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Comments
I don't think $500 to extend is a good deal. That equates to $500 for 14,000 miles worth of routine "service", but, as I understand it, not tires or brakes. The warranty already covers any major mechanical repairs. Unless the 45,000 mile BMW service happens to cost about $600, I'd personally put the $500 in the bank and use it and the interest earnings when the time comes in three years.
rd121234,
I think $35.9k sounds rather high for a 1999 with 41k miles. I was just at my Washington DC area BMW dealer, and they had an untitled 2000 model with 11,000 miles for $37,900. It included the sport-premium package. As much as I like BMW's, I think if I were going for a wagon, I'd also consider the Mercedes with 4-Matic. It's more expensive, but considerably bigger inside (two additional kids seats in back) and my neighbor's does very well in the snow (they have ski cabin in Pennsylvania). I've seen 1999's with 20,000 to 40,000 miles here for about $38-42k. They also seem to maintain long term value extremely well compared to BMW or Audi wagons.
Is 525 some kind of under powered bottom-of-the-line car?
Should I spend extra 4k for extra 40 hp?
I heard different advises on break in period for 5 series (just pick up 540i this weekend - Love it). Please advise on things that I ABSOLUTELY should not for the first 1200 miles (e.g. do not rev the engine beyond 5000 RPM, do not drive over 100 MPH, etc..)
Thanks. Hnn
Actually, the 5 series is only a couple of hundred pounds more than the 3 series with the same engine (actually may weigh less than a 3 series wagon).
INHO, the 525i is a very good value if you want a 5-er, not an under-engined stripper, but I imagine the 530i is very sweet.
The better comparison might be to the 2000 528i. Much less difference in power and torque, big difference in price for essentially the same car (few less gadgets).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
1. The 540 was great on the autobahns and autostradas, but if most of your driving is commuting in the US, I would recommend a 525 with all the amenities of the 540. It will save you 10+ grand, and the 525 is more than sufficient motorwise for US driving.
2. At about 40,000 miles the catalytic converters clogged up and they were replaced under warranty.
3. It blew about 4 headlight bulbs which I had to pay for because the dealerships (all that I contacted) wanted me to schedule service to replace them under warranty, so I bought the bulbs at about 12 bucks apiece and put them in myself. Bad form, I thought.
4. The trunk power lock broke out of warranty. I purchased a new servo motor (50 bucks) and replaced it myself.
5. Three of my rims were bent (on the inside) so I ended up with only two wheels that would fit on the front (bigger brakes)the bent rims would rub against the calipers on the front. No more tire rotation was possible. The bent wheels were the spare and the two rears. If you are buying used, make sure you check the wheels. I changed all four tires at about 60K and the tire guy told me bent rims were very common on 5-Series he'd seen.
6. I went through a set of front and rear brake pads at about 45K (front) and 50K (rear). Replaced them myself. If you wait until the pad sensor alerts you, you have to replace the sensor(s) and the pads (sensors cost 12 bucks). The pads will make a loud squeal (there are bits of soft metal in the pads that are there to give you that warning) when they need to be changed, before the sensor gets squished.
7. After the free service ran out, I changed my own oil and filter. It is definitely cheaper than the dealer even buying the expensive filter from BMW.
8. Just changed the windshield wiper rubber before knowing I was trading it. They only sell the rubber and it is 42 bucks a set (2). Highway robbery and it is a pain to install. I installed only the driver's side before trading the car. I only replaced the driver's side and now have a 21 dollar strip of rubber. LOL
9. I had an inspection and oil service reset tool from earlier BMWs that worked on my 97. I recommend anyone doing their own service get one.
10. If you buy new and intend to keep the car beyond the warranty period, get an extended warranty. It would have been worth a couple of grand at trade-in for me. If you lease forget about it. I would also recommend leasing, they have you over a barrel at trade-in time if you buy. I got 22,700 from the Mercedes dealer for my car. Went to Carmax to see if he was crazy, and they offered me 20K. LOL
I miss the car, I only traded it in because my company leased me a car and my "allowance" did not provide enough for another 540I. The 3-Series just wasn't comfortable enough and none of the 3 BMW dealers I visited were capable of offering a 5 Series within the "allowance". The only 5-Series that met the criteria was a manual 525 with no sunroof, no climate control (i.e. minus convenience package. The dealer that I bought my 540I new, wasn't even interested in discussing the matter when he heard the "allowance" amount. LOL The salesman was disappointed but advised me that there was new ownership and that he had lost many of his customers, for the same reason.
