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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum Thinking of Moving to a 5er
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      07-07-2014, 06:19 PM   #1
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Thinking of Moving to a 5er

I am a long time BMW man. Have owned these.

- '94 E36 328ci
- '99 E46 323i
- '00 E44 328Ci
- '05 E46 M3

I currently own an '09 E90 M3 and an '11 1M. I track both. I am 41 now.

I am thinking of something more comfortable and have been looking at options lately. I used to think my M3 was comfortable enough (has EDC) but I am now thinking of something more luxurious and comfortable for daily driving and long trips. I am keeping the 1M as a toy, the M3 would get traded for whatever I decide to get.

So, I have test driven the '14 528i M-Sport (passive suspension) and liked it. I think is fast enough and I really like the design. Also tested the Merc E250. I was impressed by the ride & handling of the Merc, not so much by the engine or design overall. The A6 TDI might be an option too.

There is also an oddball option in a new leftover 535i GT that I can get at a very good price. I don't mind the exterior (don't love it of course) but really dig the huge interior and comfort.

Thoughts?
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      07-07-2014, 06:55 PM   #2
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I'd go for a 535i over the 528i as you're into speed. The 535i is a quick car (not fast), but it does the 5 justice, I think. The 528i is just a bit too lethargic for my liking... probably good enough for my wife, for instance, who doesn't mash the pedal very often... but if you're remotely used to a car with any speed, the few thousand you'd save may really impact how you perceive the car in the long run.

All in all, I think the 5 is one of the best cars on the market right now in the mid AND full-sized luxury class. It has a great blend of style, performance, and luxury. Others may independently do one better, but in combination the 5 is really a class leader. It has some quirks, just like EVERY car (and every BMW), so don't read too much into them... especially on this site. But having owned a number of BMWs, I'm sure that won't come as any surprise. If you're expecting a larger luxury sedan that's really targeted at performance AND luxury in one, you'll get exactly what you expect.
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      07-07-2014, 07:00 PM   #3
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yea, I agree with EZ. BMW is known for their twin turbo V6. Why waste your time and money for a 4 banger?
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      07-07-2014, 07:22 PM   #4
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The 528i is real world probably only about 30hp - 40hp down on the 535i. I really didn't find it wanting when I tested one. I'd still have the 1M for hooliganism.

The particular 535i GT I can get would be almost the same price as the 528i. With that boat heft's I guess the larger engine is needed.
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      07-07-2014, 08:28 PM   #5
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I just upgraded from a 3 series to a 5 series. I love spirited driving, but I don't ever do 0-60 sprints, 4-wheel drifting, or plan to track the car. And the 3 was getting too small and too uncomfortable on longer drives.

Initially I considered a 528i, but I ended up deciding on a 535d for these reasons:
  • With x-drive, 528i feels somewhat underpowered
  • 535d lags on the track but has impressive power in real-world situations like a 40-80 mph pass
  • 535d has 550i levels of low-end torque, but with amazing fuel economy (37MPG with x-drive vs 24MPG on the 550i with x-drive)
  • Access to the Dynamic Handling Package (not available on a 528), which makes the big, heavy F10 feel smaller and more agile
  • Nicer 19" wheels as part of the Luxury Line

I, too, considered buying some heavily discounted cars from the back of the dealer's lot, but at the end of the day, ended up making a custom order and leasing. With some strong negotiation and pitting multiple dealers against each other, I got the car at invoice price.

I'd rather pay a fair price to get the exact car I want than pay a ridiculous low price for the car that nobody seems to want.
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      07-07-2014, 11:06 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW M Power Mexico View Post
I am a long time BMW man. Have owned these.

- '94 E36 328ci
- '99 E46 323i
- '00 E44 328Ci
- '05 E46 M3

I currently own an '09 E90 M3 and an '11 1M. I track both. I am 41 now.

I am thinking of something more comfortable and have been looking at options lately. I used to think my M3 was comfortable enough (has EDC) but I am now thinking of something more luxurious and comfortable for daily driving and long trips. I am keeping the 1M as a toy, the M3 would get traded for whatever I decide to get.

So, I have test driven the '14 528i M-Sport (passive suspension) and liked it. I think is fast enough and I really like the design. Also tested the Merc E250. I was impressed by the ride & handling of the Merc, not so much by the engine or design overall. The A6 TDI might be an option too.

There is also an oddball option in a new leftover 535i GT that I can get at a very good price. I don't mind the exterior (don't love it of course) but really dig the huge interior and comfort.

