[Straightsix]

I'm in Ontario, Canada, about six months away from ordering either a 528i or a 535i. Since there's a considerable difference in price between them, I'm wondering if anyone has tested both cars, and where (in daily driving) the horsepower difference becomes apparent. I ride motorcycles for thrills, so perhaps the 528i would be adequate as a touring car, mostly on highways. Does anyone feel that the 528i is underpowered in any way? And one more question please, especially for any Canadians out there: if I go with the standard seats in either car, leather or leatherette, will I get adjustable thigh bolsters, or will I have to order commfort seats ($1000) or some horribly expensive package of unnecessary tech to get these? Since I'm well over 6ft tall, the adjustable thigh bolsters are a MUST for me! I honestly don't care whether they're manual pull-out or power, I've just got to have this feature. In fact I don't know why every manufacturer of luxury cars doesn't make them standard... nothing adds to seat comfort like these things.
Thanks guys (or gals)

[bdardashti]

The thigh bolsters don't come standard. You'll need comfort seats.

As for the power, I've driven the previous 528i and 535i back to back, and at a different time the new 535i. Since the engine in the new 528i has been updated a bit, and the transmission is now faster, my opinion may not be totally accurate. But given my test drive, I'd personally go for a 535i if you can afford the difference. Having said that, I personally believe the 528i has adequate power. It's not a fast car, but it's got enough power.

[Straightsix]

Originally Posted by bdardashti

The thigh bolsters don't come standard. You'll need comfort seats.

As for the power, I've driven the previous 528i and 535i back to back, and at a different time the new 535i. Since the engine in the new 528i has been updated a bit, and the transmission is now faster, my opinion may not be totally accurate. But given my test drive, I'd personally go for a 535i if you can afford the difference. Having said that, I personally believe the 528i has adequate power. It's not a fast car, but it's got enough power.

Thanks so much... it's helpful to have an educated opinion. Another question to a fellow Canadian, if you have time: as a "minimum bells and whistles" kind of guy, I'm leaning towards RWD even though I live in Ontario. I don't want to pay for all wheel drive or lug around the extra weight and technology if I don't have to, and the 5 series does have traction and stbility control after all. I owned a 633csi years ago which was a nightmare in snow, but with winter tires, do you think the new 5 series would be fine? Lastly, do you think there's any negotiating room on these cars at Canadian dealers? I'm a fearless negotiator when there's something to negotiate.
Thanks again.

[bdardashti]

I've never had the chance to drive a RWD and xDrive version of the 5 back to back, but I have with the 3. Few weeks ago, I tried out a 328i sedan with sport package (gets sport suspension) and then a 328i sedan xDrive with sport package (xDrive gets stock suspension with sport package) and I can tell you the driving feel is quite a bit different. In corners, the RWD model was much more agile in the turn, and quicker out of it. And just cruising on 407 and driving very casually around town, in my opinion you can totally feel the weight of the xDrive model. When I stepped on the pedal, it didn't have the electrifying feel in the xDrive model. Don't know if that makes any sense?

Having said all that, in terms of performance in the winter, I remember my parents had an E21 3er back in Iran, and every time the road wasn't 100% dry, the car would have problems. Even with winter tires (they probably weren't good ones, but still), the car would have issues once fall and winter came around (and we didn't get much snow). But from what I've read, and experienced in friends' cars (BMW/MB), they are okay in the winter with a set of good winter tires. They won't be fantastic, but they're okay. You'll have to park it at home during the few snow storms each season, but for the rest of the winter, you'll be alright.

For negotiations, if you want the car now, it'll be difficult. It's sold out from what I've read, and demand is fairly high, but you can still get something off. Perhaps 3-4%. Just my guess, and NOT an educated one

[akhter]

I think the 528i IS a fast car. The 535i is slightly over-powered IMHO.

I am coming from a 335i M Sport and ordered a 528i.

I had the choice of 528i with all the options and toys, or a base 535i, and I went with the toys. The 528i engine is substantially updated and the 8sp sport transmission is great. The power delivery of the NA engine is a lot smoother than the twin turbo engine (which is very smooth too).

I personally think the NA engines are a bit more enjoyable because the power delivery is more linear. However, you can't beat the torque of the 535i and if you want sheer seat of your pants thrill, then go for the twin turbo.

