[moldcad]

I love my 528xi, but the N20 engine is a source of constant frustration. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to upgrade to ann I6 (gas or diesel) while staying with the F10 refinement and comfort on those long business trips I do a lot...

The only way to get hold of the 35i engine would be for me to swap my 528xi for the M235i. Did anyone do back-to-back comparisons of the two? Is having the legendary engine worth compromising the comfort and refinement of the F10? I'll add that I drive alone 100%, so inside space is not an issue.

Please help me with your thoughts...

[Azurite2020]

Never would I consider anything below a 5 after driving a 5 for so long. I would take a 528 before a 135/235/335/435. Comfort and quality over everything and the 5 series is heads and shoulders above the rest.
However once you start comparing the 5,6 and 7 the differences aren't as major.
I would put 1-4 in the same bucket quality wise and 5-7 in a different one.

Edit: Honestly I really haven't driven the 528 enough to know exactly how you feel about the engine but if you can live with the lack of power I wouldn't give up the rest.

[moldcad]

Originally Posted by Eliran

Edit: Honestly I really haven't driven the 528 enough to know exactly how you feel about the engine but if you can live with the lack of power I wouldn't give up the rest.

Didn't I say the N20 engine is a source of constant frustration?

[Azurite2020]

Originally Posted by moldcad

Didn't I say the N20 engine is a source of constant frustration?

Which is why I tried to get you to understand that to me, lack of power didn't matter that much but I've only driven it for less then a week. The lack of everything else is more important to me. Information that I thought could be useful to you.

Keep up with the snarky replies.

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by moldcad

Didn't I say the N20 engine is a source of constant frustration?

switch for an older 528 with the N52/53.. problem solved

[mko9]

I would vote for getting a 235i. You can see what I have in my signature block. On any given day I would much rather drive my 330i than my 535i. I wish I had some experience with an e39 or an e60 for perspective, because I think BMW screwed the pooch on the F10. It is NOT a driver's car. And my e46 has virtually everything my F10 has - power seats, heated seats, nav, iPod integration, alcantera everywhere, etc - and doesn't drive like a Buick. I just need to get a Bluetooth kit installed, but the car is pre-wired.

[ezmaass]

Well, I'd say it's a tough comparison for sure...

The F22 costs a pretty penny - about $150M - compared to the relatively affordable F10 starting at only $50k. The F22 provides steath - no stealth for the F10. F22 will require a significantly longer driveway - F10 needs only a standard 20 foot parking space. F22 is now out of production, so you can only get a late model 2011 at best - F10 LCI is still a nice in-production option. F22 can be fitted with air-to-air missiles - but no streaming audio bluetooth. Let's not even get into warranty service...

I'd stick with the F10.

[twelve535i]

Well, if you're looking for a fun driving experience, go for the 235i. I'm sure its faster, handles a hell of a lot better, and a more overall fun time.

You just have to ask YOURSELF what is more important, a sporty luxury cruiser or a sport coupe?

[Mr Clean]

Originally Posted by Eliran

Never would I consider anything below a 5 after driving a 5 for so long. I would take a 528 before a 135/235/335/435. Comfort and quality over everything and the 5 series is heads and shoulders above the rest.
However once you start comparing the 5,6 and 7 the differences aren't as major.
I would put 1-4 in the same bucket quality wise and 5-7 in a different one.

Edit: Honestly I really haven't driven the 528 enough to know exactly how you feel about the engine but if you can live with the lack of power I wouldn't give up the rest.

+1 to everything you said I concur.

To OP:

" Is having the legendary engine worth compromising the comfort and refinement of the F10?"

That's a question that only you can answer. You said that you love your 528 but the engine is a source of constant frustration, so by this I assume that you're enjoying the rest of the car. Fine. But there's alot more to the car to enjoy besides your disappointment with the engine (and performance I assume) such as the super comfy ride, high quality interior and upgraded technology among other things that only a 5 and above can provide. Understand that these luxuries will be lost and missed if you get into an M235i (which is geared towards performance over luxury) and ditch the 528xi (unless the M235 is fully optioned out, but still you wont get the layout of the 5). Obviously you will lose your all wheel drive capabilities and maybe that's a compromise that your willing to make, but still put some thought into it.

One thing that you probably haven't considered was doing performance upgrades such as tunes. Look into that and maybe you will get the car to respond the way you desire.

So In conclusion, I would suggest you write a list of the good things about your car on a sheet of paper to the left and the bad on the right. Compare the two sides and cross off what you will be 100% OK without, and circle what you need. If you find yourself crossing off a lot of stuff then you''d probably benefit with the M235.

[Cairo Kid]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

Well, I'd say it's a tough comparison for sure...

