528ix vs 535ix

I am getting ready to buy a 5-series but need a little help on which trim.

The 550i is out due to poor gas mileage (though dealer mentioned I could get an amazing deal on it which would make it not too much more than the 535ix). So that leaves the other two. I test drove both the 528ix and the 535ix back to back and didn't notice much difference in power. Am I missing something here?

The drawback on the 528ix is the 17" rims don't look great. Is it possible to upgrade these without buying M-sport package? Also, there is another thread which talks about vibration being "natural" in the 528ix with the 17" wheels.

The price difference between the two trims is ~$4000. Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

wichever you choose you are safe ..... they are great machines!!

I don't know. Call me a luddite but I'm not paying $50k+ for a four cylinder clatterbox in a 4200 lb. luxury sedan.

vs123, the power difference between the 535 and the 528 is pretty close, but the 535 is a more refined powertrain. Its smoother and quieter. The 535 also comes with more standard option than the 528.
I was in the same boat as you a few months ago, I must have test drove both car about 3 times. On one test drove, I was trying to get on route 128 in Peabody, MA. If you know that area well, its a two lane highway with very short on ramps. I try to get on with the 528 and almost kill myself, then I tried again with the 528 in sport mode and it was better, but the accelaration was rough and it was not a smooth ride. I then try to enter the same ramp with the 535 and had no problem at all. That kind of made up my mind that the 535 is the way to go. The 528 does have enough power for everyday driving, but I like a bit of spare power on tap.

I actually liked the 528, but if you upgrade the RIMs you might as well get the 535. Overworked and underworked engines usually have the most reliability problems. I think the 535 is an excellent tradeoff between the advantages of the 528 and the advantages of the 550, and the best balanced car among the three. Not that I am bias...

Originally Posted by vs123

I am getting ready to buy a 5-series but need a little help on which trim.

The 550i is out due to poor gas mileage (though dealer mentioned I could get an amazing deal on it which would make it not too much more than the 535ix). So that leaves the other two. I test drove both the 528ix and the 535ix back to back and didn't notice much difference in power. Am I missing something here?

The drawback on the 528ix is the 17" rims don't look great. Is it possible to upgrade these without buying M-sport package? Also, there is another thread which talks about vibration being "natural" in the 528ix with the 17" wheels.

The price difference between the two trims is ~$4000. Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

The only way to decide is to drive them both. You can certainly buy a tire and wheel package, either from the dealer or after market. After market would probably be less costly.

Thanks for the responses. I probably will go drive it again.

The last time, I was expecting the 528 to feel very underpowered (maybe psychological due to 4-cylinder) but after the drive I had to admit that the difference was minimal. The rims are probably offset by better fuel efficiency. And if true, I could use the $4000 for more options. On the other hand the last thing I want is buyers remorse about buying an underpowered car.

Thanks again.

Originally Posted by PsychDoc1

I don't know. Call me a luddite but I'm not paying $50k+ for a four cylinder clatterbox in a 4200 lb. luxury sedan.

I tend to agree. When the 528 first came out, the dealer insisted I drive the one they had just received.

Although it was a very nice car, just like the other F-10's, the engine was a bit noisy and the power was a bit on the light side.

The price difference between the 4 cylinder and the 6 cylinder is really quite negligible in the grand scheme and the 6 cylinder's performance and sound is significantly better. Additionally, I typically get 31-33 MPG on the highway with the 6 anyway.

Agree on the 550i. You can get one for about the price of a 535, however, I didn't see the reason to feed two more cylinders. If the F-10 was going to be my only car, I would probably have just gone for the V8. But I didn't feel it was necessary with another sports car in the garage.

Just my opinion--go with the 535xi.

I must say that the difference between 240HP and 300HP is substantial, and should not be taken lightly. What is that a 21% gain... that is HUGE.

vs123 - this reminds me of when i purchased my first bike and got a smaller engine because I was new and didn't think I needed the extra power. A few months later I was taking a bath upgrading the bike.

Think Paschal's wager...

Enough power in the 535 = you win (no buyer's remorse)
Too much power in the 535 = you win (no buyer's remorse)
Enough power in the 528 - you win (no buyer's remorse)
Not enough power in the 528 - you lose. (buyer's remorse)

Looks like there is only one way you can lose and wind up with buyers remorse. After all costs are so close and gas mileage is nearly as good.

I think 535i it is... Have to remember the Pascal wager for future decision making. Thanks...

Originally Posted by vs123

I think 535i it is... Have to remember the Pascal wager for future decision making. Thanks...

Sadly Pascal would be disappointed that I use to help decide which car to buy - I try to use it every time i am making a big decision, as it quickly helps me points losing situations.

