BMW 5-Series Sedans

div2

Check out the Michelin X-Ice for a good dedicated winter tire. Nokians are also good.

rich545

It's interesting that you found the 530xi slower than the A6 because it's not. In fact, it's faster. The 530xi with auto does 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. The A6 takes 7.1 seconds to get there. Not a huge difference I realize, but in 0-60 terms it is significant. Don't get me wrong, I love the A6 as I've said many times, but the only Audi's that are as fast or faster than BMW's are the S models. Even the 4.2 A6 is a bit slow. The 550 with auto does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds whereas the A6 4.2 takes 6 seconds even. The 545 was also faster than the 4.2 A6 taking about 5.6 seconds to hit 60. Not sure what the old 530 engine could do, but I'm guessing it's about even 0-60 with the current A6 3.2.

ny540i6

I just put the second set of Blizzaks on my car. Went with LM-25s instead of the LM-22s that I had before. In my opinion, both are great snows. I was out in NYC/NJ and had no issues. We'll see what things look like when it REALLY snows . I don't know where you bought your Blizzaks, or what you consider a fortune, bowever I think the range for a set of 4 snows will start around $400.

markcincinnati

I am and was aware of the mfg's published specs and the test results (but I have not seen a like to like comparo) of the A6 and 530.

My A6 3.2 has become increasingly lively as it passed 5,000 miles and especially now that it has passed 10,000.

The 530xi had less than 100 miles on it. I came and went in my A6 which was "broken in."

My tests results are 100% subjective.

And, the differences in 0-100kph times while real (I suspect), are certainly subject to enough variability from car to car (of the same configuration and brand) that a "well broken in" car compared with a "tight as a tick" car could actually give the edge to the A6.

I am aware of this and in no way am I putting forth as either fact or thesis that the BMW is less quick (overall) -- the back to back perception, as they say, was, at the time, reality.

So, if you are comparing an A6 3.2 to a 530xi, take brand new versions out for test drives and make the test drives over the same routes to reduce the perception issues.

Of course, if you really want to differentiate the BMW 530xi from the A6 3.2, drive the 530xi with a stick shift -- now that should clearly show the A6 its tail lights.

Most folks won't (or can't) do this -- in that case the Audi's space and interior may sway you, unless BMW's (or Audis) current subvented lease makes this a no brainer.

My money, today, would go for the BMW -- I don't need as much back seat as the A6 offers, the BMW can be had with the manual and if I ordered the BMW with the Auburn leather, instead of the drab black they all seem to offer in stock, the more spartan interior would be but a minor difference.

Now, however, if one of these guys has a super deal, I find them to be "close enough" in performance and lux to each other to go for the one with the best deal.

My personal love affair with Audi, continues, but it is waning. The new 5's from BMW are great -- and for even money would be my choice were I in the market, today.

I have almost forgotten entirely about the Infiniti M with which I had a brief fling.

manybmws

I had Michelin Pilot Alpins for 5 winters, just put on Dunlop Winter Sport M3s - and they are great in snow and dry. Better than the Michelins IMO.

erickpl

I have noticed that BMW's Assist will autodial emergency services if airbags deploy.

Audi's do not. If you are purchasing one of these for safety purposes, that is definitely something to consider. If Audi offers Onstar or something similar in the future, that would be great.

Between a 530xi or an A6, that is a tough call. I think the minor differences boil down to individual taste and wants. Both vehicles are probably excellent at passenger safety. The A6 did win an IIHS Silver award for safety (left leg injury possibilities kept it from a gold I think. But the BMW rated Good in all categories too.

The emergency dialing would sway me to a BMW.

-Paul

eastoncarguy

I have the Michelin Pilot Alpins on my 2005 530 and they worked very well in the 9 inches of snow we got in eastern PA on Friday.

I had serious reservations about going back to a rear wheel drive car, but am now pleased to say, when equipped with snow tires, it as good if not better than any FWD drive car I've owned. Now in regard to price... they aren't cheap. They are tires for a perfomance vehicle after all, but they are well worth the investment and a lot cheaper than body repair needed from driving without them.

markcincinnati

Snow tires, winter-specific tires, that is, should be put on all four wheels with 2WD or AWD (FWD or RWD). . . .

Sometimes folks keep the UHP tires on the front wheels thinking that having the winter tires on the rear will suffice.

Do so at your own risk -- four is the best way to go.

Remember too, that winter tires can be purchased with different speed ratings. If you will be driving your car in the winter on freeways and often clear secondary roads, you may want to consider upping the performance rating of your winter tires. It is sooooo easy to drive either the A6 or the X3 at speeds of 80+ mph, I wonder if paying the extra few bucks for the higher performance model winter shoes wouldn't be prudent.

jhoulihan

I am having the same problems with my 525Xi 2006 that I took delivery on 10 days ago. Also, sometimes there's a thumping type sound emanating from the rear as if the trunks loose or something is bouncing around in the trunk.
Check trunk lining and it seems be only partially covered with felt; is this normal??

jb_shin

I had those seats in our 02 530i. We were living in Germany at the time and did quite a few long distance driving (3-4 hrs. min.) up to 6+ hours a day for 2 straight days sometimes. I found it to be the most comfortable seats, bar none. I never once felt tired or sore. However, if you drive an hour or two at a time, it may be a waste of money.

I now have 03 M5 with sports seats and find my back getting stiff and sore after less than 2 hours. It does hold me well in place in twisty bits, though.

sergeym

No. I am impressed with M5.

markcincinnati

Impressed if it is considered against the competition based on its availability with a manual transmission. If auto equipped, I would think it would be a "bad ambassador" for BMW USA.

The 530xi with a stick shift should be totally dominating the LPS class -- the fact that it is still commanding less than 50% of US LPS sales is only proof that most folks don't care about stick shifts.

The fact that they charge some $1200 less for the stick is backwards if you ask me, but shhhhhh please don't tell BMW, I (alone) would never pay more for an auto.

The fact that BMW "gives" you their best for free and their less than best for over $1200 more is incredible.

Perception is reality.

Apparently auto trans is perceived as better.

:confuse: I credit or blame as the case may be US driver's education. Old guys like me HAD to learn to use stick shifts and to this day only the DSG from Audi and the SMG from BMW rivals the performance, control, fun AND safety of a stick shift.

Traffic is often used as a reason for auto trans preference -- I attribute it to cell phones. The heck of it is, the abuse of cell phones is almost certain to make cell phone use by the driver in a moving vehicle about the same offense as drinking a Bud while driving.

Folks, please get a voice command bluetooth or hardwired-in cell phone -- big brother is poised to outlaw this activity and "we" will be the reason that it will be a crime.

If Arlo Guthrie can be sent to jail for "littering" imagine what will happen for "talking on a non hand and eyes free cell phone?"

Anyway, the 525 with a stick shift should be at the top of your list (if a 530xi stick version seems "out of reach" so to speak.)

530ir1150r

The distraction is not holding the phone, it is the conversation. Hands free or hand held makes no difference in everything I have read.

bmwdoug

I was bored today, so I went online and did a search via cars.com, autotrader.com and ebay.com. I wanted see how BMW's hold their value through the years. I did a search for a 2001 (five year old) 530 with automatic, sport, and premium package and compared it against a 2003 (three year old) 530 with automatic, sport, and premium package. I took a large sample base of the listed prices of cars from Dealers and Private Parties. The Dealers included both BMW Dealers and Non BMW Dealers.(I could break them down into each respective sub group if anyone wants.) Here are the numbers:

Model year 2001 (five years old) 530i Model year 2003 (three years old) 530i

Average asking selling price: $24,081 Average asking selling price: $37,081
Average number of miles: 64,604 Average number of miles: 39504
Expected value 5 year old 530 (39% X miles driven) Expected value of 3 year old 530 (93% x miles driven)

Does anyone know the MSRP of a 2001 530 with Automatic, Sport and Premium Package? And, the MSRP of a 2003 530 with Automatic, Sport, Premium Package? It would be interesting to see the percentage differential from the Original MSRP to the current asking prices for both the 2001 and 2003 530.

