Brand New 520i or Pre-Owned 523i ?

[Thoughts]

Appreciate if any of you F10 Experts out there could provide me some advises/opinions.Like the F10 and am thinking of getting one. With the present choices, I can either go for either a Brand New 2012 520i or a Qualified Pre-Owned 2011 523i (non AP still under warranty by BMW Malaysia). Either will be priced between 340-350K, that way I can save 50K+ and don't have to absorb the initial hefty 1st year depreciation of a new BMW. My queries will be :1) Apart from the engine capacity, are there marked differences in specs between the 2012 520i and 2011 523i?2) Will the 520i be Under Power? As I'm used to an Accord 2.4. Don't wanna feel damned if my doubly priced Ultimate Driving Machine turns out to be lamer than my existing one. I'm not one who craved for Power on the Road, but surely with 4 Adults in the car going up to Genting, it'll be painful to see all the Wira Taxis oozing by you at ease.Would really appreciate if any experienced F10 owners can give me a pointer here...

 

[primus2211]

Why not a new 520d?

 

[wobbles]

This is my humble 2 cents worth. If it's the 520i vs 523i, apart from the rattling to be expected at idling, and the fact that you're paying a small fortune for a 4-potter engine, most of the reviews I read seem to rave on about how the 520i is the little 4-potter that could.

It pulls fiercely, it has a flat torque band delivery and it sips at the fuel pump. And, if you're so inclined, it's apparently very happy to be ECU-chipped to develop up to 280hp!

However, if it's smoothness & refinement you're looking for in a ride, nothing beats the perfect balance that only an In-line 6 cylinder engine like the N52B25 in the 523i can deliver.

Good luck in making your choice - either way, it'll be a damn fine ride

 

[Thoughts]

Thanks Wobbles for the critical advices. Sounds pretty professional and good pointers too.

So it would seem that the 523i would be a less regrettable option. Only thing now I guess is whether I wanna live with the fact that it'll be a Pre-Owned, or pay another 50K+ for a brand new one.

Mind me asking if the 2012 520i (or 523i) is a new generation engine to that of the 2011 523i ?

Primus, I thought of the 520d too and I know it got good reviews. But then knowing I'll be using it for occasional recreational use only, engine smoothness would be priority to me than fuel economics. Would I be wrong?

 

[cafee]

Hi, firstly I have the 520i. A colleague has a 523i. (He bought it a year before me - and I have drive it quite frequently outstation etc)

No doubt smoothness on the 6 cylinders but on a car like the F10 - you hardly feel the difference within the cabin. You might get a slight clatter outside the car, but in the cabin, no difference.

Power and torque - the 520i pulls better and really responsive compared to the 523i. So far the turbo is really fun.

Consumption - 520i - much better than the 523i

Engine Generation - the 520i has the newer award winning N20 engine (similar with 528, the newer F30 320 and 328s) - an engine with alot of potential., 523i has the previous generation 6 cylinder magnesium block.

Features, 520i has Eco-pro, auto start stop, updated CIC with better features. comes with the comfort and comfort+ settings.

$$$ - if you are taking a loan, the interest may be higher on a pre-owned(pre-registered).

I was in the same dilemma as you in January, I picked the 520i over the 523i, never regretted. (But I kept my E60 with the 6 cylinder in case I need the rush).

 

[Thoughts]

Thanks Cafee.

Yeh.. the one good thing of getting a new 2012 520i is most things supposed to be a notch updated than 2011 models, so psychologically its more worthy, though it may not always be.

Plus you can also choose the appearances to your likings, seats color, rim style, plate nos, etc....

Best way is still to have a test on both models before decide. But always better to get some head ups first from you expert end users, than ending up being misled by the salesperson in the show room.

 

[wobbles]

A test drive of both (wonderful) machines should help you clear your mind & make your decision

 

[cafee]

Exactly - go for an test drive - ask for extended if need be. That'll make the decision so much easier.

 

[Rayhwc]

A bit of a frivilous excuse, but it's a good feeling to pick up a brand-spanking new car, especially in the colours and number of your choice

 

[Zacharymah]

Appreciate if any of you F10 Experts out there could provide me some advises/opinions.

