Anyone wish they would have bought a 525i/530i?

WooBah · 02-15-2006, 11:51 PM

Just curious, does anyone wish they would have purchased either a 525i or 530i? If so, why? Is it because of the additional room, bigger car, better ride, more prestige, why?

808six · 02-16-2006, 02:36 AM

yes..its better looking...itll be my next car if i get a bmw again

croaker · 02-16-2006, 02:53 AM

Nope. I think the three is the superior of the two. Better looking, better handling, better power to weight ratio (for 525&530), much nicer looking interior. Also a base 530i is nearly 10k more than a fully loaded 330i. Just my opinion.

-Croaker

cntlaw · 02-16-2006, 03:43 AM

Since I started to look buying the E90, I found that unconsiously , I am sold to the 5er over the current E-class. Another reason, could be the current E-class is overshadowed by the more exclusive CLS !

Of course, I was not buying a bigger sedan that time, so the money is better spent on the engine power for a smaller sedan - the E90.
If ever do shop for a mid sedan, I will seriously consider the 550i or go for the 750i. I love Benz, but it will take me a while to convince myself being the one driving the S.

In the old days, 3er and 7er were more 'superior' than the 5er, in terms of performance and reliability, but not any more. Chris Bangle has finally proven his success of developing a new century BMW image , which is best represented by the 5er and 7er.

In simple words, as many like to say, 5er for the young, E for the old. Whatever that means, I think the 5er is a great car now stands on its own. It is now immediate recognized (like the popular Benz E ) - "look, that is a BMW 5er !"
Believe or not, I feel that 3er will no longer overshadowing the 5er but the other way round this time. This may be the 'M5 effect', I don't know, we need to see how well 3er is doing and the M3 of course.

My only little issue with buying a luxury BMW sedan, is I am never really satisfying the BMW interior. I can live with it with the E90 as my focus is more a 'balanced overall'. But when money for a 5er and 7er rise to that point , interior design scores will count more than if it was the 3er.

BMW should design a brand new concept of their car interior to match the outlook. Or at least, they should offer personalized interior package like Benz offers as 'designo'. I once heard BMW does similar thing, but only for the very exclusive millionaires and celebrities?

SANK_CH · 02-16-2006, 05:24 AM

Of course 5er has more room for passenger, it's like Business class in an airplane

I like as well the orange leds over the front lights, it gives something unique to the car.
Now it depends of how much money you wish to put on the table. If you are looking for some performance go with the 330i rather with the 530i.
I've a 545i with SMG, and it's just a great car, sporty just like it should be.

Go at your dealer and test both models.

Ethirtynine · 02-16-2006, 05:32 AM

If I had the money I woud choose a 530i over a 330i, for the prestige. I will always think of the 3-series as sporty, and the 5-series as classy.

SANK_CH · 02-16-2006, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethirtynine

If I had the money I woud choose a 530i over a 330i, for the prestige. I will always think of the 3-series as sporty, and the 5-series as classy.

you still think it looks more classy than sporty?

ben1364 · 02-16-2006, 06:13 AM

I have always owned three series BMWs until the car that the E90 replaced. I had a E39 540i that I got an exceptional deal on. It was the best automobile overall that I ever owned and several automotive journalists agree that it is top drawer in all respects.

When the time came to replace the E39, I only considered the E60 for a few minutes. I don't want a joy stick and my wife thinks the E 60 is butt ugly. Once I got back in a 3 series, I realized that I am more comfortable with the size. Besides it isn't as ugly as the E60. <g>

jcoo085 · 02-16-2006, 06:31 AM

I was considering the 525d, but I just don't need that much space anymore. It's a fantastic car, and a BMW in every way but it was just too big for my current needs.

I also looked at the E-class, but I didn't really want to be driving a taxi so it got the thumbs down.

darkside · 02-16-2006, 07:48 AM

I almost bought a 330i, but the engine change issue bothered me a bit. I ended up with a 550i. The 5 is quieter, more spacious, and the interior fit and finish is superior. The 3 handles better, has better steering, and is more fun to toss around. The 550 is a brute though, and when you press the pedal down it really puts you back in your seat. More, even, than my previous e46 M3.

I think the e90 3 series is a great car, and in some ways regret not purchasing one. It is only going to get better if more power is added.

StevoSEA · 02-16-2006, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben1364

I have always owned three series BMWs until the car that the E90 replaced. I had a E39 540i that I got an exceptional deal on. It was the best automobile overall that I ever owned and several automotive journalists agree that it is top drawer in all respects.

