2006 BMW 525i Vs. 530i

[Jynx]

Hey guys,

Considering getting one of these vehicles. Apart from the 40hp difference is there anything major between the two vehicles? Im not really a power person so i want to see if its worth it to spend the extra few thousand on the 530.

Also any personal experiences with these cars? Any major problems?

I did a search but couldn't come up with much.

Any help/input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[blinkme_210]

Aside from the 40hp difference, the only major differences would be choice of options. I know you couldn't get comfort seats or M-package on the 525i.

[Jynx]

Originally posted by blinkme_210
Aside from the 40hp difference, the only major differences would be choice of options. I know you couldn't get comfort seats or M-package on the 525i.

What about the upgraded sound system? Xenons etc? Are those available on the 525?

[cloud1314]

There two different engines
525 have valvetronic
530 is the m54 engine

[blinkme_210]

Originally posted by Jynx


What about the upgraded sound system? Xenons etc? Are those available on the 525?

Those were available as options. If you had asked me 3 years ago when I bought the car, I could recite every difference between all the E60s to you, haha.

If I were you Jynx, I would just spend the extra money and get a 545i instead. Even though it has a bigger engine, the gas consumption will be almost the same, if not better than the 525/530. I know, because my friend owns a 545i, and he gets on average 18mpg, while I get about 17mpg. Even if you step on it all the time, the weekly gas bill difference will be negligible.

Also most people who bought the 545i bought the sport package as well, which will come with the sport suspension, black shadowline, & 18" style 124 wheels.

[blinkme_210]

Originally posted by cloud1314
There two different engines
525 have valvetronic
530 is the m54 engine

Not entirely correct. There was a pre-LCI engine update to the 525i & 530i in September 2005; getting rid of the old E39/E46 M54 engine for the new E90 N52 engines.

525i/xi
10/04 - 9/05: 2.5 L M54, 184 hp
10/05 - 9/07: 3.0L N52, 225hp

530i/xi
10/04 - 9/05: 3.0L M54, 225hp
10/05 - 9/07: 3.0L N52, 255hp

Also adding these things as standard: Start/Stop ignition, leatherette patch iDrive knob, disc brakes that would apply lightly to "squeegee" water away from the brake rotors. Very minor updates, but still updates nonetheless.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

I drove the m54 525 and it was pretty awful in regards to power, and the interior really felt below bmw's usual standard.

I'd much sooner get a well equipped 3 series before a gutless base 5 series. The 525 just doesnt excel at anything.

The 530 as always is a better balance in power and gas consumption. Plus maintenance is much cheaper compared to a 545, especially a few years down the road.

[canuckcarguy]

And try to get BMW certified if you're buying used, and a comprehensive extended warranty - my i-drive failed on my 2004 545i, and the repair cost was over $5000.

[VWEvo]

Originally posted by canuckcarguy
And try to get BMW certified if you're buying used, and a comprehensive extended warranty - my i-drive failed on my 2004 545i, and the repair cost was over $5000.

That's friggen crazy!!!

[Jynx]

Originally posted by canuckcarguy
And try to get BMW certified if you're buying used, and a comprehensive extended warranty - my i-drive failed on my 2004 545i, and the repair cost was over $5000.

Typical BMW rapeage. I will definetly be getting an extended warranty on any BMW i buy. Well worth it on these vehicles.

3 year 60k extended is apprx 3k if im not mistaken rite?

[911fever]

only look at the 530.

[carzcraz]

We purchased a 530i 6 months ago but unfortunately never had the opportunity to compare it to the 525i.

Our experiences with the 530i thus far have been great and it definitely has sufficient power for a car its size. Fuel consumption does not appear to be that bad either.

The only repair we've had to do is the auxillary water pump that is supposedly known to be problematic on this series.

I have only driven the car a number of times as I have a difficult time getting used to its size (being 5'1 and petite). My fiance at 6'2 on the otherhand loves it!

[Speed_RaSiR]

Do not buy a BMW without sports package

[blinkme_210]

Originally posted by Speed_RaSiR
Do not buy a BMW without sports package

Actually... ONLY get the Sport Package on a rear wheel drive BMW.

The Sport Package on all wheel drive BMWs is just rims, shadowline trim, seats, etc. depending on the series. No suspension upgrades whatsoever.

[tiangco.a]

hmmmmmm thats funny.
I have an 04 545i with sport pack and im 100% certain that the suspension is upgraded...you can tell if you were to put a non sport and a sport side by side that the sport is lower, the suspension is harder and you can corner better.
other than that, the 530 is a great vehicle and can do more than the job if your not looking for something speedy. Everyone that has posted is basically right, dont get a BMW without extended warranty. And on top of that when you do own one, do preventative maintenance.

[blinkme_210]

Originally posted by tiangco.a
hmmmmmm thats funny.
I have an 04 545i with sport pack and im 100% certain that the suspension is upgraded...you can tell if you were to put a non sport and a sport side by side that the sport is lower, the suspension is harder and you can corner better.
other than that, the 530 is a great vehicle and can do more than the job if your not looking for something speedy. Everyone that has posted is basically right, dont get a BMW without extended warranty. And on top of that when you do own one, do preventative maintenance.

Read what I wrote again.

Sport package on XI BMW's do not have suspension upgrades. And since your 545i is not a xi....