It's a very happy day! :-)

 

If you're gonna do a lot of mods, maybe going CPO might be the best bet.

Personally, I'd go with brand new though...

 

If you want to make a sound financial decision you should always go with the used car. Project your TVM over 4-5 years for the price difference, then ask yourself whether or not you'll really spend that much money on regular maintenance over that time if you got the used car.

As far as options such as logic 7 and comfort seat, well if you're only going to drive the car 4k miles per year you are not going to spend much time in the car so saver yourself some money.

By getting a used 545i you will not only get a faster vehicle it will also have as standard features many items that are optional on the 525/528.

Looks like it may be too late to say, but you can always back out of a deal until you sign the papers.

 

06 & 07, 530 has more magnesium parts and racy cam profile = 255 HP

08, 528 has newer fuel management = 230 HP

They are both 3.0 liter engine and almost the same MPG.

Some people like the pre-LCI interior (me too) and some like the LCI interior better.

BUT! does the 06, 530 has sports & premium packages? The comfort seat is a MUST have option.

Regardlessly, if you decided to order yourself a new 528, don't ever forget these option otherwise you might regret.

I would say the car ain't too much different but the options make it a totally different car! I recommend you DO MORE RESEARCH on these OPTIONS.


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