If you could pick between a 530i and a 525i...
04-19-2009, 11:14 PM
#22
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I had a choice between a new 2008 530i Auto and an 2008 525i Sport Limited Edition 218bhp, I've researched that both engines are N52 so I decided to hop the 525i Sport as its a nicer whip with those M-Type rims and bumpers. I gave the car a nice run after 1000Km I took her 230Km/h to get the engine running harsh in conditions pedal to the floor. I think the car runs very well for an 525i Sport after my burn in
04-20-2009, 05:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Ever' post='852228' date='Apr 19 2009, 10:16 PM
Which would you pick? The 530i is automatic M-Sport, the 525i is a manual with Sport and Prem. Both '06.
04-20-2009, 05:44 AM
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Originally Posted by corgidog' post='852624' date='Apr 20 2009, 09:36 AM
I, personally, would enjoy the 525 with a stick much more than the 530 with an automatic. The stick will maximize the power of the 525 by letting you stay in the selected gear as long as you want to maximize the power. I am surprised that everyone else is saying get the automatic 530. If it were the same transmission, 530 is the way to go.
The Auto is way better than the manual. The stick action on the 5er is not the best and besides you can stay in the same gear on the Manual function on the Auto and get the revs up.
I've done it a few times, wouldn't personally recommend it, but just love the noise.
I have a 530d SE AUTO.
For those who say it can't be done.....this is how i do it.
Drive it in Normal Auto D and then flick to manual whilst on the move. The appropriate manual gear will be selected and stay there, apply the throttle and watch the revs climb towards 5000 RPM. Simple.
04-20-2009, 06:09 AM
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Manuals are fine. I have one on my Z4 Coupe 
I live in the UK and was brought up on them, too many of them.
But on the E60 i don't think the clutch and gear set up is any good and not recommended for a large and heavy car such as the E60.
The DS modes and manual over ride gives you all the flexibility you need in real world driving.
So my opinion is get the Auto for the 5er.
If you want fun, get a Z4 coupe in manual.
If you want real fun......get a Porsche......yes in manual.
I live in the UK and was brought up on them, too many of them.
But on the E60 i don't think the clutch and gear set up is any good and not recommended for a large and heavy car such as the E60.
The DS modes and manual over ride gives you all the flexibility you need in real world driving.
So my opinion is get the Auto for the 5er.
If you want fun, get a Z4 coupe in manual.
If you want real fun......get a Porsche......yes in manual.
04-20-2009, 06:09 AM
#28
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For that much of a price difference I would take the 525, your saving a ton of cash. I took out a 530 on the wekeend an honestly around the city I couldn't feel much difference. I think the 525 is geared different then the 530 which gives it soem pep around town. I dont think my 525 is underpowered, it's still very fun to drive. I was thinking of making the move to the 530 but after my testdrive im perfectly happy with what I have.
Guess it depends what you want to do. Do you plan on taking it to the track, do any rally racing or just like to boot around town?
Guess it depends what you want to do. Do you plan on taking it to the track, do any rally racing or just like to boot around town?
04-20-2009, 06:12 AM
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Originally Posted by D33ZNUT5' post='852655' date='Apr 20 2009, 09:09 AM
For that much of a price difference I would take the 525, your saving a ton of cash. I took out a 530 on the wekeend an honestly around the city I couldn't feel much difference. I think the 525 is geared different then the 530 which gives it soem pep around town. I dont think my 525 is underpowered, it's still very fun to drive. I was thinking of making the move to the 530 but after my testdrive im perfectly happy with what I have.
Guess it depends what you want to do. Do you plan on taking it to the track, do any rally racing or just like to boot around town?
Guess it depends what you want to do. Do you plan on taking it to the track, do any rally racing or just like to boot around town?
And really what do you need push button start for? You still have to put your key in the dash not like it has a proximity sensor.
04-20-2009, 06:28 AM
#30
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My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
Originally Posted by CWS530' post='852279' date='Apr 19 2009, 10:58 PM
HAHA! In '06, both cars had 3.0 litre engines. 
The difference in HP between the 2 is only 40HP. Source: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Gla...;model=5-Series
If 40HP is really that important to you, you can probably do that by changing the air-filter and have a chip re-flash. If the difference in price is considerable, I'd go with the 525 and spend a few hundred $$ for the extra 40HP. I can afford just about any car in the world (under 150K) and chose the 525 because it fits my needs nicely. My needs are more on the high end speed, and both the 525 and 530 are top-speed limited to 145 MPH.
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Edited after I read the post on pricing: Wow! I don't understand why the 530i costs considerably less than the 525I. Maybe it's been in an accident? Yes, the 525i has 6K less, but I don't think that should justify the extra $$.
Again, I reiterate that a well tuned and cared for 525I is just as fun as any of its bigger brothers. It sips a little less gas (important to my wife) and will take you to 145MPH (important to me), if you wish, and may be behind the bigger brothers by only a few seconds (if the drivers have equal abilities). You'd be surprised how many people quit at around 120MPH, in just about any car.....