Like the F10 and am thinking of getting one. With the present choices, I can either go for either a Brand New 2012 520i or a Qualified Pre-Owned 2011 523i (non AP still under warranty by BMW Malaysia).

Either will be priced between 340-350K, that way I can save 50K+ and don't have to absorb the initial hefty 1st year depreciation of a new BMW.

My queries will be :
1) Apart from the engine capacity, are there marked differences in specs between the 2012 520i and 2011 523i?
2) Will the 520i be Under Power? As I'm used to an Accord 2.4. Don't wanna feel damned if my doubly priced Ultimate Driving Machine turns out to be lamer than my existing one. I'm not one who craved for Power on the Road, but surely with 4 Adults in the car going up to Genting, it'll be painful to see all the Wira Taxis oozing by you at ease.



Would really appreciate if any experienced F10 owners can give me a pointer here...

Hi bro,I'm driving 2012 520d and it's feel great but only the noisier engine compare to petrol engine but it did not make me regret because of the power and the consumption. If there is only 2011 523i and 2012 520i to choose, I definitely choose 2012 520i without using brain to think because of the good new twin turbo engine and good consumption and new technology than the old engine.

 

[primus2211]

Primus, I thought of the 520d too and I know it got good reviews. But then knowing I'll be using it for occasional recreational use only, engine smoothness would be priority to me than fuel economics. Would I be wrong?

The engine smoothness is never an issue with the F10 because the sound insulation is pretty darn good and the diesel lump itself is very smooth once you've run it in properly. Seriously, if you're looking for a fast car which you're going to use for "recreational" use, I'd rather say go and get a seriously fast used ride like the E90's M3 that's going pretty cheap nowadays. The F10 is a better choice for a daily driver. ALso, if the RM 50k is your cost barrier, the 520 fits right in being 40k less than the 520i and all.

Between used and new, I'm a proponent of getting new. You never know how the previous owner run-in the car. Did he trash it or was it driven by an old auntie going to market? Both are bad for the car. New is the way to go.

 

[xero200]

I'd say forget the F10 and go for the A6 C7 3.0T. Saw a grey import for RM 405K. It handles better, and definitely draws more eyeballs than the F10 that's a dime a
dozen on the roads...

 

[zib]

The engine smoothness is never an issue with the F10 because the sound insulation is pretty darn good and the diesel lump itself is very smooth once you've run it in properly. Seriously, if you're looking for a fast car which you're going to use for "recreational" use, I'd rather say go and get a seriously fast used ride like the E90's M3 that's going pretty cheap nowadays. The F10 is a better choice for a daily driver. ALso, if the RM 50k is your cost barrier, the 520 fits right in being 40k less than the 520i and all.

Between used and new, I'm a proponent of getting new. You never know how the previous owner run-in the car. Did he trash it or was it driven by an old auntie going to market? Both are bad for the car. New is the way to go.

I on the other hand would go for used anytime..unless you have the dough...u know what I mean..working ppl..not towkay

 

[wjmg]

2) Will the 520i be Under Power? As I'm used to an Accord 2.4. Don't wanna feel damned if my doubly priced Ultimate Driving Machine turns out to be lamer than my existing one. I'm not one who craved for Power on the Road, but surely with 4 Adults in the car going up to Genting, it'll be painful to see all the Wira Taxis oozing by you at ease.

If the above is your concern than I would say it shouldn't be. I have both Accord 2.4 (2004) and 520i (2012) and I can tell you the 520i is definitely more willing to pull than the Accord. Both the official specs sheet and my butt dyno can confirm this.

On a side note, the Accord is really a reliable car. I've never send it to the workshop for repair (touch wood) other than routine services.

 

[Thoughts]

If the above is your concern than I would say it shouldn't be. I have both Accord 2.4 (2004) and 520i (2012) and I can tell you the 520i is definitely more willing to pull than the Accord. Both the official specs sheet and my butt dyno can confirm this.

On a side note, the Accord is really a reliable car. I've never send it to the workshop for repair (touch wood) other than routine services.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

I guess if Power wise 2012 520i is not an issue, than that will be my inclination.

