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Don't feel too bad; I just drove a 2005 545i with SMG and it sucked every bit as hard as the SMG I had in my 645i press loaner.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Auto mode is nowhere near as smooth as a DSG or a true automatic. The shifts are slow and you feel a slight lurch as the transmission upshifts(downshifts are OK). As for manual mode, the SMG will override your shift inputs if they would cause the engine to over-rev. You really need to drive one to see if you could live with/tolerate its unique characteristics. Me, I could probably endure the SMG fitted to the ///M cars if I had to, but the SMG fitted to the garden variety cars would be a deal-breaker for me.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
After some negotiating, I closed my deal for $26.5k. I kept stalling and waited until the last day of the month in order to get the best possible price. Good luck with your purchase!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I have 150K on mine, alusil short block replaced under warranty in the late 90's. Still runs great, though predictably as the years pile up some things have started to break down, but it has been a generally low-maintenance car overall. (I have an odd issue where it's losing power at 4K RPMs right now, but aside from that everything else about the car has been very straightforward.)
Below are some common 530i/540i maintenance issues gathered from an e34 V8 mailing list I started in the late 90's with some other V8 owners....
Oil pan bolts can fall out (due to shrinkage of original cork pan gasket)
Oil pump bolts inside the oil pan can become loose and fall out inside the pan! We have had several cases of this - 7 of 7 members who inspected their oil pump bolts had bolts that were loose or had fallen from the oil pump mounts to the pan!! This is worth checking if you haven't had your oil pan off recently!! See these stories. See these pictures of the interior of the oil pan from one of our members who found bolts loose in his oil pan. See these suggestions for doing an inspection.
Power steering fluid leaks at hose clamp points (these often look like leaking motor mounts, due to the location of the leaks)
The Flex coupler can wear out (The flex coupler is analogus to a U-Joint for the drive shaft. On a 530i/540i it is about half way back between the transmission and the rear differential, and compensates for the angle of the drive shaft coming out of the transmission and the angle of the receiver on the rear differential. It is a thick and stiff piece of rubber and can develop cracks over time.)
Rocking seats (seat rails wear, resulting in a propensity for the seats to rock front-to-back when the occupant shifts his/her weight)
Washer fluid leaks at the electric pump that plugs into the side of the reservoir. Probably the result of a hairline crack on the pump flange.
Radiator leaks - can be an expensive to replace the radiator via the dealer (over $600).
I still love my car...I was going to give it to my son (new driver) and get myself another car, but the wife decided he was too young for a V8 so we got him a new Honda Civic and I'm going to keep my 530i. Surprisingly, I'm not really unhappy about the change in plans, it's still a blast to drive. :-)
this would be my VERY FIRST BMW. I make a decent wage and I think would enjoy the comfort (I currently drive a 2000 Nissan Xterra-son's car. no A/C and terrible seats) but it gets 20 MPG combined. I've driven the BMW, and found it wonder. It does kind of hesitate a little on throttle up, but my current car has a sticky throttle.
Any words of wisdom from the group would be greatly appreciated!
scott - virginia beach, va
What would be a good deal?
A second but unrelated question...is the engine in the 530i a better than the engine in the 525i
Try posting that question over in the "Real World Trade-In Values" topic on the Smart Shoppers board. You can also use cars.com to find comparable cars and asking prices.
A second but unrelated question...is the engine in the 530i a better than the engine in the 525i?
They are both a part of the same engine family, the primary difference being that the 530i engine develops more horsepower and torque. Both motors are equally reliable.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I'd go with the 530i; better performance and fewer miles. "Angel Eyes" are just the illuminated rings or halos that surround the headlams. Every 5er built since @2001 has them.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I saw some 550i had almost the same price as a 530xi. Is it normal?
