(E39) 525i manual vs. 530i auto?

[alanford]

still looking for the 530i with stick-l, hard to find with the price I can live with. There are number of 530i automatic (year 2001) and some 525i manual. All my cars were and are manual. Should I wait for my dream car or any of them will do the magic? Please share your honest opinion.
Thanks

[olazabal]

I think you'll regret getting an automatic.

[Dr_Bake]

Agreed.

I think you'd be happier with a manual than with the 3.0.

[328iBursche]

wait for the right one--manual!

[Lavalamp]

i really don't think you want a 525, my friends auto 540 is even with my manual 328. i can't imagine how slow a 525 would be.

[Daved]

I'm sure you'll regret getting an auto.

[Ikarus]

i really don't think you want a 525, my friends auto 540 is even with my manual 328. i can't imagine how slow a 525 would be.

Did your friend only buy 4 Spark plugs instead of 8 when he did his Inspection II ?

[punknamedjimmy]

i really don't think you want a 525, my friends auto 540 is even with my manual 328. i can't imagine how slow a 525 would be.

uhhh what?!!?

[sirtiger]

530 5 spd!!!

[m3mike]

wait for the car you want. I was in the market for a 01 325xi, after searching for a manual i finaly gave up and got an auto. i still wish i waited for a manual

[M54B30i]

uhhh what?!!?

I have a 540 auto and it spanked my friends 2010 328i no possible way you are "EVEN" autos are not much slower than manuals, manuals are just more fun.

[BimmerBreaker]

If you cant afford the 530 manuals out there, a 525 manual is not that different

They are both M54 engines, facelifted models, the difference in power is about 40hp/40tq. The 525 will feel exactly the same as the 530 in terms of power delivery and response but it will just be a little bit less.

FWIW you will definitely be happier in a manual 525 vs. an auto 530. If the question is "I cant afford a manual 530 now, but I see these manual 525s and auto 530s in my price range, which is best" then the answer is manual 525. If you can afford a manual 530 and there just arent any for sale right now, then wait. But dont expect them to be the same price as these cars you are looking at now.