I might be considering buying a new 5 series sedan or a Mercedes Benz E-320 CDI. I currently drive a 2000 528i, which is pretty peppy considering how big it is and with a small engine 193hp,206lbs torque with double vanos. Love the car. I heard that BMW's are coming out with new engines for all its 5 series models with all-wheel drive. Now my question is will the 525xi suit me better or the 530ix, and what will be the horsepower on these cars? My main buying objects are: Relablity, Performance, good gas millage, and comfort (im 6'4 315lbs
525xi or 530xi?
- Thread starter BMW528i_Bilal
- Start date
I was in the same boat not too long ago. I lease my cars though, and the thing that got to me is that my payments on a BMW that costs nearly 10K more than the mercedes were lower. The BMW resale value is much higher, and that is what accounted for the difference.
I bought a BMW 530 over a Mercedes. The 320 was greatly underpowered IMO, so I was looking at an E500 if I went the Merc route. I had a C320 previously, and I really wanted the E500 but I couldn't make it make sense.
Overall, I'm very happy with my 5 series. I would suggest the 530 over the 525 because of the power. I don't know the horsepower/mileage figures. I own a 911 and a Navigator as well, and before that a Mustang, and an XJ8 so I obviously have a problem with underpowered cars
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Reliability-wise, no problems so far... but the car has been in the shop several times (04 530i):
1) It auto-Locked my daughter in the car. Glitch in the electrical/idrive system. Fire department had to knock out a window. (long story). After 2 weeks, the dealer had lost the paper work and hadn't ordered the window. Then they apparently could have the window the next day. (even though when I first informed them, it was 3 weeks out at the earliest). The window replacement took 1 1/2 weeks.
2) Stress crack in the windshield. Started as a tiny crack, but then it got huge. Dealer confirmed this was a factory defect issue. 3 weeks to order a windshield. 1 week for first installation which whistled. 2 weeks to schedule the next one. After 1 week in the shop, they called because they couldn't hear the whistle. I drove it with their guy in the car to confirm the whistle. Their service manager told me they would replace it again, and I went home. 2 weeks later, I call in because I haven't gotten a call back. They FORGOT they had the car! 1 week later, I get the car back.
3) At < 7,000 miles, the car is asking me for more oil. I went in to add a quart, and like the idiot I am, I put it in the power steering tank. (labeled ATF Oil only, but the ATF was partially covered in grease and I just wasn't paying enough attention) 1 day in the shop at the third dealer who was very efficient, but I paid for the car and asked them to bring it out front and went on a test drive. Came back an hour later and the car was still not pulled out front and I ended up waiting 30 minutes more. The biggest problem I have with this experience is that the car needs oil at less than 7000 miles. My Porsche asking for oil is one thing... but a new BMW? hmm...
I bought a BMW 530 over a Mercedes. The 320 was greatly underpowered IMO, so I was looking at an E500 if I went the Merc route. I had a C320 previously, and I really wanted the E500 but I couldn't make it make sense.
Overall, I'm very happy with my 5 series. I would suggest the 530 over the 525 because of the power. I don't know the horsepower/mileage figures. I own a 911 and a Navigator as well, and before that a Mustang, and an XJ8 so I obviously have a problem with underpowered cars
.Reliability-wise, no problems so far... but the car has been in the shop several times (04 530i):
1) It auto-Locked my daughter in the car. Glitch in the electrical/idrive system. Fire department had to knock out a window. (long story). After 2 weeks, the dealer had lost the paper work and hadn't ordered the window. Then they apparently could have the window the next day. (even though when I first informed them, it was 3 weeks out at the earliest). The window replacement took 1 1/2 weeks.
2) Stress crack in the windshield. Started as a tiny crack, but then it got huge. Dealer confirmed this was a factory defect issue. 3 weeks to order a windshield. 1 week for first installation which whistled. 2 weeks to schedule the next one. After 1 week in the shop, they called because they couldn't hear the whistle. I drove it with their guy in the car to confirm the whistle. Their service manager told me they would replace it again, and I went home. 2 weeks later, I call in because I haven't gotten a call back. They FORGOT they had the car! 1 week later, I get the car back.
3) At < 7,000 miles, the car is asking me for more oil. I went in to add a quart, and like the idiot I am, I put it in the power steering tank. (labeled ATF Oil only, but the ATF was partially covered in grease and I just wasn't paying enough attention) 1 day in the shop at the third dealer who was very efficient, but I paid for the car and asked them to bring it out front and went on a test drive. Came back an hour later and the car was still not pulled out front and I ended up waiting 30 minutes more. The biggest problem I have with this experience is that the car needs oil at less than 7000 miles. My Porsche asking for oil is one thing... but a new BMW? hmm...
hi Bilal, welcome aboard!
with the new i-6s that will be in next year's bimmers, even the 325's lower hp numbers will be adequate. comparing it to your 193 horses. but also keep in mind that you'll have the extra heft of awd setup, so you'll have to put that into the equation.
best bet, which i, among many others here suggest, is to take her for a spin. both models, and those of competitors. i mean everyone and their mother are making an awd sedan now, so you'll have your pick. enjoy the happy dillema![[:p]](/images/smilies/tongue.png "Stick Out Tongue [:p]")
with the new i-6s that will be in next year's bimmers, even the 325's lower hp numbers will be adequate. comparing it to your 193 horses. but also keep in mind that you'll have the extra heft of awd setup, so you'll have to put that into the equation.
best bet, which i, among many others here suggest, is to take her for a spin. both models, and those of competitors. i mean everyone and their mother are making an awd sedan now, so you'll have your pick. enjoy the happy dillema