BMW 5 Series: 4-Cylinder vs 6-Cylinder - Which Should I Choose?

BMW
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BMW 5 Series: 4-Cylinder vs 6-Cylinder - Which Should I Choose?

I’m in the market for a BMW 5 Series and I’ve been trying to figure out whether I should go for the 4-cylinder engine or the 6-cylinder. I know both have their pros and cons, but I’m particularly interested in knowing how they compare in terms of:

Performance

  • Acceleration: How does the 4-cylinder stack up against the 6-cylinder? Is there a noticeable difference in the driving experience?
  • Handling: Does the weight difference affect how the car handles?

Fuel Efficiency

  • Economy: What kind of mileage can I expect from each engine? Is the trade-off for the 6-cylinder worth it, considering gas prices lately?

Power and Overall Driving Experience

  • Power Delivery: How does the power feel day-to-day? For city driving and highway cruising, does one engine feel more responsive than the other?
  • Sound and Feel: Is the driving experience more engaging in one engine type?

Other Considerations

  • Maintenance Costs: Are there significant differences in upkeep between the two engine options?
  • Resale Value: Is one engine configuration more sought after in the used car market?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with both engine types. What are your thoughts? Any personal stories or tips would be greatly appreciated!

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I’ve driven both the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder versions of the BMW 5 Series. The 6-cylinder definitely offers more power and a smoother acceleration. For daily driving, the 4-cylinder is sufficient, but for spirited drives, the 6-cylinder is more satisfying.

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I totally agree! I recently test drove the 4-cylinder, and while it has decent power for city driving, I felt it lacked the punch on the highway. The 6-cylinder feels much more alive.

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From my experience, the 4-cylinder is great for fuel economy, but the thrill of acceleration in the 6-cylinder is hard to beat. If performance is a key factor for you, go with the 6-cylinder.

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Exactly! I love the power delivery in the 6-cylinder. It makes such a difference during those weekend drives! Have you considered how much more maintenance the 6-cylinder might need?

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That’s a valid point. The maintenance on the 6-cylinder can be higher. However, if you enjoy performance, it might be worth it! I haven’t had any issues with my 6-cylinder so far.

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Lucky you! I’ve heard they can be a bit temperamental, though. What kind of driving do you mostly do?

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I primarily do city driving but love taking weekend trips. The 6-cylinder handles both perfectly, especially on the open road! But I must say, the 4-cylinder is surprisingly fun in the city.

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I hear you! The 4-cylinder might be more nimble in tight situations. I think it comes down to personal preference and driving style. How often do you plan to engage in spirited driving?

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That’s a great question! I love a good mountain road drive every couple of weekends. Would the 4-cylinder hold up for that?

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The 4-cylinder could manage, but it really won’t match the exhilaration of the 6-cylinder on those mountain roads. It’s all about how much fun you want out of those drives! Worth considering how often you really drive hard.

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So true! I mean, if you’re passionate about driving, the 6-cylinder is a joy. Just be ready to fill up the tank more often.

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Haha, true! Filling up is part of the deal with a performance car. But sometimes I think I just get better vibes from the sound and feel of that 6-cylinder. It’s like music for driving enthusiasts!

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I’ve been looking into the fuel efficiency of the BMW 5 Series. The 4-cylinder models generally get about 25-30 MPG, while the 6-cylinder tends to hover around 20-25 MPG. Long-term, that can add up in savings if you drive a lot.

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That’s a good point! I think the 4-cylinder could be really beneficial for people who do a lot of city driving where fuel efficiency is key.

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Fuel economy is definitely something to consider! I currently have a 4-cylinder and average about 28 MPG in mixed driving. Maintenance costs for it have been reasonable too, about $600 a year.

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I’ve heard that maintenance is less expensive on the 4-cylinder. What’s been your experience with any major repairs?

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So far, no major repairs for me! Just regular upkeep. I’ve read that the 6-cylinder models might need higher quality oil, which could increase costs overall.

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Interesting to note about oil costs! I’ve owned a 6-cylinder model and it was fun to drive, but fuel consumption was around 23 MPG. Definitely less efficient but the power was addicting!

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It’s such a tough choice! With rising fuel prices, I lean towards the 4-cylinder, but I’ll admit the thrill of the 6-cylinder is hard to resist. Maybe I can find a balanced compromise?

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