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BMW 5-Series Sedans

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Comments

  • spyderredspyderred Member Posts: 138
    Does anyone know if BMW has a longer warranty coverage on emissions or Safety components(i.e. seatbelts, SRS system components,). I am in Southern California if that makes a difference. This is for '98 model year.
    TIA,

    Spyderred,
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    Emissions components are covered by the Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty and/or the Federal Emissions Performance Warranty, which--if memory serves--are covered through 7 years or 80k miles. Often, replacing the catalytic converter (plural for the 540 and M5) is replaced under one of these warranties. There's also a separate California Emission Control System Limited Warranty, but you should contact your dealer to find out more information.

    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.
  • spyderredspyderred Member Posts: 138
    Interesting. I just bought an older Honda Accord, '93 w/103,000 miles. The rear setbelt wouldn't retract. Took it to my mechanic. I have dealt with him for almost 10years. He is someone you can really trust. He said just take it back to any Honda dealership. It is covered for as long as you own the car. I was truly surprised. I took it back to a Honda dealer, the service advisor stated that if it is a failed part then it would be covered. If the seat belt is tangled then it wouldn't be covered. The mechanic checked it and sure enough the retracting mechanism is not functioning. They special ordered the part and this week it should arrive and will be installed at no cost to me.
    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,
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    spyderred... Pulled out the "Service and Warranty Information" book for my '98 540i6. It lists the following coverages:

    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
  • msealsmseals Member Posts: 257
    Just an FYI, I have had wind buffeting in numerous cars and I have had some cars that don't have it. This is just my opinion, but vehicles I have had that are high in wind resistents have less wind buffeting when I open just one window, while cars that have a low wind resistence tend to have higher buffeting when one window is open. This leads me to believe that when a car is sleek enough to cut air with less resistence that the air going around the car is closer to the vehicle and more likely to cause buffeting. My 98 Cherokee Sport never had this problem, I believe because it was like driving a block through the air. There fore, air was pushed so far away from the car once the flat front end hit it.
  • jhox85jhox85 Member Posts: 35
    Does anybody knows how high from the ground the top of the headlight beam should be? I may be imagining, but the headlight does not seem to illuminate high enough. Also, how do you go about adjusting them.
  • spyderredspyderred Member Posts: 138
  • lacarolinelacaroline Member Posts: 11
    Hi everyone!

         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

  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    Congratulations! And, upon your return, please give us the details of how it went.
  • pap5pap5 Member Posts: 144
    D.C. area expecting 3" to 6" tonight and tomorrow. Not the ideal conditions for a 530i w/SP and 3-season tires, so I may throw on the Dunlop Winter Sports this evening. Does anyone know the proper jacking point for a floor jack, so I can raise two wheels off the ground at the same time? Owners manual is silent on this.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    There's a rubber pad on the front crossmember. As for the rear, I'm not sure. I just use the jack pads with my 2.5 ton floor jack and swap them one at a time. Last night I threw the Artic Alpins(with steelies and BMW hubcaps) on my wife's 528i in @1/2 hour.
  • pap5pap5 Member Posts: 144
    Thanks. How tight did you torque the lug nuts? The manual says 100 Nm, but I think the spec has been upped to 120 Nm.
  • msealsmseals Member Posts: 257
    I went out last night to leave my girlfriends house after shoveling her snow and then warming up for about an house. I came outside only to see my driver side mirror broken off. Upon initial inspection I figured some jerk hit my car with his mirror and broke it off at the arm. The next day I took a closer look in the light and noticed that there are not marks on the mirror when an object would have hit it. And, looking at the way the metal broke off, the mirror broke off up, meaning that someone walked by and pulled up on the mirror to break it off. This assumption was made based on the shiny part of the broken metal edge is the last point of contact until it broke off and all the shiny part of the edge was on top of the rip and not the bottom. How sad it is in society that someone has to just break someone elses car, whether it be a BMW or a Yugo!
  • rwengerrwenger Member Posts: 15
    I'm seriously considering picking up a sport wagon in Munich in mid-July and driving it to northern and central Italy (have a villa for a week south of Florence). I'm a bit concerned about the security of the vehicle during this two week trip. Any advice about that? In particular, advice about the kinds of parking lots that might be secure and the features to look for to find them?

