[JGraciano122]

I Normally Like Japanese Cars Subarus,Hondas,Acuras (Etc.) Anyways I Was Curious To See How Reliable A 528i With Performance Upgrades Such As A Downpipe And Maybe A Little Tune Or Possibly An M3 Completely Don't Know Much About German Cars Again Took A Ride In My Brothers 528xi And Loved It

[Pierre Louis]

Originally Posted by JGraciano122

I Normally Like Japanese Cars Subarus,Hondas,Acuras (Etc.) Anyways I Was Curious To See How Reliable A 528i With Performance Upgrades Such As A Downpipe And Maybe A Little Tune Or Possibly An M3 Completely Don't Know Much About German Cars Again Took A Ride In My Brothers 528xi And Loved It

Each company has its characteristics regardless of country of origin, but German cars are a bit more stout and built for us burly people more often than other countries' vehicles. They also benefit more from a knowledgable trained mechanic than perhaps some other more conservatively designed cars (like Toyotas).

I would say that in general, a "German" car would have, more often than not:

- a safer structure
- more durable bodywork
- higher level of innovation (read: risk in engineering)
- proper handling
- great brakes
- capable of autobahn cruising
- excellent seats (usually more firm and better at long distance)
- better interior materials s/a rubber and vinyl (my Enclave started to "fray" too early)
- more likely to use premium grade fuel or diesel
- more original styling (if not a bit conservative)
- superior transmissions (especially heavy duty performance oriented)

Even the most unreliable German cars can at least be fixed, unlike some other cars with unadjustable wheel alignment, poorly designed fuel injection, and dubious electronics over the years from other countries. You still get what you pay for too.

German mechanics have had a higher stature in society than other countries and are often needed to have special skills and knowledge to properly keep up with German cars.

These are generalizations, of course, with many exceptions, but perhaps it is helpful. There are some great new and older cars from Jaguar, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, and others, but not as consistently over the years as from Germany. Technology advances have made all cars somewhat alike in many ways so that even French and Italian cars are worth a look. The German economy is such that it has highly skilled independent craftsmen that are able to support the massive automobile manufacturing with precision and durability (s/a special tooling, metal work). Japan, northern Italy, England, Sweden and others as well as the USA have this but perhaps not as consistently as Germany. South Korea has been a notable actor of late with their own vertical integration, i.e. ownership of iron works etc.

Bimmers tend to be more "cutting edge" in tech and have been leaders in car electronics as well as integrating sportiness into their cars, but things keep changing there and many feel they have lost their edge lately, but I beg to differ.

Going right into modifying a BMW takes a bit of technical knowledge and skill, so using a known shop seems a bit safer than DIY. Good shopping!

PL

[Teddylongtooth]

Originally Posted by JGraciano122

I Normally Like Japanese Cars Subarus,Hondas,Acuras (Etc.) Anyways I Was Curious To See How Reliable A 528i With Performance Upgrades Such As A Downpipe And Maybe A Little Tune Or Possibly An M3 Completely Don't Know Much About German Cars Again Took A Ride In My Brothers 528xi And Loved It

If your going to Mod it with coilovers and 20" wheels stay away from, EDC-DHP-Adaptive Drive, those options make it difficult to put coilovers. If your going to Mod it for more power, try to get a 535xi twin power or a 2014 or newer 550xi both with msport package. The 5 series is heavy so get the most powerfull engine you can afford for the most power output for the mods. If your going to add subwoofers, try to find one with the fold down seats to get better bass, the trunk is sealed off pretty good and bass doesnt pass thru very well. Also try to find one with the Top Hifi or Harmon Kardon system (depending on year), the base and mid level audio systems are crap. These cars are expensive and hard to work on if you dont know anything about them, so be warned this wont be cheap or as easy as your current automobiles.

[JGraciano122]

Originally Posted by Teddylongtooth

If your going to Mod it with coilovers and 20" wheels stay away from, EDC-DHP-Adaptive Drive, those options make it difficult to put coilovers. If your going to Mod it for more power, try to get a 535xi twin power or a 2014 or newer 550xi both with msport package. The 5 series is heavy so get the most powerfull engine you can afford for the most power output for the mods. If your going to add subwoofers, try to find one with the fold down seats to get better bass, the trunk is sealed off pretty good and bass doesnt pass thru very well. Also try to find one with the Top Hifi or Harmon Kardon system (depending on year), the base and mid level audio systems are are crap. These cars are expensive and hard to work on if you dont know anything about them, so be warned this wont be cheap or as easy as your current automobiles.

