BMW 5-Series Sedans

audi_or_bmw · March 2006

Hi all!! I just purchased my fully loaded 2007 BMW 550i with SMG. I wanted to reach out to others who may have the 2006 or have already taken delivery on an 2007. How do you like it so far? If you got the SMG how has your experience been? I can't wait for delivery day!!!

dabimmer · March 2006

I had Michelin Pilot Primacy's on my 2001 530i for about 28000 mi. and really enjoyed them and couldn't understand why they were relegated to not being very good tires. It was said they were too noisy, & rough riding but I never experience any of that. When it was necessary to get new ones I decided to go with Michelin PS2 's all around and boy, what a difference! These tires are absolutely fantastic: quiet, good ride,no tramlining,great in the rain. In other words everything you could ask of a tire for this car. I only have about 2000 miles on them but am still amazed everytime I drive the Bimmer. Just my $.02

jabrolta · March 2006

I have a question. Can a BMW navigation system be installed to a 2004 and up 5 series if the car did not have it originally in the IDrive? If so, do BMW dealerships install the NAV? Thanks for any inputs.

cmr530i · March 2006

Hi Dabimmer! What is the price difference between the Primacy's and the PS2's?
I just hit 50K miles. Still running strong.

530ir1150r · March 2006

My 2002 530i, SP, came with Primacys. They lasted 37k miles, but were very noisy. My next tires were Goodyear Eagle F1s, quiet, good handling, but only lasted 15k miles. PS2s are currently on my car. With approximately 15k now, they are not noisy and will outlast the Goodyears.

Both Michelins are close enough in price to get what you want. The Goodyears are about $15-$20 cheaper if I remember correctly. Tirerack had all three. Also a recent issue of Car and Driver rated the Eagle F1s the best high performance tire, PS2s were fourth. If my PS2s make 30k miles, I'll get another set.

shipo · March 2006

The Primacys on my 530i had gotten so noisy by ~13K miles that I was already shopping for new tires in spite of the fact that they still had at least half of their tread left. In desperation at ~14K miles I rotated them front to back and they instantly quieted down. Did I notice any ill effects from the rotation? Nope. Would I do it again if I had a car with the same size rubber on both ends. Yup, in a heart beat. The only difference is that I won't wait until they get so noisy that I cannot stand it. I'm figuring that after each seasonal swap of rubber I'll simply swap ends. Simple, easy, effective. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

rich545 · March 2006

It depends on the build date, but generally it can't be done on a 2004 E60 without spending an awful amount of $ simply to have NAV. I beleive that 2005 and newer E60's can have it done. There's tons of info on this on E60.net's forums. I asked my dealership about doing it to my car (2004 545i), and it would cost about $5K to do it (and they weren't even 100% it could be done). Just my opinion, but it would probably be a better idea to buy a portable NAV device.

manybmws · March 2006

I have a 2003 530i with BMW 17 inchers. I had Michelin Pilot Sport A/S that I estimate I got 30K+ miles out of. I am getting the wheels refinished and getting new tires as well. These are not used as winter tires. So I could replace with the newer design Michelin PS2. Will I get the same mileage from these? They seem to perform better on all other accounts (according to Tire Rack surveys).

cmr530i · March 2006

Does refinishing get rid of minor curb rash? How long will the finishing job take?

manybmws · March 2006

They say they can fix damaged wheels. The guys at Rimpro in Tewksbury Mass said about 10 days for 4 wheels.

I am only getting the outside "rim" done on these 2 piece wheels. But they do take them apart and claim the clearcoat they apply is better than the OEM process, and warranty it. We will see.

http://www.bmwwheels.com/bmwwheels_detail.asp?ws=71&Series=E39

jimbres · March 2006

I'm gonna take a stab at this & suggest that you burn your nav DVD as an ISO image; otherwise, it won't work. Most recent versions of Nero Burning ROM support ISO image copies. Admittedly, I know just enough about this stuff to be dangerous.

On an unrelated topic: it's conventional wisdom on the Edmunds BMW boards that "beamer" refers to the motorcycle & "bimmer" to the cars.

kyfdx · March 2006

I doubt you'll get the same mileage out of PS2s that you did out of your A/S tires...

But, you'll be amazed at the increased lateral grip...

dabimmer · March 2006

Hi again, good to hear from you and see you're still posting and still rolling right along on your bimmer. 50,000 is quite a milestone but probably nothing for a car that can go 200K or more easily. Mine is just humming right a long ! When I purchased my PS2's the two tires were very close in price. I just checked Tire Rack and the PS2 is $182 ea, and the Primacy is $203 each. Trust me the PS2 is a Superior tire. It is absoluely great. We've had a lot of rain in Northern Cal and I have had No problems in the rain. The Tire Rack has affiliated tire specialists to install your tires, mine did a super job. What more can I say?

jabrolta · March 2006

Rich,

I found some information on the e60 forums. Apparently, the retrofit can be done. There is retrofit part: CCC Retrofit/Conversion Kit US: 65 90 0 390 844. In addition, I found a BMW bulletin describing the retrofit: e6o nav retrofit. The forums also mentioned the part cost $1800. Some even mentioned this price included labor, which I think is highly unlikely.

seloo · March 2006

In my local paper there is a 03 530 SPT/PRE/NAV numerous options, Grey with tan interior; 24K miles for $34K.

