BMW 5-Series Sedans

khoon · May 2005

Alright you clowns! I asked for your expert opinions - not your sorry attempts at humor

- so keep your day jobs and shoot it straight to me!

Shipo - haven't I seen you in the MB-ML 320 forums?

shipo · May 2005

Me? In the ML320 forums? Yikes, perish the thought. No, I'm not much of a fan of the ML, or any SUV for that matter. I do hang around the E-Class discussion, and even occasionally post there. While I've never owned an MB of any sort, I used to work for MB-USA back when the W210 first came out (and the SLK and the ML for that matter), so I occasionally have an entertaining anecdotal story to relate that is in keeping with the current threads. Other than that, I usually just keep my trap shut, over there that is. ;-)

Regarding your current dilemma, I asked where you lived because unless you live in the middle of the Rockies, and have a 25% grade going up your driveway, I'm betting that you don't really need AWD on your next car. Want? Yes. Need? No. The fact is that Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, and now Chrysler and Ford are spending lots of money to make sure that folks think that they absolutely cannot do without AWD. From my perspective at least, the reality is rather different. I live in the rolling hills of southern New Hampshire, on a street with a 7.5% grade, and with a driveway with a 9% grade. Over the last three winters we have had two that have comfortably exceeded 100" of snow, and through it all, my 2002 530i, shod with winter tires (Michelin Arctic-Alpin) didn't miss a day. The only limiting factor for my car was when the snow was so deep that the front bumper would have been turned into a snow plow, meaning anything over about six inches.

So, what does all of this mean to you? How about a good old regular 530i and spend an extra $1,200 on a nice set of winter wheels and tires. My bet is that if you go that route, you'll wonder what all the fuss is about AWD.

Best Regards,
Shipo

kyfdx · May 2005

Or.. without the extra weight and driveline losses from the Xi... you might even be happy with the 525i.. You can buy the winter wheels and tires, and still spend less than on a 525xi..

You could spend the extra money you save on the sport package... hmmm

div2 · May 2005

I guess it's a miracle that the American driving public didn't become extinct before 1980; at that time there were almost no FWD sedans and 4X4s were few and far between. And traction control or AWD? Forget it! When did people get the idea that RWD+winter weather=Certain Death? I've even heard some people say that they need AWD because-get this-it rains a lot where they live. The dumbing down of US drivers continues apace...

asema · May 2005

Hi, Im looking at purchasing a 2002 530i, with 62k miles on it. White/tan interior. Car has pretty much everything except for navigation (has sports/premium/cold/sunroof/xenons etc). And apparently is upto date on all BMW services and inspections. Asking price is $25,000. is that a good deal? is it worth it with the high miles? what problems can I expect within the next year or two with the car?
Any help would be appreciated.
thanks.

div2 · May 2005

High miles? You must be kidding! My wife's 1997 528iA has 120K and is still going strong. At 62k you might be looking at a water pump before too long. If it goes replace the thermostat and thermostat housing while you are at it. Parts and labor shouldn't amount to much over $200, though it's a fairly simple DIY job. I would still have the car inspected by a good BMW tech and if it checks out I'd make an offer. Check KBB, NADA, and Edmunds TMV to get a good idea of what other 2002 5ers are bringing. I'd also ask this question in the "Real-World Trade-IN Values" topic on the Smart Shoppers board. Finally, search for 2002 5ers within a 100 mile radius of your zip code on Trader Online and on cars.com. My gut reaction is that the price is high-but that's just my opinion. Do the research and you'll know for sure. Good Luck

cmybimmergo · May 2005

Is this a private party or dealer purchase? My 02 530i 5 spd 45K miles with sport, premium, xenons, and everything else except upgraded stereo and nav cost me 31,950 before fees and taxes (and third party warranty). I bought it in December from a dealer.

manybmws · May 2005

Actually according to the 2006 5 Series BMW brochure:

2006 530Xi: 6.9 Seconds AT - same performance as my 2003 530i AT
2006 530i: 6.6 Seconds AT

Best Regards,
manybmws

asema · May 2005

hi. this is a private party sale. I do intend to take it to the dealer to get checked out. Will let you know what I find. thanks for your inputs.