Thank You It's Gonna Be All Performance I Wanna Make This Beamer Pretty Quicl

[ezaircon4jc]

One thing I noticed with my 1st BMW was it seems BMW's philosophy is why use a push-pin fastener when a screw will do. IIRC there are something like 15 screws holding the lower front splash shield! My 535i feels much more solid than any American or Japanese car I've owned.

[Ickdeep]

Originally Posted by JGraciano122

Thank You It's Gonna Be All Performance I Wanna Make This Beamer Pretty Quicl

I would recommend getting an 535i or 2014+ 550i. It all depends on your budget.

Also be sure to look into an extended warranty. You might never have to use it in the time you own the car but if something does go wrong, atleast you're covered.

[snj1013]

Watch out for N20 Timing Chain guide issues. Early versions (2012-2015 IIRC) fail frequently around 100k miles. The result is catastrophic. Ask my co-worker who is looking at pretty much worthless 2012 with 110K miles. Car without problem is worth $14k. Repair is about $14k.

[lsturbointeg]

Agree with the responses here. U can only do so much performance wise on the 528. I would look into a 535i or even better yet a 550i

[paul223]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

One thing I noticed with my 1st BMW was it seems BMW's philosophy is why use a push-pin fastener when a screw will do. IIRC there are something like 15 screws holding the lower front splash shield! My 535i feels much more solid than any American or Japanese car I've owned.

Push pin fasteners are junk, on my dad's MB GL there are lot of these, useless after 5 cycles of install/remove.

[natbay89]

BMW is in a league of its own. There is no comparison. I just purchased a 528i xDrive for commuting purposes. I get 36 mpg and if I put it in sport mode, it will snap your head back pretty impressively. Now if you want pure performance...a M car is the answer, no question.

[natbay89]

I couldn't agree more. The warranties are worth every penny. You probably will not use them but if you do, you will be glad you paid the extra $$$

[mike@x-ph.com]

BMW are more fun and higher quality than Japanese cars ... That being said expect a big dip in reliability vs what you are used to.

[N52 Moistenor]

I'd suggest going for a 535i. the 4 cylinder in the newer 528 is trash after 70k miles.

[Kyngofpop]

Originally Posted by Ickdeep

I would recommend getting an 535i or 2014+ 550i. It all depends on your budget.

Also be sure to look into an extended warranty. You might never have to use it in the time you own the car but if something does go wrong, atleast you're covered.

Judging by his post and like for Japanese cars I can categorically say do NOT purchase a 550i, and with certainty PLEASE purchase an extended warranty. My experience has been less than pleasurable with repairs and maintenance on my 2011 550xi and have encountered several 2018 M550i owners who are ALREADY having issues with the oil consumption issue that dates back ad nauseum.

So yeah, your extended warranty WILL be used...get one. Lower models like the 528 or 535 seem to have less motor issues but all the others things and failures that other 5-series have apply.

Btw if you do your own service, repairs, and maintenance be prepared to learn a whole new way of doing things. I'm a seasoned mechanic and my F10 threw me for a loop in having to learn to work on a car BMW's way, not the way that cars are generally repaired. Its even more difficult because most BMW enthusiasts (that I've seen) take their cars back to the dealers for repair work so there aren't many online tutorials to guide a nOOb on how to repair his awesome "new" car. The repairs are doable, but don't expect much in the way of online support unless you have a dealer reciept and people recommending you which other expensive service center to take it to.

For the record, I LOVE the car and won't get rid of it, just be warned to be prepared to get quite a lesson in learning new ways to do things. The driving dynamics and driving experience come at a price so be prepared for it.

You've been warned...

[Kyngofpop]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

BMW are more fun and higher quality than Japanese cars ... That being said expect a big dip in reliability vs what you are used to.

I hate Japanese cars and find this HILARIOUS

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

BMW are more fun and higher quality than Japanese cars ... That being said expect a big dip in reliability vs what you are used to.

