BMW 5-Series Sedans

ms09 · April 2007

which is the better car the 3 series or the 5 series???

tayl0rd · April 2007

It's personal preference and only you can answer that.

erickpl · April 2007

Not to sound like a jerk, but reading up in the various BMW forums, like found here on Edmunds, KBB, BMW-specific sites may be a better way to start your search.

It's kinda like my son asking me to quickly explain how the universe works in 30 seconds.

The 3 and 5 are the same only in that they both have 4 doors in sedan form. They have a common engine, but other than that, they are quite unique. You need to look at YOUR financial situation, your needs, your wants, etc to determine which is best for you.

They are both incredible vehicles. You can't go wrong with either, but what you choose is entirely up to you.

-Paul

banglenot · April 2007

I've got one of each.

The 3xi is fun and quick, but a bit noisy. The 5i is quicker, and quieter. Both handle better than anything in their class. If I could choose only one, I'd get the 5. But its nice to have both.

art92101 · April 2007

I had a 98 528 and I LOVED that car. I miss it. It had the premium package w/no sport pak. I drive many long 200 to 300 mile days and did not want the stiffness of the sport pak. Now I have a 04 530, premium pak and it is very different. Still a great car relative to others in the Japanese makes. But it does not seem to have the sporty feel of my old 528. The 530 blew a coil and since it's CPO I took it to the dealer and mentioned the "softness" of the suspension and he tells how this 530 is a better driving and safer car...well perhaps so but it doesn't quite feel as sporty. The old one had a taut suspension, very balanced. It may be that the new series is just too quite?? I like but do not LOVE it like my ol 528.

lovemyclk · April 2007

I feel the same way about my 2003 530SP - last of the e39 platforms. It's gonna take something special to pry me away from this remarkable car! I do have the sport pkg and it transforms this car into a remarkable road car - I enjoy it now as much as the day I brought it home.

Maybe the upcoming 535 with the new TT engine and upgraded interior will get my attention

jb_shin · April 2007

The TT drive train is awesome. I had a 335i loaner car while my e39 M5 was in the shop, and the thing felt as fast my e39.

bruceomega · April 2007

I stopped by the BMW dealer yesterday to ask about availability of 535Xi and 335Xi models. They are expecting the new 5 series cars to start arriving in 2 - 3 weeks (335Xi is already showing up).

I picked up brochures for the new 5 series and the 3 series. According to the data published in those, the 0 - 60 time for the 535i auto is 5.7 seconds, while 0 - 60 for the 535Xi auto is 5.6 seconds. I was surprised the AWD is faster to 60 than the RWD considering it weighs 243 pounds more.

As an aside, 0 - 60 for the 335i auto is 5.6 while for the 335Xi auto it's 5.4.

Bruce

bruceomega · April 2007

Was wondering if any one happened to see this posted in the 3 series forum:

http://editorial.carsales.com.au/car-review/2358840.aspx

If so, wanted to ask people who know the 5 series what they thought of the comments on the 550i?

I am toying with the idea of upgrading from an 06 330Xi to a new 535Xi. One of the reasons would be a little smoother, quieter ride while hopefully not sacrificing much in the way of handling. Because of my experience with RFTs on my 330Xi, if I get the 535Xi, I will stay with the standard GFTs.

I have not been following the M-B E series, so was surprised at their comments on its ride and handling vis a vis the 550i.

Thanks
Bruce

cablue · April 2007

We're thinking of getting the 2008 535, but I see here in Edmunds that BMW is coming out with a new 5 series in 2009, releasing in 2008. Is that correct? Is it a whole new body style? There's no sense in getting the 2008 for us if the body is changing a year later. We'll just wait. Any info would be helpful. Thanks! :shades:

erickpl · April 2007

If you always wait for the new body style, you'll always be waiting...

As for the E60, it came out in 03 or 04 and BMW generally has a 7 year cycle. The changes for the 08 5 Series are quite nice and actually with the minor exterior and rather subtle changes in the interior (like the doors), it is my favorite incarnation of the E60 yet. If you like the E60's styling, go for it. I have not seen any shots of the next 5 Series (the one the replaces the E60), so it may be hideous or may be totally radical.

