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BMW 5 Series Sport Wagons
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Comments
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Where do you live? If you have heavy snow, I'd use dedicated snows on narrower wheels for the best bite.
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Anyway, after reading CR, reading the owner ratings on Tire Rack, & talking to Jim, getting the Dunlop WS M3's seemed like a No Brainer to me. I also disagree with those who say that RWD bmw's are fine in snow with the summer tires--mine is almost undriveable in even 2-3 inches of snow w/the OEM Conti's.....
I am looking at things like like Maintaince expenses, reliability and drive. Thanks all
The last person I knew with an AWD Subie slid into another car on a snowy road when trying to brake. They had no snow tires--which you really should have even on an AWD vehicle. And if you do buy a used bmw wagon, try to get as low mileage one as possible is my advice.
However the rear latch is not "hooked" and lid is bouncing.
Anyone know how I can get it open? or shut tight?
They also have agreed if it needs a new latch to replace it.
As this is my second wagon and third E39 I was simply caught off guard.
Thanks anyway...
kb
Is it normal for BMWs to have stiff power steering? It feels like it's semi-automatic steering. I realize it's rwd however it's hard to believe a luxury sport car would take two hands to make u-turns, not fun to drive.
Please advise. Thank you
99 540i not sport package
I understand stiffness is good when we (me) performance drivers like to feel every move we make. However, it's way to stiff! 2 hands to make U-turns,not cool..
The records if this car indicates the steering pump hose had(has a leak) no record of replacement. and fluid stays at the correct level.
Another thing the car is now doing is it lunges forward on it's own when almost at a complete stop. Perhaps the throttle sensor is out. I'm the second owner. Has only 53k miles.
Please advise
Thanks again
wisdom
1. My insurance calls it a 525iT. What is the "T" and could it raise my insurance rate?
2. What are the common mechanical problems with this model?
3. Does anyone run 91 instead of 93 octane without spark knock?
I believe the recommended octane rating for most BMWs is 91, so you should be fine there..
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Sorry for delay mom had open heart surgery. Anyway I have a 99 540i. Steering is way too stiff. Not a one hand handling car. I like the feel of the road too. I see people much older then myself driving these cars thinking there is no way they would want to work this hard to get car to perform.
Please advise
Wisdom
One issue my wife had was hooking the front air dam over parking curbs.
The car is very low as in sporting.
No trouble in 4 years of ownership. Great motor and trans.
Traded to an S-430 4-Matic sedan.
Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
As far as the steering goes, if you still have doubts about yours, I would have someone look at it. FWIW, I don't consider my steering to be a one-handed affair, but I don't know how stiff is too stiff for you...and anyway I have the 530i which has rack and pinion--unlike yours. Why don't you see whther you can find a similarly equipped 99 540i for sale and take it for a test drive?
Pls advise w/ any ideas.
Thank you again
Wisdom
Alternatively, you could find yourself a good independent mechanic and have him give it a once-over.
Have heard the 2000-2002 540i Sports have an inferior engine than 2003s. Am looking to buy used or "certified" or something that has a transferrable warranty to 100k.
Thanks!
* Loss of power or torque. Solution: replace cam sensor, $250 fix.
* Coolant loss. Solution: possible complete radiator replacement, $450 fix.
* Rear tailgate lock failure. Solution: change fuses in the rear panel above battery or possible tailgate lock mechanism replacement, $300 fix.
* Auto leveling failure. Solution: Complete auto level mechanism replacement, $1500 fix.
* Rear cup holder replacement, $40 fix.
Best Regards,
Shipo
I'm debating between buying a used Passat and a used BMW wagon in the $9-13K range.
I am only considering manual transmission cars, and have found quite a few specimens online, all with clean CarFax reports. Unfortunately, they all seem to be located too far for me to test-drive each particular one, unless I'm 99% certain I want to buy that vehicle.
Do any of you have any words of wisdom with regard to the reliability, maintenance costs, insurance, etc?. (For instance, a 2003 VW 60K vs. 2001 BMW 100K - any thoughts?)