Originally Posted by Kyngofpop

I hate Japanese cars and find this HILARIOUS

I guess that depends on how you define quality. Our 535i's are much more solidly built than my daughter's G37. The G37 was actually on my short list until she bought hers; now it's not.

[Kyngofpop]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

I guess that depends on how you define quality. Our 535i's are much more solidly built than my daughter's G37. The G37 was actually on my short list until she bought hers; now it's not.

I actually mis-read that and didn't notice when he said to expect a big dip in reliability. That I can agree with. By far Bimmers have the upper hand when it comes to quality...reliability in my experience has been not so much.

[Pierre Louis]

BMW has in the past had a reputation for leaky/blown gaskets and lower quality control and cost than Mercedes (at least in Europe). Mercedes was the more conservative carmaker known for longevity and "over engineering."

Mercedes had to take a hit around 1988 when BMW was making strong strides (the only automaker to make a profit at the time) in NA market share by lowering their quality standards (C-class) in order to compete.

BMW has it's upside: you still get what you pay for, but BMW has more "cutting edge" innovation (iDrive, diesel - both which BMW leads the market with) which causes more risk. There's a reason Toyota's reputation is so solid with reliability - they rarely take engineering "risks" and when they do, they put a lot of money and effort into it (Prius).

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Kyngofpop

I hate Japanese cars and find this HILARIOUS

Originally Posted by Kyngofpop

I actually mis-read that and didn't notice when he said to expect a big dip in reliability. That I can agree with. By far Bimmers have the upper hand when it comes to quality...reliability in my experience has been not so much.

Im glad its good now

[jeveryday]

Originally Posted by Pierre Louis

Each company has its characteristics regardless of country of origin, but German cars are a bit more stout and built for us burly people more often than other countries' vehicles. They also benefit more from a knowledgable trained mechanic than perhaps some other more conservatively designed cars (like Toyotas).

I would say that in general, a "German" car would have, more often than not:

- a safer structure
- more durable bodywork
- higher level of innovation (read: risk in engineering)
- proper handling
- great brakes
- capable of autobahn cruising
- excellent seats (usually more firm and better at long distance)
- better interior materials s/a rubber and vinyl (my Enclave started to "fray" too early)
- more likely to use premium grade fuel or diesel
- more original styling (if not a bit conservative)
- superior transmissions (especially heavy duty performance oriented)

Even the most unreliable German cars can at least be fixed, unlike some other cars with unadjustable wheel alignment, poorly designed fuel injection, and dubious electronics over the years from other countries. You still get what you pay for too.

German mechanics have had a higher stature in society than other countries and are often needed to have special skills and knowledge to properly keep up with German cars.

These are generalizations, of course, with many exceptions, but perhaps it is helpful. There are some great new and older cars from Jaguar, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, and others, but not as consistently over the years as from Germany. Technology advances have made all cars somewhat alike in many ways so that even French and Italian cars are worth a look. The German economy is such that it has highly skilled independent craftsmen that are able to support the massive automobile manufacturing with precision and durability (s/a special tooling, metal work). Japan, northern Italy, England, Sweden and others as well as the USA have this but perhaps not as consistently as Germany. South Korea has been a notable actor of late with their own vertical integration, i.e. ownership of iron works etc.

Bimmers tend to be more "cutting edge" in tech and have been leaders in car electronics as well as integrating sportiness into their cars, but things keep changing there and many feel they have lost their edge lately, but I beg to differ.

Going right into modifying a BMW takes a bit of technical knowledge and skill, so using a known shop seems a bit safer than DIY. Good shopping!

PL

all of what he said

I would also add that modding a BMW is A LOT more expensive than modding a Japanese car, however I have seen my dollar go further in the modification or my BMW than the G35 I had. Im sure a large part is due to the turbos.

[kaz123123]

Hi everyone.

Im new to the forum as you can see. i need some advice before i purchase my first F10. Its a 525d m sport 2011. But it doesn't have the flappy paddle's on the steering wheel and the sport, comfort button on the centre console. Nor a reversing camera.

Is this common on these cars? as I have seen this on lots of other 2011 F10's? was this an optional extra at factory? sorry im a newbie and need some guidance.


kind regards Kaz