2000 528i or 2001 525i

[RND1]

Hello!

I'm looking for my first BMW and trying to decide between a 2000 528i versus an '01 525i? Any owners out there willing to share their experiences? I'm currently driving a Passat 1.8tm so I'm assuming the power of either BMW will be better than my current ride.

 

[jnejman]

I have just purchased 2001 530i and love it. In my opinion 525 is little underpowered.

 

[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.

 

[jnejman]

I just checked gas milage of 530i and 525i and could not believe that 525i is actually worse then 530i according to EPA.
2001 530i gets 21/30
2001 525 gets 20/29
Now that is one big reason to go with 530 over 525 if you ask me. You get 41 more horses with better milage!