Going to buy first BMW: Need help choosing between 525i and 530i
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From: Austin TX
My Ride: 2014 X5 xDrive 5.0 M Package Carbon Black Metallic/2008 M Roadster Imola Red
Originally Posted by Amani' post='207372' date='Dec 5 2005, 09:29 AM
take 525i
cool car........ i have one and its awesome.
here Xeons is standard. u well find it in each 525,
go for it
but one qs to all..... what is Comfort Access and HUD ?
cool car........ i have one and its awesome.
here Xeons is standard. u well find it in each 525,
go for it
but one qs to all..... what is Comfort Access and HUD ?
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From: Albany, NY
My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
Hi Politics,
Since 1987, I have always had the high performance 5ers, except for one brief period when, after having my 535iS was T-boned on the way home from skiing, my insurance company forced me into a 525 with automatic (no comparable used 5 speeds were available after a month's search).
Aside from being the only automatic that I ever owned, what annoyed me most was that its not-so-powerful engine required premium gasoline. And that was 10 years ago, before fuel prices edged into the $3 range.
So, to me, I'd go for the 530, and burn that pricey fuel with elan. And, you are bound to get better value at trade-in time.
Good luck, have fun,
Ray Hull
PS: My most enduring recollection of the 525iA was running it with the AC on. I could WALK faster than that thing would pull around town--all on premium fuel. No thanks.
Since 1987, I have always had the high performance 5ers, except for one brief period when, after having my 535iS was T-boned on the way home from skiing, my insurance company forced me into a 525 with automatic (no comparable used 5 speeds were available after a month's search).
Aside from being the only automatic that I ever owned, what annoyed me most was that its not-so-powerful engine required premium gasoline. And that was 10 years ago, before fuel prices edged into the $3 range.
So, to me, I'd go for the 530, and burn that pricey fuel with elan. And, you are bound to get better value at trade-in time.
Good luck, have fun,
Ray Hull
PS: My most enduring recollection of the 525iA was running it with the AC on. I could WALK faster than that thing would pull around town--all on premium fuel. No thanks.
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From: Bay Area, Ca
My Ride: 530i 2006 Jet Black w/tan leather. Premium package; Sport Package; Sat Radio
I had this same desision to make. I loaded a 525 up and it cost about the same as a less loaded with the bigger engine. At the end of the day I pick the bigger engine. My thinking was that you will never be sorry you got the bigger engine but anyother option may/may not have value in the long run.
Go 530i!
Go 530i!
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Originally Posted by politics2u' post='207278' date='Dec 5 2005, 12:12 AM
Also, does a 525i lower the prestige factor of the BMW? I am not trying to sound arrogant, I apologize if that is how it comes acrosss. Please understand, I have ALWAYS dreamed of owning a BMW, and now I have the resources to realize BMW ownership. I want to make sure whatever car I choose, it is considered a pure BMW, with the handling BMW is know for, and the all the attributes BMW gives it owners. 
I keed, I keed
Go for the 530, you will not regret it.
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From: L.A., California
My Ride: 2013 535i (White with Oyster Interior. Premium Package, Navigation, Technology Pacakge, Park Distance Control, and Rear View Camera)
525i= 215HP, 185 lb-ft Torque and 7.6 sec (0-60)
530i= 255HP, 220 lb-ft Torque and 6.6 sec (0-60)
For $3700, I think it's money well spend on 530i for performance.
530i= 255HP, 220 lb-ft Torque and 6.6 sec (0-60)
For $3700, I think it's money well spend on 530i for performance.
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From: Helsinki, Finland
My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
PS: My most enduring recollection of the 525iA was running it with the AC on. I could WALK faster than that thing would pull around town--all on premium fuel. No thanks.
[/quote]
I'll race you anytime on snowy roads with my 525iA!
[/quote]
I'll race you anytime on snowy roads with my 525iA!
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Albany, NY
My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
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From: NYC & LI
Originally Posted by politics2u' post='207278' date='Dec 5 2005, 12:12 AM
Hello to everyone. A very nice Forum. I just found out about this site. It really is a good site. Here is my dilemna: I am going to purchase a a New 2006 BMW 5 Series. I can get a 530i with sport package, premium package, navigation, rear seat airbags, rear seat fold down, sirus satellite radio. Or, I can get a 525i with the same options, plus Xeons (not standard on 525i) for $3700 less including California Taxes.
Now, I could pocket the $3700, or use some or all of the $3700 to add extra options. The additional options would include a combination of the following: Power Rear Sun Shade, Comfort Access, HUD, Premium Sound Logic 7, Comfort Seats, Active Steering. I would probably lean toward adding Power Rear Sun Shade, and Comfort Access, then pocketing the $2000. Or, I could add HUD (it is cool, but not sure about the usefullness), or Premium Sound (Not sure about the sound difference, I will have to listen to see if I notice an $1800 difference, my ears are not audiophile ears.
)
I drove the 525i and thought it seemed pretty powerful. It was much more powerful than the previous 525i. It acutally reminded me of my buddy's 2004 530. I thought the power of the 06 525 was equal to or better than my buddies 530. Again, just my opinion. Now, I have not had the pleasure to drive a 06 530, so I do not have a comparison. I do inten d to drive one for comparison, but I know even after driving one, I am still going to be wondering which one to purchase. At least they are both GREAT cars. 
Also, does a 525i lower the prestige factor of the BMW? I am not trying to sound arrogant, I apologize if that is how it comes acrosss. Please understand, I have ALWAYS dreamed of owning a BMW, and now I have the resources to realize BMW ownership. I want to make sure whatever car I choose, it is considered a pure BMW, with the handling BMW is know for, and the all the attributes BMW gives it owners.
Thank you for any input.
Now, I could pocket the $3700, or use some or all of the $3700 to add extra options. The additional options would include a combination of the following: Power Rear Sun Shade, Comfort Access, HUD, Premium Sound Logic 7, Comfort Seats, Active Steering. I would probably lean toward adding Power Rear Sun Shade, and Comfort Access, then pocketing the $2000. Or, I could add HUD (it is cool, but not sure about the usefullness), or Premium Sound (Not sure about the sound difference, I will have to listen to see if I notice an $1800 difference, my ears are not audiophile ears.
)I drove the 525i and thought it seemed pretty powerful. It was much more powerful than the previous 525i. It acutally reminded me of my buddy's 2004 530. I thought the power of the 06 525 was equal to or better than my buddies 530. Again, just my opinion. Now, I have not had the pleasure to drive a 06 530, so I do not have a comparison. I do inten
d to drive one for comparison, but I know even after driving one, I am still going to be wondering which one to purchase. At least they are both GREAT cars. Also, does a 525i lower the prestige factor of the BMW? I am not trying to sound arrogant, I apologize if that is how it comes acrosss. Please understand, I have ALWAYS dreamed of owning a BMW, and now I have the resources to realize BMW ownership. I want to make sure whatever car I choose, it is considered a pure BMW, with the handling BMW is know for, and the all the attributes BMW gives it owners.
Thank you for any input.
good luck, cant go wrong with either