Thinking about getting a 525i ...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
11' E-350 BlueTec
Thinking about getting a 525i ...
I've a 2002 C230K and I'm looking into getting something new.
I came across the BMW website and I was checking out the 525i. What do you guys think? Any experiences with the car?
Main questions I have are:
1) C230K vs 525i. Handling, speed, riding comfort, gadgets and interior quality (leather, plastic parts, etc). Which one is better and why?
2) Overall desing and aspect.
3) Keep the C230 (no major problems so far) or jump into a fairly new car with a lot of potential problems?
4) What;s the best way of getting more money for my car? Ebay, trade-in, private party, etc.
I'll really appreciate your comments !!!
Angel
I came across the BMW website and I was checking out the 525i. What do you guys think? Any experiences with the car?
Main questions I have are:
1) C230K vs 525i. Handling, speed, riding comfort, gadgets and interior quality (leather, plastic parts, etc). Which one is better and why?
2) Overall desing and aspect.
3) Keep the C230 (no major problems so far) or jump into a fairly new car with a lot of potential problems?
4) What;s the best way of getting more money for my car? Ebay, trade-in, private party, etc.
I'll really appreciate your comments !!!
Angel
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA
06 325i
Originally posted by mj50
two totally different cars...
of course, 525i is better...
but i don't like the design of it...
for that money, i'd get e320
two totally different cars...
of course, 525i is better...
but i don't like the design of it...
for that money, i'd get e320
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: West Los Angeles
2007 ML63 / 2009 C350 Sport
I agree with mj50 as well - although I hate the interior of the new 5. It feels so damned cheap - I cant believe that interior will one day be in an 70k+ M5. Go for an E320, or wait for the E350, then sell your car privately.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 988
Likes: 0
From: Encino
2002 C230K
well, if you were goin for the last body style 525, i'd say go for it. otherwise, go with an e320 cdi. yes, it's the diesel version, and it should be here soon enough if not now as a 2005 model. but seriosuly, how can you go wrong with that? still an e-class, but gets 27mpg city and 37 hwy.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
getting the 525 is like sporting a 318ti bmw...sorry but i fyour gonna get a bmw, get one that can move properly. Youll be getting smoked by accords, camrys and maximas all day long (your pocket will be $5000 or more lighter too)
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
2020 A35, @021 F250, 96 Mustang
525 is way too heavy and way underpowered.
I tested a 525 and a 540 before buying my C320 coupe. The 540 has more power but is still pretty heavy for the power and way too big for me...
If you want something faster look at the C320 Coupe. If you want something bigger - check the e series.
I tested a 525 and a 540 before buying my C320 coupe. The 540 has more power but is still pretty heavy for the power and way too big for me...
If you want something faster look at the C320 Coupe. If you want something bigger - check the e series.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,057
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
what year are you talking about for the 525?
anyways, if it's me, I'd skip the 525 and go for the 530. I haven't drove the new 525 yet, but I've drove the 325i which has the same power plant and even in the smaller 3-series, the 2.5 liter engine feels under powered.
BUT I'm sure the new 5-series will drive very nice tho and even though it's under powered, the 5-series will always be better built than the C-class or 3-series.
anyways, if it's me, I'd skip the 525 and go for the 530. I haven't drove the new 525 yet, but I've drove the 325i which has the same power plant and even in the smaller 3-series, the 2.5 liter engine feels under powered.
BUT I'm sure the new 5-series will drive very nice tho and even though it's under powered, the 5-series will always be better built than the C-class or 3-series.
Last edited by FrankW; Apr 22, 2004 at 08:23 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
C VS 3-------- I will pick MB
E VS 5---------I will pick MB
S VS 7---------I might pick 7 (this is a hard call)
C32 VS M3-------- I will pick M3
But if you put C class and 5 Series to the test.....
ya for sure the 5 Series man lol.