530ir1150r · May 2005

BMW NA web site for CPO cars allows you to check nationwide for comparison vehicles. Their data base is set up to sort by model, transmission, distance, color, year, mileage, body type and price.

juniorbmw · May 2005

Check out the following link about the BMW 5 series:

BMW MSN Article

Those head rests(in the Photos tab) look nice; I don't have that in my '05.

Does anybody?

jb_shin · May 2005

The seats shown are comfort seats, I think, a $1200 option. I had comfort seats in my 02 530 and those were very comfortable. As much as I like the sport seats, they are not as comfortable for me after 2-3 hours.

fla528 · May 2005

I have a 2004 525 without the sports package( I did not like active steering..and that was in the package in 1/04). I do like the ride of the sports equipped 5 series.

So here is my question, I contacted the dealer and asked about upgrading my car add sports suspension. They stated that it would run close to $3,500. for new struts and springs. However, their aftermarket department said I could go with just new springs....I think the name manufacturer was HM springs, and I would not notice the difference between my 525 and one with the factory sports suspension. This would only run close to a $1,000. to upgrade with keeping the existing struts...

Is this a good idea? and can I get that sports package feel by just going with aftermarket springs???........... thanks for all responses....!!!

sdg380 · May 2005

While I admit I am not the biggest fan of sports package for a 5-series (I find the stock suspension on my '02 530 to be plenty firm for our crappy roads around Chicago, plus I didn't feel like bi-annual wheel changes), I think that changing the springs for you 525 would make a noticeable difference in ride/handling. But without changes to struts also, which act in concert with springs, I question whether you "would not notice the difference" v. factory sport package--any chance they have one for you to try?

Have you kept the stock wheels/tires? I ask because these greatly influence the "sporty" feel, with lower profile, grippier tires enhancing steering precision and feel. You might want to consider this change as an alternative/addition to the spring change.

div2 · May 2005

Let me begin by saying that in my opinion over 98% of BMW owners lack the ability to fully utilize the capabilities of a standard BMW-never mind one fitted with the Sport Package. I'd suggest you spend your $$$ on several CCA drivers schools. You need to explore the limits of both you and your unmodified car. After a few events you should be in a much better position to determine what modifications your car needs-if any.
If you still want to proceed, you need to remember that BMW suspension calibrations are unmatched for combining sharp handling and a supple ride. Munich's engineers achieve this by developing a complete package-springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, wheels/tires, and various and sundry bushings. Simply swapping in a different set of springs will not result in a suspension equivalent to the BMW Sports Package. Anyone who tells you that is either incompetent and/or misinformed or-much more likely-a dishonest hack trying to move product. I would check out the suspension packages offered by manufacturers and/or tuners such as Alpina, Bilstein, Dinan, and UUC Motorwerks. If you are going to go to the trouble of modifying the car you should at least select a package developed by people who know what they are doing.

kdshapiro · May 2005

"Let me begin by saying that in my opinion over 98% of "

Let me say that 98% of all drivers couldn't exact the maxim\um performance out of a Hyundai. Edmunds poster making up the other 2% are the exception of course. :shades:

hpowders · May 2005

Go Edmunds!

div2 · May 2005

"Let me say that 98% of all drivers couldn't exact the maxim\um performance out of a Hyundai"
Agreed; One rainy day I ran off and hid from a WRX that tried to keep up with me on a decreasing radius interstate on-ramp. I was driving my 1993 Pathfinder beater. That guy shouldn't be turned loose in anything more powerful than a Kia Rio.

kdshapiro · May 2005

The mistake the guy made was trying to dodge the laws of nature with the best performance tires available, more hp than brains. It's no secret that WRXs come with high performance tires, lousy in inclement weather.

Try the same maneuver on a dry road however, and the Pathfinder would be eaten for lunch with desert left to spare.

weston3 · May 2005

Help please ...

New to the Forums so apologies in advance if I am not posting in the right spot.

I am considering a purchase of a 2002 540i with sport package/low profile tires, etc.
Car also has premuim package, cold weather package, etc. Purchasing from a dealer and am wondering what I should expect for mileage. Car has 15k miles.

Thanks!

weston3 · May 2005

I should have mentioned it is an automatic transmission and I do drive in a moderate style ... not very aggressive.

