[chrison600]

Hi all,

I bet this topic has been fleshed out already, but I guess I'll do a new post anyway.

We are headed to Germany this July and considering adding Euro Delivery of a new 5-Series to the schedule. Besides the logistics being pressed, we're having a debate on 528 vs 535. The car is primarily for the use of the wife as a daily commuter and car to impress clients taking them to dinner, etc. Maybe a road trip car, but we have two Golden Retrievers so that likelyhood is diminished.

The wife does not care about the power package. She just wants a white with tan Nappa with the M-Sport package and some other options.

I'm intrigued by the 528 but have a (probably immature) problem with the idea of a 4-cyl in a 5-Series. Ok in a 1, acceptable in a 3, but in a 5?

Anyone have opinions or advice to share?

Thanks,

Chris

[Alan l.]

The new N20 4 cylinder turbo is an awesome engine all around. It is proven to be quicker than the old inline 6 528 and more fuel efficient. The only thing is that the engine doesn't sound as good as the 6 which is expected just as the 6 doesn't sound as good as the V8.

Since the car is for your wife and power isn't her main concern I'd stick with the 528 and save yourself a nice chunk of change. If the car is for you then i would say 535/550 if you are into performance and use to powerful cars. if you are coming from civics then even a 528 will feel fast but if you are coming from V8's then the 535/550 is your best choice.

Alan

[BigKutta]

Well, if the perception bothers you then you should consider the 535. However, what is it that intrigues you about the 528?

I use the 528 as a daily driver and absolutely love the car, never feel like the engine lacks any power in any situation, and the engine also satisfies my practical side. You have to see what suits your needs the most. If you think that the 528 drives well, but you will be labeled as a cheapskate then get the 535, 550, M5, etc., otherwise I don't see why you shouldn't buy the 528. That is just my opinion, either way you will drive with a smile on your face.

[The X Men]

chrison600, the best thing to do is to have the wife test drive both the 528 and 535, I test drove all three engine before deciding on the 6 cyl. I would not call the 6 cyl a power package, its really not that quick, above average for cars in this price range and size. The 8 cyl. I would call a power package, but the gas mileage is horrible. The 4 cyl is a bit louder and the start stop function is a bit rougher. We have alot of short on ramps here in the Northeat, the 528 in sport mode has barely enough power to merge into a short ramp. My problem with leaving it the sport mode is that the accelaration is very rough and doesnt not make for a smooth ride but I dont think you have that problem in Texas since the highways are pretty well space out and the ramps are normal length.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by The X Men

chrison600, the best thing to do is to have the wife test drive both the 528 and 535, I test drove all three engine before deciding on the 6 cyl. I would not call the 6 cyl a power package, its really not that quick, above average for cars in this price range and size. The 8 cyl. I would call a power package, but the gas mileage is horrible. The 4 cyl is a bit louder and the start stop function is a bit rougher. We have alot of short on ramps here in the Northeat, the 528 in sport mode has barely enough power to merge into a short ramp. My problem with leaving it the sport mode is that the accelaration is very rough and doesnt not make for a smooth ride but I dont think you have that problem in Texas since the highways are pretty well space out and the ramps are normal length.

Agree that there isn't much of a difference in term of power "feel" between the 528 and 535, but why do you say the start/stop is rougher. It felt exactly the same to me.

I'll chime in that there is no issue merging onto any sort of ramp with the N20, either in D or DS, Sport or Comfort. The N20 works quite effortlessly in most situations

[BigP535I]

not a recommendation but its odd that there is a perception that with 528 "you're a cheapskate" to some same rational for those UK guys for debadging 520d to not be labeled as such. A 5 is by no means cheap regardless of the model, at least to me anyways. I didn't test drive a 528 but I came from a 335 so I wanted to have the same drive experience so I went with the 535.

[Needsdecaf]

It's June 19th. You're headed to Germany in July and want to do ED...is that time frame even possible?

Also, there is no Tan (Venetian Beige). Only Oyster or Black.

[JNoSol]

chrison600, you should be fine with the 528i (N20) for what you're using the car for. I got a 2012 528i as a loaner a few months back, I was quite impressed with the torque. The N20 is a quantum leap compared to other 2.0T engines. I didn't experience any turbo lag compared to my old EVO IX or my buddy's Audi A4.

If you really need more power than 240hp/260lb tq, software tunes are coming to match N55's performance.

The negative things I noticed are the rough idle during cold start (around 30-40 degrees outside) and it takes a bit longer to warm up compared to the N55. You live in Austin, TX so cold start and coolant warm-up delays shouldn't be an issue.

[TheRox]

The 528 puts out torque and HP numbers that 6 cyl were putting out 7 or 8 years ago...def not slow by any means.


535 is tunable...and has the in line six. Otherwise, nothing really wrong with a 528. These are luxury sedans after all...not a 911 or Ferrari. You don't need tons of power. Besides, cops are everywhere, so speeding isn't that much of an option.

[chrison600]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

It's June 19th. You're headed to Germany in July and want to do ED...is that time frame even possible?

Also, there is no Tan (Venetian Beige). Only Oyster or Black.