E VS 5---------I will pick MB
S VS 7---------I might pick 7 (this is a hard call)
C32 VS M3-------- I will pick M3
But if you put C class and 5 Series to the test.....
ya for sure the 5 Series man lol.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,057
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally posted by supershyguy
C VS 3-------- I will pick MB
E VS 5---------I will pick MB
S VS 7---------I might pick 7 (this is a hard call)
C32 VS M3-------- I will pick M3
But if you put C class and 5 Series to the test.....
ya for sure the 5 Series man lol.
C VS 3-------- I will pick MB
E VS 5---------I will pick MB
S VS 7---------I might pick 7 (this is a hard call)
C32 VS M3-------- I will pick M3
But if you put C class and 5 Series to the test.....
ya for sure the 5 Series man lol.
5 series over E anyday unless it's E55.
S-class over the 7 because the Bangled 7 is ugly and a little too over engineered.
C32 vs M3, you know my pick. In a perfect world, I would have both.
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
C230K
You can get the sport package 330i for that kind of money. However, since you're considering the 5-series, I'm guessing you want a bigger car? In that case, I'd go for the E320, although it's hard to compare since the E is more expensive. For that 40K, you can probably get an Acura TL.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
Originally posted by FrankW
i'll take 330i over any regular C-class anyday.
5 series over E anyday unless it's E55.
S-class over the 7 because the Bangled 7 is ugly and a little too over engineered.
C32 vs M3, you know my pick. In a perfect world, I would have both.
i'll take 330i over any regular C-class anyday.
5 series over E anyday unless it's E55.
S-class over the 7 because the Bangled 7 is ugly and a little too over engineered.
C32 vs M3, you know my pick. In a perfect world, I would have both.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
525? Ick! The damn thing looks like a rejected Pontiac design from the front, and a Kia from the rear. And its slow!
New 5 series is the worst 'new' BMW. Until the 1 series hatch shows up anyway. And who wants a four door...bleck. If you have to have four doors and a big car, go E class.
I'd take the 7 series over the S class...the S class is getting rather long in the tooth.
3 series...everyone drives one. Its the Accord or Camry of premium cars. Interior is cramped. No thanks.
New 5 series is the worst 'new' BMW. Until the 1 series hatch shows up anyway. And who wants a four door...bleck. If you have to have four doors and a big car, go E class.
I'd take the 7 series over the S class...the S class is getting rather long in the tooth.
3 series...everyone drives one. Its the Accord or Camry of premium cars. Interior is cramped. No thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
Originally posted by Outland
525? Ick! The damn thing looks like a rejected Pontiac design from the front, and a Kia from the rear. And its slow!
New 5 series is the worst 'new' BMW. Until the 1 series hatch shows up anyway. And who wants a four door...bleck. If you have to have four doors and a big car, go E class.
I'd take the 7 series over the S class...the S class is getting rather long in the tooth.
3 series...everyone drives one. Its the Accord or Camry of premium cars. Interior is cramped. No thanks.
525? Ick! The damn thing looks like a rejected Pontiac design from the front, and a Kia from the rear. And its slow!
New 5 series is the worst 'new' BMW. Until the 1 series hatch shows up anyway. And who wants a four door...bleck. If you have to have four doors and a big car, go E class.
I'd take the 7 series over the S class...the S class is getting rather long in the tooth.
3 series...everyone drives one. Its the Accord or Camry of premium cars. Interior is cramped. No thanks.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale
BMW 325i
2004 525 stick
I drove the 2004 525 manual and thought it had an excellent feel to it. The car is only 100 pounds heavier than the 325, unknown to most people. I also thought the stock stereo and the idrive setup were impressive both in sound and feel. The car was also suprisingly quiet and smooth. The steering though feels heavy after you drive one with the sport package steering. It is my second choice to the mercedes only because of price.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,200
Likes: 1
From: TX. 78738
c230 kompressor
My brother bought an new jetblack 325ci today very nice car!!
