[BimmerGuyFL]

While getting my car washed this morning at the dealership I took a brand new 528i out for a test drive, It had Premium Packages 1 and 2, Sport Package, Sport Auto, and a few other options priced around 57K. Much to my surprise the 528i had plenty of power and actually felt pretty powerful and fast for 240 claim BMW horsepower. Ride quality was excellent, very supple and handled all types of road surfaces without any harshness as in a previous 2005 E60 530i sport we had in the family. The steering was lighter than the typical BMW but still ahead of the class in my opinion in precision, and I felt it had decent feedback that was proper in this class of mid-size Luxury sedan. Overall I was very impressed with the 528i as I took it on the twisting back roads as well as on the interstate.

In summary I feel the F10 5-series should have been the model that came after the E39 as it reminded me more of an evolution of that model than what took it's place, The E60.

Great job BMW. Until then I will enjoy my E90 328i sport until it's time to replace it.

[dpwr]

Nice review

[r3amir]

The new 528i has an increase of HP of only 10, but the torque has increased more significantly than the last model, that's why it runs good despite gaining in weight.

[tim-atl]

Good post, thanks. I've been struggling with the power of the 535 or mpg's of a 528. I am so sick of putting gas in my current vehicle and the more I think of it the more a 528 would meet my needs. Unless of course... I'm offered a 535d ;-)

Tim

[BimmerGuyFL]

Originally Posted by tim-atl

Good post, thanks. I've been struggling with the power of the 535 or mpg's of a 528. I am so sick of putting gas in my current vehicle and the more I think of it the more a 528 would meet my needs. Unless of course... I'm offered a 535d ;-)

Tim

Tim, I've tested all three models of the F10, 528i, 535i, and 550i. The 550i in my eyes and hands felt more like a baby 7-series, Powerfull but very heavy feeling. The 535i in my opinion is not really worth the extra cash as it didn't feel extremely faster than the 528i. Sure the 535i is faster but driving around town I never wished I had the N55 turbo engine over the N52 528i engine.

If I was in your shoes, I'd save the money I would spend on the 535i and get a very nicely loaded 528i. PS make sure if you get a new F10 5-series that it was produced in September or later. Pre-September models had a Steering/Alignment Steering Pulling issue that is not easy to fix or more like a pain in the ass.

[tim-atl]

Thanks, I think I'm sold on a 528i.

Tim

[r3amir]

Keep in mind,most of the extra money spent in 535i over 528i is recovered in the resale.

So all models and engines are great, it is just a matter of personal taste or needs. So enjoy.

[BimmerGuyFL]

Originally Posted by r3amir

Keep in mind,most of the extra money spent in 535i over 528i is recovered in the resale.

So all models and engines are great, it is just a matter of personal taste or needs. So enjoy.

Actually the 528i has a higher resale value than the 535i. Where did you get your resale values from?

[raleedy]

A look at lease residuals gives a pretty good idea of what BMW thinks the resale value of the respective models will be. In their October numbers, the 535i's residual value drops off sharply after three years compared to the 528i. Everybody has opinions; BMW FS puts money behind theirs.

[sequal]

I was kinda blown away by the power of the 528i. I didn't see much of a difference between the 528i and 535i.

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by sequal

I was kinda blown away by the power of the 528i. I didn't see much of a difference between the 528i and 535i.

really? i find my 528i somewhat sluggish because of the lack of torque below 2600rpm.. but once u get the revs up, the fun begins

[BimmerGuyFL]

Originally Posted by sequal

I was kinda blown away by the power of the 528i. I didn't see much of a difference between the 528i and 535i.

Agreed!

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL

Agreed!

common, you drive a 328i - that makes you biased

[r3amir]

Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL

Actually the 528i has a higher resale value than the 535i. Where did you get your resale values from?

