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JB, still don't get that wallet key thing, I don't think it has any battery, but I know it could have some kind of chip (or something) that could be programmed/read from the ignition. Maybe it has an embedded code unique to your car for first use, then it's reprogrammed(?) Guess that would (supposedly) require a visit to the dealer to replicate.
<My 1997 528iA had similar problems with bulbs. I finally found a solution that worked. First off, you need to understand how the bulb monitoring system works. In essence it looks for high resistance in the tested circuit. The system is so sensitive that a bulb that is about to fail may trigger the light, as will small amounts of corrosion on the bulb and/or socket.
Now for the fix: First, always use quality European silver base bulbs of the correct size and wattage(check the owners manual if you aren't sure). The dealer should stock the proper bulbs but you can also find the excellent Sylvania Osram bulbs at AutoZone. While you are there pick up a package of Bulb Grease. Next, remove all the bulbs and clean their bases and sockets with a quality electrical contact cleaner that is SAFE FOR PLASTIC. I use a product from the German company Wurth but Radio Shack should have something similar. After all the bulbs and sockets are clean wait a few minutes to let all traces of the cleaner evaporate. Finally, apply a thin coating of bulb grease to the base of each bulb and button everything back up. The contact cleaner should have removed any corrosion and the dielectric grease will prevent further corrosion. I hope this helps.>
-Billbrox
dabimmer The trip to SF is still on. We will go the last week of August. My 9th grade son is taking a summer school class so my choice of months is limited. I look forward to the trip on a daily basis however! Thanks for asking.
-- When will dealers stop taking orders for 540?
-- In the brochure they have Steel Blue for a color but on the website it was taken off, did they discontinue the steel blue color production or can you still order one?
-- And since I want the M Sport package it seems that only comes in limited colors as well.
I'm looking at trading in my 2002 Infiniti QX4 (gas guzzler, but rides nice) and have driven the 530 awhile ago but want the bigger engine of the 540. Was hoping to still place an order end of May for the 540.
Second question - the car comes with navagation but no CD (though it is wired for a CD changer). Does anybody know whether I can get a CD changer aftermarket or do I need to work through a BMW dealer??
Thanks very much
luck with the 5. Keep us posted.
A truly great car for 7 consecutive model years!
That and eight consecutive years in production. Not too shabby. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Questions:
Which CD changer is better the trunk mounted or glove box mounted?
I had to pay a $1000. gas guzzler tax, ithought that was phase out a few months ago?
Then dealer was going to sell me an extended warranty for the tires and wheels ($300.00) as apparently they are not covered under the 48/50,000. Has anyone had a problem with the factory tires. I think they are Dunlop Sports.
1. The Luxury Tax was phased out. But the Gas Guzzler Tax is still in effect. (This is one small thing in favor of CPO or used cars. I didn't have to pay the gas guzzler tax when I bought my CPO 540i6.)
2. Personally, I wouldn't get any $300 tire/wheel "warranty". Tires are a normal wear item. Maintaining the wheels isn't too difficult. The Sport Pkg's tires won't last 50,000 miles. You'll be lucky to have 'em last 25,000. Use 'em hard and you might only get 20,000 or less. But that is the nature of the beast with high performance summer (3-season tires). Some specific thoughts on the warranty: First, can't say I've ever heard of such a thing. Second, seems expensive for what you might get. Third, you should read the fine print and make sure you know exactly what it covers (esp. the exclusions and limitations). Fourth, who is the company standing behind the warranty? Sounds like some 3rd party warranty outfit. (I don't really like or trust any 3rd party warranty outfits.) Fifth, if you get snow, you'll need a set of dedicated snow tires (and many people get a set of cheap wheels with their winter tires). You'll have to run those at least 2-3 months of the year. Doubt they'll be covered under this warranty.
3. My '98 540i6 has the 6-disc trunk changer. I much prefer being able to change the discs quickly and easily. I'd take a single in-dash over any 6-disc trunk or glovebox unit. Not sure the glovebox units are any easier, since (unless you have a passenger with you) you have to change discs when stopped just like you do with the trunk-mounted units. At least the trunk-mounted unit doesn't eat up much space. And it lets you keep the glove box for storage. The E39 540i isn't the best on interior storage space, so having the glove box for storage can be nice.
Best Regards,
Shipo
My wife tried a 530i, a 525iT, and then the X5. She just smiled when she drove the X5. She really liked the higher seating position, partly because she is 5'2". It was just a matter of picking the options at that point.
I like to drive the X5. It's much more roomy and luxurious compared to my 530i. I'm actually happy about the X5 for my wife because hauling 2 children around in a 530i is a LOT harder than in the X5. Just where do you put 2 juice/milk cups in a 530i?
Just a thought,
Jack
Anyone out there not have the PP, or have it and think they could live with w/o it.
This car does have the moonroof - so I would be losing the Rain Sensing Wipers, Dimming Rearview mirror, wood trim, and the on board computer.
Most of me thinks for that kind of $$$ - I should get what I want, but...........
