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Also, has anyone looked into the DVD NAV unit as a source for TV and DVD playback. I found this site that sells TV modules for 5 series DVD NAV unit.
http://www.nav-tv.com/main.htm
I would be interested in knowing if anyone has installed a system like this, and is it legal to drive and watch TV?
With my current Saab 9-5 I have found that tires make all the difference. I had a terrible time this past winter in NY and I know that it was the quality (or lack of) of my tires after three years of use. I would definitely buy a good set of winter tires for any future car I get...proabaly the 525i
For Snagiel: I read on the Sirius website that their Satellite radio for the 5 series is not available until the 2004 model year comes out.
http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/Cache- dPage&c=Page&cid=1019257316765&si=2_3_1&p1=104214- 2305322&p2=PresReleAsset
How about 10 or more years old. The last 535i officially imported to North America (a current 535i V8 is being sold elsewhere in the world) back in 1993. Actually, there were two different 5-Series cars with about 3.5 liters of displacement that year, first was the 535i with a 208 hp 3.4 liter I6, and the second was the M5 with a 310 hp 3.5 liter I6. Hmmm, 310 hp in a 3800 pound 5-Series, sounds like fun. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
All taxes and fees have been paid-it is ZERO cost to get into it. Lease ends Feb '06-last payment is Jan '06. You just have to pass a credit check with BMW Financial.
The closing paragraph of the letter: "I am sorry a more favorable response is not possible. We value our BMW customers and are sorry we are unable to meet your expectatons."
Really? My next step is small claims court. I have a letter from an independent mechanic who examined the parts that states the clutch failure was not due to wear. I guess I'll see if I can convince the judge. It will cost BMW more in having someone represent them in court than in paying my claim. Besides, their customer relations goodwill will take a hit. You think that BMW will always cover your claims? Think again.
I just got a MY 2001 530i with AT, PP, CWP, and Xenons this afternoon and it rocks! Even with 21K miles, it is mechanically awesome. My wife and I went to pick it up at the dealership in PA and drove up to CT via the NJ Turnpike. Upon driving it for about an hour, she became convinced that it is the best car we have owned so far. Thanks for the collective knowledge on this board! Now, I can join the 5er owners club!
On the subject of the E34 535i, didn't BMW also produce a 535is in limited numbers?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
For example the M88 24-valve I6, a variant of the M30 big block, was used in the E26 M1 supercar (3453cc) and then a revised version, the M88/3, later used in the E24 M635CSi (3453cc), and then revised again for the 1988 E34 M5 (3535cc), and (yet) again for the 1992 E34 M5 (3795cc).
The M30 big block I6 variants included the:
- 3210cc in the 3.3Li, E24 633CSi, and E23 733i & 732i
- 3295cc in the 3.3L (1974)
- 3430cc in the E28 535i & M535i, E24 635CSi, E23 735i, E32 735i, and E34 535i
- 3453cc in the E12 M535i, E24 635CSi, and E23 735i
The M60 V8 was used from 1992-1996. The 2997cc in the E34 530i and E32 730i. The 3982cc in the E34 540i, E32 740i & 740il, and E31 840i.
The M62 V8 was introduced in 1996. The 3498cc used in the E38 735i and E39 535i. The 4398cc used in the E38 740i and E39 540i.
This has been a very painful process. I have faxed all the required documentation, but no one can confirm that they have have received the required information and no one (including BMW CR staff) can contact the section that collects this information and validates warranties. This is very strange!
I expect poor customer relations/service in Europe, it is part of the fabric that forms their society, but I did not expect this from BMW's US staff.
To be fair, some of the BMWNA's CR staff have tried to assist, while others provide short, cold, or no responses to phones questions and emails. I have asked someone from CR's management to contact me concerning this issue, but no one has responded.
This is America, we expect, no, demand excellent customer service and relations from companies that provide goods and services. Especially companies that sell $40K plus automobiles.
