If BMW is selling My07 535i, would you now buy a 525i or 530i?

[BMWDoug]

There are so many rumors about BMW brining out the 535i for model year 07. If that rumor is true, would you still buy a 530 or 525? Would you buy one over the other. For example, would you buy a 525i but not a 530i? On the 3 Series Forum, the consensus was pretty much that the vast majority of people would not get a 330i if they knew for certain that a 335i was just around the corner, but they would buy a 325i.

What would you do? Why?

[SARAFIL]

There are so many rumors about BMW brining out the 535i for model year 07. If that rumor is true, would you still buy a 530 or 525? Would you buy one over the other. For example, would you buy a 525i but not a 530i? On the 3 Series Forum, the consensus was pretty much that the vast majority of people would not get a 330i if they knew for certain that a 335i was just around the corner, but they would buy a 325i.

What would you do? Why?

The 2007 models are already confirmed... 525i/xi, 530i/xi/xit, and 550i.

[Me530]

There are so many rumors about BMW brining out the 535i for model year 07. If that rumor is true, would you still buy a 530 or 525? Would you buy one over the other. For example, would you buy a 525i but not a 530i? On the 3 Series Forum, the consensus was pretty much that the vast majority of people would not get a 330i if they knew for certain that a 335i was just around the corner, but they would buy a 325i.

What would you do? Why?

If this were the case, I'd probably lease a 530i/525i because the deals would be fantastic.

[bmw325]

I'd probably wait till the 528/535 are officially announced and then try and get a killer deal on the outgoing model. My guess it that the new engines may be introduced as a mid 2007 MY update (maybe in September)-- since, apparnetly 2007 MY is starting early this year.

[SARAFIL]

I'd probably wait till the 528/535 are officially announced and then try and get a killer deal on the outgoing model. My guess it that the new engines may be introduced as a mid 2007 MY update (maybe in September)-- since, apparnetly 2007 MY is starting early this year.


They wouldn't do an engine/model change mid-model year. At this point, I'm going out on a limb to say that you won't see the new engines in the 5-series until the 2008 model comes out.

[BMWDoug]

If they did make the change and you were buying now, would you buy the 525i or the 530i? The following posts comes from another Forum. To me both posts make sense. I cannot take credit for them, for I did not write them. But, I really liked the logic.

Post (1)
I don't care how many models and designations there are. In my mind there are three kinds of 5 series in North America - vanilla e60's (5xx), V8 550, and the M5.

No need to get caught up in the lastest change to two numbers at the end. As long as you're rolling with at least a 3.0L inline six you're in the club. Because there is a market for it, BMW will charge you between $47,000 and about $68,000 for the regular 5 series (if 535i is added). Some consumers are smart enough to know they can get 95% of the $68,000 car for about $48,000.

You can pay an arm and a leg for a 599i and you'd be a goddamn fool, a tool in BMW product placement / marketing. Get an 06-07 525i and hold out for a 550 V8 or the M5.

If you're scared of your badge getting dated (I was), just debadge and voila - vanilla e90. No one is going to sh*t their pants when they see a 535i, or even a V8 550. If you want to turn more heads, get an M5!

Post (2)
I used to use this argument when discussing 528/530 or 525/530. 95% of the car for 80% of the money.

It still applies with the current lineup. If I were to buy an E60 right now, I'd almost undoubtedly spring for the 525...especially because they're now both equal in displacement! The performance difference between these two cars has shrunk to an almost negligible level. Plus, I believe BMW understates the power of their 325i and 525i on purpose to keep everyone from buying these cars cutting into even more sales of the 330i and 530i.

But...if BMW starts selling a 300+ hp 335 (especially with a turbo setup) to a 235hp 528i (if that is the new lesser Power Model)...my opinion changes. That's a 70 hp difference, and an aftermarket turbo setup alone (which doesn't carry a factory warranty, either) is usually at least $5000. So long as the price difference is similar to what it is now ($3000-6000), the 535 would actually be a fantastic buy, and I think BMW would sell quite a few of them.

Remember that the M5 is priced over $90k. That's an entirely different class of car as far as price is concerned.

To me, as it stands right now, of the 525i and 530i, the 525i is the better buy. Now, if BMW comes out with a 535i at 300 +hp, keeps 530i, keeps 525i. I would buy a 525i if I did not need the power. If I needed power, I would buy the 535, because there would be a significant difference.

[bmw325]

They wouldn't do an engine/model change mid-model year. At this point, I'm going out on a limb to say that you won't see the new engines in the 5-series until the 2008 model comes out.

I was just thinking that BMW AG generally doesn't care that much about sticking to US model year sensibilities when it comes to updates-- but you're right, an engine update change be too much for BMWNA to allow mid year. BTW, I haven't kept up on this, is it true that the 2007 e60 is going to come out in March? And, if so, what's the reason?