When the time came to replace the E39, I only considered the E60 for a few minutes. I don't want a joy stick and my wife thinks the E 60 is butt ugly. Once I got back in a 3 series, I realized that I am more comfortable with the size. Besides it isn't as ugly as the E60. <g>

Our current E90 is the perfect size for the two of us. Having driven e60's these are my conclusions. The 3ers interior works better and is more "armrest" friendly. The e60 styling needs to "grow" on you (and others who see it). The 3er looks good from first sight. E60 looks its best in either black or light grey/silver. Also the 2004 and 2005 models have had more electronic and drivetrain problems than any current BMW,with exception of the electronically troubled 7 series from 2002 to present (based on auto publications and personal stories) All that being said I would purchase a 550i over an M3, A6/S6 or E500/E55 any day!

BigDog · 02-16-2006, 08:18 AM

i landed up having a MB E320 and a E90 3

i plan on getting rid of the E320 this year and picking up a 5 to replace it....

NPinUK · 02-16-2006, 08:19 AM

The 5 looks too long for its shape. Apart from that its a decent car.

Hula-Hula · 02-16-2006, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by croaker

Nope. I think the three is the superior of the two. Better looking, better handling, better power to weight ratio (for 525&530), much nicer looking interior. Also a base 530i is nearly 10k more than a fully loaded 330i. Just my opinion.

-Croaker

where the hell do you get that good price in Germany?

espo · 02-16-2006, 08:33 AM

Short answer... No

A 5 series just doesn't fit with the reason I got a BMW, to be fun to drive and throw around.. It's more of a car my father would buy and not me.

JackMac · 02-16-2006, 08:53 AM

I was considering both the 3 and the 5 last fall when getting ready to purchase.

The look of the 5 inside and out has grown on me, after the initial "shock" of the new look wore off. I really wanted to like it better than the 3. This was to be my first ever sedan purchase, after 20 years of coupes, SUV's, and roadsters.

But... the test drive sealed the deal. The E90 has that classic BMW feel, ride, and handling. The 5 felt underpowered (with the N52 3.0) and floated like a Buick (the 530 demo car was without the sport package). I expect a 550 sport would be much better, but it was a bit out of range pricewise.

Bottom line, prefered the 3. Hey, this is E90Post, what other answer would you expect?

e90fanatic · 02-16-2006, 09:04 AM

I wish i just got the 5 but....then again..i'll save that for my next car...

vladinecko · 02-16-2006, 09:06 AM

nope, not regretting my decision a bit. it is a completely different car. 5er seems a lot bigger to me, i was going for more compact cars.

vladinecko · 02-16-2006, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackMac

I expect a 550 sport would be much better, but it was a bit out of range pricewise.

i test drove a 550, that car is a real beast!

KL2DC · 02-16-2006, 09:14 AM

The 5er is the next step up on my automotive ladder ...

The e60 has the same basic qualities of the e90 just one-size-up ...

Petercat · 02-16-2006, 10:05 AM

I ended up getting the e90 when I was shopping for a 5. I really loved the e90, even being a 325. It was a very nice car.
6 months later, I still felt the draw to the 5. So, I ended up getting a 530. I personally like the 5 a bit better. I like that it has the stronger Bangle influence in design. The 5 is a bit more comfortable with all the highway driving I do (90% highway). More passenger room. I do like to have a nice car, but I'm not much on prestige. If I wanted prestige, I would have kept my 911. I need a car to do a bit more for me.
Comparing the 525 vs. 530, the 525 is a bit of a dog... Too much car for the engine in the 525. The 550 was awesome, I loved the power with all the comfort of the 5, but if I'm going to spend that money, I may as well go all the way and jump into the M5.
I've had the 5 for 6 weeks now, lets see if it's still in my garage in 6 months... Now that will be a true testement.

SANK_CH · 02-16-2006, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vladinecko

i test drove a 550, that car is a real beast!

Then you never drove the M5 (E60). I had the chance

to have one for one day... beetween an 545i and the M5, it's like day and night...

Okay There are like 170 little Poneys more under the second one. Unfortunately too expensive, and i just wanted to keep my driving licence.

By the way, an accident just happened around my office... Brand New M5 light grey dead!

