Going to buy first BMW: Need help choosing between 525i and 530i
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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.
Originally Posted by Ricracing' date='Dec 5 2005, 01:23 PM' post='207475
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.
Ray
[/quote]
Well, at these temperatures we don't need the AC.
But actually, after a few laps on the ice ring the AC is good to be on, for the moist
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From: Central California. Plenty of sunshine. Hot in Summer, but NO humidity. :)
My Ride: In the process of buying the right 2006 530i
Hi Politics
I was in the same dilemna as you. I was deciding between the 525i and 530. Your option list is very similar to mine. I decided to forgo some extra options and go with the 530. I like the idea of a bigger engine.
But, I don't think you can go wrong with the 525i. I test drove one, and I thought it drove great, and had a lot of power. So, either car is a winner!
I was in the same dilemna as you. I was deciding between the 525i and 530. Your option list is very similar to mine. I decided to forgo some extra options and go with the 530. I like the idea of a bigger engine.
But, I don't think you can go wrong with the 525i. I test drove one, and I thought it drove great, and had a lot of power. So, either car is a winner!
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From: Los Angeles, USA
My Ride: MY05 545i Jet Black with Auburn interior. SMG, Logic7, Sport Package, Comfort Seats, Navigation.
Go with 530 if you're leasing. The monthly payment will be relatively tolerable.
If you're purchasing, then I probably would step up a bit and get a slightly used (plenty of them available) 545i for the same money as new 530. Not for the prestige reasons, but you do feel more invincible on the road.
If you're intention in purchasing a BMW was biased towards handling dynamics and electronic contents, then a 525 heavily optioned is the way to go
My humble $0.02
If you're purchasing, then I probably would step up a bit and get a slightly used (plenty of them available) 545i for the same money as new 530. Not for the prestige reasons, but you do feel more invincible on the road.
If you're intention in purchasing a BMW was biased towards handling dynamics and electronic contents, then a 525 heavily optioned is the way to go
My humble $0.02
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Go for the 530. for $3700 its worth it.
and if you dont May I suggest the Upgraded sound system. Logic 7 you can definetly tell the difference even if you're not the stereo type. The sound is much cleaner.
and if you dont May I suggest the Upgraded sound system. Logic 7 you can definetly tell the difference even if you're not the stereo type. The sound is much cleaner.
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From: Austin TX
My Ride: 2014 X5 xDrive 5.0 M Package Carbon Black Metallic/2008 M Roadster Imola Red
Also, does a 525i lower the prestige factor of the BMW? I am not trying to sound arrogant, I apologize if that is how it comes acrosss. Please understand, I have ALWAYS dreamed of owning a BMW, and now I have the resources to realize BMW ownership. I want to make sure whatever car I choose, it is considered a pure BMW, with the handling BMW is know for, and the all the attributes BMW gives it owners.
Factor this into your equasion. I keed, I keed
Go for the 530, you will not regret it.
[/quote]
Not in my equasion. 
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From: Western PA
My Ride: 2005.5 545i, Silver Grey, Dakota Black, Anthracite, Premium, Cold, Sport, L7, Nav, Fold Down Seats, Sunshades, Sirius.
2006 330i, Silver, Black, Natural Poplar, Sport, 6 speed, Cold, Premium
2002 330xi Black, Black, Premium, Cold, Premium Sound. (Sold)
1997 540i (sold)
1985 635i Euro (sold to family)
1985 535i (sold)
I have a 545, so my perspective is more power, less options. You will not miss HUD, sunshades (have em, there stupid) but you will miss HP. The only thing I would do differntly is get standard seats (what you have) or comfort seats. If you want to make some money, I will trade my sports seats for your standard seats +$ if they are heated.
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From: Poughkeepsie, NY (USA)
Same delime and I just took delivery of a 525 last month. Guess what? My speed limit is set to 65. How I fast I want to reach 65? Well, since it will take a bit longer on the 525i..let me add the cold weather package to heat up in a cold morning.
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Originally Posted by BMWDoug' post='207574' date='Dec 5 2005, 06:24 PM
Hi Politics
I was in the same dilemna as you. I was deciding between the 525i and 530. Your option list is very similar to mine. I decided to forgo some extra options and go with the 530. I like the idea of a bigger engine. But, I don't think you can go wrong with the 525i. I test drove one, and I thought it drove great, and had a lot of power. So, either car is a winner!
I was in the same dilemna as you. I was deciding between the 525i and 530. Your option list is very similar to mine. I decided to forgo some extra options and go with the 530. I like the idea of a bigger engine.
But, I don't think you can go wrong with the 525i. I test drove one, and I thought it drove great, and had a lot of power. So, either car is a winner!
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From: Prague, Czech Rep. - Europe
My Ride: 2004 BMW 530I steptronic, Orient Blue, Dakota Black Leather, Finishers Aluminium with Wave Cutting interior, NAVIgation, Radio PROFESSIONAL, CD in-dash, Hi-Fi extended sound system, PDC system, Bi-Xenons lights with washers, cruise-control, heated seats, Extended AC, auto"shade" mirrors, auto lights sensors, rain/wiper sensor, M-tech leather multifunction steering wheel, side airbags rearseats, sliding armrest, smoker's package (I don't smoke!), velour floor mats, spare wheel and jack, 122 style rims winter setup, M135 style rims summer setup
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Originally Posted by Kadonny' post='207897' date='Dec 6 2005, 09:52 AM
Technically it is not a bigger engine both the 525 and 530 have the same displacement. The 530 has some upgrades to bump the hp, but however you get them, more horses are always good
true true, perfectly said.