Please share your poor BMWNA CRs experiences on this board! Maybe, as a collective group, we can influence the process to resolve the Ultimate Driving Machine's substandard CRs problems.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I think the EPA and DOT has a lot to do with why we cannot get some of the worlds best cars. I would love to see a Nissan Skyline. The closest that I have been to one is via a brochure that I have. Over the years, BMW has made some interesting cars. I like the E46 M3 CSL. At first, I did not like the upcoming 5er. But it is growing on me, my only beef is the kidney grill and lack of driver centered console. The flat console just takes away from the vehicle. I was looking at E21 brochure the other day and even it had the dash that wraps towards the driver. We can talk about Bangle but I believe he was with BMW during the E46 era.
Any Bimmerphiles, exactly when did Bangle start influencing BMWs?
Oddly enough, when I leased the E46, I thought it was just slightly better looking than the E39 of the time, however, what with the various face lifts of the two cars, I find that I now slightly prefer the look of the latest E39 when compared to the latest E46.
Regarding his "Hit or Miss", I like the E46 and the Z4, while I dislike the E60 and the E65, go figure.
Best Regards,
Shipo
If on the other hand, the car is more than 25 years old, all the requirements are waived. I have been casually looking for 2002 turbo, 3.0 CSL or 911 RS, but they are expensive here as well.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Jack
Thanks in advance for your tips.
What is the deal with why we cannot get cars like the Alfa Romeo sedans, Audi A3, Vauxhall VX220,etc... The EPA, DOT and other bootlegged thugs prevent car lovers from seeing the whole spectrum of automobile. Here is, we Americans have the income to buy cars that most can't afford but we are not allowed to get our hands on any automobile that we want. If I had the money, I would like to own a Euro-spec Rac Dyn Tornado. I love what the European aftermarket does to a BMW. Most european aftermarket companies don't sell their engine mods in this country. I think the crash test should be the only qualification on what can come into the States. Trucks, Semis, airplanes, chemical plants pour allot more pollutants than cars. BMW also is not taking much in the way of risks. I don't think the 1-series will sell in this country. I think this will be due to pricing and badge prestige. M-B is already taking a risk with selling the overpriced C-coupe. I'm surprised that M-B does not try to sell the A-class. With the products that VW plan to sell in the US in the next year and half, maybe we might see more desirable BMW just not the E46 M3 CSL.
Right now the biggest things from Europe we are missing is diesels. That is mainly due to the high sulphur in our diesel (since long-haul truckers are our primary market for diesel fuel, there hasn't been demand for more expensive low sulphur diesel). The sulphur content is going down to much lower standard nationwide by 2007.
Other huge reason we didn't and still don't get a lot of interesting European cars is the retrenchment of many European marques in the 1970s and 1980s. The quality and prices of many marques--Renault, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Peuguot (sp?), Lancia, etc.--were uncompetitive. Not to mention the wholesale demise of many others--MG, Triumph, Rover, etc. Some that survived required outside intervention (Saab, Volvo, Jaguar, etc.).
Japanese marques were far superior in terms of reliability and established much better dealer networks.
BMW has long viewed USA as its own unique market, one more geared toward luxury than performance. Too bad too many Americans are NOT interested in performance. A huge reason why automatic transmissions dominate.
It is Jet Black w/ black leather; slightly tinted windows. It has sport (5speed stick), premium & cold weather packages. Also comes w/ Xenon lights, power moonroof, 6cd changer in trunk & 2 front rubber mats. I also got the 'Kleen Wheels' which actually do keep the rims from turning black.
The car was leased not to exceed 48,750 miles-currently way under that with approx 5300 miles. The lease ends Feb '06 (last payment Jan '06). If interested I can send pictures.
Thanks!
Hope this helps...JL
I wouldn't mess with changing the OEM in-dash unit. I wouldn't do anything that might cause potential dash rattles, electrical problems, void warranties, detract from interior styling, or reduce resale value. But I'm a pretty conservative guy when it comes to making any mods.
Not to mention the high cost. Some other sources for CD changers include Pacific BMW (www.PacificBMW.com), $392 (free shipping), and Passport BMW (www.passportbmw.com), $379 (plus shipping). Both regularly advertise in Roundel (BMW CCA) and Bimmer magazines.
Too late. I breathed more than fair share as well as chimney soot. The air does seem any different than the mess that I breathe in Houston.
Thanks for your suggestions. I am leaning towards the CD changer. I will keep you informed about the outcome.
Regards,
wabends
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