What's the deal with wanting more Engine Power? 525-530-550-M5? Wh
02-18-2006, 10:19 AM
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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?
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?
02-18-2006, 10:23 AM
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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...
02-18-2006, 10:51 AM
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My Ride: In the process of buying the right 2006 530i
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.
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!"
02-18-2006, 10:58 AM
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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.
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!"
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!"
02-18-2006, 11:01 AM
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My Ride: 2014 X5 xDrive 5.0 M Package Carbon Black Metallic/2008 M Roadster Imola Red
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.
02-18-2006, 11:06 AM
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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!"
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!" Its the exact same engine except for the 3 stage intake manifold. gives it 40 more horses at a HUGE price.
02-18-2006, 11:41 AM
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My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following:
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it is like having good SX... you always want more. It is normal and I think it only depends on money and in 90% when we say that we do not need that 4,8L or V10 engine is that money factor, if I could afford wud buy an M5 for everyday use it is the best car in the World, Ferrari killer
02-18-2006, 02:47 PM
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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.
02-18-2006, 03:08 PM
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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.