Up here in New England, looking at a 2008 535i with 27K miles, car is spotless, solid black, dealer asking $39,995. Haven't negotiated or driven the car even. I'm skeptical about the iDrive, can anyone reassure me? I have a 1996 328i and love the car. Can't bear to give it up, but it's time for another one. I'm drooling over this 2008, but I'd like to get it a t a better price. Economy is tanking, how many cars could they be selling, seems like I can squeeze them.
Also, any words on fuel economy? What does "turbo" mean, that sounds like a fuel hog to m e, though it gets good ratings for fuel consumption.
Please help!!
Gardis
gardis72@gmail.com
I am very strongly considering a slightly used 550i, but recently drove a 2006 M5 SMG and of course loved it.
It is kind of hard to find a manual 550i which is what I would prefer if buying a 550i. Prices on 2006 M5 and loaded 550i both CPO are about the same. 2007 may be a little higher.
This will be my primary vehicle and I drive about 15K/year most of it stop and go traffic. For those in MA route 9 and lots of it.
I am wondering how much more per year my costs will be on
insurance, maintenance after manufacturer maintenance is over
other costs after CPO time is over
What do you think resale value would be compared to each other 4 years down the road? Especially if gas prices get back to $4+. I plan to keep the car for about 4-5 years. Which one would be easier to sell then?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
1) At least two years (or more) and 40K of free maintenance vs. one year for the 530
2) 4 years of warranty vs. 1 year for the 530
3) Better fuel mileage, with probably equivalent or better acceleration (30 less hp, but less weight, no AWD).
4) Sportier handling vs. AWD 530.
If you lived in the snow belt, maybe.. but, in Houston?
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Take the CR reliabilty ratings with a large grain of salt. According to CR my wife's 75000 mile 2004 X3 has a below average reliability record. In actuality the only non-scheduled repair has been replacement of the passenger seat SRS sensor. My 2007 Mazdaspeed OTOH, is supposed to have an above average reliability record and it required a new strut as well as a new turbo before it hit 27000 miles.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Take the CR reliability ratings with a large grain of salt. According to CR my wife's 75000 mile 2004 X3 has a below average reliability record. In actuality the only non-scheduled repair has been replacement of the passenger seat SRS sensor. My 2007 Mazdaspeed OTOH, is supposed to have an above average reliability record and it required a new strut as well as a new turbo before it hit 27000 miles.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
What do you think of this deal: 2007 530i, 18K miles, car went into service APR08, warranty runs to Apr 2014. First they were asking $39,900, now drpped to $36,900.
I want to offer OTD $34,000, tops. Car is pristine looking, haven't test driven. I want to get a commitment from them first we're in the ballpark. One owner, traded the vehicle in for a 7 series. I like a good solid car, I keep them like 9 years, so I figure this car isn't going to cost me a dime until 2014 outside of purchase.
I hear the 5 series is a top rated model, is that correct? I'm torn over this or the Lexus RX, but Lexus doesn't make my heart beat like a BMW, currently driving a 96 328i with 105K miles. Also purchased in the CPO program, have had good results with it.
Any advice from a pro is appreciated!
Gardis in CT
The price doesn't sound bad, but why not ask over at "Real-World Trade-In Values" over on the "Smart Shoppers" board? You might also go to the BMW USA site and do a CPO search for similar cars.
Note that the free service ends at 4 years/50000 miles. That said, my dealer charged less than $400 for the Inspection II(@60000 mile) service. If you plan to keep the car I'd change the oil every 7500 miles and change transmission and final drive oil at 50000 miles. I don't know how long brakes last on the E60 5ers, but you will probably have to replace them at least once. Still, when all's said and done service costs should average @$60-$70 per month over the 9-10 years you own the car.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Thanks
has there been any technical issues with navigation? Im looking at a CPO 2007 530i (29K miles) that has nav, and all the packages (sports, premium, cold, and one more can't remember) car is beautiful asking $34,900 for it, with negotation some wiggle room. I just want to be sure I'm not looking for a problem with the navigation which I don't even care about, but the vehicle has it. Car is really loaded, would hate to pass it up.