02-15-2006, 11:51 PM	#1
WooBah Enlisted Member 16 Rep 39 Posts Drives: Soon to be BMW? Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Anyone wish they would have bought a 525i/530i? Just curious, does anyone wish they would have purchased either a 525i or 530i? If so, why? Is it because of the additional room, bigger car, better ride, more prestige, why?
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02-16-2006, 02:36 AM	#2
808six Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 274 Posts Drives: AW 335 COUPE Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: HAWAII iTrader: (1)	yes..its better looking...itll be my next car if i get a bmw again
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02-16-2006, 02:53 AM	#3
croaker First Lieutenant 54 Rep 340 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Nope. I think the three is the superior of the two. Better looking, better handling, better power to weight ratio (for 525&530), much nicer looking interior. Also a base 530i is nearly 10k more than a fully loaded 330i. Just my opinion. -Croaker __________________ E90 330i Monaco Blue, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim, Six Speed, Aluminum Pedals, M-Shifter, Sport Package, Premium Package, Winter Package, Comfort Access, Navigation Holding a space for Racing Green Lotus Elise
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02-16-2006, 03:43 AM	#4
cntlaw Major General 235 Rep 6,874 Posts Drives: 330i E90 C55 AMG Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2005 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00] 2002 Z3 2.2 USA Spo ... [0.00] 2002 Toyota MR-S Co ... [0.00]	Since I started to look buying the E90, I found that unconsiously , I am sold to the 5er over the current E-class. Another reason, could be the current E-class is overshadowed by the more exclusive CLS ! Of course, I was not buying a bigger sedan that time, so the money is better spent on the engine power for a smaller sedan - the E90. If ever do shop for a mid sedan, I will seriously consider the 550i or go for the 750i. I love Benz, but it will take me a while to convince myself being the one driving the S. In the old days, 3er and 7er were more 'superior' than the 5er, in terms of performance and reliability, but not any more. Chris Bangle has finally proven his success of developing a new century BMW image , which is best represented by the 5er and 7er. In simple words, as many like to say, 5er for the young, E for the old. Whatever that means, I think the 5er is a great car now stands on its own. It is now immediate recognized (like the popular Benz E ) - "look, that is a BMW 5er !" Believe or not, I feel that 3er will no longer overshadowing the 5er but the other way round this time. This may be the 'M5 effect', I don't know, we need to see how well 3er is doing and the M3 of course. My only little issue with buying a luxury BMW sedan, is I am never really satisfying the BMW interior. I can live with it with the E90 as my focus is more a 'balanced overall'. But when money for a 5er and 7er rise to that point , interior design scores will count more than if it was the 3er. BMW should design a brand new concept of their car interior to match the outlook. Or at least, they should offer personalized interior package like Benz offers as 'designo'. I once heard BMW does similar thing, but only for the very exclusive millionaires and celebrities? __________________ BMW 2006 330i E90 Jet Black/Black Leathers/Aluminium, Steptronic Active Steering; MTech Aero Kit Carbon Fibre Splitters/Diffuser. Bilstein PSS9 Coilover, Rays VOLK Racing RE30 Formula Limited Edition 18" Pirelli Rosso; Project Mu 355mm Forged 4pot Caliper. HID:Osram D1S 6000K, PIAA 6500K White Ring, Philips Diamond Vision HB4 5000K, PIAA H490/H491 Super Bright 6500K LED Interior Lights. Chrome S.Wheel Cover, Rear Windows Sunshades. Last edited by cntlaw; 02-16-2006 at 04:06 AM..
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02-16-2006, 05:24 AM	#5
SANK_CH Captain 313 Rep 788 Posts Drives: A Number 4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	Of course 5er has more room for passenger, it's like Business class in an airplane I like as well the orange leds over the front lights, it gives something unique to the car. Now it depends of how much money you wish to put on the table. If you are looking for some performance go with the 330i rather with the 530i. I've a 545i with SMG, and it's just a great car, sporty just like it should be. Go at your dealer and test both models.
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02-16-2006, 05:32 AM	#6
Ethirtynine Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 223 Posts Drives: 2004 Honda S2000 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Colorado iTrader: (4)	If I had the money I woud choose a 530i over a 330i, for the prestige. I will always think of the 3-series as sporty, and the 5-series as classy.
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02-16-2006, 06:13 AM	#8
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	I have always owned three series BMWs until the car that the E90 replaced. I had a E39 540i that I got an exceptional deal on. It was the best automobile overall that I ever owned and several automotive journalists agree that it is top drawer in all respects. When the time came to replace the E39, I only considered the E60 for a few minutes. I don't want a joy stick and my wife thinks the E 60 is butt ugly. Once I got back in a 3 series, I realized that I am more comfortable with the size. Besides it isn't as ugly as the E60. <g>
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02-16-2006, 06:31 AM	#9
