BMW 5-Series Sedans

lookin1

What are the differences between the 525i and 525xi

Thanks

lookin1

beaming

The (x) in (xi) means all wheel drive. That's the only difference.

mdxlover

I talked to a bmw dealer about 2003 525i with 36100 miles, CPO, sports pkg, Xenon lights, headlight washer, cold weather pkg and split rear seat for 31,400.
Do you think its a good buy? Please help.

Thanks in advance

erickpl

You sure that isn't for auto-x?

-Paul
*ducking for cover and owner of a 325xi*

mpass

Cmybimmergo - I live in the DC area too and know of (through research) the dealer you refer to. What was your experience with them? Their prices seem a bit higher than other non-BMW authorized highline dealers (in Ffx and McL) - what's your take on them?

Thanks!

beaming

I feel 100% confident in saying the "x" in the 5 series denotes "AWD", however I'm not sure that is the case with the 3 series. I have a 2006 530xi on order and that's what the "x" represents.
Maybe someone else will comment on the 3 series meaning of "x"
Thanks for responding, and no need to duck for cover, I''m new to the world of BMW. :shades:

rich545

The "x" in the 3 series means AWD as well. I had a 330xi and it had AWD. If you think about it, given that there's the X5 and X3 plus the 5 series "x" and 3 series "x" it would only make sense the the "x" stands for AWD across the board.

erickpl

It's just been a long day and a sarcastic moment came over me.

Is the new 3 and 5 using the x-drive technology that is in the X3? My 2002 325xi has a 62/38 rear/front split that doesn't vary.

-Paul

kyfdx

Yes.. the E90 will have X-drive..

kyfdx

Forgot which forum I was reading..

mdxlover

Can any one please tell me is it good to buy?
2003 525i
36,100, CPO,
sports pkg, Xenon lights, headlight washer, cold weather pkg and split rear seat Price : $31,400.
Need your suggestions badly.
Thanks in advance

pat

I'd suggest that you hop over to our Real-World Trade-In Values discussion and ask Terry - rroyce10 - his opinion. You'll need to provide him all the information that is listed atop the post box. Let us know how it goes.

m0rph

Hello;
I want to buy a bmw 5 serises, 2001 diese model. I noticed that some cars have installed white signal lights and 3 spoke steering wheel (sport steering wheel); which packages include these features..and what more do they include? Thank you

cmybimmergo

I have only good things to say about them. (Okay, there was an insignificant quibble, and I didn't love having to shell out the three grand for the warranty, but that was it.)

For starters, they don't work on commission, so there is no pressure to sell you *a* car. They want to sell you the car which is best for you. I went there to drive a 330i 5spd sport. But after I drove it and took stock of what it did and didn't have relative to my needs, I wasn't so sure it would be the best choice. They spent hours with me, even trotting out the owner, discussing my concerns, and determined that I might be happier in a 5--which possibility hadn't ever entered my mind. But (you might remember if you read a previous post of mine) when I drove it, I knew immediately that the 5 was It. I didn't want to admit it so quickly, but it was.

I never felt pressured to buy anything, and FWIW, the 5 cost less than the 3. They didn't have to mention it and I would have been none the wiser...and possibly not quite as satisfied.

I dunno anything about the dealers in Fairfax and McLean, but I thought I paid a fair price...it hovered right around the edmunds price. I liked the 250 point inspection as well as the 5 day 250 mile money back guarantee. And anyone can write anything on his website, but his claims appear to be backed up by all those plaques from bmwusa hanging on his wall. If he didn't deliver what he promises, I doubt he would sell so many cars so many years in a row. The number of customer testimonials papering the walls of the showroom is impressive, too, not only for deals that went down without a hitch but also the occasional screwup that they remedied to the customer's satisfaction. Because let's face it--stuff happens. It's not whether it happens that matters but whether and how it's fixed.

But what probably sealed it for me was when I took it to be inspected as soon as I bought it. I went to the indie mechanic I planned to use after the warranty expired (his reputation is very good). When he heard where I had bought it, he waved his hand and said oh, I know them. Their cars are turnkey cars; they're clean. I never see any problems with them.

