What do you guys think of the new style BMW 5-Series (F10)?

Have you driven the 528? I think the engine is too weak for a car that size. The accelleration lags and the handling isn't that great. There is nothing impressive about it. The 550, on the other hand, has more punch, and that's what, in part makes it fun to drive. You should be able to get the 2010 550 in 2-3 years with about 36K miles for just over $40K, I'd imagine.

The car is gorgeous in real life. I have not driven it, but reviews echo what TR says above about its handling.

--Andre

just out of curiosity, have you even been stopped for speeding? and what'd you say to the cop who stopped you?

Well, if you like how the 528 drives and handles, that's up to you. In my opinion, and only my opinion and not to insult you, is that the 528 is a bit poseurish. I see buying a 5 series for the driving experience (not the experience merely to say they drive a bimmer), and the 528 doesn't deliver. To me, it's for the soccer mom that wants some level of luxury and people seeing her driving "a nice car", but she doesn't care about how it really drives, and it's cheaper. That might be unfair, but that's my view point on it.

That's nice about your commute, but your original posted indicated you would be driving the for days off and on weekends. My point, is if you want a fun car to drive, the 535 or 550 would be the better choice, but it seems the 528 satisfies your desire for the "funness" of it.

But to answer your question, no I don't own one. But with any used German car, you always need to be careful, certified or not. I was in the market for a used 550 and did quite a bit of research, but my co-worker put it in perspective. She bought a 2006 from the dealer, certified. She said she has had nothing but problems with it, and these problems are not covered by the warranty (naturally). It's in the shop all the time, and she said the car has done nothing to enhance her life - it's just one big headache and eats into her savings with the repair work. No one in SoCal care she's driving one since everyone has one. With that in mind I opted for an Infiniti G37. Just as nice of a car, if not nicer, for less money (compared to a 3-series that is).

You might better off just leasing your BMW.

I like the car and think its looks are a great improvement over the previous generation.

I don't think a 528 is poseurish. If you need the room and like the looks of the car, but want good fuel economy and not pay a premium for all the options they lard on the bigger-engined cars, the small engine is a good way to go. And it makes plenty of power anyway.

One of the best 5 series ever made is the E39 530i with the sport package.

--Andre

Yah, sounds like a soccer mom. j/k. Point taken. I guess I was just way underwhelmed by my experiences driving a 528. It's not like I'm a speed/power junky either. My previous cars were a '79 Corolla, Nissan Altima and a 15 year old MB C280. No doubt the 5-series, regardless of model, are nice cars in any event.

This is what I have, but a 540i. Love it.

I won't weigh in on the 528 vs. 5xx debate (but you can guess where I'd land), but someone down the street from me has a silver 2010 5 series, and I think it's a great car. no e39, but still.

Speaking of large sedans I have the new Alpina B7 on my radar, hope to own one in the next 4 years after the bulk of the depreciation has occurred. I can't justify buying a new bimmer or any other car for that matter (plus I can't afford a new B7), my current bimmer was bought when it was 3 years old and it's been almost 4 years since I've owned it and the drive still impresses me today.

Service on a B7 might be a nightmare, I can't even imagine what some of the parts catalogue might cost on that. I wouldn't want to foot the bill. I've seen the new B7 live though, and it is amazing. The new 7 with the M pack is great too. The new 5, I'm pretty lukewarm on. It doesn't really look like a Bimmer from the back, and the front is a little confused looking.

I second the comments on the 528i being a bit weak. Still better than a 523i though... is the 523 being offered in the US?

What do you guys think about the M pack? I find it gorgeous - especially with the 19" wheels. The car looks a lot more sporty...