As for me, I spent the difference in the price of a 528i and a 535i on options

[kealaiki]

We have an F10 528i on order for ED in late Oct. This car will be my wife's, to replace her current 2008 E60 528i. IMO for the type driving she does (primarily urban) this car has more than enough power. There is nowhere in this country where this car can be legally driven to its full potential.

My daily driver is a 6-speed 2009 E82 135i which has awesome power and my weekend driver is a 2008 E60 M5. I have concerns about the longevity of the E82's twin turbos, and of course, the cost of post-warranty maintenance on M cars is well-known.

[Straightsix]

Thank you all so much for the input, which is very useful in bringing this difficult (but exciting!) process into sharper focus. I particularly appreciate the comment that there is nowhere in this country where it's legal to exploit either car anywhere near its potential on public roads; I just traded my Ducati 1098 for a Triumph Thruxton (less horsepower, more comfort) for this very reason...my Duc was often seriously illegal in 2nd and four more gears to go!! Add to that the comment about the NA engine being smoother, and it looks like there might be a 528i in my future. As to snow, I'm leaning towards RWD with winter tires, a couple of bags of sand in the trunk and a good dose of caution... that's how we always used to do it on those few days a year when road conditions truly suck. And there's actually a good argument to be made for RWD (as opposed to FWD anyway) being more predictable and controllable if one does end up in a skid.
Anyway, thanks again.

[Straightsix]

Thanks. That is thoughtful and extremely useful advice.

[dpwr]

i think Navi is a must in 5 series, so to get navi:

535 - 62300$ + $5400 = 67700
528 - 53900$ + $2000 = 55800

so the difference is $11900 between the two, is it worth it? to me it wasn't, so I went with 528 and power is decent (obviously not 535 but it's not as bad as you might think)... had my 528 for few weeks and couldn't be more happier... but if money is no issue, then 535 for sure

[akhter]

Originally Posted by dpwr

i think Navi is a must in 5 series, so to get navi:

535 - 62300$ + $5400 = 67700
528 - 53900$ + $2000 = 55800

so the difference is $11900 between the two, is it worth it? to me it wasn't, so I went with 528 and power is decent (obviously not 535 but it's not as bad as you might think)... had my 528 for few weeks and couldn't be more happier... but if money is no issue, then 535 for sure

navi costs $5400 in 535i but only $2000 for 528i? or are there package shenanigans involving more options?

[scottz5]

535 is perfect IMO. I am getting 32mpg on the highway with only 600 miles.

[raleedy]

I've not yet driven the 528i but I have a 328i (E92). Like other posters here, I like NA engines better than turbocharged ones. The new 528i has excellent fuel economy. Downsides are that AWD, integral active steering, manual transmission and most of the dynamic handling (with the exception of the adjustable dampers) are not available on the 528i. So if any of those are on your "must have" list, you have to go up to the 535i. The extra price of the multi-contour seats is absolutely good value. With winter tires, the RWD car will be ok in the snow — in the opinion of quite a few drivers, it's a better combination than AWD and all-season tires. After all, AWD doesn't do anything to help braking or steering.

[dpwr]

Originally Posted by akhter

navi costs $5400 in 535i but only $2000 for 528i? or are there package shenanigans involving more options?

for 535 in Canada, there's executive package you have to get to get navi, in 528 navi is standalone option

[shukrim07]

Canadian driver here, recently purchased a 528i (I got the first one out of the dealership), my must-have was navigation.

As far as power is concerned, its plentiful. If you want turbo, here's a breakdown of why I DIDN'T get the 535i:

61, 200 528i with options (premium, sport and nav.)

67,700 535i with premium pack.

Difference of: 6,500

535i
60 more hp
dual tailpipes
60 more hp
dual tailpipes
comfort seats with lumbar support 1000 value
automatic trunk 600 value
hi-fi sound system professional 1200 value
sirius satellite radio tuner
more colour options

With no sport pack added (due to higher price), so you'll lose these with the 535>
lose 3 spoke steering
anthriactie roofliner
high-gloss shadow line


Therefore, your spending:

$3700 for 60 more hp and dual tailpipes

64315
58140

6175 difference.
3375 engine power, dual tailpipes, and you can potentially put on more options (rear camera, etc. but for more money).

