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Need help deciding on 530I or 530XI
Right now I'm looking at the BMW 5 series, and am having trouble deciding on the 530i or 530xi. I live in NJ where we get a decent amount of snow in the winter, so the xi would make sense since I can expect to deal with wintery conditions 3-4 months out of the year. However, I would prefer the I for the following reasons: The 530i is slightly quicker than the xi, has a cheaper tag, and has the option to get it in 6-speed SMG (whereas the I only has steptronic auto) in addition to a sports package with true sports suspension (xi does not offer).
So in short I would be saving myself a little bit with the I and would be getting a more fun sportier ride that I can enjoy more 8-9 months out of the year, however with the XI I would have better handling & increased safety in adverse weather conditions.
What I want to know is how does the 530I handle in the snow? With all the new electronic stability control systems, would the new 530i be manageable? What have your experiences been? Obviously the XI would handle much better, but is the I sufficient?
Also, looking at the options, I'm wondering if the premium package is really worth it. $2000 for a garage door opener and auto-dimming/folding mirrors, and little interior trim differences seems like a rip-off to me. I looked at a 5-series with and one without the premium package and I could barely notice a difference in the interior. What do you guys think? Should I opt for it simply for resale value or will that not make a difference down the line when I sell?
| | Reply » Need help deciding on 530I or 530XI |
Quote: Right now I'm looking at the BMW 5 series, and am having trouble deciding on the 530i or 530xi. I live in NJ where we get a decent amount of snow in the winter, so the xi would make sense since I can expect to deal with wintery conditions 3-4 months out of the year. However, I would prefer the I for the following reasons: The 530i is slightly quicker than the xi, has a cheaper tag, and has the option to get it in 6-speed SMG (whereas the I only has steptronic auto) in addition to a sports package with true sports suspension (xi does not offer).
So in short I would be saving myself a little bit with the I and would be getting a more fun sportier ride that I can enjoy more 8-9 months out of the year, however with the XI I would have better handling & increased safety in adverse weather conditions.
What I want to know is how does the 530I handle in the snow? With all the new electronic stability control systems, would the new 530i be manageable? What have your experiences been? Obviously the XI would handle much better, but is the I sufficient?
Also, looking at the options, I'm wondering if the premium package is really worth it. $2000 for a garage door opener and auto-dimming/folding mirrors, and little interior trim differences seems like a rip-off to me. I looked at a 5-series with and one without the premium package and I could barely notice a difference in the interior. What do you guys think? Should I opt for it simply for resale value or will that not make a difference down the line when I sell? | I think the regular 530i has EXCELLENT stability and traction control and performs quite well in snow (at least the E39 did, I would take that over a FWD car any day). If you get a set of snow tires, it will be 95% as good as AWD, and 4 snow tires will probably cost less than AWD.
I think its a good idea to get the Premium Package, remember it includes the leather instead of the leatherette.
Good luck, however you choose! 
| | Reply » Need help deciding on 530I or 530XI |
I live in New York and i opted to get the Xi. The AWD feature was a game changer for me. I test drove both and there was barely any noticable difference between the 2 from a handling persepctive. The reason I did not buy a BMW sooner was the lack of traction in poor weather that comes with a pure RWD car. Technically it will be a bit slower and the handling not as good as the RWD but the peace of mind and ease of not needing to worry about changing and storing snow tires appealed to me. I live in a hilly area and see a fair amount of snow. I have been told buy owners of RWD 530's that it handles fine in the snow just get some Blizzaks and you are all set. That is a hassel that the AWD eliminates for me.
As for the premium package, you should get it. I know it stinks to stroke a check for the amount you do on a BMW 5 series and they don't give you leather but you need the leather interior. A premium car with leatherette (vinyl) just doesn't seem right. I would also recommend the cold weather package. Good luck in your deccision process and be prepared to wait a bit for the car, but I am sure it will be worth it and you will enjoy whatever choice you make.
| | Reply » Need help deciding on 530I or 530XI |
Is there a reason why the Sport Package on the XI doesn't include a sport tuned suspension?
| | Reply » Need help deciding on 530I or 530XI |
Quote: | Is there a reason why the Sport Package on the XI doesn't include a sport tuned suspension? | Because it includes an AWD-tuned suspension perhaps?
| | Reply » Need help deciding on 530I or 530XI |
I'd get the i and get a decent set of winter tires.
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Need help deciding on 530I or 530XI