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      01-12-2012, 11:53 AM   #1
nelsk
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Question 523i vs 520i

Guys,

I am this close to dumping my MB for a Bimmer but here is the dilemma - for about the same price, should i pick the 523i (with 3L engine) or should i pick the new 520i (with a 2L engineer, with turbo). I know BM's straight-6 had been know for its smoothness and linear behavior.. so it's kinda hard for me to choose.

Any suggestions?
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      01-12-2012, 08:31 PM   #2
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Is the 523i still available? on BMWHK price list it's not here anymore !
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      01-12-2012, 08:48 PM   #3
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..and 523i in HK used to have the 2500cc engine while some european countries' 523 got the tuned-down 3000cc(similar hP but better low end torque c/o 2500cc 523)
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      01-13-2012, 01:25 AM   #4
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Yes, BMWHK still have some leftovers. The cost is really the same as the newer model. Is it sensible to get the old I6 over the new I4? Figure-wise the I4 does produce some very attractive figures - 270Nm at 1250rmp, whereas the I6 produces 250Nm at 2750rmp.

Bros, any suggestion?
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      01-13-2012, 03:46 AM   #5
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If you are choosing between the old 6 banger or the new 4 banger turbo for 528i, then is a tough choice. The new turbo engine has plenty of mod options but then it's new, now sure if it's reliable or not.

However, if you are choosing between 523i or the 520i, I will take the 520i. 523i is a tack too slow IMO. The 520i you can mod the heck out of the software and gain plenty of power.
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      01-13-2012, 04:22 AM   #6
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I picked 523i few months back.......just don't wanna take risk at that point of time, but I heard many 520i owners said they are very happy with the performance of new engine, and also drink less fuel. But don't know why BM does not provide any test drive
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      01-13-2012, 12:10 PM   #7
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Test driven the 520i tonight and it just felt.. well, too much like a 318, u know, the sound and all that. I mean, sure it picks up ok and got sufficient hp on the highway, but it just doesn't have the usual 6 potter feel associated with Bimmers. So, signed up for 523i. It's a stock car so hopefully can have it ready just before the CNY.

Thanks bros.
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      01-13-2012, 06:47 PM   #8
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Well you tried it so you definitely know what you don't like.. good choice.. and good deal!
Welcome to the I6 club .. LOL
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      01-15-2012, 09:22 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RC3 View Post
If you are choosing between the old 6 banger or the new 4 banger turbo for 528i, then is a tough choice. The new turbo engine has plenty of mod options but then it's new, now sure if it's reliable or not.

However, if you are choosing between 523i or the 520i, I will take the 520i. 523i is a tack too slow IMO. The 520i you can mod the heck out of the software and gain plenty of power.
The words coming from someone driving a 528 can be very misleading.

I don't think the new 523 is that slow to be honest, it's a big improvment compare to the E60 and I have 19 inch wheels with 275 in the rear.

The I6 engine is a very good engine. I would have that over the 4 turbo given that there's a choice.
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      01-16-2012, 12:51 AM   #10
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I agree. I feel a 5 series should have at least a 6 potter instead of 4. How the engine sounds matters to me so. If it was a 3 series, I'd be happy with the 4 cylinder turbo.
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      01-16-2012, 01:25 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jxnco View Post
I agree. I feel a 5 series should have at least a 6 potter instead of 4. How the engine sounds matters to me so. If it was a 3 series, I'd be happy with the 4 cylinder turbo.
Yes that's the whole point of this. I don't think I can live with a 5 that sound like a 318.

Though most passenger wouldn't notice the noise inside the cabin cause the sound proofing is superb in the F10. But then again we drive BMW because we can feel car, otherwise I would be posting in an MB forum.

No matter how smooth they can make the 4 turbo, there will still be a hint of turbo lag. Not significant in the 35 engine because the power output is good already, but in a 4 turbo, you can still feel it somewhat.

Stats are misleading, need a test drive to feel for yourself.
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      01-16-2012, 01:33 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nelsk View Post
Test driven the 520i tonight and it just felt.. well, too much like a 318, u know, the sound and all that. I mean, sure it picks up ok and got sufficient hp on the highway, but it just doesn't have the usual 6 potter feel associated with Bimmers. So, signed up for 523i. It's a stock car so hopefully can have it ready just before the CNY.

Thanks bros.
Oh you could test drive it?
Before I bought mine they said we couldn't !
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      01-16-2012, 03:40 AM   #13
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May be I got too carried away with the software tunes for the I4 turbo which came out or about to come out. Probably the 520/528 turbo 4 will perform better than the 523/528 I6 without the engine sound with the tune.