If you take a ride out there, tell 'em the buyer of the 02 Titanium Silver 530i 5spd sport says hello.

cmr530i

From what I remember, the white signal lights were featured in the 2001 models and beyond after the introduction of the 530. The sport steering wheel (M wheel) was included with the sport package as was the M stick shift knob. That package also included the shadowline trim, sport suspension, and low profile tires with 17" alloy wheels.

mpass

Thanks for the great reply! If you don't mind me asking a few more questions...who is your indie mechanic and how much, more or less, did you pay for your car. The Silver 530i is exactly what I am looking for. They don't negotiate, right?

bdkinnh

I test drove a 525i automatic a few days ago, and noticed that there was some lag when accelerating from a stop. For those familiar with the brand, it almost felt like the tip-lag of an Audi.

Is this some sort of known issue with the 525i (like Audis), or could this be due to the lower HP of the 525 compared to the 530? Is this just something that 525 owners just deal with? Once the car got going, acceleration was fine. Damn fine car!

I'm interested in the AWD version, so the lag of the non-AWD has me worried since the AWD will no doubt be a bit slower to start due to the additional weight.

Thanks!

mdxlover

I am getting great offer on a vehicle which is registered as Corporate Fleet vehicle. Do I face any problem when I re-sell it after 2 years?
Whats the difference between 'Personal Use' registration to 'Fleet Registraion'?

Thanks in advance
MdxLover

cmybimmergo

Of course I don't mind you asking. But I have one for you...I thought you wanted a 540, not a 530???

I can tell you the name of the shop--Quality Car Service (in Rockville)--but if you want any other information I guess you'll have to email me. If you want to do that, say so and I'll post my email in my profile.

The price of my 530 was 32,950, non-negotiable. There was one relatively small dealer fee, which I didn't feel like arguing about, lots of local taxes and fees, and the warranty. Out-the-door was 37,144, IIRC.

OBTW, my car has sport, premium, xenons, in-dash cd player (not upgraded), heated seats, and headlight washers.

bdkinnh

Sorry if this has been covered already - I'm new here (and to BMWs in general).

When I look through the 5 series brochure, it says nothing about ventillated seats. Neither does the BMW web site, Edmunds, KBB, or anywhere else.

However, looking at the 5 series option sheet, there it is: code #453 "front ventillated seats (heated front seats included)", along with a note: "Must be ordered with U6BA/U6SW and ZPP". U6BA is beige Nasca leather, U6SW is black Nasca leather, and ZPP is the premium package. Also, it says that 453 can not be ordered with the cold weather package.

From the option sheet it looks like I can ditch the cold weather package and get the heated/ventillated seats with Nasca leather. Can anyone verify this, or let me know if I'm missing anything? It isn't listed on any pricing sheets - anyone know how much it is?

Thanks!

mpass

Thanks for the reply. Rockville huh? Too bad - that's waaaaaay too far for me since I live on the "other side of the river"! Did I say 540? Sure, I'd love a 540 but probably can only afford a 530 at this point. Better yet, I'd love an M5...

beaming

I ordered my 2006 530xi in mid May and do not recall seeing ventilated seats as an option. I did however see "comfort seats", which I orderd. If you go on the bmw website and configure your car through "build your own", I think you will be presented with all of the factory options available.
Good Luck!

cmybimmergo

My bad. I was going on the subject header, but looking back, you didn't initiate this conversation. You didn't specify until the one where you said 530. (From what I've read here, you're better off with the 530 anyway. Fewer problems and better mileage.)

If you live on *that* side of the bridge, you might consider using Advantage. They service regardless of whether you bought from them, and they provide loaners. Not bmws, but I had Lexi...old but serviceable. Maybe they use cars they take in trade. And you can drop off and pick up seven days a week.

