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Comments
As a reference, BMW did not produce any 1996 5-series models. I'm curious as to whether BMW might do the same thing for the 2003 model year?
The car is a 5-speed with SP and PP and Zenon lights. Color is black on black. I have a 3 year, 36K mile lease. The negotiated purchase price was $1,000 over invoice, plus $400 MACO. No other fees. The way the dealer tried to get me was in the leasing numbers. But I did my homework and was not fooled when they added extra 4 points to the Money Factor and an extra $100 to each security deposit. Bottom line, saved about $3,000 that the dealer would have taken from me if I was uninformed as to how leasing works.
I chose the 530i 5-speed after test driving the 330i, 528i, and 540i. The automatics felt too unresponsive compared to the manual. The 5 series had more of a solid feel and luxury feel than the 3 and had a little more needed interior room (deciding factor). The 530 was much more responsive than the 528. The 540 was what I wanted, but was out of my budget range (I thought about used, but was worried about the extra expense - insurance, gas, brakes, tires, maintenance, etc., compared to a new 530 with all maintenance covered). I also considered ED, but needed a replacement car sooner than they could deliver. Also, my wife did not want me to travel to Europe to save the $2,500 (she was worried about dangers of flying and such - remember this was soon after 9/11)
I highly recommend the SP option. Best option to have. I test drove a 530 with and without SP, and the decision was easy for me. The car seemed to feel more secure at high speed and around fast turns. Also it makes the car look more aggressive. And the M-steering wheel is great.
The car gives me everything I wanted, sports car handling, good acceleration, four door convenience, luxury appointments, safety, great looking and that overall fun factor lacking in other cars. The car even has averaged so far about 23 mpg in stop and stop combined city and highway driving (parking?) and even got 31 mpg on a 145 mile trip to San Diego (from LA) at an average of 71 MPH (average speed achieved only at night).
Some negatives (most are trivial): (1) Arm rest. The center arm rest is too low, not height adjustable, not padded and lacks storage. Also, the arm rest can be moved forward, but if you put the parking brake up, it hits the arm rest, pushing it back. (2) Seats. The seats are very good, but would be nice to have adjustable lumbar support included at no extra cost. (3) Stereo. The base stereo is adequate, but should be better for a car costing this much. Also the CD player lacks a play time indicater that other units have. (4) Air conditioning button. The control for the air conditioning is a far reach to the lower right of the center panel. Have to take my eye off the road to find it and then lean over to press it. (5) Speedometer. It is fast by about 5 MPH at 70MPH. This actually may be a good thing, because it may save you from a ticket. It already saved me from at least one. (6) Cigarette lighter. I use it to power my radar detector. But when you put the lighter away, if you do not push it in all the way, the lid gets stuck. (6) cup holders. Enough said.
The car has been perfect from day one and has as yet not needed an unscheduled stop to the dealer to fix something. I am still very, very happy with my car decision and will find it very difficult parting with it when my lease is up (unless I buy it, which is an option). In fact, I have put more mileage on the car than I though I would (because I cannot stop driving it - it is so addicting). It may be difficult to keep at the lease mileage allowance. But it is early still, so we will see (I averaged about 10,000 miles a year in my previous car).
Sorry for such a long post. And thank you for all the information I have gotten from all your posts this past 9 months and more.
The GM card is great because it gives you 5% back on all your purchases. My parents had a few thousand (5 or 6000) points toward any GM car or Truck which was great except that nobody in my family will ever drive a GM car again after certain experiences I had with my Chevy Beretta.
And just to stay on topic here, I saw a black/black SP 530i on the GW bridge over the weekend! Gorgeous car!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
My only concern is that, and I hope that this is the correct place to post this, the brake dust on the wheels is most difficult to get rid of. I am aware of this phenomena, had a C280 before, I think that the previous owner was not as concious about cleaning them as I. The car has 15K, and there are some stubborn areas I can't get clean. I have tried Turtle wax wheel cleaner (acid free) vinegar and dish soap, not to my satisfaction. Any suuggestions from you enthusiasts would be most welcome... Thanx.
How easy it is to deal with has to do with the wheel design. Smooth spokes that are (relatively) easy to wipe off become a good thing.
I've been evaluating wheels for years for their ease of maintenance. Some have this sort of work done by others. Some prefer to do it themselves, but would rather not make it a career.
Or you could buy a high-pressure washer.
It seems like a good opportunity for me, as I prefer the "rare" stick shift in this model, and it doesn't include any unwanted options to raise the price up higher.
In the past, I've usually purchased vehicles new. I've owned a couple of 3-series models back in the late 90's. I have never owned a 5-series model, nor have I ever spent significant money on a used car such as this. Part of me says I should play it "safe" and buy a new 3-series sedan this fall (as I had planned). I could purchase a 2003 325i for about the same price, or upgrade to a 2003 330i for a few more thousand. Either way, there would be no guesses as to how well that 325i/330i is maintained and driven. On the other hand, I think I would greatly enjoy the added space, comfort, and solidity of the 5-series, and that I shouldn't worry about buying a '99 model that is covered by BMW's CPO warranty. The 3.9% financing would be an added bonus!
Has anyone else debated between a new 3-series versus a used 5-series, eventually purchasing the 5-series? I've given the idea of purchasing a NEW 5-series sedan some thought, but I can't afford the expense of a new 530i, and the 525i doesn't have quite enough torque for my tastes.
TIA!
Has anyone had good experience with automatic car wash and are there any safe ones in the Boston area?
Thanks!
I was looking at your post regarding the '99 528i pp,sp, 5-spd, 38k for $33k vs a new 3 series and I'm not sure I can answer it as well as current 528i owners. I think it's a very difficult predicament and I will just give my opinion:
Seems like you're very familiar with 3-series and happy with it but would like to jump to a mature saloon such as the 5-series with the added benefit of space, etc. What type of warranty does the CPO provide on the 528i and how many miles do you do roughly a year? From my experience of owning a 5 series through a 100k, I had most of the parts wear around 60-70k and that's where I incurred my largest expenses. If this will be done under warranty, than great.. but otherwise, this is something toi consider.
The 330i in my eyes is a great car and I saw a 2002 at the dealer in black with the sp and the new 18" wheels and it looked unbelievable but that car runs up into the $40k range pretty fast. The 325i is a great car and should be considered as well...
In the end, you're comparing the marginal utility added from owning a bigger car that is solid and a dream to drive vs a brand new capable car that although doesn't offer the perks to the extent as the 5, has many advantages of its own including being a brand new car. I shy away from paying $33k for a car with close to 40k miles. From the numbers standpoint, I wouldn't feel comfortable with that unless the CPO covers all in the next 30k miles. Personally, I would price a 2002 525i via european delivery and make my decision based on that- I'm sure the number will be tempting and pretty close to what you're paying for a 3 1/2 yr old model...
Hope this helps a little even though I haven't clearly answered your difficult question!
The CPO coverage extends 2 years or 50K miles beyond the standard BMW warranty. I believe the standard warranty on this 528i runs thru March 2003. I would then be covered for two more years, or up thru 100K miles, by the CPO warranty. Since I drive about 15K miles a year, I expect to have CPO warranty coverage thru March 2005 with about 80K miles on the odometer. It sounds like this might cover me against most of the costly repairs you encountered?
Interesting that most of your repairs occurred between 60K-70K miles. I bet that fits perfectly within BMW's failure distribution curve: attempting to minimize warranty work without expending additional costs due to overdesigning and tolerancing.
If you get a chance, I would be interested in knowing what year and model you owned, as well as some info regarding the repairs. TIA!
http://eurobuyers.com/pricing/pricing20025.pdf
For those of you who are familiar with ED, I am curious. I haven't read very much on this option, but I thought this option requires that I travel to Munich? I'm not in any hurry, and I would definitely consider any option that saves money on a factory order. (Wish I would have joined BMW CCA a few months ago!!) Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to take the vacation time this year to travel to Europe. Are there other optons for ED that don't require me to travel to Europe? (Gee, that sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?)
Best Regards,
Shipo
I have a deeply ingrained sense of "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," so lemme see if if got this right:
Step 1: I join the BMWCCA.
Step 2: I wait one year (arguably the hardest part).
Step 3: I buy a brand new 5-something.
Step 4: Somebody sends me a check for $1000.
Is it really that simple? And what's the magic one-year date for ED: the day I order it, the day I take delivery in Munich, or the day I take delivery in San Francisco?
Love the discussion, especially the part of how the next 5-series is, at best, an "acquired taste."
TIA,
PoorRichard01
The second time was about 10 years ago. There was little savings when the dealer discount was taken into consideration.
What you must consider is how festidious you are about your car and where you're going.
If you expect to spend a good deal of time in large cities you should consider ED carefully. Hotel don't have self park, by and large, and parking is very expensive. The normal course is for a valet to take your car and only Lord knows where he takes it.
In Venice for example you can't drive your car into the city so you leave it in dark parking structures. In Paris I was so afraid of something happening to the car that we stayed miles away from the center of the city so that I could park the car myself.
The other problem is that if anything happens to the car, you must deal with it then and there. You can't simply go to the rental agency and get another car.