[SARAFIL]

I was just thinking that BMW AG generally doesn't care that much about sticking to US model year sensibilities when it comes to updates-- but you're right, an engine update change be too much for BMWNA to allow mid year. BTW, I haven't kept up on this, is it true that the 2007 e60 is going to come out in March? And, if so, what's the reason?

They're coming with March production for the 525, 530 and 550 models. BMWNA is saying that it is because of CARB requirements. They had to make certain changes and they decided to roll out the 2007 models early to make those changes. We haven't gotten any more detailed reasons for the change.

[doug_999]

Doug
Time to make a decision. You have posted questions from everything from color to model to residuals. Come on man, your next post needs pics of your new ride. JUST DO IT!

:)

[BMWDoug]

Doug
Time to make a decision. You have posted questions from everything from color to model to residuals. Come on man, your next post needs pics of your new ride. JUST DO IT!

:)

Not quite ready yet. :) Plus, I really enjoy talking about the different BMW's, their strengths and weaknesses. I have learned a great deal on this forum. Plus, even after I make my purchase decision, I will still be starting topics with the "what would you buy" or what you would you do", etc... I think all people benefit from the valuable opinions of the posters on this forum. Plus, it is good clean fun. :thumbup:

[doug_999]

Not quite ready yet. :) Plus, I really enjoy talking about the different BMW's, their strengths and weaknesses. I have learned a great deal on this forum. Plus, even after I make my purchase decision, I will still be starting topics with the "what would you buy" or what you would you do", etc... I think all people benefit from the valuable opinions of the posters on this forum. Plus, it is good clean fun. :thumbup:

I hate to tell you this, but no matter how much research you do, BMW will always come out with something better right after you buy. Sometimes it is a big thing like the digital HVAC controls on the 96 3-series (I had a 95). Sometimes it is a small thing like body color moldings/restyled front an rear ends on the 01 5-series (I had a 2000) and finally it is things like Comfort Seats, iPOD connector, and Hi Def radio being made available on the 07 which is coming out 6 months early (I've got an 06). But the fact is, I've had the pleasure of driving the car the whole darn time.

Go get one Doug - trust me - it will be worth it.

[Ågent99]

LOL, it is like buying a computer...it is quickly displaced by something "better" for the same money 6 months later!!

Good luck either way...if you're having fun...we're having fun!

:thumbup:

[Robert A]

But that doesn't preclude BMW from introducing another engine to the lineup. Me thinks that an announcement is most likely to come in June for fall production cars.

I can't imagine that BMW would offer 4 engine variants in the US, however, and all the current engines are brand new designs.

The 2007 models are already confirmed... 525i/xi, 530i/xi/xit, and 550i.

[tcoz]

LOL, it is like buying a computer...it is quickly displaced by something "better" for the same money 6 months later!!
Actually, you ARE buying a computer....one on wheels.

[Spartacus_33]

I remember a similar thread last year where members were debating the rumor of a 550 replacing the 545. Many were certain that BMW would not do this in the same year that they introduced the ///M5. My observation.... there is very good information on this site... but no one has a crystal ball.

[MarcusSDCA]

I was chatting today with my CA about possibly doing another ED this spring and he said "Maybe you should get a 535"......and seemed confident that he didn't mis-speak.

[Bart001]

Two thoughs:

1. BMW has had a 4-motor lineup in the 5-series in years gone by. Whether that means that they'd do it again :dunno:

2. Doug, you MUST be prepared for the 'next latest and greatest' to be announced shortly after whenever you get your car. If you try to time your purchase to get in on the leading edge of the 'next latest and greatest' you just set yourself up for disappointment, due to (a) something newer and greater being announced 6 months later and/or (b) hearing about the great deals available 6 months later to people who buy the same thing you did. It would be a mistake to think that YOU will own BMW's 'latest and greatest' for any more than about 9 months max.

[racefaith]

Wait till its confirmed and do a ED lease on the outgoing model. I did it last March on the 545 and am driving 3x the car and paying less than a 525 lease.

[Bart001]

Wait till its confirmed and do a ED lease on the outgoing model. I did it last March on the 545 and am driving 3x the car and paying less than a 525 lease.

In the interest of full disclosure, this is what I did. I leased a 545i last April and got a very nice deal on the lease.

[Chicago Jenny]

They are going to have IPod connectors?!?!?

[Me530]

Not exactly, just standard with an Aux input, which can already be added to almost any existing E60 by the dealer (except for very very early build cars).

[Sunny 525i]

well i have a 2006 525i and its a may 05 production, can i get a aux input installed in my car?

[nawab081]

Wow this forum is great, thnx for all the helpful info...i am planning on getting a 06 530...currently a 03 325 owner.......i was wondering if someone has any pics or know where i can get pics of a titanium silver metalic ext. and auburn leather int.....i know this combo is not avail unless you special order...something like what you would be doing for ED...i imagine this would a beaut of a combo but i must really see it first.........thnx again......Nawab