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BMW 5 Series Sport Wagons
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have you test driven either one yet? I am worried that the 183 HP in the 528it is not adequate enough.
I've also noticed more used '99 & '00 wagons for sale in this area (Mass.) lately, altho they seem to sell quickly. The used 540iT's seem to be priced about $10K higher than the 528's.......altho I'm now thinking about springing for the 540.
Any thoughts?
Good luck.
I have a 160 mile round trip commute. Which is better for the task 95 or BMW wagon. Looking for reliability, economy, durability. I was thinking about the Echo or the Jetta diesel but I could not bear to be in those for 3 crs per day.
So would I recommend the car? Oh yeah. But not if reliability, durability and economy are your priorities-there's a little outfit out of Japan by the name Toyota that pretty much hits those three right on the nose every time.
And if practicality is a consideration, forget about it. The 5 wagon has barely more room for passengers or their stuff than small cars like the
Ford Focus.
Where the 525 wagon excels is in driving pleasure. Just walking up to it is a joy-is there any other wagon in creation as good looking? The inside's as lovely as the out, and the fun hasn't
really begun until you fire it up. Others have criticised the steering on recent BMW's, but I find the weighting and feel of the wheel of our 5 to be just about perfect. The suspension is absolutely incredible: how can a ride this supple co-exist with this level of roadholding? One of the reasons we've put in so few freeway miles is that the 5 alwys makes the scenic route seem like the better choice.
Britain's incomparable Car magazine asks rhetorically if there's a better car on the planet than the 5 series. I think not, and the (slightly) better looking and (slightly) more accomodating wagon is the best of all.
Likewise, we may disagree about the quality of the plasic and other materials used in the interior. Yes I've seen the interiors of new Fords;I've got a 2002 Explorer, and am hard pressed to see the superiority of some of the BMW
components. What I do know is that so far all of the pieces inside the Ford have stayed put, whereas so far we've had three different plastic parts of the 5 decide to go their own way, the power point slide out of its housing twice, and the luggage cover rattle so incessantly that we decided to just toss it in the garage. And while we're on the subject, the floor mats not only don't stay put on their cheap velcro-like connectors (which themselves constantly work their way out of the floor), they're of such low quality that Wal-Mart would be hard pressed to accept them. The ones in the Ford are MUCH better.
Finally, on gas mileage, I can only hope we break 20 mpg someday. So far every fillup has calculated out to a very consistent 17+.
Where I disagree with njpaguy is on the engine: while more power would always be welcome, I think the smaller powerplant gives the 525 more than adequate zest, while imparting a welcome lightness to the chassis.
But what we agree on is what counts. The 5 wagon is leagues better than (admittedly more practical)
cars like the Audi A6 or allroad, or Saab 9-5, all of which we considered,and basically forgot about within moments of driving the BMW. These guys just seem to have broken the code when it comes to maximizing the driving experience in a way that no other manufacturer of semi-practical cars has been able to accomplish.
If you can find a way to pay for it, the 5 will make your long commute more bearable than just about anything else on the road.
Since you have nearly on month since your original post what conclusions have you come to?
JB
Even though they replaced the display panel twice, the said I would have to come in when it's doing it to prove it to them.
I think it's a loose wire, also.
"In fact, the rear cargo area has MORE room than a VW Passat" Interesting statement considering the rear EPA cargo volume of the Passat is listed as 39 and the BMW checks in at 33. (this is also shown in Edmunds'numbers as well). We had looked at the BMW, Saab, Audi, Volvo, and Subaru prior to settling on the Passat. Cargo space was a priority, and unfortunately the Bimmer has the smallest of the group. The BMW certainly has MANY positive attributes, but those needing rear cargo space should look at the other brands.
George
Thanks for your comments! ;-)
Pocahontas
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Pocahontas
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Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards
Also, I want to be sure to get a cargo mat for the rear -- I know that not all aftermarket vendors sell this part along with the winter mats.
Thanks.
Revka
(formerly "pocahontas")
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I have not yet had a look at it yet, has about 60k miles and asking price is 15k. I am replacing a van that has served us well for 10 years as we tend to keep what we buy for a long time. So with that in mind were looking to find something in this price range with a little sportiness and room for the two kids and dog.
We have a 87 325ic, a classic looker, if you ask me and we just luv the way it handles. So am interested in hearing from anyone who knows how this particular 5 series performs either good or bad.
Even though our winters here in Florida are not 'noticeable' I believe in mats.