-Paul

kyfdx · April 2007

Yeah... what he says...

Plus, the new model in 2009? I think that is Fall, 2009 as a 2010 model..

So, if you wait for the new model, it may be awhile..

sdg380 · April 2007

Here's a link to a spy shot of the next 5-series (try googling "BMW 5-series next generation"), comments I've read suggest somewhat of a retreat from the Bangle styling on the E60 (good or bad depending on your tastes), seems unclear if it will be an '09 or '10, but I'm planning on hanging onto my E39 until then (but it doesn't get driven very much, so no rush for me.) But if you're in the market now, an '10 would put it at least 2 and half years away, you might want to enjoy an E60 in the meantime.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/country/gcf/spyphotoID/6061011.002/bmw- /spy-photos-next-gen-2009-bmw-5-series

shipo · April 2007

On my way home yesterday I was taking in the sights of an E60 Sport Wagon slowly passing me. While I'm not much of a fan of wagons in general, I do find the wagon version of the E60 to be more attractive than the sedan, and this one was done up in Sapphire Black, making it very good looking in my eyes. Then it got far enough in front of me for me to make out the model designation. "Hmmm, nice." I thought as I read "535xi" off the rear tailgate.

Best Regards,
Shipo

bruceomega · April 2007

I found one site when I Googled "BMW 5 series next generation" that was predicting the car would adopt the X5's double wishbone suspension. If so, seems pretty likely they'll convert to RFTs a la the X5.

Bruce

sdg380 · April 2007

Bruce, sorry for my ignorance, I assume RFTs are run flat tires, which from what I've read do not seem so great, apparently really compromise ride quality...can't seem to put my fingers on a link to a comparison I read recently of a 550, E500, and Holden (GM), but the BMW got slammed for the run flats.

To be honest, I can hardly think of the last flat I've had, and much as I always thought the "full service" spare in a BMW was so "non-compromising", guess I could live just fine with a limited-service spare for an emergency--but I wouldn't want run flats, which you'd drive on (and suffer through?) every single day, in case of the rare eventuality of a flat.

Ahhh, here's the link to an Aussie site ("bloody run-flats"), they're none too wild about Active Steering either...
http://editorial.carsales.com.au/car-review/2358840.aspx

dhanley · April 2007

I had a chance to flog a 530 with the active steering on a track, and frankly, i thought it was pretty good. Opinions vary on this of course. Even some of the track-nut roundel editors like it.

But you have to get the active roll stabilization. That's what transforms the car.

cablue · April 2007

Thanks for your input. It's a tough call. Still unsure which way I'll go. The pictures are beautiful! I may try something different, just for a change, until that comes out, possibly an Audi A6 4.2. But nothing drives like a BMW.

erickpl · April 2007

I'd agree with that assessment.

-Paul

bruceomega · April 2007

sdg380,

Yes, I posted the same link to the Aussie road test wondering what people with 5 series experience thought of their comments, but no feedback so far.

Yes, I was referring to run flat tires for RFTs. I like the safety and convenience advantages they are claimed to offer, but my experience with all season RFTs on an 06 330Xi has not been great. I switched brands (Bridgestone to Continental) and that helped, but I believe the RFTs are the reason the car's ride reaches a compliance limit sooner than I would like.

From what I have read, the change in the suspension design in the new X5 was made to mitigate the ride issues of RFTs. One road test said it works very well, and I don't recall seeing owners of the new X5 mentioning RFTs as an issue.

I also got the impression the summer performance run flat tires on the 3 series sedans do not have the same issues, or the same degree of issues, as my all-season RFTs.

Thanks
Bruce

sdg380 · April 2007

Bruce, I just knew I had seen that Aussie comparison somewhere--doh!

Guess I'm just not sure what to make of the whole run-flat debate, I can see the safety argument, ie, they help to maintain control in the event of a blow-out, but since I understand that they work by providing extra stiff sidewalls, it would seem that compliance would inevitably be compromised. BTW, haven't I heard about another form of run-flat with an inner support "donut", that supports the tread in the event of failure? Seems like that might permit configuring sidewalls for the desired level of comfort and control.

