Depends on your definition of under powered.

My answer is, yes they are. The 530i is the minimum model one should consider in the E39 stable and there are those that won't drive anything but the 4.4, completely passing on the inline powered cars

 

I drive a 528i and i dont really have a problem with the power, but it is in no way fast. I would not be happy with it forever, but for a good car for a while it does the job just fine. Just dont expect to race it

 

The 528i has more than enough ponies for daily driving. If you want to drag race buy a 540.

 

I agree. Mine has never failed to get me out of a tight spot or around slow traffic. About the 525: the BMW specs showed the 530 as getter one more mpg than the 525 for both local and highway driving. Hard to believe.

 

You might want to browse my thread about the same thing as I was considering a 525i. I wanted a 530i but after months of searching ran across a clean 525i manual and bought it 2 days ago. Not a race car but with the 5 speed it isn't a slouch either. I wouldn't have bought it with a slushbox. All things said, I would have preferred the 530i manual but they are hard to find and even harder to find in nice shape. My thread about it is over here... http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=582929

 

:thumbup: I'd take a manual 525 over any slushbox any day. My wife's 97-528/5 with 180K miles still get up and going very good.

But I have to agree with all the 530 guys here especially equipped with 5spd, the 530 cars perform flawlessly, silkily smoooooth!

 

It all boils down to what you use or intend to use your car for. For a "daily driver", I would not consider any of the E39 cars to be inadequate or under powered for that matter. However, if it is a hair raising experience you desire, then the 525i or any other stock E39 short of the M5, will be a disappointment. That said, owning a 2002 530i myself, I can say it is truly the perfect balance of all things E39. If you must have a I6 E39, strive for the 530i.

 

I own a 528 and love it. I drive the wheels off of this thing! It has plenty of power to handle daily driving. I would LOVE to have the torque of the 540 available most of the time, but the 528 gets the job done... and it keeps me out of the trouble I would get in if I had the 540 . All that being said, don't get the 528i. Get the 530i. I've spent too much money updating the look of my car, as to make it not look so dated- also getting Dinan tunes just to make my car a tinnnyyy bit quicker than a 530. At times I wish I had the 530, it would have saved me a couple pennies.

 

Any e39 is better than no e39.

When you compare the three models 530i is the top tier e39.

People dump thousands of dollars into the various models trying to tweak more horse power out of them. May as well add that money to your purchase and get a 540 or M. Other buy sticks and overrev their engines trying to make it feel like a stronger car. In the end they too will be spending additional thousands to maintain their cars due to the additional stress they place on the weaker engine. So again, I'd take that extra cash and buy a stronger car.

I don't drag race. I wouldn't have any other e39 than my 530i with an automatic tranny. You couldn't pay me to buy another manual tranny.

.

 

I don't drag race. I wouldn't have any other e39 than my 530i with an automatic tranny. You couldn't pay me to buy another manual tranny.

Why do you have to turn everything into an auto vs manual debate? Did a manual transmission steal your candy as a kid?

 

Even today 530i is doing very well on a long trips
unbeatable smooth power on any speed + 460 miles on a tank ,- what else do you need ?
I am tired hah

 

I would describe my 528iA power as adequate.

 

Also, the 528i is the mother of e39s (I think) :thumbup:. The 525 and 530 came later.

.

 

Install the Besain Vanos seals , then post back about your lack of power---

 

Other buy sticks and overrev their engines trying to make it feel like a stronger car. In the end they too will be spending additional thousands to maintain their cars due to the additional stress they place on the weaker engine.

You have a problem brother.

 

:rofl:

Install the Besain Vanos seals , then post back about your lack of power---

+1.. Though I have the Besain Vanos seals, and yet a Toyota Sienna could beat me to 60 hahah

Any e39 is better than no e39.

When you compare the three models 530i is the top tier e39.

People dump thousands of dollars into the various models trying to tweak more horse power out of them. May as well add that money to your purchase and get a 540 or M. Other buy sticks and overrev their engines trying to make it feel like a stronger car. In the end they too will be spending additional thousands to maintain their cars due to the additional stress they place on the weaker engine. So again, I'd take that extra cash and buy a stronger car.

I don't drag race. I wouldn't have any other e39 than my 530i with an automatic tranny. You couldn't pay me to buy another manual tranny.

.

weaker engine?? you realize the M52TU and M54 have hardly any differences right?

 

Many people on this forum try to get the best performance from E39 , this why manual is so popular
As for family sedan, where stick is not the first priority , auto is the best choice
everyone to his own taste