What's the deal with wanting more Engine Power? 525-530-550-M5? Wh
#11
Contributors
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Gurnee, Illinois
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by BMWDoug' post='242312' date='Feb 18 2006, 02:02 PM
I have noticed something very interesting in reading through the various posts on this forum and other forums. Nobody is ever satisfied with their car. I have read through the various threads such as, "should I get a 525i or 530i", and the prevailing line is, "it's just $4,000 more to go from 215hp to 255hp, pay the $4,000 for the extra power". I have also read through the threads such as, "should I buy a 530i or 550i," and the prevailing line is it only about $6,000 to $8,000 more to get the 550, and now you have a V8!" And, I have read the threads such as "should I buy a 550i or stretch to the M5", and the prevailing line is, "stretch for the M5, and you get an M5!"
I find all the above very interesting because, if you look back at the posts of the people who are considering getting a faster car, they seem to very satisfied with their current car, be it a 525i, 530i, 550i. So, why get more and pay more, when what they have is great, in their own words! Also, at least to me $4,000/$8,000 is not chump change, I will gladly save $4000, $8,000, $15,000+ if I love what I have, and I have been raving about the greatness of my current 525i, 530i, or 550i.
So, why? Why do we, myself included, feel the need to want the biggest, fastest car, even when it means as some say, "stretching" monetarily? I don't get this obsession. Furthermore, who in the world can actually use all the power of their car? I know in California, I sure would not want to get stopped doing 150mph. I believe they impound your car, and strip you of your license at that speed, and risk a felony reckless driving charge. For sure, if you did it once, got caught, you could not do it again, unless you have a ton of idle cash for a good attorney.
So why do we lust after the biggest engine, knowing fullwell, we will never use all the power? Nor could we realistically use the power, unless you actually belong to a race club where you can have your car on an actual race track.
I struggle with this obsession, especially when it comes to BMW's. The funny thing is, when I was driving my 1995 Camry 4 Banger LE, I never felt I had a lack of power. I merged on all California Freeways, had no problems with Pacheco Pass, the Grapevine, the pass from Tracy to the Bay Area, taking 80 to Reno, or 50 to Tahoe. Now, I would have the gall to say, "wow that car is really underpowered!" But, it was not underpowered when I was driving it! I passed, merged, and took passes just fine. But, I could NOT bank a turn, or corner a turn, or drive fast through canyons.
Nor, did I get that special feeling you get when you get behind of the wheel of a BMW.
So, why the need for so much speed? Do we all need a reality check at times? Is every BMW, 325i, 330i, M3, 525i, 530i, 550i, M5, 750 special and great? Or, is it speed that makes the car? Is it impossible to be happy with a 325i, when you know there is 330i, or 525i when you know there is a 530i, or a 550, when you know there is an M5?
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
I find all the above very interesting because, if you look back at the posts of the people who are considering getting a faster car, they seem to very satisfied with their current car, be it a 525i, 530i, 550i. So, why get more and pay more, when what they have is great, in their own words! Also, at least to me $4,000/$8,000 is not chump change, I will gladly save $4000, $8,000, $15,000+ if I love what I have, and I have been raving about the greatness of my current 525i, 530i, or 550i.
So, why? Why do we, myself included, feel the need to want the biggest, fastest car, even when it means as some say, "stretching" monetarily? I don't get this obsession. Furthermore, who in the world can actually use all the power of their car? I know in California, I sure would not want to get stopped doing 150mph. I believe they impound your car, and strip you of your license at that speed, and risk a felony reckless driving charge. For sure, if you did it once, got caught, you could not do it again, unless you have a ton of idle cash for a good attorney.
So why do we lust after the biggest engine, knowing fullwell, we will never use all the power? Nor could we realistically use the power, unless you actually belong to a race club where you can have your car on an actual race track.
I struggle with this obsession, especially when it comes to BMW's. The funny thing is, when I was driving my 1995 Camry 4 Banger LE, I never felt I had a lack of power. I merged on all California Freeways, had no problems with Pacheco Pass, the Grapevine, the pass from Tracy to the Bay Area, taking 80 to Reno, or 50 to Tahoe. Now, I would have the gall to say, "wow that car is really underpowered!" But, it was not underpowered when I was driving it! I passed, merged, and took passes just fine. But, I could NOT bank a turn, or corner a turn, or drive fast through canyons.
![Big Grin](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/biggrin.gif)
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
So, why the need for so much speed? Do we all need a reality check at times? Is every BMW, 325i, 330i, M3, 525i, 530i, 550i, M5, 750 special and great? Or, is it speed that makes the car? Is it impossible to be happy with a 325i, when you know there is 330i, or 525i when you know there is a 530i, or a 550, when you know there is an M5?