    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.
  • rwengerrwenger Member Posts: 15
    Although I care about how CDs sound in the 5-series sport wagon with standard and upgraded sound system, I'm particularly concerned about whether there is likely to be any difference in my ability to pull in NPR in FM here. The signal isn't too strong. Is there any difference in the two radios for the 5-series in this respect?
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    I torqued the lug bolts to 82 lb-ft. Don't forget to put a thin coat of anti-seize on the hub(but not the bolts). Getting a stuck wheel free of the hub is no fun...
  • gallojgalloj Member Posts: 1
    i have not taken ED of new BMW in Munich, but have driven from Germany to Italy several times and spent a significant amount of time touring there. Our BMWs were never damaged in any way during our visits. Driving in the italian cities is a little nerve racking, esp. with a new car, since the rules of the road are not widely followed. Outside of the cities, I did not find it stressful. The Amalfi coast is a treat if you get that far south. Enjoy the trip!
  • pap5pap5 Member Posts: 144
    They work -- Got me to the office this morning with no drama. All the roads were covered at 6:00 this morning with mainly packed snow, and I saw a number of RWD, FWD, and 4WD vehicles having problems. The only time the DSC light came on was when I had to rush a left turn against traffic -- loops in the road didn't sense my vehicle, and I could have waited until spring for a left turn arrow. Up to 9" forecast - we'll see about the trip home.

    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.
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    The antenna hardware is the same for both systems, so the reception won't be any better with the premium system. (And, since NPR is all talk, accoustically you're unlikely to hear any difference in quality either.)
  • billytongbillytong Member Posts: 20
    My friend lease a 2000 528ia with Premium package plus 4 rim & winter tires will be expired in the end of Jan 2003. The transfer ownership from him to me it costs US$400 plus extended warranty US$1800. The estimated final mileage will be around 30,000 mile. Is it worth to buy this car? residue US$23,000+15% sales taxes in canada.
    So the final amount that I have to pay is US$25,200+15% taxes. Remarks: Excellent conditions
  • msealsmseals Member Posts: 257
    Look at the usual sites and get an average (Edmunds, KBB and NADA for car values in US dollars.) Based on a quick glance at the cars on Ebay, that seems to be a pretty good price with the tires and warranty you sound like you are good to go. I just bought a jet black 1998 528i 5sp, PP, CWP, moonroof, new tires, CPO 6/100k warranty and I love it. It is the best car that I have had even though someone ripped my driver side mirror off on Monday and just last night, my my right brake light burned out. It was no biggie though, I bought one at Pep Boys for $2 and is took two seconds to replace it. Man that was easy, no screwdrivers.
  • spyderredspyderred Member Posts: 138
    They typically don't last, or sometimes the indicator light in the dash comes on eventhough the bulb still illuminates. Just a word of caution. The bulbs (OSRAM brand) at any BMW dealer are about $2 also.

    spyderred,
  • jmezzjmezz Member Posts: 36
    could anyone please advise. i am thinking of leasing 525(non sport) with stick but i wanted to hear about how well/bad this car does in snow. i might switch to all wheel drive 330. also lease deal seems great, 547/mo 12k yr 39 months only 110o up front but 4500 deposit which i get back at end of lease. please help, thanks
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    Well, where do you live? If I lived in, say, Minneapolis or Buffalo, and needed a dependable daily driver, I'd probably only look at Audi's and potentially the 330xi. But otherwise, a RWD 5-series with swapout winter tires/wheels will handle all but the nastiest icy/snowy conditions without much problems, as long as you don't live up any steep hills. Check out the winter wheel/tire packages available at the TireRack.com; you can order a set and swap them out with your regular wheels/tires in the winter months. (By the way, the "all-season" tires that come standard are decent but not ideal for winter driving. I'd suggest you get the sport package, since it really sharpens the handling and makes the most of the chassis.)
  • cmr530icmr530i Member Posts: 278
    So sorry to hear about your mirror. It is amazing what jerks there are in the world. When my 530 still had its dealer tags on, someone strung fine threads of chewed bubblegum from the front to rear tire along the driver's side when parked at Dodger Stadium. Needless to say, it was the last game I drove that car to. Hope your car gets repaired quickly and to your satisfaction.
  • musher2musher2 Member Posts: 23
    Not to disagree with the venerable snagiel, but I DO live in (suburban) Minneapolis right now and drive a 530i every day, although it's only five months old and 'snow moments' so far have been limited to a couple of excursions to northern MN in the past month. Even with the sport pkg (which I have), as long as you're willing/able to pony up the bucks for good winter tires, you shouldn't have any problem. For the past two winters, I drove a 323i (non-SP) with Blizzak LM-22s. The first of those winters was pretty snowy (~85" overall that season, as I recall) and the RWD 3er handled snow and ice with aplomb. And, as my moniker suggests, my main hobby is racing and winter camping with sled dogs, so I tend to find myself on roads that are pretty much unplowed while enroute to mushing events.

