Resale Value of 2011 528i

With the 2012 528i going to a 4 cyl engine, what is likely to happen to the resale value 2011 528is with the 6 cyl? My guess is that if the 4 cyl. is successful that my 2011 becomes like the ugly stepchild.

I do not agree at all.
You have a nice car.
It is a predictable performer.

Who can forecast the future ....... with the only NA 6 cyl F10 it could be envisioned that the many who are afraid of long term turbo reliability will be drawn to the 2011 528i in the resale market!

your 528 with the na engine is now a legend and will be eyed by many
the same way the e39 cannot be found easily in the market now
be happy that you own the last true bmw
and expect resale to be exceed expectations

You're over thinking it. It'll sell just fine. Besides, it's how you spin the sale...

"For sale: 2011 BMW 528i. The last year BMW offered it's heralded, smooth as silk, naturally aspirated, inline 6 cylinder engine in the 5 series. Terrific opportunity to own a piece of history. This tuned version of the N52 engine was only offered for 1 year; increasing HP, torque, and fuel efficiency. etc etc etc."

Enjoy your car and forget about selling it until it's time to sell it.

Originally Posted by DavidZ

With the 2012 528i going to a 4 cyl engine, what is likely to happen to the resale value 2011 528is with the 6 cyl? My guess is that if the 4 cyl. is successful that my 2011 becomes like the ugly stepchild.

The iconic NA I6 will never be viewed as an ugly stepchild by bimmerphiles. The 2006 E90 330i is the last and only model year of the 'larger' (HP, not displacement) N/A I6 before they went turbo, and it is quite sought after despite the presence of the 335i.

OTOH many laypeople won't even realize the engine changed between '11 and '12.

And it is too early to think about, let alone worry about, resale value.

Originally Posted by 1985mb

The iconic NA I6 will never be viewed as an ugly stepchild by bimmerphiles. The 2006 E90 330i is the last and only model year of the 'larger' (HP, not displacement) N/A I6 before they went turbo, and it is quite sought after despite the presence of the 335i.

OTOH many laypeople won't even realize the engine changed between '11 and '12.

And it is too early to think about, let alone worry about, resale value.

What he said. I would add that this car won't be sought after by a narrow group of hardcore enthusiasts. It's appeal is very broad and as long as you don't mod the heck out of it and maintain the vehicle in a reasonable manner, it will be quite desirable, especially if it has some options like, Nav,sport, premium package,xenons and multicontour seats.

Originally Posted by 1985mb

OTOH many laypeople won't even realize the engine changed between '11 and '12.

And that is the real truth.

I remember reading in either Evo or Car that the majority of buyers who purchased a BMW 1 series didn't know that it was RWD. They assumed that based on the size of the car and the price point that it would be FWD like almost ever other car in that class...

Good points all.

I don't think it will change the value of the car one way or the other - it will just be a 2011 vs. a 2012. The average buyer will not know the difference. It might matter to the enthusiast buyer but that is not the majority of the market. Once these cars hit the used car market a number of other variables will come into play such as mileage and how old it is etc.

Originally Posted by bmw_enthusiasm

your 528 with the na engine is now a legend and will be eyed by many
the same way the e39 cannot be found easily in the market now
be happy that you own the last true bmw
and expect resale to be exceed expectations

+1

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

And that is the real truth.

I remember reading in either Evo or Car that the majority of buyers who purchased a BMW 1 series didn't know that it was RWD. They assumed that based on the size of the car and the price point that it would be FWD like almost ever other car in that class...

We call RWD S-Drive. What does BMW call FWD?

Originally Posted by Stealth.Pilot

We call RWD S-Drive. What does BMW call FWD?

F-Drive?

Originally Posted by Stealth.Pilot

We call RWD S-Drive. What does BMW call FWD?

Audi

Originally Posted by TJPark01

Audi

Originally Posted by TJPark01

Audi

Awesome.

I wouldn't worry about it...the I6 in the current 528 is a fantastic engine.....one of the nicest all around driving motors they offer....

Given the history of reliability issues with the turbo motors, I think you will want to keep your NA 528 for a long time and won't be trying to sell it.