520-459-0066 Southern AZ

It has been in the paper for a couple of weeks.

manybmws · March 2006

I am getting 4 PS2s. What the heck.

jackiron · April 2006

If you haven't already test driven the different transmissions, then you should before you buy. They are very different. I was leaning towards the SMG then I test drove one and realized that, though it was very cool and probably perfect for some people, it would have driven me nuts. And been a problem for my wife. So, I've settled on the automatic.

But it's a very personal decision --- you've got to test drive and the decision should be an easy one.

sb55 · April 2006

I test drove an 04 545i with 6 speed, Sport Package, Nav. + a few other options. Any idea of real world gas mileage?
Sticker said 17 city/25 hiway. My old 530 seemed fairly close to 25 on the hiway, so this seems optimistic for a V8.

hpowders · April 2006

Not optimistic at all!
I have a 2005 545 with steptronic.
The mileage estimates are 18 city/26 highway and that's what I have been getting.
The BMW 8 gets better mileage than the M35 V-6!

shipo · April 2006

"My old 530 seemed fairly close to 25 on the hiway..."

Really? Geez, my 2002 530i SP 5-Speed would routinely exceed 30 on the highway.

Best Regards,
Shipo

markcincinnati · April 2006

I read an article about Audis DSG and BMWs SMG and the conclusion seemed to be that for once in its life BMW had missed the mark with the SMG.

Now, I have driven the DSG in an AWD Audi TT and when left to its own devices it seemed like "the best, the most ideal" automatic ever invented -- and unlike steptronic and tiptronic is was 100% lag-free.

OK, background info over: what was "wrong" with the SMG to the point that it would "drive you nuts" and why would it have been a problem for your wife?

The article I read seemed somewhat vague on the left brain stuff about the SMG/DSG and more touchy feely as if "why not make all transmissions DSG?" kind of :confuse: thing.

hpowders · April 2006

For having that intoxicating BMW 8, I gratefully accept the 26 mpg instead of the 30 with the 6.
It is indeed the high way!

div2 · April 2006

The SMG fitted to the M3, M5, and M6 works great. And as for the non-M SMG? Well, I spent significant seat time in two 645Cis, one with SMG and one with Steptronic, and there is NO WAY I'd buy a car fitted with it. In Sport mode the SMG shifts like my grandmother, while in Normal mode it shifts like my great-grandmother. If there is any way possible, CHANGE YOUR ORDER!!!

manybmws · April 2006

I have exceeded 30 as well in my 03 530 - but need to keep it near 65 MPH and back off on steep grades.

Not sure its worth it

shipo · April 2006

Hmmm, I never drive below the mid to high seventies, or higher (unless I'm in traffic that doesn't allow it) and yet I almost always exceeded 30 on my long trips. For over two years I paid a monthly (or more) visit to a client in Long Island. With the exception of a couple of trips where I encountered diabolicaly heavy traffic, 30 was easy.

FWIW, that Long Island trip was about 520 miles round trip, and I was normally able to do it on a single tank of gas.

Best Regards,
Shipo

markcincinnati · April 2006

So you don't think I am being a wise-guy: since I am now at age 54 (which will give you a frame of reference for when I rode with my grandmother in the 50's), I can tell you my grandmother drove only "three on the tree" Ford's and that she drove smoothly and skillfully.

I have no memory of my great grandmother.

Therefore, from my perspective, my grandmother was an "expert" manual transmission shifter and I would consider the words you wrote to be flattering.

But, I know you didn't mean it that way.

What, then, does your memory or analogy of what a grandmother or great grandmother suggest? Slow, deliberate, upshifts about 50 RPM below the next highest gear's "lug speed?"

Speaking only for DSG, it was smooth yet precise, rapid in its shifts up or down, yet virtually jerk free (moreso than any step or tip tronic these days.)

When driven as a manual, the DSG was almost uncanny in that it actually seemed to be a "clutchless" manual.

What has the SMG got or lack that has you advising folks to cancel? :confuse:

div2 · April 2006

The non-M SMG is simply not ready for prime time. The timing of upshifts is not the problem. Rather, in automatic mode the shifts are very slow causing a definite lurch. As for manual mode, in my September 2005 Roundel article "His And Hers" I stated:

"One thing the SMG will NOT do is crank off tire-chirping speed shifts while you keep the accelerator floored. In fact, I obtained the fastest and smoothest upshifts by lifting off the throttle after executing the shift. Go figure."