Thanks!

cmybimmergo · May 2005

You can go to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2002_BMW_5_Series.shtml to see epa estimates for the 2002 540i. It's considered a gas guzzler, so don't expect great mileage.

weston3 · May 2005

Thanks, cmybimmergo ...

sergeym · May 2005

beng · May 2005

my 2000 538i automatic performance package overheated the other day and the mechanic tells me there is crack in the engine that he can seal with a 95% chance of it working. I was preparing to sell the car before this happened. I noticed 3 weeks later the engine hood gets quite hot after using the car. Is this solution appropriate? should i buy a used engine to replace this one and if so how much would that cost as i was planning on selling the car anyway and don't want to put a lot of money into it. Also. i know friends who go 200,000 miles without this kind of problem, i have mainted the ccar well why would this happen and does anyone else know of such problems with this car? ANy feedback would be much appreciated. bg

530ir1150r · June 2005

The CDV was removed this morning. I think I can feel a slight improvement. This months Roundel recommends removal as soon as the warranty expires. Timely, I ran out of warranty in March.

jlbl · June 2005

Is this CDV built in almost any BMW around the world or only in those specific for the USA market? I am getting blurred answers here from both my local BMW dealer/mechanic and Spanish BMW Forums.

Best regards,
José

530ir1150r · June 2005

I do not know.

sxllrobert · June 2005

I HAVE FOUND A 2001 540-I W/SPORT PACKAGE WITH ONLY
14,000 ACTUAL MILES FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. HE'S A RETIRED
FED EX PILOT WHO TELLS ME HE DRIVES A PORSCHE AND THIS WAS
HIS WIFE'S CAR WHO DID NOT REALLY DRIVE MUCH AND SHE PASSED
AWAY OVER TWO YEARS AGO. HE SAYS THE CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED
SINCE THEN SO HE DECIDED TO SELL. I CHECKED VIN # WITH DEALER AND IT'S BEEN SERVICED ON SCHEDULE WHICH IS ONLY ONCE SINCE PURCHASED, BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILEAGE. THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY RUNS OUT IN ONE MONTH. I CAN BUY THIS CAR FOR $26,000 WHICH SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT DEAL. MY QUESTION IS.......SHOULD I PURCHASE THE EXPENSIVE EXTENDED BMW WARRANTY AND OR THE BMW MAINTENANCE WARRANTY. THE EXTD WTY WITH GIVE ME AN ADDITIONAL TWO YEARS WITH 46,000 ADDITIONAL MILES OF COVERAGE BUT IT COSTS $2,749. THE MAINTENANCE WTY WILL PROVIDE THE SAME TIME AND MILEAGE AND WILL COST $1,395. THIS CAR LOOKS BRAND NEW AND DRIVES FANTASTIC. I KNOW IT'S A GREAT DEAL EVEN TO JUST FIND A CAR THIS AGE WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE. BUT THE EXT WTY AND MAINTENANCE WTY IS MY BIG QUESTION. CAN YOU HELP?
THANKS
RAJ

kyfdx · June 2005

1) He really should have had the car serviced annually, even with that low of mileage..

2) You can't buy the extended warranty from BMW.. unless something has changed, only the original owner can purchase that.. Of course, he could do that for you, before the sale is finalized.

3) Can you even buy the maintenance extension? BMW only included a 3yr/36K plan with the '01 model.. Unless he bought the extension to take it out to 4 years, it has already expired. Usually, they won't allow you to buy an extension, if your plan has expired.

4) The warranty and extended maintenance are going to be pretty pricy, because of the low mileage of the car.. If you purchase either, they will expire in shortly over two years. However, the mileage extends to 100K odometer miles. So, if you drive 15K miles/yr, your maintenance and warranty are only going to cover the next 30K miles.. Assuming you can buy both, $4100 for 30K miles of coverage is way too much.. I'd just take my chances.

5) Turn off the CAPS... and use paragraphs.. Much easier to read.

regards,
kyfdx

juniorbmw · June 2005

Is it worth it to buy the extended warranty on the 5 series?

Has anybody done this? Pros and Cons.