Oh, I bought a Mercedes C-320 with a convenience package that met the "allowance" criteria. Nice car, has all the amenities (a few more actually) of the 540I, feels just as roomy, handles well and has plenty of power and is comfortable. Unfortunately, somehow there was no thrill in picking the car up and driving it away like there was when I picked up the 540 in Munich. Maybe I'll grow to like it.
Thanks.
525 seems to wind out quite a bit more. 530 was noticeably more powerful.
Spend the extra $4,000 - figured I would always feel the 525 was under powered if I went that route.
Picked up a few standard features on the 530 that are N/A on the 525 - rain sensor wipers work surprisingly well!
Also, re: sport seats. A little stiff at first, but you get used to them. Most others who drive the car feel they are great - glad I went this way.
After some time, could not shake the feeling that something was off. Compared it to a few other vehicles and the 530 read about 5 MPH high. Took it to the dealer and they confirmed that speedo read 5 MPH high at 60 MPH. Was told this was within "normal BMW tolerance"!
Maybe I am over reacting here, but an auto that sells for close to $50,000 should contain instruments that are more accurate then 8%.
Also, I figure my odometer is also reading about 8% high. Probably should keep this in mind when vehicle comes off lease if I go over mileage limit.
Read that BMW leases most of their cars... Odometer reads 8% high... This is normal...????? If it is normal, BMW leasing is doing well with all those extra miles at 20+ cents...
Anyone else experiencing this problem?
Have written BMW corp thru the owners web site and am awaiting reply. Dealer was of no help.
You bring up an interesting point leasing-wise as well as for buyers. Class-action suit!!!!
$50 grand. Here are your choices: Lexus GS430, Audi A6 2.7t, BMW 530 or 540i(can you get a 540i for under 50?. At 6'-2" I need some good interior room for 4 people. The 540i did not look that big in the back, and what's with the big hump in the center?
Thanks for your reply.
The Great Dane
The 2.7T is a really nice engine, even if it is a little less refined than a V8. I suppose if you value comfort above all else, the GS430 would be the better choice. If you enjoy driving at all, however, get the A6 2.7T.
please email direct to: kelfg@aol.com
BMW: When I first started looking I was dead set on buying a 5 series. The more I looked, and drove (528/530) the less enamored I became with the car. It is very small inside (I'm 6'5" 225lbs) and the more I looked the more I noticed the lack of features and cost cutting. I just dont find the interior all that appealing. I also think the current generation 5er is getting a little long in the tooth. The exterior styling was once a high-point for me but now its starting to look dated IMO,along with the interior. Don't get me wrong, its a good handling car and likes to be driven hard but especially in 528 form I find it to be woefully underpowered. Obvoiusly, the 540 is awesome (for a sedan) powerwise and the 530 is margianally better than the 528 but I just decided that I wont step up to a new 530/540 and incur the huge financial hit of a new car when its new version is going to be out in + - 1 1/2 years. Throw in the fact that I see 50 of them on the road a day and they have become somewhat nauseating. What initially seemed like an exclusive car somehow just doesant seem so special anymore. The 5er seems like a "ME TOO" car now. No offence to you BMWPHILES out there.
Mercedes: the e320 bridges the gap, powerwise, between the 2.7/4.2 and the 528. Doesant handle as well as the BMW but I could fix most of that since I would change springs and tires anyway. The interior is somewhat stark and looking dated as well. However, I am one of the people that still likes the looks of the exterior, especially with the wheel upgrade. I won't buy a new one of these either because, like the BMW, the new model will be out in 1 1/2 years or so. I see far fewer of these cars on the road in San Diego, which is a plus for me.
