Hi all BMian sifu...I am not a BMian at the moment but am interested and planning to. I am looking for either a 525i or a 530i. I saw 1 525i (2003) costing RM120K but another (also 2003) costing RM107K. The former clocked 85000Km and the latter 150000Km. Then I bumped onto a 530i (2002) costing RM115K, mileage clocked 75000Km. Sincerely speaking, I feel in love with the 530i, right away. Please give me some inputs, which is a good buy?On the surface, the only thing that OUCH me on the 530i is the road tax.My main concern now with the 530i, is the maintainance cost. I am most concern about the availability of parts for 530i. Generally speaking, if parts are difficult to obtain, definitely their price will not be economical. I know, parts for 525i is much more common and relatively easy to obtain. I may be wrong, as you may be telling me that most parts for 530i and 525i are identical. This is my next question. Comparing 530i and 525i, what are their main differences, aside from their cc and road tax, of cause. I mean things like suspension system (shocks, coils and arms), gearbox, power steering etc.I was told that the suspension system between the 2 models is different. I was further highlighted that 530i comes with the same suspension for 545 or is it 540. How true is this claim?Anyone could give any commends on the fuel consumption comparison between the models?Since I am green to BM, please feel free to drop me any commends, as all commends are valuable to me.Thanks...
525 and 530 comparison
- Thread starter James Lee
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X5madani
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My E46 325i (2002) engine is exactly the same as for 525i (2003) that you are refering to.
There are three (3) major problems that I considered should not be the case especially when the mileage is less than 100,000KM.
First, at apprx 48,000KM (2005), I experienced the power steering mechanical system jammed up. Second, at apprx 65,000KM (2007), the water coolant plastic container for the radiator system leaked and caused the whole engine heated up, and third at apprx 100,000KM (2008) the alternator kaput while the car was running at 85Km/h.
The 1st & 2nd incidents were fixed up by an authorised workshop and I paid for 50% labour cost and parts (approx 1.3K). The 3rd case, I bought the part in S'pore (Bosch) and saved 40% including xchange rate and spent RM100 for labour by a local mechanic.
530 has totally different spec/components but I hope these 3 items could guide you in making your decision.
Good luck:wink:
There are three (3) major problems that I considered should not be the case especially when the mileage is less than 100,000KM.
First, at apprx 48,000KM (2005), I experienced the power steering mechanical system jammed up. Second, at apprx 65,000KM (2007), the water coolant plastic container for the radiator system leaked and caused the whole engine heated up, and third at apprx 100,000KM (2008) the alternator kaput while the car was running at 85Km/h.
The 1st & 2nd incidents were fixed up by an authorised workshop and I paid for 50% labour cost and parts (approx 1.3K). The 3rd case, I bought the part in S'pore (Bosch) and saved 40% including xchange rate and spent RM100 for labour by a local mechanic.
530 has totally different spec/components but I hope these 3 items could guide you in making your decision.
Good luck:wink:
funfer_fahrer
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Hi James,
Most of the forumers would like you to introduce yourself at the newbie section. But, you can do that later. That's fine with me. You got to ask yourself where normally your future BMW will spend majority of its time. If it's 90% in downtown KL then, the 520 is the best pick. Now, between the 525 and the 530 there has been many interesting debates. I am currently driving a 525. In terms of power I would say it is adequate. In terms of fuel economy, I don't see much difference as compared to the 530. In terms of total satisfaction, I regretted for not buying the 530. This is my story - because I didn't buy the 530, now I feel the itch to get the M5. To me, the 530 is the star E39, the all rounder, won't burn a hole in the pocket if one cannot afford the M5. This car will keep you happy for a long time. You won't be thinking about upgrading nonsense like what I've been thinking right now. Upgrading means extra money and, the thought of upgrading is more damaging than paying RM2098/year for the 530 road tax. (Currently, I am paying RM800/year for the road tax). If you choose to drive 530, you only contribute extra RM100/month for the roadtax as compared to the 525. Yes, that extra money can be translated to savings and free petrol for the 525. But, the real reward for buying the 530 is that you don't have to think about the M5 or a Bentley Continental GT Speed in the future. I think that's priceless.
Most of the forumers would like you to introduce yourself at the newbie section. But, you can do that later. That's fine with me. You got to ask yourself where normally your future BMW will spend majority of its time. If it's 90% in downtown KL then, the 520 is the best pick. Now, between the 525 and the 530 there has been many interesting debates. I am currently driving a 525. In terms of power I would say it is adequate. In terms of fuel economy, I don't see much difference as compared to the 530. In terms of total satisfaction, I regretted for not buying the 530. This is my story - because I didn't buy the 530, now I feel the itch to get the M5. To me, the 530 is the star E39, the all rounder, won't burn a hole in the pocket if one cannot afford the M5. This car will keep you happy for a long time. You won't be thinking about upgrading nonsense like what I've been thinking right now. Upgrading means extra money and, the thought of upgrading is more damaging than paying RM2098/year for the 530 road tax. (Currently, I am paying RM800/year for the road tax). If you choose to drive 530, you only contribute extra RM100/month for the roadtax as compared to the 525. Yes, that extra money can be translated to savings and free petrol for the 525. But, the real reward for buying the 530 is that you don't have to think about the M5 or a Bentley Continental GT Speed in the future. I think that's priceless.
IsaacVky
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No, the 530i straight 6 don't share any parts with the E39 V8 models.
Rack & Pinion steering for straight 6 and recirculating ball steering for V8 model.
Suspension parts like Absorber? Bilstein absorber for E39 straight 6 can fit 520i~530i.
You won't feel underpower in a 525i, you will feel flying in a 530i :love:
530i city driving about 6km+/L, Mixed 8km+/L, fully highway 11~12km/L
June 2008, 2001 530i M-Sport UK-spec is going for rm115k.
I think with the petrol price hike(although dropped) and new year now, price is further down.:top:
Rack & Pinion steering for straight 6 and recirculating ball steering for V8 model.
Suspension parts like Absorber? Bilstein absorber for E39 straight 6 can fit 520i~530i.
You won't feel underpower in a 525i, you will feel flying in a 530i :love:
530i city driving about 6km+/L, Mixed 8km+/L, fully highway 11~12km/L
June 2008, 2001 530i M-Sport UK-spec is going for rm115k.
I think with the petrol price hike(although dropped) and new year now, price is further down.:top:
