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I could care less about little issues like light bulbs/squeaks and such. Any input would but be helpful. Thanks in advance
Two of your best sources of information are back issues of both Roundel (BMW CCA) and Bimmer magazines. Study the Technical Q&A section of both. Each is written by Mike Miller. Mike much prefers BMW's manual transmissions to their automatics. The 540i6 uses a very sturdy 6-speed. Take good care of the manuals (e.g., regular fluid/filter changes) and they'll last you nearly forever.
I had a CPO '98 540i6 which I bought at about 52,000 miles in 2001 and sold at about 79,000 miles in 2003. I had no major mechanical problems. Some issues with electronics (e.g., airbag sensor and the computer display) and the crummy rear cupholders seemed to stay perpetually broken.
BMW NA Customer Relations
It is a big concern to me because if any thing happens to my loved ones because of equipment failure, I promise every one reading this that BMW will suffer legal consequences.
I'd try another dealer's service department..
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Your dealer probably has certain things they are required to do by BMW.. I'm sure they have a franchise agreement that covers it..
But, if your car has a reliability issue, unless it comes under the lemon law statutes, you just have to let them try and fix it.. But, if it can't be fixed, your beef will be with BMW, not the dealer..
If it has a safety problem that can't be fixed, then your problem will still be with the manufacturer..
All the dealer does is sell you the car, and provide a service department.. They have nothing to do with buybacks, warranties, etc... that call comes from the manufacturer..
If you are unhappy with your dealer's service department, I'd be sure and try another.. You can't believe the difference a good service department can make... That might be an easier solution than going down the road of pursuing buybacks, etc..
regards,
kyfdx
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It works good! My phone links up with the car shortly after I get in and the clarity through the speakers is great as well as knowing if you phone is ringing when you have the stereo turned up. It is really nice not wearing a headset or holding the phone to your ear (as long as you are by yourself).
The BMW list is not up-to-date. I have AT&T and got a bluetooth Motorola that replaced a phone on the list and it worked fine.
I am sure any blue tooth phone will work and with most carriers you have 30 days to replace.
the car.
I have a simple question regarding radio
preset. Is there any way I can create a list
containing both AM and FM stations so that
I can switch them from my wheel button
without going through iDrive? I have
no problem creating list for either
FM or AM? But have not been able to
figure out a way to mix them in a single
list.
Thanks.
has a very annoying creaky-seat which cannot be adjusted to make the sound go away.
The Harmon-Kardon system is not as good as it should be considering the cost of the option.
Although the fuel consumption is great for the power rating, and vehicle weight, the auto transmission is programmed to go into 6th too quickly to conserve fuel, and has to drop 2 gears every time I try to accelerate. This makes the car surge unexpectedly which does not make for a relaxed drive.
I now feel that overlooking the questionable styling, and terrible interior, due to the handling/braking etc., was a mistake.
Having said all of the above, there really isn't much of a choice in this class, and BMW really does have us over a barrel. There really aren't any true competitors to the 545.
Could it be that you are pressing the pedal too far down? If not, take your car into service, this should not be happening. The automatic transmissions in BMWs are silky smooth. Have you also tried the sport mode of the Steptronic? It will not give more relaxed shift points but it would be worth comparing to the standard auto mode. If it works smoother it may give an indication that the auto mode is not functioning properly.
to do the switch. Hopefully, BMW can improve
this in the future.
Next step is to hook up my bluetooth phone.
This car ROCKS!
Meanwhile, let us know how you do with the Bluetooth. When I picked up my car (2005 545 six-speed), the dealer happened to have his Bluetooth equipped phone in his pocket and was able to form a partnership with my car on the spot. So, it ought to be easy as long as you have a BMW approved phone.
But, that wasn't your question...
1) The current condition of the car (verified by a mechanic) is much more important than whether it has a rebuilt title.. regarding future reliability...
2) That car is probably worth well south of $10K.. Maybe only $5K-$6K.
You might ask Terry at Real World Trade-In Values for an opinion on price.
regards,
kyfdx
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I was just talking to an independent BMW mechanic, this morning actually, that buys cars under salvage, rebuilds/repairs them and then drives them for many years.
It sounds like you are not worried about selling the car or it's resale value. So if you can get it under market value and the car checks out fine, it may be a good route for you. I would use the salvage title as leverage on the price.
I would look closely at the frame and alignment. BMW tires wear out when the frames are straight, let alone if they are tweaked. The salvage would probably not have an impact on the drivetrain, but I would check that out as closely as any car I was buying.
Good Luck.
Can anyone help?
Thanks
AT&T Wireless
Motorola V600
Sony Ericsson T616
Sony Ericsson T637
Sony Ericsson T68i (phone is discontinued) Siemens S56 (phone is discontinued)
Cingular
Motorola V600
Sony Ericsson T637
Sony Ericsson T68i (phone is discontinued) Siemens S56 (phone is discontinued)
Sprint PCS
Sony Ericsson T608
T Mobile
Motorola V600
Sony Ericsson T610
Sony Ericsson T68i (phone is discontinued)
Verizon Wireless
Motorola V710 *No
*Note: The Verizon Wireless Bluetooth phone (Motorola V710) launched in September of this year. This device is not fully supported by BMW’s Bluetooth option. The phone is expected to be compatible with BMW’s Bluetooth option before the end of this year, when Verizon implements new software.
Thank you for choosing BMW. If you have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time.
Thanks, BK
Besides your car outside in New Jersey probably isn't any colder than mine in New Hampshire when it's in the garage :_)
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
thanks, I would appreciate any help
As for your "Washer Fluid Low" telltale, I would think that the problem is a faulty level sensor in the washer fluid reservoir.
Finally,
Bimmer=BMW Automobile
Beemer=BMW Motorcycle
I do live outside the US and spelling is a bit of an issue, so don't be too harsh on me. The problem with the A/C switch and the entire HVAC panel is that besides the defroster (the top button) the other two don't work. We changed the heating regulator (i'm not sure the english term for the thing that's located underneath the glove compartment) and it worked for a second and stopped working again. I have taken out the A/C relay so i'm driving without air conditioning right now (not that I need it in the winter), but whenever i drove the car with a/c working I had a horrible sound from the right side and have no idea what that was.
but thanks again for your response i really appreciate it
BLK
I have had the hazard lights come on, and been unable to turn them off. I have also had the vehicle computer lose information such as date/time. Earlier this year, the key remote failed repeatedly, and it took 4 trips to the dealer to get it fixed.
Now, I keep getting an indicator saying "check brake lights." I checked them, and they work when the car is running, but now when it's off. Does anybody know if this is normal?
Have others had similar problems with their cars?
My questions for you would go to things like how long do you plan keeping the car, do you have any inkling that things might not be going well, do you have a relationship with an independent that would mitigate costs, etc.
Just my $0.02,
kyfdx
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