Have the same car, and simply got some at Walmart. VERY deep grooves, and
so far seem to be just what I need.
Lots of rear cargo mats on the internet. I believe the drawback to these, is they do
not seem to be available for the section left open when the rear seats are down.
I'm using 1/4" plywood with attached rails all the way around for this purpose. It is
in two pieces - rear lid to back of rear seat, and from this point to just behind fully
extended front seats. The 'railing' has notches on both sides (white plastic edging
for outdoor whiite lattice 4 X 8 sheets at Home Depot), so the two pieces mesh for one
long surface. Of course, we use this vehicle as an up-scale truck, which is probably
not the common usage.
Daan
Lar
However hunting for a used E39 wagon with a good (for me) mix of color, options, mileage is not that easy.
How does this compare with what others have paid for new 2001's? Is this really enough of a savings to buy a used one? (I know, I need to do more research).
Then, there are apparently $399/mo. leases on new Saab 9-5 wagons, so there's that to think about. Even tho I'm a BMW nut & BMWCCA member.
Any advice would be appreciated!
using last years numbers, and add $ 1500 to the invoice price.
I bought a 525iT on Euro delivery in June, so giving you my price would not be totally valid.
If questtions, my email is dva@prodigy.net
Daan
Does anyone have any first hand experience with the BMW versus the Volvo V70 in snow?
Many thanks for your help.
Joe in Long Island
Revka
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Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards
Just get a really good set of snow tires like Michelin Arctic Alpins, preferably mounted on their own set of wheels, (from the Tire Rack for example) for the 525i. Tires really make the difference! Even AWD vehicles, let alone FWD, are not neccesarily that great in snow w/o the right tires. And modern BMW's all have traction control.
A lot of people are brain-washed today by the myth of FWD always being better, but IMHO it's just not always so.
Good luck!
I don't think she will need the acceleration of the 540it. Besides it uses a lot of gas. It's just that I have always gone for the bigger engine with our Lexus (gs400 over 300, sc400 over sc300, ls400, etc). So my biggest dilemma is the engine. I just don't want to struggle getting onto the freeway or going up hill. If blabdik or any current 525it owners have any comments, please post. Thanks!
My name is Allen! Just get a 99' 528 wagon last week and love it so far. With sport, preminum pkg plus cd changer. BMW dealer certified. Am living in north california. Just say hi to all of you!!
I just bought my 99' 528i wagon with sport pkg which is 17'' tire. I looked at user manual and it says "it's not possible to put on snow chain on 17" tire" And indeed when I look around the tire, the spacing between tire and cover is very limited.
What should I do if I go to ski 5 times a year and might need a snow chain? Any suggestion is appreciated!! Or if I can anyway get a fitted one from Kragon and the chain expert at control station is skillful to put them on??
Thanks,
Allen
snagiel : I am not so sure if I want to change tire 2 times per year. Since I went to lake tahoe skiing 5 time a year which might require snow chain control. I would really prefer if you have experience that successfully put on a snow chain on 17" tire?? Generally there is no icy condition around san francisco region that need a winter tire on all time.
Thanks,
Allen
DW and I are thinking about grabbing a '99 528IT w/ around 30K miles for about $24K. Since it's still under the new BMW warranty period (4yr/50Kmi), I was wondering how the warranty is transferred to the new owner especially when it's a private party sale. Is this a hassle or is it pretty straightforward?
Also, while reviewing all the 5 series boards here and elsewhere on the net, I was wondering what specific things I should be looking out for on this model - especially any electrical or tranny gremlins.
Thanks in advance.
I am new to this board, and have been offered a price $1670 over invoice for a new 2002 525iT wagon. I have sent some emails and called a couple other dealers and are waiting for their replies as to whether or not they can beat that price. Do you think this is a reasonable price for a 2002, or can I do better?
(steel blue with auto trans, cold weather and premium packages)
Thanks!
My 95 525 was involved in a collision two weeks ago. The car was being test driven by my mechanic when it was hit in the rear by a 2001 M5 and pushed into a 2002 Toyota truck in the front. The car as been declared a total loss. Essentially the repair cost, slated at roughly 19k would surpass the Blue Book value of the car, which has been estimated at 16k.
The insurance company has made a proposal, their first, offering a little bit over Blue Book value. The only problem is that the noted amount barely buys me a car of similar value. I bought my car in 1998, when it was essentially 3 yrs old, with 40K. My position is that in oder to get something of equal value, a 99 528 wagon, the settlement would have to be slightly North of 25K at least.
Any advice?
-d