Also another one 2007 530xi, 18K miles, warranty expires Apr 2014. Asking $36,900 dealer won't budge. That's another 2 grand, but warranty goes longer. Am torn, don't know what to do. I'm leaning toward the $34,900 one, has more. Dealer says his 530xi is competitive in price. I could care less about all wheel drive.
That extended warranty is tempting however.
Any advice?
Gardis, if I was in your neighborhood I'd stop by tomorrow on new years eve and take you by the ear down to the dealer with an offer sign with $31,000 written on it and sit you in the sales managers office. Oh yeah, with tape over your mouth. I'd come back in an hour and drive you home, unless you got the car. What have you got to lose? If they don't come down on the price 1-2k I'd be real surprised -- maybe more as you walk out the door. All this assumes you have the cash or are pre-approved on a loan to afford the car in the first place.
LOL! You are quite right. I have to drive the car first, though. I am going to get that same deal, no matter when I walk in there, I can guarantee you that. The other guy was being hard nosed. Don't worry, right after the New Year, things are going to be DEAD, and they will be just as happy to see my smiling face walk in there. I doubt they would come down to $31K, really doubt that.
07 525i 22k cold weath- leather- sr- $28988
06 525xi-47k-cold-prem-sr 31988
Are these decent prices?
07 525i 22k cold weath- leather- sr- $28988
06 525xi-47k-cold-prem-sr 31988"
These seem high. I just purchased:
'06 530xi 46K, cold, leather, sport, manual for $23K
This is non-CPO form an independent BMW repair/sales shop.
Re Cherryhillo vehicle:
Does that vehicle still have warranty coverage even though it wasn't certified? I believe the answer has to be yes. If it's a 2006, it probably went into service in the end of 2005, so that would mean the 6 year warranty (100K) would last until sometime in late 2011.
Do you have warranty coverage cherryhillo? The models I'm looking at are all 2007,. but the 2006 530's are running in the low to mid $30K range price wise I think, all CPO. This is up in Fairfield County, CT. You know, Darien CT, one of the highest income towns in the USA...........why would they need to make a deal I suppose with all those high income people.
Congratulations Cherryhillo, hope you have many years of good service from the vehicle. I wish I had the guts to pull the trigger on one I'm eyeballing.
I live in Northern NJ and purchased in Eastern PA. When I looked at dealerships at the end of December, they seemed to be selling 5 series well with the 0.9% and two months payments. Now that promotion is over, you should be able to see more '06's coming off lease soon and some inventory increase again.
Good luck with your search!
Have a question for you.
I'm looking at a beautiful 2007 530i, black/black, sports, premium, cold pkgs, premium sound, climate, and Nav. They're asking 34900 with 28K miles on it.
My question is: the vehicle had after -market tinting to the windows that makes the vehicle look like a pimpmobile, what with all the black. The dealer told me that the tinting could be removed no problem, and made it sound like they would do it no cost to me.
My question is does anyone know if the tinting process can be reversed with no noticeable effect on the windows? What is it that actually tints those windows? I wouldn't want to destroy the windows or the glass by removing the tinting.
Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks.
Tinting is actually good , not sure why you dont like it
With that being said , tinting can always be removed and it is very simple
I am also looking at a 07 530 and it has 16 K miles .The options I believe are Prem Pkg , Sirius Satellite , Xeno lights .The final negotiated price is 30.5 K
Any thoughts if it is a good deal
I'm willing to wait till the spring for a good deal.
In northern MA looking at several 2006 5 series XI's comming off lease hope to get one with 30,000 mile of less. Right now running 34,000 to 30,000 a few at 28K and 27K.
Service question has anyone used Schneller BMW in Newbury MA ?
It's a good source of consumer feedback on dealers. Throw out the extreme negatives and positives, then you'll get a good picture of how your dealer stacks up against others in your area.
Good luck
Plus, there are probably a lot more of them to choose from...
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