What does all this mean? Heck, I don't know. But, it was fun! Well, as I see it, the sweet sport for selling a 530 is at the 3 year mark. And, in terms of buying new or used. If you can come up with the money for a new car. A new 2006 530 will be a better value than a used 04 530. Since at the end of three years, your 2006 will be worth $13,000 more than the used 04, which is about a wash financially speaking. In other words, a used 2004 will be about $13,000 less than a new 2006, but at the end of three years, the 2006 is worth $13,000 more. Buying Used makes perfect sense if you want to save upfront cash or you are not in a position to purchase a car that is $13000 more. Or, if you don't mind a five year old car with a little mileage (nice deal money wise). But, if those three scenarios are not the case, BUY NEW!

In terms of leasing, I am not as versed as others on this Forum. I guess it makes leasing a new car a good deal as well?

markcincinnati

The conversation is a distraction. Hands free or hand held -- once the process has reached the point of connection is "about the same."

But -- here are some key differences: Completely hand and eyes free initiation and "navigation" of the calling process does substantially change the entire circumstances.

At 60MPH you are travelling at 88 feet PER SECOND. A "glance" at the phone to dial 3, 7 or 10 numbers (possibly 11)takes how many seconds?

I have attempted to dial my phone without looking -- it is possible, by feel. It is unlikely that many of us will do this.

Further, if you are holding the phone in one hand, how many hands could you have on the wheel? Could you use the turn signal, the wipers the horn, flash the headlights, etc, etc, etc?

With th voice module, the Audi or BMW cradle and a fully integrated phone that you have taken the time to load with a phonebook and taken the time to load the voice tags, you can have both hands free and eyes free use of the phone (but you cannot punch in the codes for passwords and other phone mail navigation inputs.)

I have tried all methods: voice, phone book and keypunching.

Voice requires NO eyes OFF the road and you have both hands completely available for the steering wheel and other controls.

The phone book is hands free but NOT eyes free.

The keypunching method is an invitation for a fender bender at the very least.

If it were put on a ballot, I would vote for either voice command or to disallow phone use in a car. You choose.

I generally vote for the least gov interference. This difference reminds me of the "yelling fire in a crowded theater" argument.

I am now seeing a significant minority of drivers using a hand held phone while driving on the Interstate at speeds of at least 65 MPH.

It is no wonder there are apparently more and more "driver distraction" incidents.

Ultimately, big brother will cut us (all) off. We will have ONLY ourselves to blame.

Demand cars that permit voice control of the phone from phone book to dialing to as yet rare phone voice control of voice mail systems.

Cease using your cell / wireless phone while the car is moving if you don't have or can't get voice activation. The alternative is you will be fined and fined dearly for your distraction action.

If this turns out to be false, I apologize; if, however, it turns out to be true, saying "I told you so" will be a hollow victory.

I like the freedom of using my phone while driving -- I would never use one without both hand and eyes free capability.

signed -- Screaming Voice in the Wilderness.

530ir1150r

I know common sense tells you that hands free should be safer, but everything I have seen on the subject says otherwise; the conversation is the distraction, not holding the phone.

markcincinnati

And I agree with that statement -- but (2 things), I have never seen a study wherein the phone initiation was completely hand and eyes free (not just hands free); and, although there is NO such thing as common sense, it is difficult for me to believe that NOT looking at buttons, a small screen phone book or other HAND and EYE requirements could be anything but safer.

It is essentially illegal or practically illegal everywhere in the US to "watch TV" in the front seat for the reasons that it takes your eyes off the business of driving.

Initiating a call on a phone while driving takes one hand and two eyes for at least part of the "transaction."