As I noted, seems like my "full service" spares on my E34 and E39 have seen very "limited service" (yuk, yuk), so maybe RFT's are where the industry is headed, thus gaining reduced vehicle weight (very important in my book), and improved space efficiency (there is something to be said for decent-sized trunk.) But at this juncture, I think I'd still opt for conventional tires, and some sort of spare.

Let us know what you decide if you effect procurement of a new 535, Steve G in Chi

bruceomega · April 2007

Steve G,

I haven't been following RFTs per se except for how they relate to my current car, or a car I may buy in the future.

"at this juncture, I think I'd still opt for conventional tires, and some sort of spare" -- this is my thought as well.

Is the other RFT with inner donut by any chance the Michelin offered on the Acura RL? I think that tire requires a unique wheel, which would not be of interest to me.

Thanks
Bruce

jb_shin · April 2007

I had a 335i with RFT (non-sport pkg) and it felt and drove fine. It was certainly more compliant than my 03 M5 but still had respectable road holding when I pushed it. I'd have to hold the judgment until I have a chance to drive the sports pkg model, but it was better than I was expecting. It is still telling, though, that M cars do not use RTF.

bumps · April 2007

I am a proud owner of an '07 530xi / 6-speed with all the bells and whistles. Previous bimmers were a '98 M3 and an '01 540i sport. Here's the question. Does anyone have a performance comparison between the 530xi and 535xi? I've heard the 535xi pays a weight premium and a somewhat less desirable weight distribution. Although my 530 has adequate low end grunt, I sure miss the midrange power of my older 540i. Any comments?

bumps · April 2007

My '07 530xi has the NAV system. Although it's certainly not as good as the one in my Land Cruiser, it does the job. Like all aspects of the I-Drive system, it takes a little getting used to. The screen is relatively small, but directions (and corrections) are quick. Enjoy!

bruceomega · April 2007

Does anyone know which manufacturer's auto transmission comes with the 535Xi, GM or ZF?

I was glancing through the June 07 issue of Bimmer magazine, and in an article on the 3 series coupes, they said the 328i gets the GM AT while the 335i comes with a ZF AT. Does BMW have to use the ZF to handle the higher power output of the twin turbo engine? According to that article, the ZF has quicker shifts than the GM.

I was wondering if the pattern in the 3 series coupe carries over to the 5 series; i.e., do the 528 cars get the GM AT while the 535 cars get a ZF?

Or, is the ZF the optional, special AT offered on the 535i and 550i, but not on the 535Xi? If so, does that mean the 535Xi gets the GM AT?

Thanks
Bruce

Kirstie_H · May 2007

A reporter would like to talk with a consumer who owns a 6-cylinder BMW 5-Series. Please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than May 3, 2007 with your daytime contact information and a brief description of your experience.

bruceomega · May 2007

FWIW,

The BMW web site now features the new 5 series at log on, or on periodic log ons. But the 5 series section of their site per se has not been updated- still shows the 525 and 530 cars.

Bruce

mcerc · May 2007

looking to purchase a 2001 525i w/MT. I believe traction/stability control is standard. I live in northern new jersey and would like to know if car will be ok driving in the snow

andys120 · May 2007

I've driven my E 39 (2000 528iA) thru three New Hampshire winters without any problems, I do recommend snows unless you have the luxury of staying home on those few days when the roads are bad in Jersey.

Properly equipped (snows and TC) E 39s are great snow cars and I should know, I've lived in New Hampshire for 22 years.

joyrider147 · May 2007

Before asking my big question, I need to get this off my chest and just wondering: WHY DO MANY CAR MANUFACTURERS MAKE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CARS THAT SUCK, BREAK DOWN QUICKLY, AND BURN GAS RAPIDLY BUT THEY RARELY MAKE NICE STICK SHIFT CARS THAT GO FAST, LAST LONGER, AND ARE MORE FUEL EFFICIENT?

