E39 525i or 528i

[RND1]

New to this forum and I was hoping someone could shed some light on the subject of pros / cons of E39 525i vs 528i.

I drive about 80 miles /day for work so gas mileage is semi-important. I like the small changes to the '01+ models (sport wheels and angel eyes), but I'd like the extra power of the 2.8L. Can't swing the extra for the 530i so I'm will choose between the two. Is the 2.5L an all new motor and if so, how is the reliability? TIA.

 

[Dinan55]

Get the 528i, really good mileage for what it can do.

 

[RND1]

Thanks Dinan55. Do you know if the 528i and 525i offer same power and gas mileage? Is the 525i really "all new" as stated in Edmunds review?

 

[first5ny]

Make sure you test drive both and thoroughly inspect them. I've got a 528 and it is an excellent ride. It's not a rocket ship but it is fun to drive. Can't speak about the power of the 525. Probably ok, but now and again i wish I had the 530.

The one thing that was important to me was the model year. In 2001 BMW "loosened" up the steering to appease the soccer moms. After realizing its mistake, BMW went back to the traditional steering in 2002. Before I got my 528 I drove a 2001 5 series and did not like the steering as much as the other model years. Just something to consider. You might also get slightly better gas mileage with the smaller engine, if that is important to you; but it will probably be negligible. I currently get btwn 28-30 highway and 22 city.

You will need to decide which car is best for you after test driving, inspecting, and negotiating price.

 

[RND1]

Thanks first5ny! I was not aware of the steering change in '01. I'm leaning towards a 528i because of the price, reliability, and HP.