There is no way that this contributes to anything other than the increased chances of glancing down at the phone pad and possibly drifting out of your lane or into a moving or static "object" or person.

I am suggesting that we are in near violent agreement. I just cannot imagine how crappy it would be to have our government disallow talking on the phone while in a car all for the lack of hand AND eyes free "command" abilities.

Either we need to de content our cars (and pigs will fly) or we need to add a hand and eyes free interface (voice controlled systems are in their infancy but even my 2005 Audi voice command is about 100 times better than it used to be and a like amount safer than trying to control a car with this many (82) buttons, dials, knobs and switches without voice control.)

If we are unwilling to part with our wireless phones while driving, at least consider the alternative of making them as safe as is possible via voice.

cdnpinhead

limiting the number of passengers a teen-ager can have in the car with them when their license is new -- talking is a distraction. The assumption must be that, once driving becomes automatic (or semi-so), it's okay to be somewhat distracted.

Part of the issue is that when one is involved in a conversation with another person in the vehicle, it becomes abundantly apparent to everyone present when suspension of the discussion is appropriate.

Not so much, if the other person is invisible (& vice-versa) at the other end of a phone conversation.

This from a Luddite who still doesn't own a cell phone (but pays for a couple within the family).

530ir1150r

I did not feel like we were agreeing; but I also think common sense is not very common and the chances of government becoming less intrusive in our lives on any subject is near zero.

markcincinnati

I continue to sense we are very much in agreement -- but, no pun intended, you "near zero" comment is chilling (and unfortunately I agree with that too.)

jo2

Hello all,

I have an 06 530i and am about to get Sirius Satellite radio installed for roughly 1000.00 dollars. Has anyone else thought about this or thought about geting an external mount in a 530i? Isn't this a bit much for the Sirius integrated radio?

It's much cheaper to do an external reciever but don't know if it will make the car look too cluttered. Also if anyone out there has done the external reciever thing, how does it connect to the radio? Is is through FM transmitter only or is there a way to get an auxillary jack to connect to the back of the radio?

Anyone's input is greatly apprecited...Happy Holidays!

jo2

bmwdoug

Woa! That sounds high to me. In all honesty, I do not know the install price. But, All 06's are supposed to be Satellite Radio Ready. I can't imagine it costing $1000. It costs approximately $500 when you buy the car to get it installed, why would it cost $1000 after the fact? Sounds crazy. If that is true, I say screw it. Satellite Radio is way overrated. Just use an IPOD.

sls1

wait, are they all pre-wired ith Sirius? I thought it was an extra option at $595

srfast

The cars are prewired, BUT you must still purchase the Sirius receiver, have it installed by the serivce department and the car's computer programmed to recognize it. The price difference ($595 vs. $1000)is attrrbuted to full retail price of the hardware and labor to install it. Too bad the E60 doesn't come with an aux input jack like the E90. If you do the BMW install, make sure you get the BMW/Sirius reduced cost service.

Regards....JL

ksccts

Boy, for a thousand bucks, I could handle some clutter!

bdr127

I agree that $1000 sounds a bit high.... The OEM radio head unit from the factory costs $595, plus install time. Even at $100/hr, which many BMW Centers charge, that's 4 hours of labor. I just don't see installing a radio and, perhaps, some reprogramming, taking 4 hours. Ask the service department how long it should take to install Sirius, and you'll have a better idea of what they should charge.

Of course, there is also the option of the external RF receiver, as you mentioned. You hit the main points -- not as nice looking, but definitely less expensive.

div2

I know the radios aren't that hard to pull on the E39 and X3. On the X3 I think you only have to plug in an electronic module to enable Sirius radio; it shouldn't take more than a couple of hours for a DIY project-though I believe that the car will still need to be taken to the dealer for activation.

jo2

Has anyone installed a sirius aftermarket unit and has some pictures to show how good or bad it turned out?

jo2

Dear JL,

What is teh BMW/Sirius reduced cost service? Is that some sort of special price that is out there right now? Like the previous people posted, I know that it is pre-wired and SIRUIS READY, but it still needs the programming and some another component.

