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02-04-2016, 08:38 PM | #23 |
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Nothing is as wonderful as a BMW NA inline 6. Too bad many owners today who are new to BMW may never experience them. My first BMW was a 2001 325i - inline 6 produced 184hp. It was nothing to write home about, but it was more than sufficient for the size of the car, and it was buttery smooth. I put about 125k miles on that car over about 6.5 years before buying a 2007 335i. While still smooth, and it had that great "surge" from its 300hp TT engine, it was no longer linear and predictable.
After 89k miles and about 6 years, I sold the 335i and bought my current 2014 550xi. It's by far the most powerful of the BMWs I've now owned, but its engine is nowhere near as sweet as my old 2001 325i. The TTV8 is, like many modern forced-induction engines, non-linear and just not as smooth. In a world where everyone is going turbocharged, a beautiful naturally aspirated engine is a rare and special thing. It's one of the reasons why I love my R8 (and will never sell it) - the power delivery reminds me a lot of my old 325i... granted, with a lot more power, crazy sounds, etc... but linear, buttery delivery of power allows you to dial it in or out surgically with your right foot... something you can never do with a turbocharged engine. All of that said - I'd say ABSOLUTELY buy the NA engine car. I've kept my last two BMWs for considerable mileage, but the 550xi won't be around as long - I just don't trust it'll be reliable, and while it has tons of gadgets and power, it just honestly isn't as "sweet" as the old inline 6's. I think the F10 would have been great with a naturally aspirated engine putting out around 300hp... something we're never going to see again, though, from BMW (or probably anywhere!).
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2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe | MSport | Exec Package | Driver Assist Plus | ACC Stop & Go | Adaptive Drive | B&O | Night Vision | Cold Weather | Active Seats
2015 Audi R8 V10 | Brilliant Red on Black | S-Tronic | Carbon Sideblades | Carbon Trim | Full Leather | Sport Exhaust | Illuminated Doorsills | I-Pod | Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i |
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02-06-2016, 10:34 AM | #24 | |
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Like others have mentioned the NA engine is very special and unique in that BMW only used it in the F10 for one year. Owning this model year is kind of special to me and I feel like I own one of the last true BMWs with a NA 6cyl engine. I hope you are able to find one soon. |
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02-06-2016, 03:34 PM | #25 | |
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This was the exact reason I wanted the 2011 528i (inline 6), but for some reason it never felt that it was mated to the car/tranny well. I wish I kept that e46 325i though, it was perfect after 9 years, 110k miles, and one of the most dependable and maintenance free cars I have ever had (yes, you heard that right!). My son could have been driving it next year |
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02-06-2016, 04:01 PM | #26 | |
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In my quest to find a CPO with the equipment that I want/need, it looks like I may have look to a 535 and learn to live with the turbo. The odds of finding a 2011 528i here with comfort seats, nav, etc., are slim to none. There are a number of nicely optioned MY11 535's though. We're planning a major road trip to the west coast in the spring, so there is still a bit of time before we have to make a decision. |
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02-15-2016, 08:14 AM | #27 |
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I have a 2011 528i msport it has everything except except nav/xenon headlights....but I can work around those issues......this was my 1st bmw I got it used so the person who previously bought the car got the options they wanted.....they just left out those 2x things.....but so far so good, I've driven the turbo 528 and no difference in power..Now im sure if I bump up to the 535 I would get whip lash, but as long as there are companies that make products for my n52 motor i'm fine...im getting to old getting whip lash!!!!
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02-16-2016, 05:15 PM | #28 | |
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I don't think we'll ever see manufacturers go back to N/A engines now - so we need to cherish the good ones that are still out there. The e46 is one of the great 3-series. The e46 M3 is probably one to pick up and hold as the last N/A I6 M3.
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2017 BMW 650xi Gran Coupe | MSport | Exec Package | Driver Assist Plus | ACC Stop & Go | Adaptive Drive | B&O | Night Vision | Cold Weather | Active Seats
2015 Audi R8 V10 | Brilliant Red on Black | S-Tronic | Carbon Sideblades | Carbon Trim | Full Leather | Sport Exhaust | Illuminated Doorsills | I-Pod | Contrast Stitching Previous: '14 550xi, '07 335i, '01 325i |
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02-17-2016, 04:42 PM | #29 |
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I have one of the mythical N52 528i's. Love it. Tranny is fine. Has its moments, but it is what it is and 99% of the time it is fantastic. ZF 8 speed is awesome.
Power is fine. Wind it up and watch it go...but that is typical BMW NA6 for you. Ride and handling is perfect. Brakes are great. So far zero issues. (Touch wood!....is that because I pony'd up for the super pricey warranty??) No HPFP, no turbos, no walnut blasting valves. I liked the N52 528 so much it made me go buy a 128i sport. NOW THAT is a fun car!!!! So I guess I have started a N52 collection of sorts.
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