Choice between F10 N20 520i or 528i, what is the consensus?

[kaizen]

Dear fellow BMW enthusiast,I am taking the plunge for the F10 but just need some opinions on the RM40K plus premium between the 520i and 528i.My concerns are as follows :1. assuming that I will take the risk to chip the ECU before warranty is over, how will the car drive with the additional power? will the dynamics be any different from a 528i and more importantly, is there additional accessories like air in take or other mechanism that the 528i has and not fitted on the 520i stock.2. how does the 528i drive with the 18" M-Rims compared with the 17" on the 520i, will the ride end up stiffer - (which is a problem I encountered on my E90 325i Sports)? Can the built in "driving experience control" negate the firmer ride?3. HUD, how often do owners with HUD use this feature or this is usually turned off?All things in, the 528i is visually more satisfying, giving a sense of prowess and presence with the M-Kit.Thanking all ahead for your views and sharing.

 

[pswchan]

Ho-hum........ 528i anyday if the RM40k is not an issue. No point upgrading the engine unless BMW does it for you as the warranty will be void and the other tuners may not have done enuf R&D to do a good job. I have tested the 275 section run-flats on the 528i and they don't appear too hard on the butt.

 

[dark1234]

Hi kaizen you can read about it in the quil test drive thread , I would say go for 528 as the extra acc cost more than 40k but the 18 on rft is more bumpy compare with 17

 

[xero200]

Dear fellow BMW enthusiast,

I am taking the plunge for the F10 but just need some opinions on the RM40K plus premium between the 520i and 528i.

My concerns are as follows :

1. assuming that I will take the risk to chip the ECU before warranty is over, how will the car drive with the additional power? will the dynamics be any different from a 528i and more importantly, is there additional accessories like air in take or other mechanism that the 528i has and not fitted on the 520i stock.

2. how does the 528i drive with the 18" M-Rims compared with the 17" on the 520i, will the ride end up stiffer - (which is a problem I encountered on my E90 325i Sports)? Can the built in "driving experience control" negate the firmer ride?

3. HUD, how often do owners with HUD use this feature or this is usually turned off?

All things in, the 528i is visually more satisfying, giving a sense of prowess and presence with the M-Kit.

Thanking all ahead for your views and sharing.

I'm looking to let my F10 535i go. It's a 2010 UK spec model (fully loaded) with 23K mileage. If you're keen, PM me.

 

[Drer]

Dear fellow BMW enthusiast,

3. HUD, how often do owners with HUD use this feature or this is usually turned off?

Contrary to what you think, my HUD is always (not usually) turned on. This is the most useful thingy to me!

 

[primus2211]

528i. Power is never enough. If before buying you're already thinking of tuning the 520i, in the long run you'd regret not buying the 528i and tuning that instead for even more power.

 

[docrayboy]

Come for the 520i vs 528i Cocktail party-call up Melissa!

E mail from Quill PJ

Dear Dr Raymond,



I hope this mail finds you well.



We are delighted to inform you that the N20 Test Drive has been slated for 18th Feb 2012, Saturday, 2-5 pm. The event is limited to 10 pax only, and each guest will be registered to one test drive slot to ensure there is sufficient turn-around as Jacelyn will be accompanying all guests.



To RSVP, Forum members will need to provide us with the following:



· Email address

· Current model owned

· HP Number

· Model which they are interested to test drive



Dr Raymond, it is really important that the Forum members RSVP directly to me with their details (cc to you if you would like to keep abreast of who is attending) as this is strictly by invitation only, and on a first registered, first confirmed basis. Once the RSVPs are compiled, we shall release the schedule to the Forum.



Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us. I look forward to meeting you and BMW Forum Members again.


Melissa Chong
Marketing Manager
Quill Auto
melissa.chong@quill-automobiles.com.my
Tel 03 7955 6333

 

[cw9722]

Contrary to what you think, my HUD is always (not usually) turned on. This is the most useful thingy to me!

Bro drer,
100% agreed-
Me even tend to look for HUD when driving mine other cars-)

 

[cw9722]

2 . how does the 528i drive with the 18" M-Rims compared with the 17" on the 520i, will the ride end up stiffer - (which is a problem I encountered on my E90 325i Sports)? Can the built in "driving experience control" negate the firmer ride?

Me on 19" front 245/40 and rear 275/35 RE050A,no complaint abt the comfort,only setback is lacking of torque due to bigger rim and tyre-




1. assuming that I will take the risk to chip the ECU before warranty is over, how will the car drive with the additional power? will the dynamics be any different from a 528i and more importantly, is there additional accessories like air in take or other mechanism that the 528i has and not fitted on

Have a talk with one of the SA this noon,he say 520i is on stage 0,whereby 528i is stage
1,if u remap the520i may well get the power of 528i,am not sure how true this is--)

 

[Ade]

Let us see. RM40K extra is roughly 12% more...u get M-Sport kits and additional power. Come on! I'm sure BMW is does not just change the mapping and badge it 520i. They would have changed more of the internals to cope with the increased power without sacrificing reliability. These engines are tested rigorously before they are launched in a car. Outside tuners do not have the $$$ to do extensive testing. They are just banking on the margins these engine have to tune up more power.