To me, almost 4grand was NOT justifiable for a 60hp gain from a vehicle that already does 0-60mph (~100km/h) in 6.6 sec.

Just my 0.02, take the 528i if you could afford the 535 go for it.

Mo.

[dpwr]

Originally Posted by shukim07

Canadian driver here, recently purchased a 528i (I got the first one out of the dealership), my must-have was navigation.

As far as power is concerned, its plentiful. If you want turbo, here's a breakdown of why I DIDN'T get the 535i:

61, 200 528i with options (premium, sport and nav.)

67,700 535i with premium pack.

Difference of: 6,500

535i
60 more hp
dual tailpipes
60 more hp
dual tailpipes
comfort seats with lumbar support 1000 value
automatic trunk 600 value
hi-fi sound system professional 1200 value
sirius satellite radio tuner
more colour options

With no sport pack added (due to higher price), so you'll lose these with the 535>
lose 3 spoke steering
anthriactie roofliner
high-gloss shadow line


Therefore, your spending:

$3700 for 60 more hp and dual tailpipes

64315
58140

6175 difference.
3375 engine power, dual tailpipes, and you can potentially put on more options (rear camera, etc. but for more money).

To me, almost 4grand was NOT justifiable for a 60hp gain from a vehicle that already does 0-60mph (~100km/h) in 6.6 sec.

Just my 0.02, take the 528i if you could afford the 535 go for it.

Mo.

you forgot to add sports pack to 535

[Projekt35i]

Actually, in the aftermarket world, if you can get 60hp for only 4G that is CHEAP! And here we are talking about a reliable stock upgrade with bigger engine. For me it would be a no brainer to go with the 535i if money is not a concern.
And from my test drive experience with the 535i, despite the twin-turbo engine, the car is incredibly smooth (almost too smooth for my taste). The F10 smoothness has been discussed and even criticized a lot in the forum. I have not driven the 528i but I expect it to be probably very similar in smoothness. Just my 2 cents!


Cheers,

[akhter]

Originally Posted by Projekt35i

I have not driven the 528i but I expect it to be probably very similar in smoothness. Just my 2 cents!

I used to have the 335i and test drove the 523i and found the 523i to be smoother. Part of it is the 8sp transmission but the NA engine IS smoother even if its marginallay smoother and the pickup is marginally more instantaneous. Instead of globs of low-end torque, the power also comes much more linearly. 0-60 times are only off by .6 sec or so (I think).

Also in HK the power difference was lesser than in NA (258 vs 306 no idea why) and you really can't use the extra power here anyways. To me the marginally extra smoothness + lower price was worth the difference.

Also I don't mod/tune cars. I all my money upfront on factory installed options and I suspect there are many like me. The only mod I may do to my car is get OEM Rims but that is only because in HK there is 85% tax if you order with the car as opposed to buy after-sales.

[cp888]

the 528i insulation is better than the 3 series to which i think

[bfv]

Originally Posted by Straightsix

I'm in Ontario, Canada, about six months away from ordering either a 528i or a 535i. Since there's a considerable difference in price between them, I'm wondering if anyone has tested both cars, and where (in daily driving) the horsepower difference becomes apparent. I ride motorcycles for thrills, so perhaps the 528i would be adequate as a touring car, mostly on highways. Does anyone feel that the 528i is underpowered in any way? And one more question please, especially for any Canadians out there: if I go with the standard seats in either car, leather or leatherette, will I get adjustable thigh bolsters, or will I have to order commfort seats ($1000) or some horribly expensive package of unnecessary tech to get these? Since I'm well over 6ft tall, the adjustable thigh bolsters are a MUST for me! I honestly don't care whether they're manual pull-out or power, I've just got to have this feature. In fact I don't know why every manufacturer of luxury cars doesn't make them standard... nothing adds to seat comfort like these things.
Thanks guys (or gals)

1) Unless you are racing and/or wanna rule the highway, 528i is the way to go.

2) No thigh bolsters with standard seats, Comfort seats are worth every penny. Maybe u can buy them just as a separate option and not as a part of an expensive package.

[blackberrycubed]

wow ... an old thread being revived !

[bfv]

Originally Posted by blackberrycubed

wow ... an old thread being revived !

:Oops!:

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by bfv

:Oops!:

528i from Sept on is a turbo 2 liter 4. It's a different comparison.