this is where i made the decision.
i drove 05s and 06s. i was not interested in 04s since they were the 1st model year.
if you don't drive a lot and you need one car to serve all purpose get the 545i, with economy and pricing of gas they are selling like crazy prices.
550inow returned his presitne 545i with navigation, l7, sports comfort, all sorts of stuff for 27.5k with cpo.

i drove few 530s and under normal drivng the 530s don't feel much different than the 525s.
This was sort of an extra car for us and having the 911 and 740il - i wanted something that was more gas friendly.
the 525s from what i have seen, some member have gotten 30+ hwy mpg. That's nice for a car this size with the luxuries.

i drove both 05 and 06 525i and didn't feel any huge difference. I chose the 05 based on the color combo and pkg it had.

06 525 has 215 hp and 05 530 has 230hp. 15hp isn't much.
i would get the newest one that is within your budget for the car.

keep in mind not all used cars drive the same, drive few of them for extensive amont of time and in your comfort zone (since you are paying for it).
try to find one with CPO.

have fun and PM me if you have any questions.

thanks!
RJ

 

The 528i has a newer designed engine than the older 525i. The reliability of the magnesium and allloy engine has not been determined over the long haul.......the 2.5 litre is tested and true....

 

true that. i think the 2.5 that is in the 525i has been around since 1998.
Proven, Tested and modded.

 

yeah I was looking at a 2004 525i with the striped engine cover then I enentually found a 2006 525i with the 220h and the engine didnt have that striped cover. Im so happy i went with the 220 horsies. I was really confused about this because I wasnt sure if it was really a 530 since he had a 3.0. Good Luck tho.

 

Understatement of the year!!! LOL!! The first step is admitting you have a problem.