In closing, the BMW is out for sure, this was solidified after I drove a pre-owned 98 528 last sunday.....weak power and it didn't do much for me in any other catagory. So its either a new Audi 4.2 or a used 98 E320 and then wait until the new 5 series and e-class comes out,as I cant stand driving only my truck any longer. BAD10
Furthermore, the 525 and the 530 are, in my opinion, better suited to the manual transmission. The torquey 540 does well with the automatic, but after driving my new C-320 a few days, I have to say that the Mercedes automatic is much more refined than the automatic on the 540 I just sold. I think that BMW (3 and 5 series)is not the best car for people looking for a luxury car with many amenities, luxury/amenities/space utilization are not the major focus of the design team. I think they try to achieve an acceptable level of luxury/amenities/space utilization, but it is not their goal to be number 1 in these areas.
If you have a chance to look under a BMW you will see where the money goes. Suspension components are huge compared to the Japanese luxury competitors, and are designed for stability in 100+ MPH sweepers one finds on autostradas and autobahns, this is not a big requirement in the US. Cooling systems are designed for hours of 100+MPH driving, another requirement that is not placed on cars designed for the US market like the Japanese luxury models. If it wasn't for the fact that BMW has an image, which many Americans aspire to, they wouldn't sell many, as there are luxury cars better suited to the US market. Mercedes, for example, tries to achieve an acceptable level of European level of performance but doesn't have absolute performance as a design goal, they try to be number one in comfort, amenities and space utilization in Europe, but they also must meet the stringent requirements of the European luxury car buyer, so they have spend a bit more than the Japanese on design and production of chassis, suspension and motor while maintaining the lead vis-a-vis BMW with respect to luxury/amentities/space utilization. Audi is a strange fish, they have access to mass-produced componentry used in VWs and can add some high-level content. The closest things to Audis are Lancias and Alfa-Romeos which are not sold in this country. Good cars, but based on cars for the masses basic designs, not really in the same league as BMW or Mercedes.
I am looking at buying a 97, 528i with 38K miles at around $30K. This is from a non BMW dealer but one who specializes in preowned BMWs. Is this a decent deal ? I am a BMW newbie having drive Toyotas before. Is there something I should be looking for ?
I have not put out $30K for a car before but have done my nada, edmunds, kelley surveys and found this price below all of them.
This dealer claims his own 250-point inspection is better than the certified pre-owned inspection. How can I tell ?
I am two days away from a buying decision.
Looking for your advice and thank you in advance.
Got $2,617 below ED MSRP, and that's a "no-haggle" price, meaning you will just get that price. No B/S. The local dealer here in Columbus wouldn't budge at first from ED MSRP. I showed them CarMax's price, and they still didn't match it. Maybe they didn't believe me...
Details of the deal:
US MSRP for this car is: $44,345.
ED MSRP is $41,485
CarMax ED price was $38,968
It's not surprising that CMX does a LOT of ED's. They did 60 last year even thought their domestic allocation (which doesn't limit ED sales, despite what a dealer will tell you) is only about 120 cars!
In case you're interested, dealer invoice on a base 2001 530i for ED (the only component of the ED discount) is $32,975, or a $2,645 discount off of US invoice.
If I'm doing the math correctly, with destination charges, etc., the dealer will make about $1,700 gross on my car at this price.
The only drawback in all this is that you have to pick up the car in Chicago...!
(Full disclosure: I used to work at CarMax corporate... but this is an "arm's length" transaction, and again, anybody can get that price!)
I was quoted a price of $59,784 for a fully loaded 540iA Sports Package car. This car has everything but the Cold Weather package, and In- Dash CD player, and the Park Distance Control. Momentum BMW in Houston quoted that price.
The MSRP was a tad over $62K. The Euro price includes all TT&L...
Once again, this is Euro delivery price. If my math calculations were correct in backing out the tax, title and license, that should make the car about $53K...
I would be very surprised to find any BMW dealer who will really deal with you on a 540i..they are simply to hot to sit on a showroom floor.
An earlier post mention a $55K price, but that person listed no options other than a Sports Package.
