Im going to get a BMW 5 s series. Now that that is out of the way, 528i, or 528xi? 535i, or 535xi? I'm looking for reliability, good gas mileage, and something that might drive in some snow. HELP!!!
Asked by Philfritz42 Jul 08, 2013 at 05:50 PM about the 2008 BMW 5 Series
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
7 Answers
If you want something that can drive in the snow definitely go for the "xi" version of the 5 series. Gas mileage is pretty much going to be the same. However the 535 does have the twin turbo. BMW is great for reliability and can go 100k miles plus if taken care of. We just traded our 525i for M5
For the 2008 model year do get the xdrive you will reget it if you don't. Also I would recommend the 528i this engine is called the n52 and has less issues then the N54 535i engine.
Philfritz42 answered 10 years ago
THANKS FOR THE INPUT! I test drive the 528i tonight. PRO's: fast enough. felt it had good control. CONS: Didn't get a chance to test the technologies of iDrive (Nav, radio, etc..) Last question: I will eb driving to Ohio approx. 6 times during the winter a year; is XI worth it for these few times, or will the RWD suffice? Thanks for all of the input.
Xdrive will help is more than just snow. It helps all around stability, rain traction, cornering traction. And because it is xdrive it isn't locked into the 60% rear drive and 40% front drive. The system can send 80% to front or rear wheels when needed basically it is a variable system. Combine that with BMW's traction control system called DSC and you get the best all around system and best fuel economy.
X drive will burn marginally more gas, and add more mechanical and electronic parts to break. The extra weight will also mean a slightly slower car than the rear wheel drive variant. The Rear wheel drive will work just fine if you invest in the BEST snow tires you can get. I would do that either way. The Nokian Haakapiilitta is phenomenal. It is made in Finland and designed for severe weather.
Just from the perspective of snow driving. I used to drive a '99 528i for 13 years in Minneapolis and I never had any issues worth remembering. Obviously the rear wheel slips a bit more than a front wheel. But I had few sand bags in my trunk in extreme snow days for extra weight and better grip. With DSC, I don't think you need to worry
I'm looking at 5??xi right now. I have a 740il and on several occasions on the ice we seem to get in Seattle, I have been stuck in the parking lot, the DCS shuts down any movement; turn it off and I get the one legged wheel spin. I was using Michelin all season tires.