I was looking at several cars available; a 1993 325is Stick Shift Coupe, a 1995 740i or a 1990 750iL witha v12 and low mileage, and a nice 1994 530i or 540i with an automatic.

First, I was looking for a BMW with good condition and at a low price but runs great because soo I'm looking to strip the car and rebuild it with some high performance parts. As for my driving needs, I need a car which might have a manual transmission that would react better in a city environment as opposed to an automatic. Don't get me wrong, I can take an automatic as well, but it must shift nicely in stop and go traffic. Also, I need a car which has nice horsepower and get up and go, like a v8 or v12. But, since the car's being used in city driving, I need overall fuel efficiency in a car.

Let's look at the 325is. It is stick shift, which I might like since I don't like automatics. But overall, what would be good for city and highway driving, as well as Motorsport driving? Auto or stick? Stick has 5 gears which can be selected rapidly at lower RPMs for increased acceleration where as autos have 4 and are slower at shifting with power reduction. The problem is this car has a inline 6 which might have nice power, but may have struggling against cars with 8s or 12s and it might not catch up to an M3. Also, the car is small and agile, which is great for cornering and grip and reduced weight for faster acceleration, but it is only a small 2 door car. And, it weighs just as much as a 5 series or a 7 series and is only limited to a 6.

Next, the 1994 530i. It has a 3.0 V8 which is a peppy, fuel efficient v8, it is a 4 door sedan with a pretty roomy trunk, and is reminiscent of an M5. The downside is it is an automatic, it is a bit heavier than a 3 series which may reduce acceleration, grip, and cornering. Also, I don't know how good a mini-v8 performs it Motorsporting.

A 540i stick shift is a M5 knock off, but is very rare, pretty high in price, and are more available in auto than it is in manual.

Third car is a 1995 740i. Newer model car, but may cost more in parts and probably spend more in replacement parts than high performance upgrades. Heavier car, bigger car for even more reduced acceleration, grip, and cornering. And its an automatic.

Lastly, a 1990 750iL. Again, v12 excellent for high speed, acceleration is no problem for a v12, extremely roomy interior and trunk, but it is an automatic and a v12 will cost astoundingly more than its 740 counterpart and may still need more parts even after repairs.

I'm leaning towards the 530i since it has less drawbacks, but should I go for it since 530i stick shifts are rare? Or should I do a tranny swap out and end up with all advantages and no drawbacks? Or should I enjoy it as is?

Or should I go for a newer model beemer like a '97 528i or a different model e36? I appreciate your response.

andys120 · May 2007

Do your homework Joyrider, the 530i is not a V8, it is a straight six. 530is w stick shifts aren't rare. I suspect you are new to driving or you would understand that no one car is well suited for city and highway driving, as well as "Motorsport" driving?

You need to examine and explain to us what your priorities are.

chile96 · May 2007

i second andy' sentiments - you are all over the spectrum with those different cars. and your complaints about a mfr not making cars to your standards are kinda far fetched.....ESPECIALLY for 15 yr old cars!

either you get a nice cruiser with good gas mileage OR something with a bigger engine with less eficient gas mileage.

i could go on and on but i'll start at the beginning with the first example.....the 325. you comoplain of it not being able to "catch" an M3??? why would it and why would you expect it to?? and no, this car does not weigh as much as a 5 or 7 series...i'm giving up, nevermind

kyfdx · May 2007

That 530i is a V-8..

The '94 530i and 540i both had the infamous Nikasil engines... Lots of problems with internal engine failure.. Though, one could argue that any car that old would have failed by now, if it had a problem..

The 750IL is no car for someone on a budget..

The '93 325is is the only one of those that I'd consider, and even the early E36 models were known to be problematic.

What is your budget? You should really try to get into '96 and later models.. All of those that you mentioned come with big issues.

regards,
kyfdx

shipo · May 2007

"Do your homework Joyrider, the 530i is not a V8, it is a straight six. 530is w stick shifts aren't rare."