But actually I'm satisfied with my 6 banger.
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      01-16-2012, 09:59 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RC3 View Post
May be I got too carried away with the software tunes for the I4 turbo which came out or about to come out. Probably the 520/528 turbo 4 will perform better than the 523/528 I6 without the engine sound with the tune.

But actually I'm satisfied with my 6 banger.
Only satisfied? Dun say infront of the car, it will mad you
We know you are the mod freak.. but might not be a bad thing you can't mod this part, u would be tempted to make it 245hp->300hp and then you will be pulled over on the side of the road every few days

I wont mod the engine but with a turbo i bet its tempting..

add: actually, for 535i folks it makes sense to make it 350hp .. thats not pushing it much, and make it feel more like a 550 than a 528NA
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      01-16-2012, 11:06 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by grimlock View Post
We know you are the mod freak.. but might not be a bad thing you can't mod this part, u would be tempted to make it 245hp->300hp...
Hehe, you are quite right...
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      01-16-2012, 07:40 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RC3 View Post
May be I got too carried away with the software tunes for the I4 turbo which came out or about to come out. Probably the 520/528 turbo 4 will perform better than the 523/528 I6 without the engine sound with the tune.

But actually I'm satisfied with my 6 banger.
I m sure you would mod the hell out of it. Of course you can boost the performance but you will ruin the dynamic of the car.

Then you will end up with a 5 that got the sound of a Lancer Evo.
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      01-16-2012, 10:26 PM   #17
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Don't expect too much from ECU upgrade alone even for the i4 turbo no matter how much hp gain the chip maker promised to you. Been there done that, many moons ago I have my Audi's ECU sent to Oettinger Germany for the ECU upgrade(can't place too much trust for the local workshop). I couldn't feel much of the promised hp gain after the switch(just a little bit more rev happy at the upper end and consumed a little more fuel). Even worse I couldn't start my car after reinstalling the upgraded ECU since Oettinger screwed up the engine immobiliser code in the ECU after the upgrade. In the end the car needed to be towed back to DCH to have the immobilser recoded
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      01-17-2012, 03:53 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AC_S5 View Post
The words coming from someone driving a 528 can be very misleading.

I don't think the new 523 is that slow to be honest, it's a big improvment compare to the E60 and I have 19 inch wheels with 275 in the rear.

The I6 engine is a very good engine. I would have that over the 4 turbo given that there's a choice.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mit View Post
Don't expect too much from ECU upgrade alone even for the i4 turbo no matter how much hp gain the chip maker promised to you. Been there done that, many moons ago I have my Audi's ECU sent to Oettinger Germany for the ECU upgrade(can't place too much trust for the local workshop). I couldn't feel much of the promised hp gain after the switch(just a little bit more rev happy at the upper end and consumed a little more fuel). Even worse I couldn't start my car after reinstalling the upgraded ECU since Oettinger screwed up the engine immobiliser code in the ECU after the upgrade. In the end the car needed to be towed back to DCH to have the immobilser recoded
Oh no. That's bad. That's why piggy bag plug and play should be better.
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      01-17-2012, 07:25 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mit View Post
Don't expect too much from ECU upgrade alone even for the i4 turbo no matter how much hp gain the chip maker promised to you. Been there done that, many moons ago I have my Audi's ECU sent to Oettinger Germany for the ECU upgrade(can't place too much trust for the local workshop). I couldn't feel much of the promised hp gain after the switch(just a little bit more rev happy at the upper end and consumed a little more fuel). Even worse I couldn't start my car after reinstalling the upgraded ECU since Oettinger screwed up the engine immobiliser code in the ECU after the upgrade. In the end the car needed to be towed back to DCH to have the immobilser recoded
it's all depend on what tuner you chose. I got my 03' A4 1.8T ECU upgrade from Oettinger 8 years ago (need mail the whole ECU to their factory) and the pain beginning... always give me code while driving and ran into save mode, can't really fell any gain because of that. Took me half year to found the reason, I even mailed it back to let Oettinger to check but still no luck . End up switched to use MTM and happily even after.
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      01-17-2012, 07:28 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RC3 View Post
Oh no. That's bad. That's why piggy bag plug and play should be better.
Yes, I used procede on my 335i and very satisfied with it. Also heard some very positive comments from JB user.
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      01-21-2012, 01:40 AM   #21
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Just came across this video review of the N20 528 by a supposedly well-known car review website in Taiwan..
"... this engine is OK for a $NT1000000 car but it's just not right for a $NT3000000 528 and the abrupt engine start/stop system ...."
You just wouldn't expect a reviewer to be so honest when a car first launched

Video in 1080p
http://www.buycartv.com/content/movi...tail&c_id=2174
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      01-21-2012, 07:28 AM   #22
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I test driven the 520 and agree the engine start/stop is quite noticeable, to the driver anyway.
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