Discussion
Read with interest the straight 6 or v8 thread so thought I would post my now. Was going to buy a 944 but nearest and dearest say no. Had the pleasure of the 523i a couple of years ago or so and was impressed. So now would like to have another one or would I be better off with the 528i version. Limited budget but looking see that a sub 100,000 miles 1998-99 is possible. Your opinions please ladies and gents.
I had a 2.7 944 and loved it, well until the head gasket went and the cheapest quote to repair was more than I brought the car for 
Anyway after driving round in a 12 year old mazda 626 (brill car cost me sweet fa to run for 2 years) I just got a V plate 535 sport auto... all the toys nice car... plenty quick enough, comfortable handles well enough etc and makes a nice V8 ish noise .. suits me
Anyway after driving round in a 12 year old mazda 626 (brill car cost me sweet fa to run for 2 years) I just got a V plate 535 sport auto... all the toys nice car... plenty quick enough, comfortable handles well enough etc and makes a nice V8 ish noise .. suits me
I've never driven a 523 but I have driven a 528 of that vintage. I was impressed that it was so quick for a 'only' a 2.8 considering the size of the car. Very comfy ride too.
Surely the prices are pretty low on these now so you will get a 528 for 523 money? What about the 530/540 v8....you might even find one already converted to LPG in which case running cost is even cheaper than the 6cyls.
Surely the prices are pretty low on these now so you will get a 528 for 523 money? What about the 530/540 v8....you might even find one already converted to LPG in which case running cost is even cheaper than the 6cyls.
Dino D said:
I've never driven a 523 but I have driven a 528 of that vintage. I was impressed that it was so quick for a 'only' a 2.8 considering the size of the car. Very comfy ride too.
Surely the prices are pretty low on these now so you will get a 528 for 523 money? What about the 530/540 v8....you might even find one already converted to LPG in which case running cost is even cheaper than the 6cyls.
Surely the prices are pretty low on these now so you will get a 528 for 523 money? What about the 530/540 v8....you might even find one already converted to LPG in which case running cost is even cheaper than the 6cyls.
You can get a 2000ish 50K miler 528 for about £6.5-7K.
I know because that's what I did.
A lot of motor for the money, in my opinion.
CommanderJameson said:
Dino D said:
I've never driven a 523 but I have driven a 528 of that vintage. I was impressed that it was so quick for a 'only' a 2.8 considering the size of the car. Very comfy ride too.
Surely the prices are pretty low on these now so you will get a 528 for 523 money? What about the 530/540 v8....you might even find one already converted to LPG in which case running cost is even cheaper than the 6cyls.
Surely the prices are pretty low on these now so you will get a 528 for 523 money? What about the 530/540 v8....you might even find one already converted to LPG in which case running cost is even cheaper than the 6cyls.
You can get a 2000ish 50K miler 528 for about £6.5-7K.
I know because that's what I did.
A lot of motor for the money, in my opinion.
Agreed.
Father has owned his 1997 528 since new. Probably on 75k miles now and it is simply a great car. Extremely well made, handling is wonderful, engine pulls nicely.
Thanks for observations so far. TBH i'm a bit scared of the running costs of the V8 engined cars, not only the extra juice but service and repair as well. So in truth I think they are beyond my budget. Should be OK for the six cylinder post '98 regards nickosol problem?
On the 523 I owned it had a manual box which I found unsuited to our need so will go for the auto this time. I assume the 528 just has the extra bit of grunt over the 523?
On the 523 I owned it had a manual box which I found unsuited to our need so will go for the auto this time. I assume the 528 just has the extra bit of grunt over the 523?
crankedup said:
Thanks for observations so far. TBH i'm a bit scared of the running costs of the V8 engined cars, not only the extra juice but service and repair as well. So in truth I think they are beyond my budget. Should be OK for the six cylinder post '98 regards nickosol problem?
On the 523 I owned it had a manual box which I found unsuited to our need so will go for the auto this time. I assume the 528 just has the extra bit of grunt over the 523?
On the 523 I owned it had a manual box which I found unsuited to our need so will go for the auto this time. I assume the 528 just has the extra bit of grunt over the 523?
Nikasil is only an issue for cars pre-September 1998.
Thanks for observations so far. TBH i'm a bit scared of the running costs of the V8 engined cars, not only the extra juice but service and repair as well. So in truth I think they are beyond my budget. Should be OK for the six cylinder post '98 regards nickosol problem?
On the 523 I owned it had a manual box which I found unsuited to our need so will go for the auto this time. I assume the 528 just has the extra bit of grunt over the 523?
On the 523 I owned it had a manual box which I found unsuited to our need so will go for the auto this time. I assume the 528 just has the extra bit of grunt over the 523?
I have a 523i as a daily driver and agree with the above...all other things being equal I'd say now with the price differential being minimal between the two go for the 528i if you come across a really good one that suits you. Don't get me wrong...the 523i is adequately fast for most circumstance but can be left a little wanting when really pushed. Also as a result I think one tends to push it a little more than one would a 528i so this probably cancels out any fuel consumption benefits?
For me the 523i that I bought was an opportunity too good too miss!... High-spec'd, nice mileage, good price with a BMW engine replacement for a Nikasil issue etc so it all made very good sense for me.
I think they're great! Have had mine since last October; run it everyday; have put 10K on the clock and so far it's cost me the price of one 'Oil Service' and a set of tyres (which I already had in anticipation anyway).
Go for it!
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
For me the 523i that I bought was an opportunity too good too miss!... High-spec'd, nice mileage, good price with a BMW engine replacement for a Nikasil issue etc so it all made very good sense for me.
I think they're great! Have had mine since last October; run it everyday; have put 10K on the clock and so far it's cost me the price of one 'Oil Service' and a set of tyres (which I already had in anticipation anyway).
Go for it!
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
www.bmwclassics.co.uk/images/DSCN1
Like Derin, I've also got a 523.
I would personally say that you go for a 528.
Why?
Quite simply - even if you find the perfect 523, at the perfect price, spec, history, condition, etc, etc ..... you'll still hanker after that extra bit of power.
That all said - I'm more than happy with mine, and met all the criteria above - so can't complain.
And when the urge for more power comes .... then I'll buy another car!
K
I would personally say that you go for a 528.
Why?
Quite simply - even if you find the perfect 523, at the perfect price, spec, history, condition, etc, etc ..... you'll still hanker after that extra bit of power.
That all said - I'm more than happy with mine, and met all the criteria above - so can't complain.
And when the urge for more power comes .... then I'll buy another car!
K
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