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Comments
I'm sure I'll see a number of interesting BMWs in the parking areas around the track. Weather forecast for the next 2 days is not good, which means the cars/drivers will be running alot today.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
The owner of the Speedway drives a 7-series BMW. I saw him get out of his car at the Speedway golf course earlier this year which he also owns, and has four of the holes inside the track. The track certainly provides an interesting backdrop when you are playing the golf course!
That said, before 1992, I rode around Lake Michigan in one trip, and across the U.S. in another, toured Europe three times, rode both islands of New Zealand, and have raced in seven triathlons and two biathlons (I think they call them duathons (sp?) now a days), so I do have a few miles in the saddle. One of the things that I am most looking forward to if we do ultimately move to New Hampshire this summer, is getting back on a bike after a ten hear hiatus, the roads up there look positively wonderful for cycling. ;-)
By the way, based upon your merckx user id, I have often wondered if it had any relationship to Eddy or some other cycling connection. I now assume it does based upon your question. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
I then picked up my 530 the next day and drove it to Frankfort. What else can I say. You all are right. It truly is the UDM ! After dropping it off, I took the train up the Rhine to Koln and flew out last night. What a view of the castles. Sure wish I had more time. But, my lease is up in 34 months, so I guess I'll have to go back for another car!
By the way, never say never with BMW. They said that you can't get ED on M3's and M5's, but a guy in group just picked up his RED M3 and he lives in Connecticut.
Best Regards,
Shipo
1. You might also have your car looked at for a complete 4-wheel alignment. And make sure your tires are wearing properly.
2. The May 13, 2002, issue of AutoWeek, p. 10, has a moderately lengthy update on the next generation 5 Series. You might be interested to know:
"A revolutionary steering system that automatically corrects the angle of the front wheels in hefty side winds and under braking is likely, along with the 7's automatic damping control and dynamic drive systems."
The US 5-series offers 13 colors, 6 upholstery colors/fabrics, and one or two wood choices.
With the Individual Program, there are dozens of exterior color choices, 27 different upholstery colorts/fabrics, and seven wood choices. In addition, you can outfit the car with other goodies like TV/DVD system (with screens in the back of the headrests), fax machine, more sound systems, rear trays, privacy screen and intercom, compass in rearview mirror, kleenex dispenser in door, a mini-fridge in the back, and much more. You can get a glimpse at http://www.bmw.com/bmwe/products/individual/ .
Too bad we can't get this range of options here...
The model that was mentioned in earlier post is a special edition, not Individual, so you probably won't be able to get it. Unless of course you order the parts and replace them yourself.
So, if all this is not enough of an indication regarding the new 5er, there must also be some folks over at BMW looking at the sales numbers of the current E39, which in the twilight of its production life is selling as well as (if not better than) it has ever sold before. Assuming that they have in fact noticed the jump in E39 sales, only an idiot would discount the possibility that many folks (myself included) deliberately ordered said E39 now instead of waiting for the E60 so as to be able to avoid a car that is likely to be “Butt Ugly” (or is it a car that is likely to have an “Ugly Butt”?).
Then this little voice inside my head (that had been talking all along) got loud enough for me to consider another possibility. What if BMW deliberately released those horrible E60 pictures through back channels so as to keep E39 sales strong until the very end? What if BMW has never actually had any intention of releasing the E60 with such revolting clothing, and the looks of the REAL E60 are still a very well guarded secret? What if the new E60 is so stunning looking that if the REAL pictures were released, E39 sales would almost totally dry up (sort of like the current E-Class in anticipation of the W211)?
Then I read the following this morning on bimmer.org:
From Autospies.com:
5 series update
As reported in the 4/10/02 issue of our newsletter, a more conservative 5 series design has been confirmed. The spy photos you’ve been seeing at the other sites show a car that is technically a smaller version of the new 7 are WRONG! The brass smacked Bangle’s design team with a few uppercuts and changed the direction of the ship, in favor of a more traditional looking BMW. The ‘Fat [Oops!]’ from the seven is gone in favor of a much more elegant/sporty rear end as well as styling cues taken from some of the current Audis.
Hmmm, I wonder if that little voice in my head has been right all along. ;-) Any thoughts?
Best Regards,
Shipo
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
This reminds me of counter-culture theories that emerged after the "New Coke" blitz in the mid-80's, which suggested that Coca Cola really knew the new flavor would bomb, but would generate so much publicity that overall sales would eventually pay off for the stunt. As Coke insiders later admitted, they were not that smart, nor were they that stupid. The same, I think, applies to BMW here.
Many of the "images" of the upcoming E60 have been loosely based on heavily camouflaged and "computer enhanced" (i.e. Photoshop-aided guesses) with many cues from the new 7-series, since that seemed to be reasonable. And, according to even the most recent Road and Track, BMW insiders admit there'll be "some getting used to" with the new design. So it's hard to reconcile all these different images and statements from "sources" that are sporadically trickling in.
I'm sure BMW doesn't mind us getting anxious about the E60--especially if it helps current E39 sales, as you say. But remember that the 5-series enthusiasts who read these boards comprise a rather small percentage of current and potential 5-series owners. If memory serves, they sell about 5,000 of these cars a month in the US, so favorable reviews in mainstream media and Consumer Reports, I think, are most responsible for driving 5-series sales to their current level.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
In any event, I wonder how much less our bimmers would cost if we weren't supporting the marketing department!
For example, I heard the rear view mirror costs about $265. I thought that was high until I heard that my rear view mirror cost $450.
