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TIA,
Spyderred,
I don't think safety components fall under their own extended warranty outside of the standard New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4/50), although SRS problems--at least ones not symptomatic of other electrical problems--are fairly rare, as are seatbelt problems.
Amazing Honda.
I hoped that BMW would have something similar, I should have known better.
Oh well, Tomorrow I will find out what is wrong with my '98 528ia.
Spyderred,
4yr/50K miles BMW bumper-to-bumper
12months/12K BMW Adjustment Period
unlimited/2K BMW Other Items (wheel alignment,
balancing, wiper blade inserts)
2yr/50K BMW battery
6yr/unlimited BMW Rust Perforation
3yr/36K BMW Free Maintenance Program
4yr/50K BMW Roadside Assistance
Tires: Warranty by respective manufacturer, as detailed in their warranty statement
2yr/24K Federal emissions (all parts)
8yr/80K Federal emissions (specific parts)
3yr/50K California emissions (all parts)
7yr/70K California emissions (specific parts)
10yr/unlimited Kansas Safety Belt Warranty
I'm heading to Munich Friday to take delivery of my 2003 530i, wanted to thank all of you on this board for the advice as I spent alot
of time researching the BMW530i and trying to decide whether to go with it or a Mercedes.
My Infiniti will soon become my second car.
THANKS AGAIN!
LA Caroline
Also, I'm getting conflicting information about when BMW will cease making the 525iT sport wagon. One report is early March. Another is May. What are the pros and cons of letting a new wagon sit from 2-4 months before picking it up?
Finally, I am looking at the options of driving the car back to Munich versus, say, dropping it off in Florence. What are the pros and cons of that? From what I've read, someone drives the car from Florence to Munich if I choose the latter option.
Thanks for whatever information people can provide.
Div2, I ended up torquing to 88 lb-ft, which equates closely to 120 Nm. I forgot about using the anti-seize, but had no trouble with stock wheels being frozen to the hubs (same can't be said for one very stubborn lug bolt). We'll see in a few months.
So the final amount that I have to pay is US$25,200+15% taxes. Remarks: Excellent conditions
spyderred,
With the new 530i, I bought another set of LM-22s and dedicated winter wheels, and I have no trepidation about driving this car anywhere that I'd be willing to drive a FWD or 4WD vehicle. In fact, given the overall control derived from a 5-speed, DSC, Blizzaks and BMW engineering in general (e.g. 50/50 weight distribution, etc.), I prefer to take my car out in a snow storm rather than my wife's FWD Nissan mini-van or my daughter's FWD Buick LeSabre, both with automatics and no appreciable traction control.
So, don't hesitate to buy the car due to winter-related concerns. But, as snagiel suggested, I heartily encourage you to get the sport package, regardless of what model you select. It's the single most compelling feature of my 530i, and I wouldn't own a BMW without it again.
I would advise against using the same rims for winter & summer tires. I can change the tires over in under an hour which could come in handy if we get hit with an unexpected, early snow storm. The extra cost and hassle of having a tire dealer change the tires makes the rims worth it.
-murray
The other broad option is to buy just the tires and have them remounted twice a year on your original wheels. While this eliminates the initial outlay for a second set of wheels, most experts would discourage you from de- and re-mounting your tires so often. And once you've invested in the second set of wheels, swapping them out is much easier.
Note to some: 525's have slighly smaller rotor and caliper hardware, but the 530's and 540's larger units preclude the use of some 16" wheels; check with TireRack.com to ensure compatibility.
musher2: I'm glad to hear your review, and apparently stand corrected. I grew up in Boston and have had many white-knuckled experiences driving my mother's old (RWD) Mazda 929 around our hilly neighborhood during the snowstorms. My recommendations, then, relied on such anecdotes and what I've read elsewhere in forums. (One guy on bimmer.org reports marked winter traction improvements by switching out the standard open-differential in his 540 with a limited-slip unit from the M5, but obviously this isn't something most will attempt.)
Nevertheless, I will say this, without too much fear or being refuted by Minnesota residents: Tires are more important in improving traction than AWD.
Cmr520i: Yeah, I was really pissed about the mirror. It doesn't make sense to me to just destroy someone elses property. I have to admit, when I was young and destructive I did my fair share of TPing houses and stuff, but never did any damage that would cost someone money. That is just plain wrong. I have wanted a BMW since I was about 16, now 14 years later, I am able to afford one and take car of it and someone just comes by in one night and breaks my car for no reason. It is just senseless.
Expenses: Winter tires with dedicated wheels. This summer I upgraded the standard stereo with after-market components and now it sounds great.
Summary: I love this car.
Thx.
2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT
Sounds as if neither of you got the Sport Package. If not - why not, and do you somewhat regret it?
As I plan to drive my new 530 (PP, SPort, CWP, Xenon's) either 15K per year (meaning I keep my 98 Maxima GLE and use for many highway trips) or 30-35K miles per year (I sell my Maxima) - I am wondering how long with the Sport Tires last with mostly highway non-aggressive driving beneath them!! Could some 528/530 Sport Package drivers respond with their treadlife experience?
Manual vs. Auto - my other dilemma!! Yes - I have driven both and like both. I am not the "true enthusiasts" who has to drive a manual, and am concerned with so much driving - 2 Cell Phones, coffee, taking notes, etc........but the manual is fun!
Checked the latest car and driver (Jan 2003) issue. The 10-best does NOT include E39 :-(((
(Of course, E46 is there).
The list:
Acura RSX, BMW 3, Ford Focus, Accord, corvette, 350Z, G35, Mazda 6 S, Boxster and Subaru Impreza WRX.
I wonder, if G35 replaces E39!
Thanks.
While some car shopping folks might consider both a 5-series and the G35, they really aren't in the same class, so I doubt the 5 got bounced because of the G. Rather, I think that the new Mercedes E-class made very impressive strides, and since this is the last year for the 5-series, the editors may have (consciously or not) preferred to give the honor to some new and compelling choices. For the money, it's hard to argue the Z and G35 are impressive.
Essentially, it's not that the G35 directly beat out the 5-series, but rather that, within its own class, it shines brighter than the 5-series does in its class.
http://members.roadfly.com/snagiel/Cleaning2.xls
Since treadlife is not the greatest with the Sport Tires - and since I like the Sport rims - could I keep the Sport Rims, and put on some 17in wheels (that may not be sport rated) that will have a longer tread life. Granted - I may lose some performance, but I can live with that! Not sure I like spending $1000.00 every year on tires!!
Plus I'll be buying the winter tires as well!
Advice: since you have the DSP system, it is my understanding that the most reasonable upgrade is to add M-audio BMW subs. I would do that first and tackle other changes only if that proves unsatisfactory (I don't think so). You will save a bundle, too. Remember, you already paid for an upgraded stereo, even if you are not impressed with the sound.