Is the extended warranty expensive?

sxllrobert · June 2005

Thanks, for your help...
sxllrobert

hpowders · June 2005

Does anyone know if the 2005 545i is still being plagued by software glitches the way it was at the beginning of the year or have the computer problems been fixed?
I am test driving one tomorrow. I can hardly wait!

rich545 · June 2005

Enjoy! I don't know about 2005 models, but my 2004 545i hasn't had any software gliches per say. The only problems software-wise have been the dealership "upgrading" the software which takes an entire day due to the painfully slow processor BMW uses. One thing I would urge you to do is realize that active steering, if you are driving a car equipped with it, takes some getting used to, but once you are used to it you won't want to go back. I feel like I'm driving a tracker trailer when I have to use my wife's car. You have to trun the wheel about 10 times to make a turn. With active steering it's much easier at slow speeds to turn, and more responsive at high speeds. Just something to keep in mind because I'm sure it will feel weird to you.

mexibec · June 2005

I went to test drive a '05 545i w/ Sport pkg & Steptronic. I was very much sold (I had a 528 '99 which I immensely enjouyed) but as I was pulling the car back in the dealer's lot, I came to a full stop and started to accelerate very gently. The car started to stumble at 1-2 mph (as when you release a clutch with not enough gas) until I accelerated further. The transmission was on Drive. I tried a few more times in Normal, Sport and manual (M1) modes but this problem didn't come back. The dealer will run diagnostics on the car tomorrow and will let me know if they find anything. Has anyone experienced anything like that? Thanks!

pen101 · June 2005

I have been waiting to hear from someone who has done this. I have been on the fence on this for some time. Can you expand on how the car drives now compared to before removal. Are you shifting smoother? Also, did you send away for the part or did you have a local shop modify the part? Thanks.

530ir1150r · June 2005

I got the part from the shop in New Jersey. The repair shop that replaced the valve said the line has enough slack to connect after removal of the existing part. I feel better with the hollow valve inserted and I kept the original.

I'm not sure I can tell much difference. Not every time, but frequently, the shift to second feels more direct. I may have adapted to the factory part and still drive the same way.

The clincher to me was the comment in Roundel to remove it as soon as the warranty expires. Also, the shop technician said on 540s the clutch pedal is dead for the last inch or so after removal.

The part was $30 something with shipping. The shop charged $67 for an hour of labor, bleeding the brake line and a little brake fluid. The difference to me is subtle, but I think it is an improvement.

pen101 · June 2005

Thanks for the info. I also read the Roundel comments (but my car is still under warranty). However, your comment: "I'm not sure I can tell much difference" is telling that this procedure may be over rated. I'm curious in the coming weeks if your opinion changes.

pen101 · June 2005

saw this on another BMW board:

http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/fdmeloan/5_Series_Sales.pdf

http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/fdmeloan/BMW_Group_Sales.pdf

mexibec · June 2005

Update on this issue: the dealer conducted due diligence and ran some diagnostics: the transmission firmware was at fault and had to be reprogrammed. But the car is new (well, 75 "test drive" miles), on the dealer's lot... :confuse:

weho530 · June 2005

I have a 530 and I noticed after the car is warm the active steering makes a faint noise...which disappears when I make a turn and have the wheels turned all the way...but as soon as I start turning them back it is there again...and I hear it when the car is is not moving.

Reminds me of wind noise...has some high pitch noise in it along with flowing air noise.

Like I said...it's faint but it is noticeable when the radio is off at lower speeds. Anyone else notice that as well and it is normal for A/S?

hpowders · June 2005

Yeah but it's not "brand new" which would only have 50 miles on it!

I drove the 545 today and was quite impressed.

bmwccc · June 2005

SHIPO, KYFDX, NYCCARGUY, KDSHAPIRO & OTHERS.............

Hi everyone, here is a an overview of my past and current pain and suffering.

I have been renting a car on a mini lease for the past 12 months since my last car's engine expired. I thought i was going to jump into the 2006 330i so the 12 month drudge of driving a pontiac gran am didn't hurt too bad. After driving the 2006 3 series three separate times I have decided I actually don't care for it much at all. So here I am back in the rental

.

I have always loved the look of the older ( 2003 ) 5 series and have decided to just go for it and spend a few more $'s. So, I am looking for a 2003 540i with low miles ( of course ) with Sport Package, Comfort Seats and Split Rear Seats as a minimum.
1. Does anyone know the exact difference in the comfort seats vs. the sports seats in the sport package? I am assuming the comfort seats have the 16 way power controls with lumbar but do not have the sport bolstering like the sports seats have in the sport package.

