[ezmaass]

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!).

[ARfan395]

Originally Posted by TO740

ARfan, the problem here in Canada is the lack of decently optioned CPO'd 2011 528's. There is only one CPO in all of the country and it is bare bones - leatherette, no Nav, but does have Sport Package and Premium Sound Package. I don't need to make a decision for a few months, so will continue browsing Autotrader etc. I'll keep looking for that perfect fit!

It will be difficult to find CPO 2011 models, but here in the states you can find many well optioned 2011 models! I specifically wanted Alpine White with Cinnamon Brown interior and was lucky enough to find one close to where I live. I don't have a warranty anymore but I do have money set aside for repairs if they arise, (I'm confident this will be a reliable car long term but it's still good to be prepared).

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.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

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.

I had the exact same car (2001 e46 325i) and couldn't agree more. BMW is following the trend and reducing engine size while using turbos, and the power delivery has never been the same. That's too bad.

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

[TO740]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

I had the exact same car (2001 e46 325i) and couldn't agree more. BMW is following the trend and reducing engine size while using turbos, and the power delivery has never been the same. That's too bad.

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

We all seem to have the same experience with the e46. My wife has a 2000 323ci that has 75,000km's/46,000miles on it. She took delivery of it in summer of '99 and it still looks and drives like new. Amazing reliability. She hates my '09 as it is much stiffer - sport suspension, sport seats etc. I have to admit that the e46 is a more relaxed drive.

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.

[dmoney23]

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!!!!

[ezmaass]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

I had the exact same car (2001 e46 325i) and couldn't agree more. BMW is following the trend and reducing engine size while using turbos, and the power delivery has never been the same. That's too bad.

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

Such fond memories I have of that e46 325i. Mine wasn't quite trouble free, but the troubles it DID have were manageable. But that engine was just wonderful. Honestly, the 335i was a blast when I first got it - the HP bump was entertaining, and the surge of power was nice... for a while. Then I got accustomed to it, and it didn't feel as quick any longer... but the engine's power delivery was just never as fun/smooth as the e46.

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.

[Ric in RVA]

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.