(FWIW, Neal told me that he has customers from DC and VA. Guess they have more time on their hands than some of us poor schleps.)

timpdix

For several weeks I have been researching the reliability of a 1997 or 1998 BMW with 80,000 miles and haven't found too many recent reviews. With strong research on the specific vehicle's maintenance record, can anyone give me any specific feedback or advice on whether purchasing such a vehicle is a good or bad move and what to look out for?

sdg380

My information comes from Consumer Reports, where they show high incindence of problems with cooling, electrical, and power equipment systems for earlier E39 models, with problems decreasing dramatically in '00, '01, '02, and '03. The ratings show '02 and '03 models to be almost Camry-like in reliablity (my '02 has been virtually trouble-free). So I'd look to see if any problems in these areas have come up and been addressed--also suggests that a later E39 might be worth the extra $$$.

div2

I have a 1997 528iA with 122000 miles on it. It still looks, runs, and drives like new. In the past 40000 miles all it has needed is scheduled maintenance and brake pads. 1997 was the first year for the E39 platform and thus they did have a few more gremlins than the later cars. That said, a car with 80000 miles has probably had those problems sorted out by now. As always, a thorough inspection by a good BMW tech would be money well spent. I'd also want to see a complete service history so that I would know that the car has been properly maintained.

kyfdx

I saw a new 530i today... in Olivin Green (yes, that is the proper spelling)..

It evidently is a non-metallic color... as there was no upcharge for it on the sticker..

Different, attractive, and will probably make the car sale-proof, unfortunately..

hpowders

Olivin green is listed on the BMW site as metallic.

kyfdx

Weird... Maybe 5-series don't have a charge for metallic paint? :confuse:

EDIT: Yup.. thats it... No charge for metallic paint colors on the 530i..

bob605

I have a 2002 525 and the A/C is working I have located the fuse box in the glove compartment and in the trunk - Fuse 75 and 76 is not numbered - can anyone tell me where they are located

tollyho

I have owned several audi's in the last 9 years and found their performance and all wheel drive to be very good. Now that BMW has come out with all wheel drive in the 530, it may be time to get my first BMW.
How do they compare?

rwenger

What are impressions of the audio upgrade for the 2006 5 series? When I was considering buying a 5 two years ago the dealer didn't recommend the one available then.

Also, what are the pros and cons of just getting a Magellan nav unit rather than selecting that option from BMW?

Thanks for your views.

erickpl

Handheld - Pros
Portable
Can use with other vehicles/camping, etc
Less likely to be stolen if it isn't in the vehicle
May have POI database built into a map basebase

Cons -
Need additional s/w for turnbyturn type directions
No voice activation
Wires for power lying around
Mounting issues/appearance
May not have POI database built into a map basebase

Car-based
Pros
Voice activation
Integrated look/feel in dash (attractive)
Turn by Turn directions and POI database
Can be easy to use - it depends (shrug)

Cons
Price
Use may not be as intuitive or easy as a handheld

I have a handheld Magellan Meridian Platinum. I use it in my Jeep, my BMW, my truck, and I use it when camping, hiking, and basically whenever I feel like it. You need to look at when you may want to use it. If you want to use it outside of your vehicle, then a handheld may be a better choice. If you want it for directions to a particular address, then the in-car version may be a better option.

However, the Magellan has a new software (Topo 3D) that is supposed to have addresses and stuff built into it, so you MAY be able to get the best of both worlds with a Magellan and the Topo 3D. I haven't used it, so I can't be 100% confident in these statements. I plan to get it, but my Jeep's modifications have had priority.

I have heard that the DVD-based nav systems in the BMW's are a lot better than they used to be, but I still don't know how they compare to the likes of Infiniti and Acura (who are supposed to have some of the best in-car nav systems available).

-Paul

cdnpinhead

I'm a big portable Garmin advocate & agree with just about everything Paul had to say.

I'm not familiar with Magellan units or software, but the Garmin I use most (I have two) has software loaded into my two laptops that allows me to plan trips, then download the necessary maps to the handheld unit, which then guides me turn by turn to my destination, with beeps when things are approaching.

The complete map sets (I sprung for the European ones also) are almost as useful as the GPS itself. I can drill down to any city or town in North America or Europe to the street level, mark what I need to, and connect it all with a route. If I don't like how the system has routed me through an area I know, I can force it to go the way I want. All this on a 17 or 19" computer screen, with a mouse and full keyboard. I can plan and store an entire multi-day business trip in a file, then download each day's travel as I need it.