I just meant, if you paid $5,000 extra for 535i now, you will recover may be $2,000 or $3,000 of your extra money at the time of the sale. A 3 year old 535i will sell about $2-3K more than the 3 year old 528i

[BimmerGuyFL]

Originally Posted by grimlock

common, you drive a 328i - that makes you biased

Actually no, I used to drive a E92 335i coupe for 2 years. I got a 328i recently because of all the HPFP issues I had. So no I am not Biased.

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL

Actually no, I used to drive a E92 335i coupe for 2 years. I got a 328i recently because of all the HPFP issues I had. So no I am not Biased.

Ok, I guess that makes you best qualified to comment. I havent even driven the 535 (or 335i) hehe


but the weight of the f10 seems to work more against the NAs than for 3's, would u say?

[BimmerGuyFL]

Originally Posted by grimlock

Ok, I guess that makes you best qualified to comment. I havent even driven the 535 (or 335i) hehe


but the weight of the f10 seems to work more against the NAs than for 3's, would u say?

I believe it has to do with the new 8-speed Auto. also remember that our 328i's have 200 lbs of torque while the new 528i has 230 lbs of torque. I also believe that the new N52 engine in the 528i is under rated. Def feels like it has plenty of power for everyday driving for the new 5-series.

[nosnoop]

Originally Posted by sequal

I was kinda blown away by the power of the 528i. I didn't see much of a difference between the 528i and 535i.

It's not so much the absolute maximum power (not very many keep their engine revving at 6000+ rpm); but they differ quite greatly in torque and power delivery.

535i's flat torque curve of 300 lb-ft from just 1200 rpm all the way to 5000 rpm is very usable and flexible; this compared with 528i's peak torque at the narrow band between 2600 rpm and 3000 rpm. So depending on your driving habit, as long as you keep 528i's rev up, it can certainly keep up. Otherwise, most people would enjoy 535i's higher torque and power coming at a much lower rpm.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by nosnoop

It's not so much the absolute maximum power (not very many keep their engine revving at 6000+ rpm); but they differ quite greatly in torque and power delivery.

535i's flat torque curve of 300 lb-ft from just 1200 rpm all the way to 5000 rpm is very usable and flexible; this compared with 528i's peak torque at the narrow band between 2600 rpm and 3000 rpm. So depending on your driving habit, as long as you keep 528i's rev up, it can certainly keep up. Otherwise, most people would enjoy 535i's higher torque and power coming at a much lower rpm.

+1

Was going to post a similar reply. I love the delivery of the 535i, driving the 3.0d diesel, using lower revs, the 535i engine with its lower more muscular torque delivery for the 3.0i petrol, would be my choice. A very flexible petrol motor.

HighlandPete

[sequal]

This thread is like politics. Everyone is going to be in favor of what car they own (535i,528i,550i). The 535i has a more pep then a 528i but I expected a lot more from the 535i. Regardless they are both ultimate driving machines.

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by nosnoop

It's not so much the absolute maximum power (not very many keep their engine revving at 6000+ rpm); but they differ quite greatly in torque and power delivery.

535i's flat torque curve of 300 lb-ft from just 1200 rpm all the way to 5000 rpm is very usable and flexible; this compared with 528i's peak torque at the narrow band between 2600 rpm and 3000 rpm. So depending on your driving habit, as long as you keep 528i's rev up, it can certainly keep up. Otherwise, most people would enjoy 535i's higher torque and power coming at a much lower rpm.

yeah, thats my thinking too .. its not actually a bad thing, you get two very different possibilities just by having a different engine

just that when we try to keep up with the torque monsters at the lights, they must think we're nuts, the way we rev our engines

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by sequal

This thread is like politics. Everyone is going to be in favor of what car they own (535i,528i,550i). The 535i has a more pep then a 528i but I expected a lot more from the 535i. Regardless they are both ultimate driving machines.

I am actually not in favor of the car I own. I can hardly feel its shortcomings (torque).. its like everyday is a cold, damp morning you have to give it a kick in the pants and it still crawls back under the covers. And the engine efficiency works against it, it takes 15minutes+ to get to working temperature, which given Hong Kong distances, me means I'm always driving around a car that is still half sleeping