    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.
  • dzubadzuba Member Posts: 159
    With the 530/Sport - what do a good set of snow tires cost on average, and do most of you also buy another set of rims for them (if so at what cost) or can the snow tires go on the Sport Rims?
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    I bought a set of Dunlop Winter Sports with 16” steel rims & hubcaps for ~$600 for my 325I with SP. The 530 may require 17” rims that might not be available in steel. Aluminum rims will run another $200. I still think this is a bargain compared to AWD which costs $1700 and only works when your foot is on the gas.

    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
  • musher2musher2 Member Posts: 23
    I think the Blizzaks were ~$120/each. I also bought a pretty nice set of alloy rims for ~$200/each as I intend to keep this car for a while, so I'm willing to pay a bit more for nicer wheels (that are in use 40 - 45% of the time where I live). Check out tirerack.com, which has a great selection, reasonable prices, useful information about their products, plus they'll mount your tires and ship them either to you or to whatever tire retailer you specify (and they even install a BMW roundel logo in the hub of each wheel!). My total outlay for everything was ~$1400 w/ tax, locking hubs, etc., but you could probably get by for $800 - $1000 if you're willing to go with cheaper steel wheels.

    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.
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    Indeed, I would recommend 16" winter wheels. They (and 16" tires) are cheaper than their 17" brethren, and 16" tires--all else being equal--will perform slighly better in the snow, since they are narrower.

    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.
  • pap5pap5 Member Posts: 144
    I agree with the other responses. Winter tires on dedicated rims gives you the flexibility of switching when you need to, and eliminates the possibility of cosmetic wheel damage that can occur any time you change tires on existing rims. As Snagiel points out, the narrower tread on a 16" wheel is marginally more effective in snow than the wider tread on your 17" sport wheel. For my '01 530i SP, I bought a set of Dunlop Winter Sport M2s, 225/55HR16, mounted on Mille Miglia MM11-2 5-spoke wheels, 16x8, from Tirerack for just over $1,100 delivered, including torque wrench. When snow threatened last week, I took them out of storage and swapped out the Michelin Pilot Primacies on the 17" sport wheels in fairly short order. The combination worked just fine, including a standing start up a snow-covered grade that confounded several other vehicles.
  • ezaircon4jcezaircon4jc Member Posts: 793
    What was the outcome of your airbag light and non-functioning steering wheel controls?
  • msealsmseals Member Posts: 257
    Spyderred: The bulbs that I bought at Pep Boys are Sylvania bulbs, they were $3.99 for two, they only came in pairs. I figured that is a decent name in light bulbs, and yes, when I opened the back panel, it was quite evident which bulb had burned out. It was black. I was still quite impressed as to how fast and easy it was to replace that bulb. Man, other automakers should take note of this. Someone told me that it is so easy because I will have to do it a lot though, I just laughed and said, hey that is a small price to pay for such a nice ride.

    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.
  • alcardsalcards Member Posts: 10
    Time goes fast! The 2002 530i is a year old today. I took it to the dealer for the first time yesterday for oil change, even though the service indicator still has 2 green lights. Mileage: 6600 only (7 mile commute and my long trips are all by plane). Problems: None at all. I do not use the cupholders, therefore they are still in one piece.
    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.
  • jhammelljhammell Member Posts: 38
    Alcards- Which radio system does your 530i have and what after market upgrades did you make ?

    Thx.
  • sb55sb55 Member Posts: 616
    My 530i (5 speed, PP, CWP, xenons) is 1 year + 2weeks old and has about 27,000 miles with absolutely no problems at all! The oil was changed the 1st time at 5,000 miles (without resetting the light)and then not until the service light came on at around 18,000 miles. This is the only time I have been to the dealer. I hope that the service light will come on before 36K, so I will get it done before the end of the warranty period. Great car.