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
#12
Senior Members
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Arizona
Posts: 734
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Veight' post='242362' date='Feb 18 2006, 12:19 PM
Please lets us know what car you own. Include it in your signature. Thanks...
#13
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Central California. Plenty of sunshine. Hot in Summer, but NO humidity. :)
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: In the process of buying the right 2006 530i
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by LowOrbit' post='242363' date='Feb 18 2006, 11:23 AM
I believe Doug is in the process of buying a 2006 530i.
![Smile](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/smile.gif)
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
Well; maybe before I buy, I will see the logic of my original post!
![Thumbsup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/thumbsup.gif)
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
#15
Members
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Southern California
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2006 550i Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Premium Sound Package, Comfort Access, Xenon Headlights, Adaptive Headlight Control, Navigation System, Steptronic Transmission. Silver Gray Metallic with Gray Leather. Added Red rear reflectors. Swapped stock Style 124 wheels and Bridgestone run-flat tires for BMW Style 125 5-Double Spoke wheels, 8" x 19" front, 9.5" x 19" rear with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, 245/40YR-19 front and 275/30YR-19 rear.
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by BMWDoug' post='242385' date='Feb 18 2006, 11:51 AM
Correct! I am a product of my original post. I have went back and forth between a 525i and a 530i. The reality is the following: For me, the 525i would be all the car I would ever need and more. I test drove it, it drove GREAT, was very powerful, at least for me.
And, I could have a blast carving up a canyon road in the 525i. But, I am in the process of deciding whether to take a 2006 530i off the lot, or order the 2007 530i. See, I too am falling for the bigger engine is better, even though I would never use the full potential of a 525i!
Well; maybe before I buy, I will see the logic of my original post!
I am reminded of a great movie quote from "The Devil's Advocate, starring Al Pacino as Satan. Remember Al Pacino's line at the end of the movie: "Vanity, my favorite sin!" ![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
![Smile](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/smile.gif)
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
Well; maybe before I buy, I will see the logic of my original post!
![Thumbsup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/thumbsup.gif)
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
#16
Contributors
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 6,554
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2014 X5 xDrive 5.0 M Package Carbon Black Metallic/2008 M Roadster Imola Red
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by grogan545' post='242344' date='Feb 18 2006, 01:47 PM
No chance for you to win Power Ball tonite Znod,I am going to win.I must win because I have already spent the money in my dreams.
#17
Contributors
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Gurnee, Illinois
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by BMWDoug' post='242385' date='Feb 18 2006, 03:51 PM
Correct! I am a product of my original post. I have went back and forth between a 525i and a 530i. The reality is the following: For me, the 525i would be all the car I would ever need and more. I test drove it, it drove GREAT, was very powerful, at least for me.
And, I could have a blast carving up a canyon road in the 525i. But, I am in the process of deciding whether to take a 2006 530i off the lot, or order the 2007 530i. See, I too am falling for the bigger engine is better, even though I would never use the full potential of a 525i!
Well; maybe before I buy, I will see the logic of my original post!
I am reminded of a great movie quote from "The Devil's Advocate, starring Al Pacino as Satan. Remember Al Pacino's line at the end of the movie: "Vanity, my favorite sin!" ![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
![Smile](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/smile.gif)
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
Well; maybe before I buy, I will see the logic of my original post!
![Thumbsup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/thumbsup.gif)
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
Its the exact same engine except for the 3 stage intake manifold. gives it 40 more horses at a HUGE price.
#18
Contributors
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MIAMI B*CH
Posts: 6,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following:
530dA (steptronic), Black II (JET), leather Dakota auburn black, mapple trim, head-up display, dynamic drive, active steering, adaptive xenon headlights (auto levelling) with headlight washers, alarm, comfort seats with massage function, advanced A/C, big compartment armrest, aux-in, MP3, Logic 7, Radio PRO, CD in-dash+cd changer, power rear sunshades, rear airbags, park distance control, auto dimming folding mirrors, smoking package, shiny shadow line (individual), fold down rear seats, ski bag, sport suspension, run flats on �116-style� rims (Good Year NCT5+), cup holders, debadged, fire extinguishers, additional permanent power outlet, BMW coat hanger, trunk release button (installed by Hobi), GPS tracking device and a big thx 2 Iceman.