jcoo085 Lieutenant 43 Rep 463 Posts Drives: E90 320d Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stuttgart, Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 320d [0.00]	I was considering the 525d, but I just don't need that much space anymore. It's a fantastic car, and a BMW in every way but it was just too big for my current needs. I also looked at the E-class, but I didn't really want to be driving a taxi so it got the thumbs down. __________________ E90 320d - Black Ext/Fluid Grey Int \| Steptronic \| Business Navigation \| PDC \| Sunroof \| Alarm Exterior Pictures \| Interior Pictures \| Video
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02-16-2006, 07:48 AM	#10
darkside Private First Class 4 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 07 e90 335 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle, Wa. iTrader: (0)	I almost bought a 330i, but the engine change issue bothered me a bit. I ended up with a 550i. The 5 is quieter, more spacious, and the interior fit and finish is superior. The 3 handles better, has better steering, and is more fun to toss around. The 550 is a brute though, and when you press the pedal down it really puts you back in your seat. More, even, than my previous e46 M3. I think the e90 3 series is a great car, and in some ways regret not purchasing one. It is only going to get better if more power is added.
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02-16-2006, 08:18 AM	#12
BigDog Major 323 Rep 1,080 Posts Drives: YMB F80 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (1)	i landed up having a MB E320 and a E90 3 i plan on getting rid of the E320 this year and picking up a 5 to replace it....
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02-16-2006, 08:19 AM	#13
NPinUK Private First Class 7 Rep 199 Posts Drives: E90 325i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: UK Midlands iTrader: (0)	The 5 looks too long for its shape. Apart from that its a decent car.
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02-16-2006, 08:33 AM	#15
espo Captain 10 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sugar Land TX iTrader: (0)	Short answer... No A 5 series just doesn't fit with the reason I got a BMW, to be fun to drive and throw around.. It's more of a car my father would buy and not me. __________________ E46 325xi Oxford Green/Sand Leatherette/Myrtle Wood Auto ZCW - Retired E90 330xi Mystic Blue/Black Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/CA - Retired F22 M235i Mineral Gray/Red Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZPP/ZTP
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02-16-2006, 08:53 AM	#16
JackMac Recovering BMW Addict 151 Rep 1,914 Posts Drives: <OO (\|\|\|)(\|\|\|) OO> Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southeast PA iTrader: (7) Garage List 2010 MINI John Coop ... [9.66]	I was considering both the 3 and the 5 last fall when getting ready to purchase. The look of the 5 inside and out has grown on me, after the initial "shock" of the new look wore off. I really wanted to like it better than the 3. This was to be my first ever sedan purchase, after 20 years of coupes, SUV's, and roadsters. But... the test drive sealed the deal. The E90 has that classic BMW feel, ride, and handling. The 5 felt underpowered (with the N52 3.0) and floated like a Buick (the 530 demo car was without the sport package). I expect a 550 sport would be much better, but it was a bit out of range pricewise. Bottom line, prefered the 3. Hey, this is E90Post, what other answer would you expect?
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02-16-2006, 09:04 AM	#17
e90fanatic Absolute0 165 Rep 5,079 Posts Drives: Has a Roundel Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: TO/HK/NJ iTrader: (6)	I wish i just got the 5 but....then again..i'll save that for my next car... __________________ To procede or not to procede......
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02-16-2006, 09:06 AM	#18
vladinecko Brigadier General 277 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	nope, not regretting my decision a bit. it is a completely different car. 5er seems a lot bigger to me, i was going for more compact cars. __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
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02-16-2006, 09:14 AM	#20
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	The 5er is the next step up on my automotive ladder ... The e60 has the same basic qualities of the e90 just one-size-up ... __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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02-16-2006, 10:05 AM	#21
Petercat Cat Herder 8 Rep 274 Posts Drives: LR3, again... Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mpls, MN iTrader: (0)	I ended up getting the e90 when I was shopping for a 5. I really loved the e90, even being a 325. It was a very nice car. 6 months later, I still felt the draw to the 5. So, I ended up getting a 530. I personally like the 5 a bit better. I like that it has the stronger Bangle influence in design. The 5 is a bit more comfortable with all the highway driving I do (90% highway). More passenger room. I do like to have a nice car, but I'm not much on prestige. If I wanted prestige, I would have kept my 911. I need a car to do a bit more for me. Comparing the 525 vs. 530, the 525 is a bit of a dog... Too much car for the engine in the 525. The 550 was awesome, I loved the power with all the comfort of the 5, but if I'm going to spend that money, I may as well go all the way and jump into the M5. I've had the 5 for 6 weeks now, lets see if it's still in my garage in 6 months... Now that will be a true testement. __________________ Waiting for my e93.
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