Typically the 535 comes with more standard features and IMO the 535 is a much more refined car. But either one will get you into an awesome car.
GL

If you are one of those people who is capable of second guessing yourself, go for the 535. I happen to be that way, so I automatically go for the next model up, provided that the price differential isn't that substantial and I can justify the higher cost in my mind. Also, call me childish, but I like the exhaust pipes on the left and right side of the car on the 535 and higher models.

If you really want the 550 but are worried about the gas mileage, I'd think the 528 might be too much of a downtick. I went with the 535ix after driving both that and the 528, although realy only one time each. I can't really compare, but I gotta say that the 535ix in sport mode blows the hubcaps off most other cars on the road.

After having the 535 for awhile I'm sort of in the "if you're paying this much for a car, what's a bit more for gas" camp, and wish I'd considered the 550, but I mostly love my 535.

i think it becomes a no brainer if you have to upgrade the wheels.. once you factor in that cost the price difference is so small that the 535 becomes the better buy.

I am not too worried about spending more on gas for the 550, it's more the intangible of not being thrilled about driving a less fuel efficient car...

Though I am sure I would love it if I test drive it.

I would suggest the 535i, with a summer and winter tire setup. Forget about the X, but get SAT and comfort seats.
Buy the car on a set of 17" with winter tires and buy a wheel set 18" with M SS afterwards.

A lot of the electronic CIC stuff costs a bundle, but does not affect your driving experience, I would not put money in those gimmicks.
There are quite a lot of every days pleasures as a nice steering wheel and well chosen interior features that influence your well being in the car.
Next time I will buy a stiffer suspension, bit not the heavy electronically influencable one.

Good luck with your choice, do get the best steering wheel and chairs!

I can not vouch for the 528 since I have never driven one but all I have to say is the N55 motor in the f10 is such a marvelous motor. It is quiet, smooth, and very responsive. You will not be disappointed.

I choose the 535 over 528.
More standard equipments(Angel eyes for instance) and smoother engine are big reason to go for one.
imo if you want the extra power go for a 550, if not 535.

Test them on a long, uphill onramp. Going uphill will really show the usable difference in the powerplants, especially in the speed range where you are most likely to need that difference.

I just bought a 2013 528xi, MSport, Lux seating, Premium, Tech, Driver Assistance, Cold weather pack. For me, the gas mileage was the most important. I wanted the luxury of a bimmer (my first), but still wanted optimal MPGs. For that purpose alone, I'm not even sure how well it is doing. It says I'm getting 29 MPG, but other posters have written that it overestimates this. Don't know what is real MPG in that case. Otherwise, a 4 cylinder just doesn't feel right for the 5 series. When I drive in comfort mode, I really do feel like I'm driving a 4 cylinder car, regardless the 60+ price. I have the 18 inch rims, which look nice. Agree, 17 inch rims don't look as good. Sport mode driving is fun and very responsive, but again, I'm not a race car driver, and fairly easy going on the road. I love all the mods ppl do on this forum, but I'm too lazy and too busy to do them on mine. I'll probably just leave mine as is and admire the rest. If you're a fairly laid back person, you can't go wrong either way.

I have not driven the new 4 cyl turbo so cannot comment on that, but I have to imagine when you stomp on the pedal to pass on the freeway from 60-80, you'll see a noticeable difference between 528 and 535.

Originally Posted by solarbmw

I just bought a 2013 528xi, MSport, Lux seating, Premium, Tech, Driver Assistance, Cold weather pack. For me, the gas mileage was the most important. I wanted the luxury of a bimmer (my first), but still wanted optimal MPGs. For that purpose alone, I'm not even sure how well it is doing. It says I'm getting 29 MPG, but other posters have written that it overestimates this. Don't know what is real MPG in that case. Otherwise, a 4 cylinder just doesn't feel right for the 5 series. When I drive in comfort mode, I really do feel like I'm driving a 4 cylinder car, regardless the 60+ price. I have the 18 inch rims, which look nice. Agree, 17 inch rims don't look as good. Sport mode driving is fun and very responsive, but again, I'm not a race car driver, and fairly easy going on the road. I love all the mods ppl do on this forum, but I'm too lazy and too busy to do them on mine. I'll probably just leave mine as is and admire the rest. If you're a fairly laid back person, you can't go wrong either way.

Best way is to use the trip computer. Next time when you're empty, take that number and divided against whatever gallons you need to fill up the tank. Than you'll get your actual MPG

If it's wheel you don't like on the 528i that can be changed http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=646931
But if you didn't notice too many difference and you have a chance to save a little coin, why not. Good luck with whatever you choose

Since the 528 is 4-cylinder, take 535 for sure.

If the 528 has the old inline 6, you can go 528 or 535.