Regarding comments made about the 540i's interior being too plain, I am sort of amazed by that. Cup holders are not an issue with me, nor are they with the 99.99999% of German drivers who are more concerned with the road, and not their coffee, morning papers, cell phones, make-up, etc...
Personally, I find the Audi to be stiff, and lacking any sort of refinement..(MHO).
I dnot care for Mecedes, because the C class and E Class that I drove were not fun, and the M/B salesman's snotty attitude did not help at all....
Maybe the styling of the E39 5 Series is getting a bit dated. It will be a 2004 model that will come out in late 2003 for the new 5, and it will most likely have the new V-8 that is coming out in the new 7 Series, which will be at least 347hp.
I can certainly live with the styling of the current 5, and despite a few drawbacks with the inside styling, it will also do just peachy until late 2003!!!!
Thanks!!!!
Thanks
Thanks for your help.
Does anybody have experience with BMW's on-line order tracking system?
How long have other people waited for their car? The dealer told me it would take ~ 2 months.
Btw, I drove the new 530d wagon in Germany a few weeks ago. Its a shame BMW does not offer it in the US...
tony
Best of all, I chose BMW because if its safety. The 3, 5, and now the X5 achieved great scores.
What amazes me the most is their performance. The handling is best in class, yet the ride is almost as good as the Lexus GS300, without the floatiness. The engine does not produce a lot of horsepower, but feels powerful and is quick! The manual transmission is perfect, but it's the Steptronic that is the best in the industry. It shifts so smooth, and can be used as a real manual.
I am thinking of coming back this year with a 2001 530ia...or a used 2000 528i....I have some questions....the 530 has 28 more horses than the 528...what will 0-60 be as compared to the 528? are their any other major diffs between them....and finally..what % off msrp can I expect on a sharp deal..one more finally!..how about a quote on a lease for the 530ia..36mo..0 down..15K miles per year..tax included. thanks..VEEIKLE
540i 6-speed US Base MSRP $53,900
Euro Delivery Base MSRP $50,125
My Dealer Discount off Euro Delivery ($2,500)
Options at Invoice:
Navigation System $1,530
Premium Hi Fi $1,020
Rear Airbags $470
Rear Sunshade $490
Parallel Wheels $255
Total Price Euro Delivery - $51,390
Add Gas Guzzler $1,400
Add Sales Tax (7%) $3,597
Grand Total - $56,387
Personally, I would have a very difficult time not jumping to an M5 if I was paying close to $60k for a 540 before taxes. My M5 at full MSRP will come in at $71,520. I think a 540i 6-speed for $20k less is a reasonable compromise. For only $12k less ...??
I'm looking to purchase a 540iA (first BMW). I'm sure I'm getting the sports package, cold weather package, nav system, and 5 spoke wheels. Not sure about the comfort seats or rear sunshade. Can anyone comment on how the comfort seats feel vs. sport seats and whether the sunshade is worth getting? I've received a quote, via internet, of $58,545 (includes guzzler tax and destination charge). How does this price look? Also considering Euro delivery, anyone know how to get pricing on ED? Thanks.
For ED prices, check out the website: www.eurobuyers.com. Note that, according to the guy that runs the site/buying service, 2001 prices are the same as 2000 for the 540's.
Check my post #296 for a rough idea of what you should be paying, assuming you can find a dealer willing to discount off the ED prices. I think you should be able to get your car for about $53,000 including guzzler and destination.
By the way, my business partner has a 2000 model of the same car that you're considering (i.e. loaded 540iA sport). He got the automatic to appease his wife. However, he is now trading for an M5. Even though the automatic with sport and 6-speed cost about the same new, the trade in / resale value is at least $4,000 less on his automatic. It's a perfect car with only 16,000 miles. He is charging his wife the difference!! You may want to consider a 6 speed if resale value is a consideration.
I put 4 Blizzaks on my 540i for winter here in Connecticut and have it to be very good in the snow. I live on top of a hill and have an uphill driveway. The grip is excellent with the snow tires and the traction control has been wonderful. This was a large concern I had before purchasing the car but not any longer. I've been very impressed with its handling in the snow.