You didn't mention leather. That's the other component of PP. The RS Wipers are nice, but not a must have. The AD mirrors are nice, but again, not a must have. The wood trim doesn't do a lot for me. I prefer the "light poplar" wood found in some other BMWs. BTW, you do get the standard computer, missing a few functions from the PP computer. I could really do without the upgraded computer. So, if it has the right engine, trans, int. & ext. colors, sport vs. standard suspension of your choice, I'd go for it.
Just MHO,
Jack
I'm in the market for a 1998-2001 540i 6spd or auto with sport. Is there a source that explains the differences in the model years between these cars? Such as: which colors were available with the sport package, which wheel style/size, other important options, thinks to look for our look out for, etc.
Thanks,
John W.
Check out BMW NA's CPO web site to see what specific CPO 540i are in your area available for sale now. Usually lists option package, options, colors, etc.
Can be a bit hard to find used 540i6, though they are out there. I went 600 miles (one way) to find my CPO '98 540i6 in 11/01. I do seem to see a lot of CPO 540ia Sport. Believe my local BMW dealer, Markel BMW (Omaha, Nebraska), currently has 2 CPO 540ia Sport. (Markel, like other BMW dealers, lists these on the BMW NA CPO locator web site.)
You won't go wrong with any E39 5 Series!
Make sure the dealer tells you every specific option this particular car has. Then also check it out to ensure they are all there.
Best Regards,
Shipo
http://www.bmwusa.com/
Checking Californa, there seem to be several 540i manuals. Colors/options vary. Prices are ~40,000 and mileage is ~40,000.
The car is an 02 - CPO w/9K miles on it!
Sport Package
Cold Weather Package
Xenon
Power Moonroof
Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror
CPO - with new rear tires
Black/Black which looks awesome, especially with the black interior trim (versus the wood IMO)
6 CD BWM Changer in the trunk
Headlight washers!!
They did not say leather - but it sure looked and felt like it - how good/bad is the leatherette?
Steptronic
So w/o the PP - all I am losing is the Rain sensing wipers,and leather! And a few readings on the Upgraded Computer.
The car has exactly what I am looking for except the PP - and I think it has most of that - except maybe the leather! I have a call into the dealer now to let me know leather vs. leatherette!
Thoughts - I can get it for 40-41,500.
We are still negotiating
A new 530i, 5 spd, SP, PP, Ze stickers at 46,895. You may be able to pick pick one up for 44,000 or so. Lease rates are great at the moment, so you should get to under $550 a month for 15k / year with no down. Add some extra security deposits and you're under $500 a month.
There are still some new 530i, 5spd, PP, SP out there. But, they're getting scarce.
Hope this helps,
Jack
Best Regards,
Shipo
Any thoughts - as I have come this far I figure I have way more than 1k of my time invested so I should just buy it, but...........
Good luck!
Seems like a lot of options. With all that the dealers usually have Premium Pkg. Can't imagine that it didn't come with Sport-Premium Pkg. There is such a combination package. Are you sure it didn't? Ask the dealer if they have electronic or hardcopy access to the original window sticker.
I wrote a friendly but stern letter to Tom Purves, Vice President and CEO of BMWNA expressing my displeasure with their refusal to treat the clutch failure as a warrenty item. I gave them until May 5 to contact me and satisfactorily resolve this matter otherwise I was going to elevate it to a legal forum.
Today I got a call from a BMWNA representative requesting more time. I gave them one additional week. In the mean time, I had an independant mechanic look over the old clutch parts which I had kept. The mechanic concluded and was willing to put in writing that the clutch failure was definitely not the result of user abuse, but was indeed the result of a defect.
This reflects very badly on BMW. Customer satisfaction should be a high priority to any car company. This episode has tarnished my thinking towards the company and will definitely influence my future purchase (lease) of a replacement car when my current lease is up.
It is too bad because outside of this issue, I have had an excellent experience with the car. I love to drive it and I feel that it provides the best driving experience of any car in that price range. I really hope that this matter will be resolved to my satisfaction.
Deal A: PP, AT, CWP and Ze for $44,300.
Deal B: PP, AT, CWP, Ze with heated steering wheel for $44,500 (and will accept trade in).
Both cars are Toledo blue metallic. This is a buy (not lease) and intend to keep the car for about 7 years.
Also considering getting trunk mounted CD Changer, but dealer is asking for $1K but I found one at Eurobuyer.com for $425 (claims it is genuine BMW part). Has anyone out there bought from this source? If so, please share your experience.
Any suggestions would be helpful and thanks in advance
I would pick it up this morning but I have three appointments - sometimes sales is rough!! I figure it has been a 2 year wait - whats another 12 hours.
Stay tuned!!! Did I sleep last night - not much!
As for CD player, you might look thru latest issues of Roundel (BMW CCA) and Bimmer magazines. One big, established parts, esp. CD, advertiser is Pacific BMW (800-909-PARTS or www.PacificBMW.com). For example, Pacific is selling the NAKAHICHI glovebox CD changer for $392.99 and "CD Changer from 96" for $392.99. Both with free shipping. Another source is Passport BMW (888-334-4383 or www.passportbmw.com). Passport is selling "6 Disc CD Changer '96 and Newer" for $379.00. Plus shipping.
Way to go! Be safe and have fun. In a 530, you can do both.
Jack
I would guess that the extra warranty coverage is available to new BMW buyers before the standard warranty expires.