In short, it's not a very good automatic and it's not a very good manual. You can adapt your driving style in order to drive it smoothly, but what's the point? In contrast, the GM 5L40-E autobox in my E83 executes seamless upshifts on demand in either auto or manual mode. Please remember that all my comments are directed at the NON-M SMG; the Sequential M Gearbox is excellent-particularly in the M5 and M6. In fact, if I wasn't planning on adding a vintage M1 to my stable I'd probably be ordering at an M6...

audi_or_bmw · April 2006

Ok so what exactly is the difference between the non-M-SMG vs. the M-SMG. Driving in the "Drive" mode on the 550i SMG does take a bit of getting use too. But the manual is awesome!

I only had a total of 3 hours between 4 dealerships to base my opinion on so I am very interested in what others have experienced. Isn't the SMG on the 550i derived from the M-SMG?

div2 · April 2006

Ok so what exactly is the difference between the non-M-SMG vs. the M-SMG.

The Sequential M Gearbox features multiple shift calibrations for manual and automatic modes which allow much faster shifts.

But the manual is awesome!

Awesome? Maybe if you're comparing it to a 1968 Nova with a Powerglide...

shipo · April 2006

Geez, I thought he was talking about a true three pedal manual. I guess not huh?

A "Slip and Slide Powerglide", I used to have one of those, before I figured out how to drive a stick. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

tradesmart2 · April 2006

Have ordered a 2007 5301x for ed delivery. Still have time to change order and buy comfort seats---any comments?
thanks, tradesmart

bdr127 · April 2006

Have ordered a 2007 5301x for ed delivery. Still have time to change order and buy comfort seats---any comments?

The comfort seats are awesome! (In MY 2007, I believe they are called "Multicontour Seats") They articulate in 20 different directions and are fantastic. I especially like the upper back adjustment.... Pair these seats with the heat and ventilation and you've got a reeeeally nice seat.

markcincinnati · April 2006

The salesrep at our BMW dealer said he wouldn't take a payment of $1250 to get the 'DISCOMFORT' seats.

The car I tested with them was, despite the many motorized articulations, impossible to set to a comfortable position.

I agree with the BMW sales rep -- he also is the sole buyer for the dealership and says these seats dissuade customers from buying.

The standard seats and/or sport seats would be my choice.

To each his/her own.

hpowders · April 2006

Being tall with a back problem, the BMW comfort seats are the only car seats I have found, dare I say it, comfortable-better than the seats in the LS430.

jabrolta · April 2006

I just got a 2005 545i with Nav. Is there a way to have the navigation map take up the whole screen, instead of 3/4, and the sub menu? Thanks for any help given.

erickpl · April 2006

Short answer: No. Sorry.

A guy I know here at work has a 545i. He uses the radio on the left box and the Nav in the smaller screen. If you don't want that setup, make the map the bigger window and when you use directions/trip details, that can be displayed in the smaller window.

-Paul

manybmws · April 2006

UPDATE: Got the PS2s and really like them. I was concerned that they would tramline and not be as compliant as my previous Michelin Pilot A/S - but - they are in fact smoother riding and pretty much as compliant when going over rough surfaces and bumps. Handling and response no doubt better. I will see how well they wear. These are the right choice if you have dedicated winter tires/wheels.

BTW - Wheel refinishing came out like new.

cmybimmergo · April 2006

I get my best mileage at 80. And these days, straight hwy gets me up to 34+ mpg. Last week I went from upstate NY to MD on 12 gallons of gas. I averaged 31 for the entire trip, which included many speed fluctuations owing to bear sightings, traffic lights, traffic, and several sudden downpours. At one point, the range for a tank, according to the OBC, was 616 miles.

Now if only it didn't drink so much oil...

shipo · April 2006

Yeah, the sweet spot for my E39 530i was in the high seventies as well, kind of a far cry from the kind of mileage you were getting when you first got you car isn't it.

Regarding your oil consumption, how much is "so much"?

Best Regards,
Shipo

designman · April 2006

These cars are unreal on the open road. I clocked my 03 530 at 33 mpg into an ~5 mph headwind averaging about 75 mph. It was from exit 70 on the LIE to the toll at the Throggs Neck Bridge. And if you are familiar with this piece of road, you know that it's rarely without some sort of cholesterol. Apologies to the guys in Kansas etc. who don't know what the heck I'm talking about.

It was once clocked at 27 mpg averaging 90 with a tailwind on the Penn Tpk, but that was when the car was fairly new. Correct me if I'm wrong but the mileage seems to drop after 80.

That said, the local stuff drags it down to where it averages about 19.5.