Sorry dude, but I have to say this, maybe you should be the one to do the homework. ;-) During the mid 1990s, BMW's 530i WAS a V8 and not an I6. To the best of my knowlsdge, the first I6 530i was produced in 2001.

Best Regards,
Shipo

jb_shin · May 2007

E34 I-6 model was 535i, and as many pointed out, 530i is a v-8. Most Nikasil issues were addressed with replacement parts and extended warranty, but there may be some out there with original engines.

joyrider147 · May 2007

Has ANYONE PROPERLY READ MY FORUM???? I SAID "Next, the 1994 530i. It has a 3.0 V8 which is a peppy, fuel efficient v8, it is a 4 door sedan with a pretty roomy trunk, and is reminiscent of an M5." I've had my license since I was 18, but driving since I was 15 (I'm now 24.) And, why do you think I'm posting this message; I'm LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY HAVE DRIVING EXPERIENCE WITH THESE SPECIFIC TYPE OF BMWs!

I'd take a 325is and still enjoy it as an M3 derivative, no problem at all. I'm just considering the advantages or disadvantages from having a dependable, well-developed 2.5 inline 6 as opposed to an efficient 3.0 V8 which might produce a bit more horsepower with less stress on the engine.

Why do you think I was looking at 530i or 540i? I KNOW 525i and 535i and M5 ALL HAVE Inline 6s!!!

What I mean for "well suited for city driving" is peppy in low gears and doesn't burn alot of gas, resulting in a lot of carbon buildup which kills the car in a short amount of time.

As for "highway driving", has a nice amount of punch to accelerate from 40 to 60 MPH in a small amount of time to merge with traffic, and can easily have an overall speed of 75 to 80 without high RPMs or stress to the engine to maintain that speed.

And what I meant for "Motorsport" driving- Capable of traveling at speeds of 100 plus MPH in high gear with a moderate amount of efficiency and has tight grip to the road for extra traction, but yet feels comfortable on a long, smooth road.

With my budget, I'm looking for a car in an okay condition and alright mileage with a good price that will last for several months until I chop it apart for a project car and replace various engine and transmission parts. I'm estimating $2,500 to $3,000 for the car, plus $5,000 or $6,500 in parts. Sure, I can get an M3 for that price tag, but either it will have high mileage, need lots of repair, and it doesn't give me the hands on experience with BMW engine and transmission rebuilds, vehicle modifications.

richardga73 · May 2007

ok joyrider, I think you scared everyone off the discussion for 2 weeks! Thats got to be a record. Anyway I have a serious question for only those who have drive 5's enough to answer and please no parroting from articles! Ive had a 3 sport,and I'm going to buy a 550 auto. Thought the 3 sport drove just a little rough while I thought the stock 3 was sporty enough but dont like seats. Now I am told that the 5 sport doesnt ride as rough due to the increased weight(inertia and all being harder to bounce around)Dont want stock seats love sport seats with big bolsters. Do you think it is possible 5sport will possibly ride like 3 non sport?

bruceomega · May 2007

richardqa73,

I can't comment on the ride question, but according to the BMW 2008 5 series brochure, the optional seats are called multi-contour seats, with 20 way adjustment. They're not referred to as sport seats.

You can order the multi-contour seats separately, without the sport package. Or, they're included if you order the sport package.

I just ordered a 535Xi, and opted for the multi-contour seats after a "test sitting" on the showroom floor where the salesman ran through all the adjustments available. I liked them much better than the sport seats in my '06 3 series.

Bruce

ping2 · May 2007

I am looking at a '08 535 with sport package. Love the look and feel of this car (Steering ,head rests - seats, rims etc.). I am new to BMW's and have heard of horror stories of the run flats, especially on the low profiles ( mostly concerning the 330's). I have read that they are running into problems under 10k. Is this a general issue or specific to some of the 3 series?

topspin628 · May 2007

I am contemplating a 5 series as my next ride.
My last bmw was a 330i sport package which I loved but now I'm coming off of a Lexus LS and want to go back to the sportier BMW but I still want some luxury and elegance. I will cross shop with MB and others but I wanted to understand the difference between the 550 and 535. It seems to me that the 0-60 times would be very close and the mileage is better on the 6 cylinder vs the 8. What are the advantages to the higher priced 550. Luxury and comfort are important to me.
Thank you for any and all input.

sdg380 · May 2007

Topspin, I think this is an interesting comparison, perhaps you will report back if you take some test drives. Having owned an E34 and E39 with I-6's (both very smooth), I've thought my next 5-series would have a V-8, looking for that muscular feel. Having said that, I've often felt that the 5-series chassis is better balanced with a I-6 up front.