No fooling around with dashboard buttons, or learning on the fly that the GPS wants to take me on a shorter path that I don't want to use. Anyway, the ability to use a full-up computer to plan things, then a portable handheld to execute them, is the winning combination for me. Plus which, the thing cost $350 & works in any rental car or in the airplane on the way.

Oh, it also saves a track of where I've been, with time and altitude stamps. At the end of the day I can look at an altitude profile and/or verify when I was anywhere all day, or best of all, when I screw up and don't turn when/where I'm supposed to, it shows me where I actually went while I'm being guided back to my intended route.

YMMV.

erickpl

I believe - route planning and the bread crumb features... forgot about it cuz I've never used it.

-Paul

ewcloud

I used a Magellan Roadmate 700 with my 04 530i and it was very easy to use and good. Early this month I took delivery of an 06 530xi with built-in navigation. This is so easy to use and the routes can be altered to suit your preferences. I can store all the destinations for a long trip, and reroute part of a trip if there is traffic congestion, etc. Both of these have voice directions, but the best thing is the Head Up Display which puts my next turn right in front of my eyes.
Elizabeth

turnbowm

Went for the Logic 7 system in my 2005 530i for a variety of reasons.

First, and foremost, is the improved sound quality over the standard system. Have been into high-end audio for many years and the difference is worth the extra coin to me. Also, having DSP surround sound provides a more lively presentation. The equalizer also allows for frequency band adjustments to suit your ear and the 6-CD changer is yet another plus.... not available with the standard sound system.

IMHO, the Logic 7 is one of the better OEM systems. Used to think that the Nakamichi system in my wife's Lexus was unbeatable until I heard the Logic 7.

Martin

ownerof525xi

I am not sure how comfertable are 12-Way power front sport seats are but first thing, din't look very appealing. As far as comfertness go, driving is painful no matter how expensive luxury car you drive, cuz when you sit in car seat your natural 'S' curve of spine will have to adjust to some other weird car seat shape. In order to maintain that curve we need lumbar support. In 2006 BMW 525/530 xi, there is a 4 way adjustable lumbar support comes with Premium package. So I purchased that with my 525xi. Hopefully it makes my driving little pleasant experience.

juniorbmw

Well at least BMW didn't make the least dependable list:

Best Worst Car List

Just a little disappointed that BMW didn't make the top 10 Most Reliable Car list.

div2

An excellent analysis. I concur.

billbrox

I am about to purchase the Ice Link Plus integrated adapter for my iPod which plugs into the CD changer in the trunk and then ties into the OEM radio on the dash. Has anyone done this? How well does it work? I understand I will be able to control the volume with the steering wheel controls. Almost sounds too good tbt. Please let me know! Many thanks!

mjfloyd1

I installed the ice link plus in the back of my 2004 x5 (self installed) and it works great. The vehicle senses the ice link plus/ i-pod as a 6 disc cd changer and you have 6 playlists to choose from. You can control the volume and song selection (moves up or down one song like you would do on a cd) by using the steering wheel controls. You control which "cd" play list by pushing a dash or radio button. My vehicle has the led display so I get the artist and song info scrolled across the radio or the led below the speedometer - you choose which one after downloading the bmw info into your ipod. I don't know if your vehicle has the led radio so this part may or may not work for you. The radio that works this way is also known as "rds" which I believe stands for radio data system. Overall it is a great system and works well.

kmims

My new 2006 530i has been at the BMW service center for 2 days now with this same problem. I have 1200 miles on the car and the first time this happened I received a message in my information window with a warning etc to contact BMW for immediate service.

Since that initial warning I have only had the warning indicator light and the car on the lift icon on the dashboard and not on every start up. My technician said they are still talking with BMW to assess the problem and hopefully will have an answer soon.

Did you ever get yours fixed abmwguy? Or has anyone else had this happen and been resolved or maybe a clue to what is happening?

I have had my car such a short time to already be in a loaner!

billbrox

mjfloyd1-the mj must stand for Michael Jordan because you are my man. Thank you for your clear reply on my iPod Install quandry. I have made the arrangements and look forward to having the unit installed next week. MANY THANKS!

davismaxx

Hello all. I am doing the 100K maintenance and before I change the spark plugs I'd like to find out if using a different plug than OE might help reduce or eliminate the pinging/detonation I am hearing.