 

[kaizen]

Let us see. RM40K extra is roughly 12% more...u get M-Sport kits and additional power. Come on! I'm sure BMW is does not just change the mapping and badge it 520i. They would have changed more of the internals to cope with the increased power without sacrificing reliability. These engines are tested rigorously before they are launched in a car. Outside tuners do not have the $$$ to do extensive testing. They are just banking on the margins these engine have to tune up more power.

Ade, infact having test both the 520i and the 528i, it is clear that the 528i is more responsive and raring to go. It will be interesting to see how many N4 520i owners chip their ECU. There is actually a huge after market for the likes of VW. So, there could be a new phenomena or do 520i owners not fall into this tuning markets. My SA claims that there is a lock code that needs to be "cracked" for tuning to happen.

Read in one post that we should do at least 3 test drives before we decide. How many of you agree to that.

 

[xero200]

Ade, infact having test both the 520i and the 528i, it is clear that the 528i is more responsive and raring to go. It will be interesting to see how many N4 520i owners chip their ECU. There is actually a huge after market for the likes of VW. So, there could be a new phenomena or do 520i owners not fall into this tuning markets. My SA claims that there is a lock code that needs to be "cracked" for tuning to happen.

Read in one post that we should do at least 3 test drives before we decide. How many of you agree to that.

The N20 engine is pretty tunable...http://www.kelleners-sport.de/b2b/index.php?func=browse&mfid=1&tid=23&vid=216&cat=28

 

[andrewlim8]

hi,

does 528i comes with comfort access? (not only the start/stop button but full access without touching the key fob)

if no, y? even KIA forte got it !!

 

[wjmg]

hi,

does 528i comes with comfort access? (not only the start/stop button but full access without touching the key fob)

if no, y? even KIA forte got it !!

No, and don't know why.:hmmmm2:

 

[wjmg]

It will be interesting to see how many N4 520i owners chip their ECU. There is actually a huge after market for the likes of VW. So, there could be a new phenomena or do 520i owners not fall into this tuning markets.

I'm not sure about others, but as a 520i owner I certainly will not mod the engine for many many years to come (probably until the last day I own the car). To me, cars are best left in their original state. If I want a more powerful car, I would have gone straight to 528i for an additional RM51k.

 

[romeo_v12]

Hi guys,

I have a Msport 3.0 Oct 11 and Im having to share with you that the small things like the HUD, sports seats, 18 inch rims, M sport kit, etc all put together makes the driving experience better. Frankly the 18 inch is comfy and in my opinion still small for the car. 19 or 20 inch will fit well.

Please take caution on mods and non-dealer upgrades due to warranty being void, I had to change my DME(ECU) at 2250km and that cost AB RM28k. If I had chipped or retuned the car, that would have been on my expense. Everything on the F10 is software driven and extremely sensitive. FYI, I also got my side view mirror broken by a lorry in Bangsar Baru and the mirror alone is RM1688.

Enjoy the car, just change rims, pour petrol and drive.

Cheers

 

[alpina b5]

hi,

does 528i comes with comfort access? (not only the start/stop button but full access without touching the key fob)

if no, y? even KIA forte got it !!

nope. not only that we don't have adaptive headlights, reverse camera, paddle shifters for 520i, 520d, stuff available in some cheap lousy cars (volkswagen passat cc).

 

[xero200]

The local 535i doesn't even come with quintessential bird's eye view cameras which is extremely helpful for the 5 series...

 

[kaizen]

I'm not sure about others, but as a 520i owner I certainly will not mod the engine for many many years to come (probably until the last day I own the car). To me, cars are best left in their original state. If I want a more powerful car, I would have gone straight to 528i for an additional RM51k.

Hi wjmg,

You have a good point there. I currently also own a Mark 6 VW GTI and have resisted chipping it - although having driven a buddy's one that has, the drive of a chipped/mod car is indeed more engaging.

Another way to look at it is that after driving your 520i for 3 years and then doing a mod actually gives your car a new lease of life - akin to after an engine flush and oil change or new set of tires - but more exciting.

I was exploring the options and currently very much decided on the 528i, the main winner for me is the M Spec steering - the grip feel chunkier - and the occasional use of the paddle shifts. The HUD is a matter of getting used to - having driven for many years looking down to get info, .... looking at the windscreen and having the info is indeed pretty cool stuff.

Thanks again to all fellow BMW kakis here, you all have made choosing with my heart an easier decision!

 

[esca_flo]

i know u have already made the decision , but the clear answer is always 528i here .

cheers and enjoy the new ride u will be getting.