I am in Los Angeles, if anyone has any places that have done this service for less please pass on the info

Thanks!

Jo2

manybmws

I can tell you I paid $40,100 for my 03 530 - premium pkg, winter pkg, xenons, split rear seat, auto. I'll let it go for $38K with 30K miles

div2

Will you take a postdated check?

srfast

The special is free Sirius service for a specified period of time. I believe you get 12 free months of service when BMW service activates the Sirius service after installation.

You need the Sirius receiver. Even though the car is prewired and the HU is Sirius ready, there is no receiver to pull in the signal. If you have a sharkfin antenna, that is probably Sirius ready also. The last part of the install is coding the car's computer to recognize the new device and make it functional using the existing controls.

I recommend you check the Circle BMW/Parts Dept. website BMW Sirius parts pricing. It appears your dealer is charging you too much for the labor. I would try another dealer for better pricing.

Hope this helps...JL

ownerof525xi

Can any one talk about how Blue tooth and Voice Activation Working(?) in new 5 series '06 models?

My Nokia 3650 integrates fine with my 525xi, but doesn't download phone book from phone into car. Let me know if anybody successfully did this with any model and make of the cell phone.

Also, I could never make the Voice Activation system to listen a simple command like "Main Menu". Every time I say something it says please repeat! :mad: . It would have been nice if they had a pre recorded voice of nice and sweet woman, instead of rough man's voice .

Also, I feel terrible that, there is no true iDrive integration for iPod, like in 3 series. Sales man told me that it is possible to integrate iPod in '06 models, otherwise I would have gotten premium sound package.

Please leave a message if anyone did anything with iPod in '06 5 series.

bdr127

For starters, the Nokia 3650 is not officially supported by BMW. (Bluetooth-Compatible Mobile Phones) This is probably most of the problem, I'd imagine.

The "iPod Interface", which is the connection that allows you to use the radio controls to play iPod playlists, is currently only available on the 3-series, Z4, X3, and X5.

There is an "Auxiliary Input Adapter" available for the 3-series, 5 series, Z4, X3, and X5. With this connector, you just need a 3.5mm stereo audio cable to connect your device (MP3 player, discman, iPod, etc), and then select the "AUX" mode on the stereo. With this setup, you cannot use the radio controls to play playlists or anything, however, and you need to make those adjustments on the actual device.

Hope this helps.

bmwdoug

You also should check out http://www.e60.net It is where are the 5 Series owners hang out. They have lots of suggestions on how to hook up an Ipod to the E60. Do a search on that Forum, or post a question. They are great folks, love BMW's, are very knowledgeable, and helpful.

srfast

It appears the Nokia 3650 doesn't have the Bluetooth OPP (Object Push Pull) profile required for the phone book transfer. It does have the Handsfree profile required for it to connect. You might want to contact Nokia to confirm this.

As for the VR "voice", I have an older BMW BT system and it has a very pleasant voice.

Hope this helps...JL

ownerof525xi

Thanks a lot for your reply. That is definitely helpful.

klassy

IM buying a 2001 530i sport, with 69k on it. I can purchase the 4 star warranty for 3 yr /36000 mi for 2495. Is it really worth it. I heard bmw's go forever.... Car costs 19k.

cmybimmergo

For comparison purposes: When I bought my 02 530i a year ago, I purchased a 7 year/125,000 mile warranty (no deductible) for $2995. (The cost went up on January 1 of this year.) I used it today when I had the fan motor resistor replaced.

I definitely would buy a warranty, but I don't know that I would buy the one you were offered. Before you buy, make sure the company offering the warranty is reputable and solvent.