2. Can anyone recommend an auto broker on the west coast ( preferably in california ) who can help locate one of these beauties?

3. What is the best way to find BMW cars coming off leases? I think they started selling the 2003 540i's in Oct. of 2002 which means a 3 year lease is up in a few months.

4. Anyone know the 0-60 times on the automatic as well as the manual? Just curious.

Thanks in advance for the help, any advice would be appreciated.

bmwccc

shipo · June 2005

Okay, here goes, in order:

1) I think that you have the differences down pretty good, with one exception. While I have never even seen a set of "Comfort Seats", my understanding is that they look pretty much like the standard seats except that they have an articulated back rest.
2) http://www.bmwusa.com/CPO/
3) http://www.bmwusa.com/CPO/
4) There were two versions of the automatic (with and without Sport Package) and as such, BMW published three different 0-60 times. I do not remember the exact times but they are something like:
6.1 -- 540iA (non-SP)
5.8 -- 540iA (SP)
5.4 -- 540i 6-Speed

I'm sure that someone will correct my feeble memory with regard to the actual times; however, you get the general idea.

Parting comment: You may find that you spend another year in a rental car if you keep the "Comfort Seat" requirement on your list. Why? Well, it is my understanding that fewer than 1% of the E39s ever built had that option.

Regarding the BMW CPO program, my bet is that well in excess of 90% of all leased E39 540i cars were leased through BMW-FS, and as such, the BMW CPO program gets first dibs on the cars coming in off lease. Since you want a nice one with low miles, the CPO program pretty much has the marked cornered for the used cars.

Best Regards,
Shipo

abmwguy · June 2005

2006 530i -----I am getting a reflection in my drivers side rear view mirror from the green light on the headlight switch (when in the far left auto position) when driving at night. Is anyone else experience this problem. The BMW engineers need to fix this. The only way to get rid of the reflection is to turn the light headlight switch to the far right, then you have to remember to turn them back to the auto position.

kyfdx · June 2005

The other place you might look is at swapalease.com.. You might be able to take over someone else's lease with 8-10 months to go, and grab it before the dealer gets his shot...

That will give you some time to "test" it out, and see if it is the one you want.. If so, then you can buy it for the residual when the lease is up... If you can find an '03 that has 15 months or more left on the lease, then it might have been leased after the big cash incentives were put on.. which were paired with lower residuals... That would be a win-win.. A decent lease payment and a fairly low buyout..

If you check the listings often, you can sometimes find a really good deal..

regards,
kyfdx

bmwccc · June 2005

SHIPO

Great response, thanks for the info.

I agree with the BMW-FS comment, I have been desperately looking on the CPO page and wanted to expand my horizons to any other options. Thus came the idea of an auto broker. I would rather go through a BMW dealership for the obvious CPO reasons.

I have found 2 comfort seats in my area but unfortunately not mated with sport package. I am going to feel the difference between the 2 seats and make a decision.

Regarding your answer to #4, for a 2003 540i my understanding is they offered it in 3 flavors.
a. Standard is Automatic and no sport package
b. Manual 6 speed and sport package which is an added option for $2800 ish.
c. Automatic with optional sport package.

Naturally the manual would be faster than the auto but I am unaware that the Sport Package on a auto would make the car faster than the non sport package on an auto. How would that work?

Thanks

bmwccc · June 2005

KYFDX

Another great suggestion, thanks! I like this idea a lot especially because it still should be under warranty and like you said I can test it for a while.

Thanks again!

shipo · June 2005

Different final drive ratio. As far as I know, the E39 540iA is the only BMW in recent memory that used a different rear end for the Sport Package. It seems to me that the "Performance Package" for the E46 3-Series also uses a different rear end, but the Performance Package is rather over and above the Sport Package.

Best Regards,
Shipo

sergeym · June 2005

Sorry, Shipo but your numbers are not exactly right. Official 0-60 mph times from BMW were

540ia - 6.2
540ia Sport - 6.1
540 i/6 - 6.0

The best magazine numbers were

540ia - 5.9
540ia/Sport - 5.7
540 i/6 - 5.4

BMW 5-Series Sedans

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