Xero, I like the F10 because it's Subtle, not too showey / bossy yet it shows Refined Classiness and Elegance. I'm not the type who enjoy drawing eyeballs (Anti-Facebook, Not my life is better than yours type).

Not so much that there are any cost barrier, but rather it feels better getting something that is value for money. Getting a F10 is something that goes with my heart (only live once) rather than my head. Kinda feel bad if I'm to splash 500k on a car that depreciates 50k/year, when many Bros out there are still struggling to afforf a link house in KL nowadays...

Totally agree with wjmg. That's why i'll be keeping my Accord 2.4 (2005) as my workhorse. Being a grass root hands on type of guy who needs to be at certain places at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 6pm, unlike Continental a Japanese Car will never fail you and can be easily repaired at workshops around any corners.

Gosh... feels like I've made a lot of friends already over the past few days.... Ha Ha!

 

[dark1234]

welcome to bmwcm
haha

Gosh... feels like I've made a lot of friends already over the past few days.... Ha Ha!

 

[Juan Powerblow]

Let me relate this incident which just happened tonight. I was driving a 2 month old F10 520i on the way back from PJ to Mont Kiara using Jalan Damansara when another F10 poked me big time. This fella was so aggressive that he tried to overtake me on the single land turn off towards KLGCC. I couldn't let him pass because of slow traffic on the left i.e. I would literally have to pull over to get him off my tail. Then, the road opened up and instead of pressing the brakes, I floored the throttle. Dunno how that happened! This other F10 was so close on my side I could hear him floor it at the same time. The crescendo of straight six vs. twin power turbo was on full song. At that time, I didn't know what was after me. Less than 500 metres later, I was about 6-7 car lengths in front seeing my tail smoke filling the beam of the other F10's xenons.


If that other F10 was a 528i or 535i, no chance that would happen. If it was a 520d, I would have expected us to be neck to neck. It must have been a 523i. I was pleasantly surprised at such a commanding lead. That fella must have wondered if there was something wrong with his car or I weighed only 10 kgs with an almost empty tank! BTW, I had a full tank. The conclusion... the F10 520i is freaking awesome and noticeably faster, more powerful than the 523i. Even the soundtrack at higher rpms was delightful i.e. racy and exhilirating.


After all the fun, I'm back to driving my F10 328i with another 1,500 kms to run-in. So at the moment, not as fun as my dad's F10 520i.

 

[andrewlim8]

Let me relate this incident which just happened tonight. I was driving a 2 month old F10 520i on the way back from PJ to Mont Kiara using Jalan Damansara when another F10 poked me big time. This fella was so aggressive that he tried to overtake me on the single land turn off towards KLGCC. I couldn't let him pass because of slow traffic on the left i.e. I would literally have to pull over to get him off my tail. Then, the road opened up and instead of pressing the brakes, I floored the throttle. Dunno how that happened! This other F10 was so close on my side I could hear him floor it at the same time. The crescendo of straight six vs. twin power turbo was on full song. At that time, I didn't know what was after me. Less than 500 metres later, I was about 6-7 car lengths in front seeing my tail smoke filling the beam of the other F10's xenons.


If that other F10 was a 528i or 535i, no chance that would happen. If it was a 520d, I would have expected us to be neck to neck. It must have been a 523i. I was pleasantly surprised at such a commanding lead. That fella must have wondered if there was something wrong with his car or I weighed only 10 kgs with an almost empty tank! BTW, I had a full tank. The conclusion... the F10 520i is freaking awesome and noticeably faster, more powerful than the 523i. Even the soundtrack at higher rpms was delightful i.e. racy and exhilirating.


After all the fun, I'm back to driving my F10 328i with another 1,500 kms to run-in. So at the moment, not as fun as my dad's F10 520i.

In line 6 pots NA is for those never try turbo before............

 

[Mavik]

Once you go force induced, it is very very difficult to go back to NA

 

[Lancelot Adolph]

I'm an owner of F10 523i 2011,

Love it this far, the smoothness of the engine, quietness, changing of gears,

Lovely!