530ir1150r

Are you paying cash for the car, for the warranty? Purchased warranties are insurance policies, basically pay me now or pay me later (maybe pay me a little every month). The devil is in the details. What is covered? Who can make repairs? What is the deductible? Do you have to front the costs and (maybe)get reimbursed?

If you can afford the payment and are afraid of repair hits, the insurance may be worth the peace of mind. But you are paying for the service. For most people the warranty cost is more than the repair costs because the overhead, profits and commissions involved are added to the expected repair costs paid to purchasers.

It is very similar to leasing versus buying. There are good reasons for either, just know how they apply to your situation.

klassy

Thanks for your input. Im financing through a credit union, so the payment would be about $40. more a month for the warranty, which is through GE Financial, supposedly one of the best. I do have a family of auto mechanics (mainly american cars), so I'm not too sure this warranty is worth it. This is the only warranty they offer.

pen101

My MY2002 530i KBB trade-in values:

$29,286 as of 12/29/2004 at 36,327 miles
$24,575 as of 12/28/2005 at 47,600 miles

Lost value in 1 year = $4,711
Miles driven = 11,273

Depreciation cost per mile = $0.418

Purchase price = $42,875 (excluding taxes, etc) at 12/29/2001 ($1000 over invoice)

Total depreciation after 4 years (at KKB trade-in price) = $28,300

Depreciation per mile since purchase = $0.384

What does all this prove? I don't know.

bdr127

Total depreciation after 4 years (at KKB trade-in price) = $28,300

Do you mean $18,300? $42875-$24575?

530ir1150r

It shows that depreciation is the major cost of ownership. Other costs are:

additional maintenace and service: $0.03
insurance: $0.10
tires: $0.04
gas: $0.10

Total $0.27

Total and whatever I am forgetting still does not equal depreciation.

jhammell

Our 530i Sport (1/02 build) had it's first manual transmission replaced with a rebuilt unit 12/04 after 22k miles of service. It would pop out of second gear for no reason. Last week (at 36k miles) the transmission got stuck in first gear and had to be towed to the dealer and today it looks like the synchros have failed. This car has never been abused so I am perplexed as to why we are having these problems so early on in its existence. We have over two months left on the warranty so I am not sure how much another $5k rebuild transmission will last us. Has anyone else experienced this problem ?

pen101

Opps, typed too fast and did not proof read. $18,300 is what I meant. Thanks.

One more item.
MSRP = $46,195, KKB trade-in = $24,575
Car has retained 53% of its MSRP value after 4 years.

div2

BMW manual transmissions are known for their durability. I'm on another E39 list and I can't recall any reports of a manual failure. In 22 years of BMW ownership I've only had to rebuild one-the Getrag in my 1973 Bavaria 3.0. That one failed because the previous owner filled it with GL-5 gear oil. The popping out of gear problem should have been corrected by the 2001 model year. In any event, according to Mike Miller's Roundel article a rebuild should not be necessary to correct that problem. Do you use the shift knob for a hand rest? BMW transmissions don't endure that treatment very well.

cmybimmergo

My 02 5 spd sport (built 10/01, I believe) does the same thing! It kicks out of second gear for no obvious reason, and with no discernible meaningful pattern. It's been to the dealer two times. The first time, they replaced the buffer stop under original factory warranty. It didn't rectify the problem. The second time, we went on a good 20-30 minute drive during which I passed the "but can she *really* drive a stick" test, but we were unable to replicate the problem. My indie posits that if the shifting fork is bent, it could explain why sometimes it won't go in and other times it will. But because it occurs so intermittently, BMW is not inclined to do anything about it.

You say your first transmission was replaced. What exactly was the reason given to do this? I need all the ammunition I can get...

cmybimmergo

The popping out of gear problem should have been corrected by the 2001 model year. In any event, according to Mike Miller's Roundel article a rebuild should not be necessary to correct that problem.

Are you implying that this is a known problem? Where can I find the article?

div2

Any BMW CCA member who archives their recent Roundel copies should have it. The issue has also been discussed at length on some other BMW boards.