Thoughts?
Based on what you wrote it seems the 5 series is the right option for you.
n20/N26 engine are underrated and very responsive. You can make it even better with a jb4 too.
That being said i thought the same about it being fast enough when i got my 328, then ended selling it and getting a 335.
Take your time and drive both cars(535 and 528) before making a purchase
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      07-07-2014, 11:57 PM   #7
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OP did you test driven a 535i GT because is diffrent than 528i?
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      07-08-2014, 04:00 PM   #8
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Just traded in my 2013 328xi for a 2014 528xi. Job/territory changed, as a result I drive a lot more miles on the interstate, so I went in the direction of comfort over speed, and wanted to take advantage of the @2500 current build out cash.
5 series is ALOT nicer inside, and ride is much smoother. certainly is not as quick and nimble as the 3 series.
328=sport luxury
528= luxury sport

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      07-08-2014, 06:07 PM   #9
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I just made the swap from an e46 M3 to a M550d in May.
Pretty much for the same reasons as you, getting older looking for more everyday comfort.

Haven't regrettet it for a second.
The larger 5 is more comfortable, and a lot more practical, and those comfort seats are so much better than the M3 seats.

Get one with a 6 cylinder engine, or I'm sure you will regrett that after a while.
Try to find one with EDC and Dynamic drive, that suspension is just fantastic.
The radar cruise control is one of the most used features in my car.
Took me a couple of days to get used to the HUD, kept looking down to check my speed but that is also something I really like about the 5.
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      07-09-2014, 08:43 AM   #10
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Whatever you do keep the 1M. Future cultcar!

For everyday drive consider the diesel BM.
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      07-09-2014, 09:30 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by noixd View Post
yea, I agree with EZ. BMW is known for their twin turbo V6. Why waste your time and money for a 4 banger?
Here we go again… First of all you need to know your own engine before you start dissing others’. It’s a twin power turbo I6 not twin turbo V6.
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      07-09-2014, 12:08 PM   #12
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Thank you all for your comments. I am glad many have switched from 3 series to 5 series and have not regretted it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by lovec1990 View Post
OP did you test driven a 535i GT because is diffrent than 528i?
I'll test drive today a 535i GT back to back with a 528i. The GT is attractive to me because of the interior space and comfort. I also don't mind the very controversial looks. It looks to be very heavy though, will find out during test drive how bad is it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Noggie View Post
I just made the swap from an e46 M3 to a M550d in May.
Pretty much for the same reasons as you, getting older looking for more everyday comfort.

Haven't regrettet it for a second.
The larger 5 is more comfortable, and a lot more practical, and those comfort seats are so much better than the M3 seats.

Get one with a 6 cylinder engine, or I'm sure you will regrett that after a while.
Try to find one with EDC and Dynamic drive, that suspension is just fantastic.
The radar cruise control is one of the most used features in my car.
Took me a couple of days to get used to the HUD, kept looking down to check my speed but that is also something I really like about the 5.
The 528i I'll be testing today has EDC and if I am not mistaken all 535i GTs have Dynamic Drive.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sjoerd View Post
Whatever you do keep the 1M. Future cultcar!

For everyday drive consider the diesel BM.
The 1M is staying. For sure.
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      07-09-2014, 01:06 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigK View Post
Here we go again… First of all you need to know your own engine before you start dissing others’. It’s a twin power turbo I6 not twin turbo V6.
whatevers clever jjank!! still better than a weak ass 528 BS!!!
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      07-10-2014, 05:37 PM   #14
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So, I drove the 535i GT and immediately after the 528i on exactly the same roads. The only thing that the GT has over the 528i is the interior space (by a mile) and the original looks.

This 528i has about 10K in options over the standard mexican configuration 5er. It's a dealer demo with 2.5K miles on it. It has the active dampers & steering, rear view camera, comfort seats, comfort access and multimode dash. All nice options.

Frankly, it drives fantastic. In comfort it has an excellent ride (better than the 535i GT) and in sport it is very agile and fun, almost like a 3. Really. I think this engine is the sweet spot in the BMW range today. Real world it's only about 40hp down on the six pot (at most). The 528i felt easily as fast as the 535GT, given that the latter weighs 600 pounds more (not a typo).

Regarding price.

The 528i lists for about 920K pesos in a brand new '15 with those options. This '14 demo I can get for 720K (that's a 15K USD discount). The killer is this: they will confirm tomorrow if I can also get a 30 month 0%APR loan with 30% down and no commissions on it. In that case, I am afraid this will enter no-brainer territory. Also, the car comes with 3 year warranty and full service from the date they invoice it to me.