And the conventional mileage check supports the OBC within tenths.

BTW, on the subect of "clocking". My wife didn't realize how fast I was going in Penn, testament to the bimmer's capability. When she finally looked at the speedo, she almost clocked me with a right hook.

;-)

bdkinnh · April 2006

While washing my car Saturday I noticed a smallish but deep (head of a pin sized) chip in the paint at the edge of the windshield at the top. Since it's so deep I'm concerned about rust forming; is this something I can fix myself with an off-the-shelf product, or should I take it to a body shop?

Thanks!

div2 · April 2006

BTW, on the subect of "clocking". My wife didn't realize how fast I was going in Penn, testament to the bimmer's capability. When she finally looked at the speedo, she almost clocked me with a right hook.

Back in 1984 my wife and I drove our 1973 Bavaria 3.0 through PA on our way home from our first CCA O'fest. It was a drizzly Sunday morning and my wife was reading a mystery novel. My CB and first generation Escort indicated a threat-free enviroment so I slowly eased the old sled up to a 100 mph cruise, which I maintained for almost two hours. My wife's only comment was "Wow, it took us almost no time to cross Pennsylvania."
Four years later I was evaluating an early E32 750i outside Rochester New York. I took it up to 125 mph and asked my wife how fast she thought we were going. She guessed 80 mph... :surprise:

cmybimmergo · April 2006

kind of a far cry from the kind of mileage you were getting when you first got you car isn't it.

It's like a different beastie was inhabiting The Beast *way back when.* :P

Regarding your oil consumption, how much is "so much"?

I've had to add a quart at anywhere from 2500 to 5000 miles; it's been inconsistent. And while it bothered me that I had to add any at all, I really had no cause to complain because it's been within specs. But I added a quart right before my trip on Thursday, and believe it or not, I had to add another yesterday, after only ~700 miles.

Which is why my indie gets to play with it today. :sick:

cmybimmergo · April 2006

These cars are unreal on the open road.

I agree. Someone once told me that some of the cylinders shut down when you drive for an extended time at hwy speeds, which explains the phenomenal mileage; is this true? Because if it is, it also would explain the striking difference between the hwy and city numbers.

I clocked my 03 530 at 33 mpg into an ~5 mph headwind averaging about 75 mph. It was from exit 70 on the LIE to the toll at the Throgs Neck Bridge. And if you are familiar with this piece of road, you know that it's rarely without some sort of cholesterol.

I don't believe there are any roads on LI that aren't extended parking lots. That's pretty amazing mileage for the LIE (the original World's Longest Parking Lot).

Correct me if I'm wrong but the mileage seems to drop after 80.

This has been my experience, too. Maybe that's why 80 is at the top center of the speedometer.

shipo · April 2006

"Someone once told me that some of the cylinders shut down when you drive for an extended time at hwy speeds, which explains the phenomenal mileage; is this true?"

Nope. The BMW I6 is simply a very well engineered engine that doesn't need a gizmo approach to fuel efficiency. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

rich545 · April 2006

Sorry, I just noticed this message. Glad to hear it's possibly, and hopefully not too expensive, but alas, my 545 is gone. Traded it in two weeks ago for a Porsche Cayenne S. Honestly, can't even say I miss it. Much as I loved the 545, the Cayenne is a great SUV. I know it's an entirely different beast, but it comes about as close to the 545 as an SUV can get. I'd love to drive the Turbo S which has 540 hp. Anyway, the Cay has NAV so I'm all set! Thanks though!

nyccarguy · April 2006

Your 545 was a 6-speed manual right? How's it feel driving a slushbox Cayenne? Congrats on your new vehicle.

tradesmart2 · April 2006

thanks bdr-127, markcincinnati and hpowder for the great advice. Will test both seats soon as I ordered the car without actually ever being in a 530.---tradesmart

rich545 · April 2006

No, the 545 was auto too. Actually, it was the first automatic I had ever owned. The Cayenne is a great SUV. Love the poer, and the performance is about the best you could get from a 5,000 lb truck. I think that Porsche did an amazing job creating a vehicle that has the utility of an SUV while outperforming most cars on the road, all while making sure it was a true Porsche. My only gripe would be that the automatic transmission could be improved. It doesn't downshift quickly enough and gets to 6th gear way too soon (for fuel economy maybe?). The Tiptronic in it is nice though with two rocker switches on the steering wheel (either can be used to shift up or down which I like).

bdr127 · April 2006

I agree. Someone once told me that some of the cylinders shut down when you drive for an extended time at hwy speeds, which explains the phenomenal mileage; is this true? Because if it is, it also would explain the striking difference between the hwy and city numbers.

GM has something like that called "Displacement on Demand", but as someone else pointed out, BMW doesn't do that. They get pretty darn good gas mileage without it...

BMW 5-Series Sedans

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