I had a chance to sit in a new 530i in the showroom and i really thought that the interior looked very cheep
I think a 525i wouldnt have enough power but thats just me
I had a chance to sit in a new 530i in the showroom and i really thought that the interior looked very cheep
I think a 525i wouldnt have enough power but thats just me
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale
BMW 325i
525i interior and 325 value
Yes the 525 interior is minimalistic in design featureless and lacks panache. 325i , 2004, I have and it is an excellent value compared to other brands. I think it is the best value for 30k. It has perfect torque in all the right areas and the most precise steering/brakes I have ever felt in a car of this type/class.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,200
Likes: 1
From: TX. 78738
c230 kompressor
Re: 525i interior and 325 value
Originally posted by JayinLauderdale
Yes the 525 interior is minimalistic in design featureless and lacks panache. 325i , 2004, I have and it is an excellent value compared to other brands. I think it is the best value for 30k. It has perfect torque in all the right areas and the most precise steering/brakes I have ever felt in a car of this type/class.
Yes the 525 interior is minimalistic in design featureless and lacks panache. 325i , 2004, I have and it is an excellent value compared to other brands. I think it is the best value for 30k. It has perfect torque in all the right areas and the most precise steering/brakes I have ever felt in a car of this type/class.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,057
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Re: Re: 525i interior and 325 value
Originally posted by HITMAN
my brother hasnt let me drive it but he says the same things about his 04 325ci but it stickerd for 38 something.....The motor is amazing in it very very quite and smooth like silk
my brother hasnt let me drive it but he says the same things about his 04 325ci but it stickerd for 38 something.....The motor is amazing in it very very quite and smooth like silk
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,200
Likes: 1
From: TX. 78738
c230 kompressor
Re: Re: Re: 525i interior and 325 value
Originally posted by FrankW
I hope ur bro didn't pay sticker for a 325Ci. You can get a 330i performance pkg for $41-42k with the discount a lot of the dealer are giving right now.
I hope ur bro didn't pay sticker for a 325Ci. You can get a 330i performance pkg for $41-42k with the discount a lot of the dealer are giving right now.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
11' E-350 BlueTec
Originally posted by FrankW
what year are you talking about for the 525?
what year are you talking about for the 525?
I totally agree that they are 2 different cars (230 vs 525i) but I think is a really nice looking luxury car for 40K.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
11' E-350 BlueTec
Originally posted by dead_eye
You can get the sport package 330i for that kind of money. However, since you're considering the 5-series, I'm guessing you want a bigger car? In that case, I'd go for the E320, although it's hard to compare since the E is more expensive. For that 40K, you can probably get an Acura TL.
You can get the sport package 330i for that kind of money. However, since you're considering the 5-series, I'm guessing you want a bigger car? In that case, I'd go for the E320, although it's hard to compare since the E is more expensive. For that 40K, you can probably get an Acura TL.
)E vs new 5 series ? I really like the BMW look. On the other side I don't think buying a car based on how it looks its fine. Or is it?
Acura vs BMW.... Mmmm..... I still go with the BMW.
Maybe I can wait and get the SLK350
That would be sweet !!!!!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
11' E-350 BlueTec
Originally posted by Outland
525? Ick! The damn thing looks like a rejected Pontiac design from the front, and a Kia from the rear. And its slow!
525? Ick! The damn thing looks like a rejected Pontiac design from the front, and a Kia from the rear. And its slow!
I disagree on this one, but I've to admint that it is slow. But living in the VA/DC/MD area makes you think twice before you put some pressure on the gas pedal
3 series...everyone drives one. Its the Accord or Camry of premium cars. Interior is cramped. No thanks.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
11' E-350 BlueTec
On a separate note, I contacted a BMW dealer yesterday and they told me that would trade my car for 15K-17K 
Are they nuts? Or is that a good-fair estimate?
I was thinking about getting 20K-22K on a private sale ... oh well.... eBayMotors here I come !!!!
Are they nuts? Or is that a good-fair estimate?
I was thinking about getting 20K-22K on a private sale ... oh well.... eBayMotors here I come !!!!