We knew it was a long shot, but thought we'd try anyway. Euro Delivery is a no go, so we're going to pause on the purchase and take our time...

Thanks for all the responses!

Chris

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Agree that there isn't much of a difference in term of power "feel" between the 528 and 535, but why do you say the start/stop is rougher. It felt exactly the same to me.

I'll chime in that there is no issue merging onto any sort of ramp with the N20, either in D or DS, Sport or Comfort. The N20 works quite effortlessly in most situations

In the city, the 528i is almost as quick as the 535i, but once on the highway, the difference is greater. A 4 cylinder engine usually starts rougher than a 6, I felt the difference between the two engines.
One can wait for a wider opening when merging onto the highway or try to work your way into a smaller opening, so what I consider a merging issue may not the same as yours.
The N20 just sound like its working much harder than the N55, judging by the rpm, it is.
Dont get me wrong, I think the N20 is a great engine, its right up there with the Audi 2.0T, which is one of the top ten turbo fours around. I wish my 535xi can get gas mileage like your 528, in the end, its what suits one's need that matters the most.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by The X Men

In the city, the 528i is almost as quick as the 535i, but once on the highway, the difference is greater. A 4 cylinder engine usually starts rougher than a 6, I felt the difference between the two engines.
One can wait for a wider opening when merging onto the highway or try to work your way into a smaller opening, so what I consider a merging issue may not the same as yours.

I never ever stop at the on-ramp, and can merge into any gap I find when i get there, and my N20 has never gotten in the way. I see plenty of more powerful cars that cannot merge, and plenty of Kia's that get around quite well. Its more driver skill (or just competence) than anything else.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by The X Men

In the city, the 528i is almost as quick as the 535i, but once on the highway, the difference is greater. A 4 cylinder engine usually starts rougher than a 6, I felt the difference between the two engines.

I too felt the rougher start when I first got my car, and that rough start had gone away after a few weeks. Its fairly quiet now when I start it up. Maybe it needed breaking in?

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

I never ever stop at the on-ramp, and can merge into any gap I find when i get there, and my N20 has never gotten in the way. I see plenty of more powerful cars that cannot merge, and plenty of Kia's that get around quite well. Its more driver skill (or just competence) than anything else.

I tell you what, if you dont notice any difference between the 4 cyl. and the 6 cyl, then you just save yourself about $5000

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by The X Men

I tell you what, if you dont notice any difference between the 4 cyl. and the 6 cyl, then you just save yourself about $5000

My point is that 240Hp and 260 lb ft tq is more than sufficient to navigate through all normal driving situations, so I dont buy into the merging issue. Of course one should buy what they like and want.

[JNoSol]

The N20 tunes will be available very soon, since all BMW *28i will standardize on the N20 with 8spd auto (manual is optional of course). I'm hearing 300hp/300ft being accomplish with an ECU flash. That should bridge the performance gap and the 528i is almost 200lbs lighter.

I hope the market will be flooded with mods for the N20 quicker. It has a lot of potential.

I drove the 528i loaner in Sport+, I think it has plenty of power for merging and highway speed.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

My point is that 240Hp and 260 lb ft tq is more than sufficient to navigate through all normal driving situations, so I dont buy into the merging issue. Of course one should buy what they like and want.

That is certainly your opinion and I repectfully disagree, but I do agree that the 528 has sufficient power for normal driving situations, the problem is when I need a bit more power in certain abnormal situations.
Power, much like the design of a car or the interior is subjective, everyone will have different opinion. Some people even find the 535 to be under power and prefer the 550.

[chrison600]

Does anyone have knowledge of how the BMW production schedule is managed and that relationship to Euro Delivery windows? For example, is there a time period when the production line is tooled up for 5-Series models and that is the window for 5-Series Euro Delivery, or is the Euro Del schedule open for any model at any time and can any model be run through production at any time?

Chris

[Russkey]

Get the 528 if the car is primarily for the use of your wife as a daily commuter.
For my taste, even 535 is underpowered! It's definitely a personal preference!

[Nack1019]

The 528 is a great choice. The MSA feature takes a few days to get use to. Great in traffic and on the highway.

[DitrasetMan]

Originally Posted by The X Men

Dont get me wrong, I think the N20 is a great engine, its right up there with the Audi 2.0T, which is one of the top ten turbo fours around. I wish my 535xi can get gas mileage like your 528, in the end, its what suits one's need that matters the most.

But wait...the gas mpg is so similar... Is there even a noticeable difference between the 528i and 535i?

According to FuelEconomy.gov:

2012 BMW 528i 4 cyl, 2.0 L
City 23, Combined 27, Highway 34, cost per year $2250

2012 BMW 535i 6 cyl, 3.0 L
City 21, Combined 25, Highway 31, cost per year $2400

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by DitrasetMan

But wait...the gas mpg is so similar... Is there even a noticeable difference between the 528i and 535i?

According to FuelEconomy.gov:

2012 BMW 528i 4 cyl, 2.0 L
City 23, Combined 27, Highway 34, cost per year $2250

2012 BMW 535i 6 cyl, 3.0 L
City 21, Combined 25, Highway 31, cost per year $2400

The 535i is quicker, smoother and quieter.