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      10-24-2011, 11:35 PM   #1
st8800
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Hi Guys!

I can see HK F10 owners really into modding! I actually collected some ideas from here.

Collecting my F10 523 by 8 Nov. Here is my mod list:

1) F14 20" Gunmental shine finish (ordered)
2) Kerscher body kit http://www.kerscher-tuning.de/home/index.php?lang=en& (scheduled installed and ordered)
3) KW V3 coilovers (ordered)
4) Supersprint Exos (ordered)

Hope to share more soon!
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      10-24-2011, 11:49 PM   #2
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Cool..never seen that kit before.

You planned so well
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      10-25-2011, 01:28 AM   #3
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Thanks bro, still not as hardcore as u.

The kit is pretty new... just out... not too elaborated nor overly simple. Hope it turns out well.
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      10-25-2011, 01:50 AM   #4
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Nice choice of kit! You are in Singapore? Ouch. Even the thought of buying a BMW in Singapore is painful!
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      10-25-2011, 03:20 AM   #5
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2011 F10 528i  [10.00]
Congrats, nice mod list especially the rims (I got the same hehe).

Wait to see you photos for the kit. Never seen it before.
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      10-25-2011, 03:45 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mlai View Post
Nice choice of kit! You are in Singapore? Ouch. Even the thought of buying a BMW in Singapore is painful!
Thanks mlai... ya, Singapore list price for 523 is about USD199k! As for the new 528... it's listing at US206k. Believe me.... pain don't even start to describe it.
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      10-25-2011, 03:48 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by RC3 View Post
Congrats, nice mod list especially the rims (I got the same hehe).

Wait to see you photos for the kit. Never seen it before.
Hi RC3

I choose this rim because it looks so cool on your ride with M-Sport kit! Mostly because I'm only getting the natural aspirated N52 2.5l engine. Needed a light 20" rim that is not too pricey.
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      10-25-2011, 04:02 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by st8800 View Post
Thanks mlai... ya, Singapore list price for 523 is about USD199k! As for the new 528... it's listing at US206k. Believe me.... pain don't even start to describe it.
Welcome!

Hmmm I would've gotten the 528 for a mere $7K difference...is the new 528 the 4 potter instead of the I6?
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      10-25-2011, 04:16 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by jxnco View Post
Welcome!

Hmmm I would've gotten the 528 for a mere $7K difference...is the new 528 the 4 potter instead of the I6?
Yes, I'm referring to the 4 potter 528 turbo.

The 523 has higher discounts.... price difference should be closer to 15k. I'm in a dilemma now whether to push for the newer stock. Not sure I will get it even if I push.

Last edited by st8800; 10-25-2011 at 04:31 AM..
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      10-25-2011, 04:56 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by st8800 View Post
Hi RC3

I choose this rim because it looks so cool on your ride with M-Sport kit! Mostly because I'm only getting the natural aspirated N52 2.5l engine. Needed a light 20" rim that is not too pricey.
Good choice. What color is your car bro?
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      10-25-2011, 09:42 AM   #11
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Same as yours bro..... sapphire black
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      10-25-2011, 09:46 AM   #12
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Interial oyster black too
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      10-25-2011, 10:02 AM   #13
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Seems I need to top up at least USD 18k more for 528. U guys think it's worth that much more? Will I regret not changing when I still have the chance? Really in a dilemma now.
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      10-25-2011, 02:46 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by st8800 View Post
Seems I need to top up at least USD 18k more for 528. U guys think it's worth that much more? Will I regret not changing when I still have the chance? Really in a dilemma now.
If its the new 528 w/ 2.0T vs. 523 with same engine, different tune, depends if you want to pay 9% price difference for the tune.
If old 523 w/ 2.5na vs. new 528 w/2.0T tuned, then you can ask yourself if you like the refined but weaker inline6, or the more powerful but only 4cyc new turbo...
Sorry, was supposed to simplify things..
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      10-25-2011, 06:19 PM   #15
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If you are getting the old 6 potter NA, I would go for it. Pretty soon, you will be paying a lot more than that to drive a 6 potter BMW. The NA I6 will be gone soon and you will hear a lot of people reminiscing about this legendary BMW engine. As Grimlock says, the sound is just different. I have a grin a mile wide whenever I floor the pedal.
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      10-25-2011, 07:45 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by grimlock View Post
If its the new 528 w/ 2.0T vs. 523 with same engine, different tune, depends if you want to pay 9% price difference for the tune.
If old 523 w/ 2.5na vs. new 528 w/2.0T tuned, then you can ask yourself if you like the refined but weaker inline6, or the more powerful but only 4cyc new turbo...
Sorry, was supposed to simplify things..
523 would be old I6. Detuned 528 would be 520 with 184 bhp. The latter comes with a lot less trims: no gps, 7" instead of 10" screen, no internet, no soft close, auto tailgate n electric blinds. Good chance 520 can be tuned to 250 bhp upwards. it also have stop/start technology and Eco drive.

