This coming week I have to take delivery of a new 528 or a new 535. I need help considering the pros and cons of each engine platform.

I will get a black on beige or platinum on grey with premium, sport, xenons, heated seats, and ipod adaptor. Maybe comfort access and fold down seats.

Would love to hear from both camps on pluses and minuses on each car:

1. Is the 528 under powered? (230 vs 300 hp, lower torque)
2. How much better on gas is the 528 versus the 535?
3. Will the 535 give me more mechanical problems - like fuel pumps, turbos, etc?
4. Will the 535 depreciate much more than the 528?
5. Long term maintenance costs - is the 535 a money pit?
6. Turbo lag - is it noticeable on the 535?

Thanks all for your input!

 

Read this first re: 1)....You might want the 535i afterwards.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=46997&hl=528i

 

1. No, but don't test drive a 535i
2. 1 mpg per specs - I'd say that's accurate based on my previous 330i
3. In theory the non-turbo motor will be more reliable over the long term, but BMW has committed to the I6TT and V8TT as their standard high performance platforms for the foreseeable future
4. Probably a wash
5. see 3
6. Not with the manual. Always have the perfect gear. Can't speak for the auto.

The 528i is fine. The 535i bumps up the performance x 10. You won't know what your are missing unless you drive one.

 

If you're spending that much money might as well spend a little more for the 535i.

 

I can't answer all your questions, but what I can tell you is that I recently went from a 2005 545 to a 2008 535 and the engine feels just as powerful if not moreso than the 545. My dealership added a Dinan engine flash after my break in period, and now the 535 is faster than a 550. (The engine flash is something that can produce a significant increase in HP on turbo engines by increasing boost, but doesn't work on normally aspirated engines like the 528 or 550).

I seriously doubt their is much difference in gas mileage between the 28 and 35, but there is a big difference in performance. If it were me, I'd go for the performance to avoid having buyers remorse later.

It's doubtful that the 535 would depreciate more than the 528 because more people are buying the 535. The turbo lag is not noticeable on a stock 535, and is only slightly noticeable with the engine flash.

Not sure anyone can give you an accurate view of maintenance costs since the 535 is in it's first model year.

 

Buy the best car you can afford... 535

Your not comparing an SUV with a sports car. The 528 and 535 are very similar... I have some times regretted not buying what I really wanted and ended up spending more money later trading up. my .02

 

535. I got a 528 and wished I had just gotten a 535. It's very little price difference for what you get. Plus HID are std with the 535.

I'm not unhappy with my 528, but a lot of cars coming out now are much more powerful. So, the 535 keeps you competitive.

 

It depends.

If you are really hungry for power, go with 535. Keep in mind that power thing will never end. I am sure you want more power even after you have 535. You will pretty soon want 555, etc ...

528 is by no means under powered and is sufficient for daily use and NA engines should be more reliable.

 

Drive 'em both and see what you want/need. I'd be much more inclined to get the extended warranty with the twin turbo motor if keeping the car past the normal warranty period. I can get into plenty of trouble with the 230 hp - even managed to do so with the X5 3.0.

Mark

 

Always my argument(or is it my justification to go w/ 535i).
Let say after 2 years you are getting used to the power of 535i, get a mod like Dinan and walla 50HP/75lbft more for $2000.
with 528i

If you need more power after 535i + mod, you don't need a 4 salon sedan you need 2-door sport car and close circuit. Cause the mod 535i with mod can hit 1/4 under 13 sec and 0-60 under 5. Not very smart on freeway unless you are in autobahn.