What are typical service costs?
thanks,
Its class, of course, includes some pricy competitors: Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, Infiniti, Lexus, Cadillac, Lincoln, and others. In a very general sense, yes, part-for-part BMW's are probably amongst the more expenensive in the group. But it's fairly reliable, and its warranty covers most things. If you're buying used, be sure to look for a CPO model or a solid extended warranty.
General advice for maintenance and repair (out of warranty): For relatively simple things (e.g. wheel alignments, oil changes), go to a respected mechanic (preferably one that specializes in BMW's) in your area. Save the dealer visits for more proprietary stuff (electronics/drivetrain problems). And be aware some volume parts dealers (e.g. Pacific BMW out in California) can usually sell you parts for less than your dealer.
A "standard" I-drive would turn me even more off than a 7-like exterior. With a dash with as many buttons as a cock-pit, you still know where to reach to do the one thing you want (with enough experience in the car). Even if iDrive is somewhat intuitive stand alone, there are too many other "primary" controls (steering, pedals, etc.) to have a menu-based control.
E60 version it created success with at least one guy--me. I decided to go for a sure thing and buy a 2002 530. And besides, we all know that models at the beginning of a new run are often more troublesome.
Also, thanks for the continuing information about
the "Edition Exclusive" available in Germany.
Indeed, it is a distinct model, rather than an individualized package. I have seen several in the dealer showrooms here in Germany and it is a classy looking boat. My conventional 530, even in the new blue water metallic, looks a bit dowdy
by comparison.
surprises? It sounds like you had outstanding service and that's the way
it should be. Any input is appreciated.
Finally saw that new Titanium Gray color in person on a 530 today. Interesting, but I like Toledo Blue better. Watch, with my luck, they will drop Toldeo Blue for the 2003 model year E39.
Check this one out
http://www.bmwrulz14.homestead.com/homepage.html
click "future BMWs"
And, sorry to generalize, but dealers are usually amongst the least reliable people as far as future model information. That said, he's probably right, to an extent: US models always constitute a susbset of those that are available in Europe, and usually comprise the bigger-engined variants.
- heard it from a salesman
- read it on Edmunds forums
- saw it on TV
- read it in a magazine
If the E60 does appear in Fall 2003 as a 2004 model year, the "real" answer could be that BMW has just not decided yet. I am still glad I'll be getting my E39 next month.
To the folks that have called BMW and asked about the status of their cars, do you have their phone number handy? If you do, could you please post it, I may succumb to the temptation, and give them a call.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Best Regards,
Shipo
They found that the tires were wearing improperly. The word they used was they felt choppy. If you rub your hand across the tire it felt choppy/bumpy.
The dealer said they wouldn't replace the tires because it is just how the tires are wearing. They suggested I call Michelin to see if they would replace them under warranty. (I only have 12K miles on the car - 2001 530 with Sports Package)
Michelin referred me to one of their service centers here in Maryland. They recognize that there is a problem but said the problem is because the tires were not rotated. With most of the car's weight on the front tires, plus Y-rated tires are soft, the tires should be rotate at least every 6k miles.
They said if I can show that the tires were rotated they will replace the tires otherwise not.
Have anyone every heard of this before? Since BMW really tell you that the car doesn't have to be serviced until 12K to 16K miles how would I have caught this? ( I have had the dealer change the oil every 6k)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I'm not sure if I understand what's wrong with your tires. If there's fairly symmetrical (for the right and left tires) wear more on the outside edge than the inside, then that's due to lack of rotation and is normal. If the tires are somehow not wearing down in a smooth and straightforward manner, there MAY be something arguably wrong with their workmanship, but if so it would likely only appear on a single tire, not all of them.
I'd see if the dealer might be willing to determine whether your alignment is indeed out of whack or not. Considering you have only 12k miles, I think you have a reasonable argument. But I've heard many of the sport-package tires don't last beyond 20k miles, so I'm not sure how far along your tires are given that longevity.
Good luck, and keep us apprised.
Ummm, I don't know what transmission you have in your 530i SP, however according to the following, all 5ers have fairly equal weight distribution:
Car/Trn -- Frnt%/Rear%
525i/A -- 50.6%/49.4%
530i/A -- 50.9%/49.1%
540i/A -- 52.7%/47.5%
525i/M -- 50.2%/49.8%
530i/M -- 50.5%/49.5%
540i/M -- 52.1%/47.9%
Best Regards,
Shipo
Wood trim, instrument cluster plastic, steering wheel base, and radio/HVAC faces: moist cloth
I hope your service experience is as positive as mine was.
expect. Your dealer treated you quite nicely and why not? I also hope to
have such a positive service experience. Thanks again.
-When was the last time BMW made a styling mistake on a new model (the new 7 is actually selling extremely well)?
-When the E46 3 series was introduced in 1999, many journalists did not like its' styling. By 2000, all were raving about it and sales skyrocketed. Bangle correctly predicted that the styling would get more appealing as time went on.
I think the new 5 series will be much the same. BMW is on a roll like no other manufacturer - they won't blow it now. The new 5 will likely be better, larger, more powerful, and only slightly more expensive. And, as always, the design will grow on you. I'd still stay away from first year production though. I wonder if BMW will feel the need to deep discount the E39 in 2003? Can you say Accord or Z3? Sales are way down in anticipation of the new models. For long term buyers, that do not mind the first-year residual blow from a new model introduction, the deals may get very good in the next year. I know they are heavily discounting the Z3 now in my city.
Just my thoughts.