BMWDoug,
You have to weight the pros and cons. The 525 is a great car as well but the 530 will have a bit better resale value in the fuure plus 40 horses more (powere is always good). The difference is in the hwy mainly when passing/accelerating and when carrying weight. I felt the engine fighting it in my former 530 with the 225hp engine... also the difference in price is only $2000 comparing apples to apples plus the lease rate of the 530 (if you are leasing ) is a bit better. So the difference are minimal.
What I have is
525 -> PP, SPP, Nav, Xenon, Step MSRP : $52,565 Invoice : 48,195
530 -> PP,SPP, NAV, Step MSRP : $54,670 Invoice : 50,120

Lease rates as of Dec 5 2005
525i Sedan
24 mo/15k mi ? Residual Value 74% of MSRP ? .00160 Base Money Factor Rate
36 mo/15k mi ? Residual Value 60% of MSRP ? .00160 Base Money Factor Rate
48 mo/15k mi ? Residual Value 41% of MSRP ? .00285 Base Money Factor Rate

530i Sedan
24 mo/15k mi ? Residual Value 72% of MSRP ? .00140 Base Money Factor Rate
36 mo/15k mi ? Residual Value 60% of MSRP ? .00140 Base Money Factor Rate
48 mo/15k mi ? Residual Value 40% of MSRP ? .00285 Base Money Factor Rate

Hope this helps

 

There are some options that they don't offer on the 525i (Comfort Seats, HUD, M-Sport Package, Active Cruise Control, etc). IMHO, the only compelling reason to order a 530i over a 525i in Canada is if you want some of these extra goodies.
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This is strange and a lot of bullshit.

BMW Canada sucks badly.

BMW's consept is to offer a individual car, not restricted ones!!!

In Europe you can order even a 520d with whatever you want.

 

The 530 is a really nice car but if I was in your position I would choose the 525 to get some nice wheels and maybe the msportpackage. Plz update your signature so we can see where you're from.

 

If you're going to get a v6, get the 06 530i. For the extra $4K or $3K, you'll want/need those extra horses. To have fun, you'll need the sport package too. That's to have fun driving. For economic reasons, don't get a 5 series unless the look is a must have. Otherwise, an Acura TL or Infiniti G35 sedan are just as fun and less expensive, but it's no a bimmer.

525i is a great looking car but lacks power unless you drive it hard (in relation to the 5er's weight). I guess I'm bias because my philosophy (pure pleasure philosophy that is) is to get something that is "top of the line," and if I can't afford, I'll get something else "top of the line." In this way, you can experience the optimal designers'/engineers' intentions at the time of the model released.

I admire every 5 series I see because they are beautiful. The engines size is a preference that should match your driving preference and "what" it takes for you to enjoy the car. Let your pleasure control the wallet because if it's vice versus . . . maybe a 330i is better.

 

Top of the line! M5... hehe You're like 3rd to last right now with the 545... theres the 550 and M5 above it.

330? Nah... Stick with the 530.

 

If you're going to get a v6, get the 06 530i.

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The 2.5l & 3.0I engines are straight sixes, & not v6's

 

If you're going to get a v6, get the 06 530i. For the extra $4K or $3K, you'll want/need those extra horses. To have fun, you'll need the sport package too. That's to have fun driving. For economic reasons, don't get a 5 series unless the look is a must have. Otherwise, an Acura TL or Infiniti G35 sedan are just as fun and less expensive, but it's no a bimmer.

525i is a great looking car but lacks power unless you drive it hard (in relation to the 5er's weight). I guess I'm bias because my philosophy (pure pleasure philosophy that is) is to get something that is "top of the line," and if I can't afford, I'll get something else "top of the line." In this way, you can experience the optimal designers'/engineers' intentions at the time of the model released.

I admire every 5 series I see because they are beautiful. The engines size is a preference that should match your driving preference and "what" it takes for you to enjoy the car. Let your pleasure control the wallet because if it's vice versus . . . maybe a 330i is better.
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It is not a V6, BMW engines are inline 6

 

BMW#5 and Casper, thank you for the correction. Sorry for posting the wrong info.

 

At the time of my purchase, the 550i was not on the market. Neither was M5 available for sale. When there is enough change in my pocket, the M5 will be on radar. But for now, 325 hp is "enough" excitement for me.

Why not 330i? It's a very nice car. If I was single, I would have gotten it because I wouldn't need the extra room for the baby.
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Ah good excuse. Cool I can use it too... But we're still third to last right now.

Why not 330? Well reasons for me is 3s are all over the place, they're more common than civics here in Los Angeles. All the high school kids just getting their license gets one from daddy. I've driven a fair share of E90s and although its nice the over all feel isnt up to par with the E60. E60 feels "better made" overall.