    2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

  • dzubadzuba Member Posts: 159
    I'm curious if you do not mind sharing?

    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!
  • hssahuhssahu Member Posts: 26
    Good day all!

    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!
  • alcardsalcards Member Posts: 10
    I had the stock system (non DSP). I replaced the amplifier with two JLAudio units. A four channel for the cabin and a 500 mono for the subwoofer (also JLAudio). The stock speakers were replaced with MBQuart Q in the front and MBQuart Ref in the rear. I did the work myself except for the board to mount the amps and the sub box which I had a local installer build for me. Naturally, I kept the stock radio head unit because it is good and also because it is integrated with the MID and steering wheel controls. I feel that the sound is better now than what the optional DSP offers.
  • alcardsalcards Member Posts: 10
    I drove the sport and decided that with our roads and snow in Northern Indiana, the standard non sport was a better ride, yet the handling and cornering were still better than any other sedan of this size I ever drove. Height of the chasis was another consideration, since I have gotten stuck in the snow more often as a result of a car being too low than bad tires etc. If I had lived in a place with good mountain roads and no snow, then the sport package would have been preferable. Besides, if I get the itch, I can replace the shocks and springs with tuned after-market components and get the same result.
  • jhammelljhammell Member Posts: 38
    Thanks for the information. I have the DSP system in our 2002 530i which sounds better than the stock unit we heard when we ordered the car. I have thought about upgrading the speakers as a start. If you don't mind I would like to know how long did it took you to upgrade the speakers, what are the model numbers of the speakers and what was the approximate cost ?

    Thanks.
  • alcardsalcards Member Posts: 10
    The research took me a month or more. The actual labor was two weekends. I have model numbers and invoices in a folder at home. Will post those details tonight.
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    I know it's tempting to look at the list, see a couple of newcomers, and conclude they "kicked off" the dearly departed--5-series and Audi A4, and perhaps one or two others. But that's not how the list works. C&D editors give each contestant an overall score, 0-100 points. But they judge in the context of a car's class and its competition, not in an absolute sense (or otherwise the Focus, Accord, and Mazda 6 would probably have been long gone.)

    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.
  • spglistspglist Member Posts: 3
    Excuse me if I'm redundant, but several months ago I saw lists of car care products for our babies. Can someone repeat/repost the recommendations? Specifically, I'm looking for cleaners, protectants, especially for the dash & interior surfaces. Thanks
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    Well, there are as many opinions as there are enthusiasts, but here's my list, heavily based on the unbiased suggestions from the nice folks at CarCareOnline.com:


    http://members.roadfly.com/snagiel/Cleaning2.xls

  • jccsscjccssc Member Posts: 44
    I had to get a new set of tires (2000 528i with sports package) at 25000 miles. The sales person did warn me about the life of low profile tires when I purchased my car new in 2000. Some price you have to pay for looks and performance. And I do not drive the car aggressively (40% city/60% highway in S. Cal)
  • e210se210s Member Posts: 3
    I'm in NYC area. Would like to purchased a used 528i -- either a '99 or '00. I've been told the "wholesale" price is around $25M. Does that sound right? Has anyone had any experience in this? Any help will be welcome. Thanks.
  • mod62mod62 Member Posts: 38
    Good insight on the snows. I got mine as part of the sale, but did not get rims. I have a three lease. Should I sucked it up and buy rims or jsut switch them the six or so times?
  • dzubadzuba Member Posts: 159
    I hear you - I live in N. Illinois so our weather conditions are the same. However - I love the look of the Sport Rims!!

    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!
  • alcardsalcards Member Posts: 10
    The replacement speakers I used are: at front MBQuart Q series, QSD 213 components: 5 1/4" woofer and separate tweeter. In the rear: MBQuart coaxial RKC 113, also 5 1/4". These are driven by a JLaudio 300-4 amp. The subwoofer is a 10W6V2 JL audio, driven by a JLaudio 500-1. Total cost for this hardware was $1,700.00. With the box, board, wires, connectors and fuse it rounds up to $2,000.00. But I love it.
    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.
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