The F22 costs a pretty penny - about $150M - compared to the relatively affordable F10 starting at only $50k. The F22 provides steath - no stealth for the F10. F22 will require a significantly longer driveway - F10 needs only a standard 20 foot parking space. F22 is now out of production, so you can only get a late model 2011 at best - F10 LCI is still a nice in-production option. F22 can be fitted with air-to-air missiles - but no streaming audio bluetooth. Let's not even get into warranty service...

I'd stick with the F10.

That was pretty funny.

There are many things to take into consideration before switching to a smaller car other than performance. For example; perhaps you may need to take passengers (important clients) with you during one of your business trips, if you're married with kids would the 2 series be enough whenever the family car needs to go in for servicing, how much "gear" do you haul around on a regular basis (I normally have my briefcase, gym bag, lunch). These are the kind of things the F10 can easily accommodate but could be the source of a different set of frustrations in a smaller car. You know your situation best (for me, I'd stick with the F10).

[ARKONE]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

Well, I'd say it's a tough comparison for sure...

The F22 costs a pretty penny - about $150M - compared to the relatively affordable F10 starting at only $50k. The F22 provides steath - no stealth for the F10. F22 will require a significantly longer driveway - F10 needs only a standard 20 foot parking space. F22 is now out of production, so you can only get a late model 2011 at best - F10 LCI is still a nice in-production option. F22 can be fitted with air-to-air missiles - but no streaming audio bluetooth. Let's not even get into warranty service...

I'd stick with the F10.

Took me a while but I got it. Nice write-up.


To the OP:

Have you looked into getting an older 5-series? Like a 2011 550i or a 535i? My dealer has multiple CPOs with 6year 100k warranty for less than 40k for a 550i and 35k for a 535i.

[Noggie]

If hou are into sporty cars, the 235 is a great car.
Is probably on par with the e46 M3 just looking at figures, but newer and better in every way.

If I was 10 years younger i'd go for one for sure. Now it would have had to have been my fun to drive second car. Comfort is my daily need now.

[omaralt]

Originally Posted by moldcad

I love my 528xi, but the N20 engine is a source of constant frustration. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to upgrade to ann I6 (gas or diesel) while staying with the F10 refinement and comfort on those long business trips I do a lot...

The only way to get hold of the 35i engine would be for me to swap my 528xi for the M235i. Did anyone do back-to-back comparisons of the two? Is having the legendary engine worth compromising the comfort and refinement of the F10? I'll add that I drive alone 100%, so inside space is not an issue.

Please help me with your thoughts...

i went from a 2013 550i to a 2014 435i and i couldn't be happier. it's all about what you want and desire from a car. there is no doubt the F10 is more luxurious, but there is also no doubt the M235i is a lot more fun than then F10. i thought it was more fun than my 550i, i cant imagine how much more fun it is than a 528. i test drove the M235i but settled on the 435i because of the HUD and i also felt it was more refined. so again, dont let anybody tell you what you want/need; if you can live with the space/materials of the F22 you will be much happier IF you are a more sport oriented driver. if luxury is your priority (which it doesnt seem it is) than you will be happier with an M235i

[VWtoBMW]

I would personally stick with the F10 is comfort and quality is a concern. If you are looking for fun, sportiness, and a small car, then the 235 is perfect. If yo do long business trips and spend time on the road keep the F10.

My neighbor has a 435 and while it is a nice looking car on the outside, I feel the interior in a few notches down on luxury and comfort... the 235 would be probably a notch below.

[remmib]

I start with a test drive of the F22, even if it's not the M235i.

[moldcad]

OK guys, have made my decision how to eat a cake and have a cake: ordered the Golf 7 R!

Thanks for your input

[ezmaass]

Originally Posted by moldcad

OK guys, have made my decision how to eat a cake and have a cake: ordered the Golf 7 R!

Thanks for your input

Can you go back to the original question??

[Azurite2020]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

Can you go back to the original question??

+1

[moldcad]

What for? I'm keeping the F10 for long trips where comfort is my priority, and buying the Golf R (much cheaper than M235i) for those spirited but short distance ones... Lookie here:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23...s-on-cars_auto

[monogramus]

Well, in my opinion, if you have money for new golf R you should sell 528i and buy 535d, probably it's faster than golf and it's 5
Now you have frustrating limousine and toy for kids. After a few weeks it will be boring, off the truck it's only vw golf. It's fast from the line? so what...

[moldcad]

Agree about advantages of the 535xd (EU version) - but only if I could have afforded one in the first place, which I couldn't due to the luxury tax of 20% on cars with engine's capacity exceeding 2 liters (and that is in addition to the 23% VAT we have). Swapping now for (even base) 535 xd - huge financial penalty...

Oh, and I needed a second car anyway (though not necessarily a "kids' toy" as put it), for my wife...

[kave]

I would also sell the 528i and go for the proper car: 535d
I have always dreamed of one after watching Powered Up.