BMW 5-Series Sedans

shipo · June 2007

I believe that there are two gallons of fuel left in the tank when the count-down mileage goes to zero. On my 530i I once had occasion to have to drive fifty miles after the count-down hit zero.

Best Regards,
Shipo

designman · June 2007

Real men run out of gas. ;-)

shipo · June 2007

Sorry, my bad. ;-)

I actually did run out of gas in my 1995 Passat GLX one time. I had my two year old with me and by the time I strollered him up to the closest station, and then strollered him back to the car with a gas can, I saw that he was covered in ticks. Yikes! I threw his little butt in the car and pulled no less than twenty ticks off of him (I found several on me as well). Ever since then I've really tried not to run out of gas. :P

Best Regards,
Shipo

andys120 · June 2007

You could always go in and fill your tank when it says you have 2 miles left and calculate how much gas was in the tank (assuming you know the tank capacity).

sdg380 · June 2007

On my '02 E39, I think the "range" starts to flash when it reads less than 9 or 10 miles, and after a couple more miles, I recall filling it in excess of 18 gallons in an 18.5 gallon tank. So maybe "about a dozen" miles remaining is about right (or maybe a half-dozen), but running out of gas is such a PIA, I think it's worth avoiding (real men, notwithstanding!)

shipo · June 2007

I believe that the Owner's Manual for my 2002 530i stated that the tank was 18.5 gallons plus a 2 gallon reserve. The time that I drove fifty miles past "zero" (a service island on the Ohio Turnpike was closed but the prior signage never indicated that little detail) I did in fact put in just shy of twenty gallons of gas.

Best Regards,
Shipo

kyfdx · June 2007

Our E46 325i hiccupped a couple times with 46 miles still showing.. I never took a chance with it, after that.

Our current E46 330 has been down to single digits, with no ill effects.

I've always heard you shouldn't run your tank near empty, as many cars use fuel to cool the fuel pump. No idea if that's how BMWs work, though.

regards,
kyfdx

shipo · June 2007

"I've always heard you shouldn't run your tank near empty, as many cars use fuel to cool the fuel pump. No idea if that's how BMWs work, though."

I believe that is the case with BMWs as well. Regarding the incident I related above, I didn't really have an option as there was no way I was going to get off the turnpike at oh-dark-thirty in a rural area hoping to find an open gas station. I simply soldiered on to the next service area and got gas.

Best Regards,
Shipo

sdg380 · June 2007

Well heck, 20+ gallons, I've been worrying needlessly, I'm going to put some of that Click and Clack black tape over that annoying yellow warning light!

nyccarguy · June 2007

I believe the fact that the fuel pump uses gas to cool. There has to be something going on. I ran out of gas in my '01 Prelude a few years back. The manual says my car has a 15.9 gallon gas tank. After I pushed the car down the block to the nearest gas station, it wouldn't take a drop more than 14.5 gallons.

Before owning my Prelude, I leased a 2000 Saab 9-3 (36 months/36K miles). It had one of those DTE computers like the BMWs have. When I went to turn the car in, I hit a LOT of traffic and started sweating that I was going to run out of gas beofre I got to the dealership. I stopped and put $1 worth of gas in the car (back when gas was $1.50 per gallon). When I pulled into the dealership, the DTE said 0 and the odometer rolled to 36,000 miles. When signing the odometer statement, the salesman said he's never seen a car with exactly 36,000 miles (from a 36K lease). After he asked me about the mileage, he jokingly asked me if there was any gas in the car

jdkoch · June 2007

Yesterday, with the A/C on high, I heard a loud
bang, then the blower fan started making a loud clicking
sound. With the fan at low speeds the clicking sound
is very low, but after 4 or 5 bars it is very loud like
the fan blades are hitting something. Any ideas
as to what could have happened?

roadburner · June 2007

Any ideas as to what could have happened?

Something has come adrift and/or a foreign object is stuck in the blower housing

richardga73 · June 2007

Topspin, did you try the 535 in sport trim or regular trim? And did you notice whether the 550 merc was quieter or the same? You said the handling on the 535 was sportier,did you place the suspension switch on the sporty setting on the 550 to compare. It has 3 settings. How about steering feedback between the two? Seat comfort comparo? Thanks this is what this forum should be about, people actually driving the cars instead of parroting mag articles.