As you note, the new 535 offers performance numbers similar to the 550, but to be honest, I've always thought of turbo's as something of a "crutch", maybe just that old-school "no replacement for displacement" mentality. So I'd be interested in how the driving experiences compare. The 535 is roughly 250+ lighter, always a virtue for enhancing performance, but I dare say that the 550 will exhibit that torquey V-8 feel that is tough to replicate, and can be oh-so-alluring. But will agility suffer in comparison? An extra 250 pounds out front doesn't help.

Guess I'm not helping much, just ruminating on the question I've also been considering. Luxury-wise, I'm pretty sure the models can be comparably equipped, but typically some 535 options may be standard on a 550 (I didn't specifically check), so that can tighten the price differential.

So luxury aside, can a turbo-charged 6 offer enough oomph to satisfy that V-8 lust, while offering the added bonus of less weight and a super-smooth I-6? And can I overlook my general aversion to turbo's? Sounds like you're in the market, how about posting a comparison test report? Heck, you got me thinking, maybe I should head to the dealer myself!

(As an aside, I would also consider an E-series MB, but while they are very fine cars, I don't think they have quite the sporty edge of a BMW. Perhaps more troubling, recent reliability ratings for MB's have not been all that great.)

richardga73 · May 2007

Thanks for your reply bruceomega. In looking at the multi contour seats how did the bolsters compare to the sport seats? I currently have a 2006 e500 mercedes and the bolsters sorta suck. I liked the 3 sport seats in going into a hard turn they "grabbed" you and kept you solid. In the mercedes in sport mode I almost slide off the seat. Do the multi contoured seats have as large a bolstering and do they have great lumbar support? By the way the 535xi sounds interesting, however, the xi has to add most of that lost weight back with the 4 wheel drive. Its true that weight is more important in cornering and the sequential turbos shouldnt feel like the typical (see volvo) turbo car.

richardga73 · May 2007

I have an e 500 and while the bolsters arent great,overall, it is a very fine car. The interesting thing that the 5 doesnt have that the e has is the 3 part suspension. Somedays you just dont feel like being in a sports car and just want a hassle free smooth ride on the way home from hectic work. On the way to work( I go at 5am with no traffic), however, early in the morning I put it in the stiffest sport mode and drive it hard! It is like 2 cars in one. If it had those damn bolsters it would be almost the perfect car. By the way, no problems reliability wise.

tayl0rd · May 2007

... An extra 250 pounds out front doesn't help. ...

The V8 isn't 250 pounds heavier than the I-6. That weight differential is for the whole car. The 550i comes with more standard equipment than the 535i. That's what accounts for most, if not all, of the extra weight. I'd bet the weight difference between the V8 and the twin turbo I-6 is very little. Heck, the V8 might be slightly lighter than the twin turbo I-6. But anyway, a comparably equipped 535i won't be much, if at all, lighter than a 550i. Then again, I think I read somewhere that the 550i has some more beefy structural components versus the I-6 equipped 5s. :confuse:

sdg380 · May 2007

Richard, thanks for the input. Checking the MB site, I don't seem to see an adjustable suspension feature--is that part of the Sport Suspension? I know lots of people like the 5-series with the Sport Package, but for our crummy midwest roads, I've always found the standard suspension to be plenty firm. Something that is adjustable sounds appealing. And isn't Active Suspension now available on a 5?

Have you had your E500 very long? Do you have the 7-speed? Did you happen to compare prices to a 550? (not that a few thousand matters when you're blowing $65K!) Any particular likes/dislikes? I'd say insufficient bolsters seems pretty minor if that's your only gripe.