528 is really loaded with lots of options. Question is it worth US18k more than I6 which is pretty well endowed as well just without soft close, stop/start n electric blind.
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      10-25-2011, 08:05 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jxnco View Post
If you are getting the old 6 potter NA, I would go for it. Pretty soon, you will be paying a lot more than that to drive a 6 potter BMW. The NA I6 will be gone soon and you will hear a lot of people reminiscing about this legendary BMW engine. As Grimlock says, the sound is just different. I have a grin a mile wide whenever I floor the pedal.
I know what u and Grimlock mean by the sound of engine, in fact I delayed the purchase in sep because I discovered new turbo engine will be out soon. Then I went back in oct n test drive the I6 523 again. The sound of the engine was so infectious.... really made me want to rev the engine over n over again. I decided then to confirm the order n not be bother by the N20.

Then today I made some enquires with the salesperson n discover that the option is still available for me to go for 528... for a sum of 18k.

Heart says 528 with the more powerful 240 bhp turbo but mind says take the wiser choice in the 523, it's a better buy. Road tax for 2.0 is $470 per yr lesser than the 2.5l I6. Petrol consumption will be lesser for the former. Still, savings will be hard to go up to 18k.

How? Follow the heart or mind? Still not and easy choice....

Going to tet drive the 528 this afternoon. Will make a decision by then.
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      10-25-2011, 09:57 PM   #18
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Tough choice...I'd still go for the old I6...all cars in the future will have forced induction engines instead of NA's. I find it very difficult to accept having a 5 series with a 4 potter. If it was a 3, I'd feel better.

I'll then use the 18K to mod the hell out of the car...20" rims, body kit, exhaust system, coilovers, performance brake etc...
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      10-25-2011, 10:21 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jxnco View Post
Tough choice...I'd still go for the old I6...all cars in the future will have forced induction engines instead of NA's. I find it very difficult to accept having a 5 series with a 4 potter. If it was a 3, I'd feel better.

I'll then use the 18K to mod the hell out of the car...20" rims, body kit, exhaust system, coilovers, performance brake etc...
I'm already doing that bro.... short of the brakes... which will probably come later. Keep the comments coming in though... scheduled test drive by 2pm. Will update.
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      10-25-2011, 11:12 PM   #20
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your mod list is complete, add exos then it would be complete ++ cant wait for a build thread
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      10-26-2011, 03:43 AM   #21
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Congrates for getting treasure-horse
ST you really a mod-freak indeed
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      10-26-2011, 06:48 AM   #22
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Now for a review and decision on 520 and 528

It was already raining when I arrived at the dealership. The BMW salesman drove out the 520 and came out of the driver's seat to let me drive it. Immediate I can hear a noticeable clatter from the engine, sounds not unlike a taxi! I was amazed and ask him why. He replied that this is the trait of a Beemer 4 potter.

Then I drove into the main road and immediately rev the engine hard. I heard a long whine but the car hardly accelerated. The reply was because this is the characteristic of a 520 with detuned engine. When I moved off again at the traffic lights, this time slowly increasing the throttle and revving it high gradually, the engine sounds much better. Using paddle shifters at the steering wheels also yielded good results. Engine don't sound whiny like earlier.

Stop/start function was a constant pain in the butt for the salesman who couldn't stop complaining about it. I was ok with it, maybe because he disable after 2 stops. Need getting used to I guess.

The 520 felt relatively more powerful than my merc E200k. Engine is smooth and relatively torquey when not push hard at low speed. Surprise, surprise, it now comes with GPS and 10" screen. Rejoice for those eyeing this model. However, I made my decision there and then that I won't be changing my creamy i6 523 for this.

When I asked to test drive the 528, I was told it already conked out. What?! In less than 1 week? So much for a reliable new N20 turbo engine. Anyway, we had to proceed to another branch for the test drive.

The 528 comes with additional soft close door and electric curtains. Other than that, just the usual bells and whistles of the 523 high line, GPS, internet, 18" rims, wood trims, etc. Before the test drive, I already gave it big discount due to earlier 520 test drive. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The engine tune seems a whole lot better. This is definitely a quick and fun car to drive. Engine sound is pleasant when pushed hard but still a notch below the i6 acoustics. The test drive didn't last too long.... mainly because of the non stop rain.

My final evaluation:

1) 520 - Good for those who wants the BMW marque but seldom drive above 3k RPM. Suitable for the people who are not into pushing their engine much. 180 bhp is enough for them.

2) 528 - Great and fun car to drive. Powerful engine. 240 bhp on the tap.

3) 523 - Very suitable for singapore city driving, sounds wonderful when pushed hard. Makes u want to rev all the way to the redline. Great for the auto purists. Award winning i6 engine is not be scoffed at even if just 206bp.

So the 64 thousand dollar question: will I opt for the 528? The answer is no. Not worth the USD18k premium I have to cough out... considering I already have a fantastic deal on the 523 and now need to give it all back and on top of that, pay a premium for buying a new model. Not wise.

This is my final answer! I have slain the demon in the 528!
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