Mods done:
� Authentic HAMANN FRONT APRON Including ellipsoid fog lights Item-No.: 10 060 110
� Authentic HAMANN REAR SPOILER Item-No.: 10 060 130,
� Authentic HAMANN HAMANN ALUMINIUM PEDALS For cars with manual gearbox Item-No.: 80 099 100 81,00 For cars with automatic transmission Item-No.: 80 099 120
� Authentic HAMANN FOOT REST In aluminium For left-hand drive vehicles Item No. : 80 099 122
� Authentic HAMANN HAND-BRAKE LEVER In aluminium For left- and right-hand drive cars Item No. : 80 099 216
� Authentic HAMANN Idrive of alu (sorry this is the only one in the World) but you can have it in carbon fiber ,
� Authentic HAMANN EXCLUSIVE FLOORMAT SET In black with HAMANN logo in silver For left-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 120 For right-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060
� Authentic HAMANN COVER FOR OIL FILLER CAP In aluminium Item-No.: 80 099 117
� Authentic HAMANN SPORT REAR MUFFLER 4 TAILPIPES Sport rear muffler with four round stainless-steel tailpipes ( � 76mm ) Item-No.: 50 060 111
� Authentic HAMANN new add-on for M pack rear with diffusor for quad pipes -AVAILABLE NOW (http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=30630&st=0#entry332409)
� ///M steering wheel w Pegasus logo (this will be also changed to three spoke sports)
� ///M pack rear
� HAMANN ECU upgrade 265 HP 608 Nm.
most improtant:
�real and working like a charm forumsbuy real LED tails and PIAA 4700k fogs!!! for HAMANN full front apron you need H3
� CustomAngels, Angel Eyes Brighter than stocks 10X, WHITE & (REd for shows).
� Authentic HAMANN LIGHT-ALLOY WHEELS DESIGN EDITION RACE 20"
Ultra-light forged 3-pieced light-alloy wheel, Cross-spoke-design,Spider in black, titanium, screwing,polished flange
DIMENSIONS : 9.0 J x 20 FA Item No.: 91 207 315
10.5 J x 20 only RA Item No.: 91 207 625
Recommended 20" Complete Wheel Set DESIGN EDITION RACE I went with most aggressive Combination A.10 FA 9.0 J x 20 / RA 10.5 J x 20 with tires: FA 245/30 ZR 20 / RA 285/25 ZR 20
� Authentic HAMANN LOWERING KIT 4 progressive sport springs Lowering by approx. 40 mm FA, 20 mm RA Item-No.: 20 060 125
� Authentic HAMANN TIRE - PRESSURE CHECK SENSOR SYSTEM
� Authentic HAMANN SIDE SILLS Item-No.: 10 060 120
� Authentic HAMANN REAL CF ROOF SPOLIER Item-No.: 10 060 235
� Authentic HAMANN AIRBAG SPORT STEERING WHEEL 3-SPOKE Three-spoke design w their SMG paddles (For assembly O.E. airbag in exchange)
� Authentic HAMANN sports mirrors (all functions)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and of course !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
E60.net Clings
Still to do list;-):
� Our Hobi's camera system from : ww.switchchange.com).
� Individual leather interior (auburn+auburn alcantara)... and drive with sheer drivin' pleasure ... until 2009/2010 F10 comes or E60 possibly a 540d V8 diesel early in 2009 badly juiced!
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Thumbsup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/thumbsup.gif)
#19
Contributors
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
On the posts where we suggest getting the 550, the question usually states " the money is not an issue, which would you recommend?"
The 550 is more expensive because its more desirable- partly because of the engine, partly because of the staggard wheel setup and party because it more prestigous that its lesser brethren. Thats why its more desirable and more expensive.
The 550 is more expensive because its more desirable- partly because of the engine, partly because of the staggard wheel setup and party because it more prestigous that its lesser brethren. Thats why its more desirable and more expensive.
#20
Senior Members
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Arizona
Posts: 734
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by pennetta' post='242493' date='Feb 18 2006, 04:47 PM
On the posts where we suggest getting the 550, the question usually states " the money is not an issue, which would you recommend?"
The 550 is more expensive because its more desirable- partly because of the engine, partly because of the staggard wheel setup and party because it more prestigous that its lesser brethren. Thats why its more desirable and more expensive.
The 550 is more expensive because its more desirable- partly because of the engine, partly because of the staggard wheel setup and party because it more prestigous that its lesser brethren. Thats why its more desirable and more expensive.
Correct! If money were no object, I would definitely buy a 550 over a 530. However, is the 550 worth the extra $8000? That is the key question and in my opinion it is "no" if one must forgo something else important to swing that $8K. It's all about maximizing total personal utility value.