I can then get it and keep the M3 or if needed, sell it at my leisure. Problem is I am out of parking space!
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      07-10-2014, 05:44 PM   #15
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If your happy with the performance then go for it! Sounds like an awesome finance package...
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      07-10-2014, 07:09 PM   #16
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Never thought I'd say this, but try the Audi A7 Supercharged - simply an epic car, I like my 5, but it feels awfully big. Drove the GF's new A7, it's power is astounding. BTW, also own an E92 M3, so have a feel for the power you are used to.
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      07-10-2014, 07:41 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by radiofrequency View Post
Never thought I'd say this, but try the Audi A7 Supercharged - simply an epic car, I like my 5, but it feels awfully big. Drove the GF's new A7, it's power is astounding. BTW, also own an E92 M3, so have a feel for the power you are used to.
I did try it already. Did an extensive test drive. The thing is that Mexico City is more than 6,500 ft above sea level and superchargers lose power as much as an N/A motor. The A6 3.0T here barely feels faster then the 528i and is much more expensive.

Also I feel the 528i is a bit more agile, felt less heavy to me. Maybe the 535i feels different, IDK.
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      07-11-2014, 07:37 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW M Power Mexico
So, I drove the 535i GT and immediately after the 528i on exactly the same roads. The only thing that the GT has over the 528i is the interior space (by a mile) and the original looks.

This 528i has about 10K in options over the standard mexican configuration 5er. It's a dealer demo with 2.5K miles on it. It has the active dampers & steering, rear view camera, comfort seats, comfort access and multimode dash. All nice options.

Frankly, it drives fantastic. In comfort it has an excellent ride (better than the 535i GT) and in sport it is very agile and fun, almost like a 3. Really. I think this engine is the sweet spot in the BMW range today. Real world it's only about 40hp down on the six pot (at most). The 528i felt easily as fast as the 535GT, given that the latter weighs 600 pounds more (not a typo).

Regarding price.

The 528i lists for about 920K pesos in a brand new '15 with those options. This '14 demo I can get for 720K (that's a 15K USD discount). The killer is this: they will confirm tomorrow if I can also get a 30 month 0%APR loan with 30% down and no commissions on it. In that case, I am afraid this will enter no-brainer territory. Also, the car comes with 3 year warranty and full service from the date they invoice it to me.

I can then get it and keep the M3 or if needed, sell it at my leisure. Problem is I am out of parking space!
The difference between the two is much more than 30-40 and the Tq difference is even more. I'd urge you to drive a 535i instead of a GT. Every time I've been in for service and gotten a 528i the power difference is very noticeable. Get out of first gear and the power of the 6 shows up tremendously. That being said the 4 is a great engine; the I6 is just in a different league. The GT will feel slower due to the weight. The fact that the 528 felt as fast but weighs 500 lbs less should give you an idea how much more power the 6 is making.
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      07-11-2014, 10:00 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by noixd View Post
yea, I agree with EZ. BMW is known for their twin turbo V6. Why waste your time and money for a 4 banger?
BMW doesn't make a V6
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      07-15-2014, 08:28 AM   #20
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I am looking at these options, both have good prices:

1) 2014 LCI 528i M-Sport (Brand new)

It has the 704 suspension (we get that in Mexico in the 528i M Sport), Space Grey / Cinammon Brown / Hexagonal Aluminum, Sports Automatic, Sports Seats (these AFAIK are not available in the US), Hi-Fi 12 Speaker 205W sound system. Other than that, few additional toys.

2) 2014 (Pre-LCI) 528i Luxury (Demo car, 2,500 miles - comes with a full warranty) . Silver / Cinammon Brown / Piano Black. This one is much more loaded. It has comfort & active seats, adaptive suspension (shocks), integral active steering, rear view camera, multi configurable dashboard display, and comfort access. This car costs about 3K less than the M-Sport above.

So, I am torn. I much prefer the looks both inside & out of the M-Sport but also like the toys on the other car. I tested the one with active suspension and loved it.

Is the 704 suspension harsh? I am looking for comfort but also coming from an M3/1M so used to really firm suspensions.
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      07-15-2014, 03:38 PM   #21
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Have you considered a 550? They're quite fun, I can say.
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      07-15-2014, 03:43 PM   #22
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Quote:
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Have you considered a 550? They're quite fun, I can say.
A couple of hours ago I went to look at a '12 550i with M-Sport (passive 704 suspension), 9,000 miles. The power is amazing and the car is in very good shape with of course a lot more equipment than the 528i's I've been looking at.

Cons: It feels "floatier" and heavier (less agile) than the 528i I drove. Warranty runs our in 5 months. Fuel consumption.

I liked it very much. How would you rate the reliability of a car like this. Would you own it our of warranty?





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