It's light pinging while accelerating, only audible with the window open. I can eliminate it by staying in lower gears, but I am not lugging the engine.

The OE plug is NGK with 4 electrodes. Would a cooler plug help? Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

Davismaxx
1999 528iT
5 speed
Siena Red/Sand Leather
Premium package/non-sport
100K
11/98 build date

george94

A week ago I got to my car only to find a little note underneath my windshield wiper. Apparently, the lady in her big SUV parked next to my car didn't realize there was a car in the parking space next to her and as she was pulling out she managed to take my left side of my beloved E39 with her. At least she was honest and left the note w/her phone number. I felt like taking her head off but I managed to control my anger. My car goes to the BMW body shop on Tue. I consider myself a fast driver and it never occurred to me that the first damage to my car will be without me behind the wheel!

habitat1

Sorry to hear about your accident but, since you withheld your temptation to behead her, you should at least file a "dimished value" claim.

I just got a nominal diminished value payment of $500 for an run in with a red-light runner. Took off the front of my car - bumper, grill, scuffed headlights, etc. Fortunately, no metal body panels or hood were touched. But any accident with a new car diminishes its resale value and, in your case, extensive body work and re-painting of the side of a 2003 BMW will cost you a couple thousand in resale or trade in.

george94

I will check w/ my insurance agent about the dimished value. It's not as bad - about 3K damage to the left fender (where it meets the bumper) and the left side bumper is pushed in. My car is a long term investment (if there is such a thing) and I don't plan on selling it for long time. Interestingly enough her insurance agent tried to pull a fast one by giving me estimate for after market parts. I had an argument with him about it. After that, he promised to pay the dealer for OME.

sdg380

From my experience, changing the heat range on your plugs probably won't help the pinging problem, ie, detonation. Assuming that you are using premium grade gas, which by virtue of its higher octane rating better resists detonation, I'd venture a guess that after 100k miles, carbon build-up may have increased the effective compression ratio of your engine, causing detonation under load, even with premium fuel. I've never experienced this, but have heard that it can occur, with the solution being cleaning of the combustion chamber, which I think is done through the spark plug hole with sand-blasting-like procedure (I think they actually use >walnut shells< as the cleaning medium.) Trying a little work on google to see if that might be cause and solution.

markcincinnati

I can't comment on the 530xi vs A6 3.2 -- yet -- but in my garage is a new X3 3.0 and a new A6 3.2 and a 2003 Audi TT. I drove the 330xi several times.

Unfortunately, all of these recent test drives have been ONLY on dry pavement in perfect weather.

However, ALL BMW's have one inherent good trait -- balance. The Audis (and I say this as an Audi-maven) are nose heavy, or "nose heavier" than the BMW's.

The BMW X drive system is rear wheel drive biased -- Audis is, at this time, 50 50 biased, that is to say not biased, nominally.

The BMW seems to be losing in the comparison test reports to the Audi, but the tests have been with the 225HP version of the 530.

I've seen no tests of the 530xi, but if history repeats itself, it will certainly out perform the Audi at least in 0-60 times as the Audi almost certainly will be a heavier car.

These two cars, in AWD form, if you do not have an issue with either one's looks, both merit long (identical) test drives.

From what I can tell after driving my wife's new X3 3.0 (6spd manual, Premium and Sport Packages) the drive systems in both cars are "delightful" -- that is they are competent and completely transparent. Audi has the most history with AWD, BMW is, however, an engineering giant and should not be underestimated despite NOT being able to tout 25 years of AWD experience.

The two brands certainly have a lot more in common than not -- and they both would probably deny deny deny this.

I would test them both, read all the stuff that will soon be written about the new 5x's and then price them out comparably and pull the trigger.

The 5 has one key feature going for it -- it can be had with a manual transmission.

My non Audi biased answer would be, get the Audi if you want the auto, get the BMW otherwise. If you get the BMW with an auto, seek professional help -- there will be a time in the not too distant future when you will no longer have the choice.

If you love the BMW, please do yourself a favor and go for it with the stick shift.

Choice is a good thing -- perhaps your choice of the stick (if you like the BMW) will keep the stick alive a little bit longer.