You're certainly punching the buttons on my short list, I'm sort of biding my time since my E39 has very low miles (I now commute by train, so it just sits in the garage and depreciates), and I wouldn't mind buying either a 5-series or E-series when the body styles change in a couple of years. I was thinking V-8 since I really wouldn't drive it all that much, so mileage not a huge issue.

sdg380 · May 2007

Derrick, I admit I was generalizing about "250 pounds out front", but even without the specific numbers, I'm pretty sure that a typical V-8 is heavier than an I-6, 2 heads, 2 cylinder blocks, twice the cams, dual cam drives, etc. Of course, the 535 will have those turbo's and plumbing, which ARE heavy. And while you're quite right about the 550 having more optional equipment, I'm not so sure that adds that much to the weight--after all, it's things like power seats (that used to be "options" on cars) that are heavy, but they all have that.

And after all, that's an extra 250+ pounds that is hauled around all the time. I know that's just like merely having a beefy person always riding with you in the car (ie, not really noticeable), but I am pretty big on keeping a sedan this size as much below 2 tons as possible--all in the interest of responsiveness in all respects.

Hey, I'm not saying I'm not conflicted about it! And considering all the SUV's and such driving around at well over 5000#, I guess these 5-ers are lightweights!

topspin628 · May 2007

I checked out the bmw web site and did a comparo of the two. It looks like about a 5-6k spread if you load up the 535xi with all the goodies so that they are the "same". Now, you do get all wheel drive in the xi so that's a plus. In addition, the 0-60 times for the autos on both were within .1 or .2 both blistering fast sub mid 5 seconds. Gas mileage is considerably better in the 6 cyl. turbo. So unless I'm missing something the twin turbo seems like a better value, unless you "gotta have the V8". Maybe it's smoother??? The reports on the twin turbo are stellar, though.
When I was shopping for my 3 series there was a poster named "shipo" who was an expert in BMW. Is he still around?

bruceomega · May 2007

richardga73,

The 535xi I test drove had the standard seats while a 535xiT on the showroom floor had the multi-contour seats.

I honestly did not pay much attention to the standard seats, as I was concentrating on the driving, but they were comfortable. I am coming from a 3 series, and even the standard seats in the 5 series are wider and (I think) deeper, which is more comfortable for me.

The MC seats have adjustable side bolsters, but we didn't experiment much with them. I felt them getting snug as the salesman adjusted them, but don't know if they can be made as close hugging as those in my 3 series sport seats (which are narrower, and can be very snug fitting).

The MC seats have a whole host of adjustments. I especially noticed the support they could be adjusted to provide for my shoulders, neck, and head.

I did not notice turbo lag. If it's there, I did not detect it in my casual driving in low speed traffic, or when I stepped on the gas on the highway. I am only interested in AWD, so I did not factor in the extra weight in my purchase decision.

Bruce

sdg380 · May 2007

I just checked the web site, too, and I would first note that if you're talking a 535ix v. 550, any weight advantage for the I-6 is gone--but I only note 1 mpg difference in mileage (for 6-speed auto), 15/23 for V-8, 16/24 for ix. And 0-60 times are all but identical.

I didn't run the pricing, but I don't think you're missing anything, you'd save a pretty good chunk of dough, and get all-wheel drive, with the ix. Even though I'm in the midwest, I'm one of about 3 people in the entire area who's not sold on all-wheel drive, I'm just not nuts about hauling around the extra weight for what?, maybe 10 really crummy snow days--but as I say, I'm in a very small minority (this is ignoring any possible diminished steering feel in an all wheel drive v. a rear drive.)

And I'm not even sure about a V-8 being "smoother", I'6's are inherently the smoother engines. Sounds like back-to-back test drives are in order, although go with the 535ix if all-wheel is what you'd like. I've also read good reviews of the twin-turbo (in a 335i, I think.)

And yes, I still do see Shipo posting, put out an APB on the "maintenance" forum, maybe he'll weigh in.

BMW 5-Series Sedans

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