It seems to me that a vacation should be just that. You shouldn't have to worry about a new car getting scratched or worse. The first ED was full of worries. We spent a lot of time in cities. The second was more relaxing since we stayed in the countryside. But even in the country you often find yourself in very tight parking structures and hotels with inadequate parking.
Well, that's my 2 cents.
Official terms and conditions can be found at BMW CCA's web site. You can print out the one-page check request form.
Current offers include $500 on all CPO cars, $1,500 on all 7 Series, $1,000 on all 5 Series (including M5 & X5), and $500 on all 3 Series (including M3 and Z3). Maybe this is one reason why BMW CCA is one of the largest in USA? Maybe the largest? Think they have around 60,000 active members.
vic19 . . . Thanks for the 2 cents. Points well taken.
riez . . . I didn't realize the reward is good on CPO cars. That opens up possibilities.
pap5 . . . I'll ask around to see if I can confirm your findings.
Guten Tag!
poorrichard01
Best Regards,
Shipo
Don't discount the fun of driving on the autobahn!
Finally, if you do Shipo's "quick trip to Munich" method, that's really a GREAT city to visit. We spent our last weekend there and had a blast, without our car which we had already turned in to Harms. You don't need a car... You can walk everywhere, especially if your hotel is near the "pedestrian zone" (which is basically the center of the city where all the good stuff is).
The website projects the car arriving at the dealer on July 7. As that's on Sunday I rather doubt it, but with luck, I'll be taking my first spin in my 530i on Monday or Tuesday! Based on Shipo and Pap's experience, I guess I won't be looking for the status to change from "Prep Center" to "BMW Center", though...
1) 1995 - 80k miles, good condition, solid mechanically but a/c does not work, one power window does not function, quarter size rust spot below the trunk and no service history. Interior is clean (leather good, with no rips and very little rub spots). 3 easily repairable door dings. Paint is good. Two owner New England car.
2) 1994 120k miles, excellent condition, all electricals work, interior almost feels like its new. Mechanically great. No rust, no dings. One owner with 90% of service records. Paint is really good. A southern car. This is $1500 cheaper.
I actually think its easily no. 2 - but I thought I'd get some confirmation. The biggest concern with no. 2 is obviously the high mileage. But I figure - a well cared for Southern car is also a big plus for it. Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've heard that the BMW V8 engines, when well taken cared of, will last for well over 200k.
Thanks!!!
Can you (or someone) provide info as to HOW one
becomes a member in this? I gathered that I have to wait for 1 year to get 1000$ discount on 525?
How about US Delivery Same 1 year wait applies?
PoorRichard01:
You mentioned San Francisco. I posted question
earlier to see if anyone had luck finding dealer
in San Francisco Bay area that can offer 1400-1500
OVER INVOICE for 525iA Euro Delivery. any experience on your side?
Thanks.
Plus do some research on 530i V-8 reliability. From what I've read, there were some problems with these early 1990 small V-8s. That is why they didn't sell the 3.0L V-8 for long. The M60 3.0L & 4.0L V-8s were only used 1992-1996. Then replaced by the M62 3.5L & 4.4L V-8s. Think the big I-6 is probably more reliable and weighs less.
The CLK has a new design this year and the new 5 comes out next year.
HELP
I've actually only been to one dealer: Peter Pan BMW in San Mateo. (Those outside the Bay Area, I hear you chuckle; but maybe there's a little someone in all of us who doesn't want to grow up.) I'm still trying to decide on which model, options and color so I'm not ready for talkin' turkey.
The $1000 cash back sounds like a great deal and I'd like to go for it. But if my current ride tells me its time for that last trip to that great parts yard in the sky, I want to have a replacement in mind.
Sorry I can't be of more help, but I keep you posted.
Ta Ta For Now
PoorRichard
-murray
I am kind of stuck because my dealer can only special order 2003 cars from now, and all of the remaining 2002 he is bringing in are all fully loaded, which goes over my budget.
any info would be appreciated.
thanks,
We were coming back from Mammoth Lakes (lotsa hiking, golf, relaxing) and we were in Bishop at Schatt's Bakkery. As we went in, my wife said, "What is THAT?" I looked and sure enough it was a new 5er! It had the body cladding on to disguise the front and rear, but it was a 5. I didn't get a chance to look inside. As I pointed and started walking over, he took off. WAH
The size is comparable to the current 5, but I couldn't tell any details about the rear or front. The taillights looked similar to the current ones, but a bit different. The headlights looked more like the new 7, so I hope the rear isn't too 7'ish.
-Paul
You might try and hold out, if those 2002s remain unsold, you might be able to get a very good deal on one of them if they linger until late September when they are sharing the lot with 2003s. However, I suspect that alot of those 2002s are spoken for.
Also see: http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e39/forum.php?postid=835764&page=1