topspin628 · June 2007

The 535 did not have the sport package. To my ear they were both quiet at cruising. If I had to pick a one for quiet, I'd say that the BMW may have been slightly more so but they were both excellent in that area. I tried the MB on all settings and it tightened it up on the twisties but the steering feedback and breaks were not up to the BMW. Clear win for the BMW in the handling department. I found the seats to be about equal, both very good. I'm not totally in love with the 5 series body and find the E Class to be more classic and elegant. The 5 wins on the tech features. Nav and blue tooth along with built in sat radio. I don't think blue tooth is a factory option with MB nor do they have real time traffic as an option on their nav. In the MB you do know that you are driving an 8 cylinder vs the turbo 6 of the BMW. It's hard to describe the difference since I think 0-60 times are about equal but the MB gives more of a big car lux ride, while the BMW makes you feel like you are in a sporty, smaller car. I like the 8 cylinder feel but I also like the much better fuel mileage in the BMW. Big edge to BMW for the all included maintanince as well. That's worth a grand or 2.
IMHO, the BMW is a better value, offers a world class sporty drive, which if you like, can't be beat (if road feel and steering feedback are important to you, BMW wins for all of their cars).
In summary, I think the bmw 5 is a car that you could take to a track or a driving school and would really enjoy. I just couldn't picture taking an MB E Class to the same. Not that you couldn't, but to me that's not what the E Class is about.

jb_shin · June 2007

According to BMW's press releases, the 335 used a turbo i6 instead of a v8 because it saved 140lbs versus a similarly-powered v8.

Interestingly enough, the latest issue of Roundel mentions that the new M3's 4.0 V-8 is actually 20 lbs. lighter than the 3.2 I-6 in the E46 M3.

shipo · June 2007

"Interestingly enough, the latest issue of Roundel mentions that the new M3's 4.0 V-8 is actually 20 lbs. lighter than the 3.2 I-6 in the E46 M3."

Wasn't the block for the I6 in the M3 made out of a big'ol hunk of iron?

Best Regards,
Shipo

jb_shin · June 2007

Wasn't the block for the I6 in the M3 made out of a big'ol hunk of iron?

Indeed, apparently for strength and compactness.

richardga73 · June 2007

Topspin, as you know I have the E500 with 339 torque. I feel like you do in that the Benz is too luxurious. The steering wheel feels a little numb with very little road feel.The air suspension on the most firm setting still is soft without a lot of feel. Now in relative terms, it is more sporty than any of the lexi which purposely (even the small sporty one,I forgot the name). I rented a honda for a week on a trip and believe it or not it had more feel and sportiness than the benz, it honestly surprised me. I wish I had bought the bimmer 550 now even though at the time I thought it was ugly. I had a 330 sport and I absolutely miss it. When the new 5 bodystyle comes out I will seriously give it a very serious look. (Probably around 2009 or 2010)> I have gotten tired of just about every car I have owned around the one year mark except for the bimmers I have owned. They are just more fun to drive and in the long run if it doesnt beat you to death is the most important aspect. I am simply one of the biggest car nuts around, I wish I wasnt.

richardga73 · June 2007

I didnt finish the sentence about the lexus. I meant to say that on a sliding scale starting with sporty to luxury, the bimmers are on the left with the mercs in the middle and the lexi on the far right on the side of luxury, isolation,numbness and boredom.

topspin628 · June 2007

I have the same "bug". About one year into my 3 year leases I start "hunting". I love it and "hate" it as sometimes it consumes me but overall it's a fun game and one I'm lucky to be able to play. I think it started for me as a teenager when I had a job parking cars at "fancy" country club. I got to drive MBs, Caddy's, Porsche and the rest. I vowed that one day I'd have enough money to buy one.
Three years ago I wanted the S Class as I felt it was the best looking and riding car out there. Reliability, lack of expected tech features and a lease that was about 400 per month sent me to Lexus for the LS. Great car but boring and numb. Regarding the 535, for fun I researched an old review on the M5 here on Edmunds and they said it was basically the best car money could buy at that time. Looking at most of the performance specs, the new 535 is equal or better in most categories and for a lot less $. The last gen M5 was around 75K back then. Oh and the mileage is much improved on the 535 vs the old M5. Interesting uh?

carnaught · June 2007

Your self description to a great degree describes me as well.

I am a former Lexus owner and because I admire the brand, will probably buy another in the future. BUT, owning my last Lexus, the SC430 made me extremely bored with the car. It felt both heavy and numb at the same time, not a good combination. I became disillusioned to the point that I went back to German cars and my third BMW was just ordered this past week, a 535. This will replace my 3 Series lease which expires in late Aug.

topspin628 · June 2007

Congrats on your new 535. I am leaning that way as well. I would love to hear your complete review when you get it. What options did you get? Do you know when the body is changing?

carnaught · June 2007

What options did you get? Do you know when the body is changing?

Thanks for your wishes. On the car I got steptronic, premium pkg., premium logic 7 HK stereo, comfort access and Sirius sat. radio. After this exterior and interior freshening, more of a change is due either as the 2009 or 2010 model. This will be just in time for this car's (24 mo. ) lease expiration.

After having the sport's pkg. (S.P.) on a 540, I've been happier without it on my current 3 Series. I found the sport seats hard & more confining and the ride is softer on the non-sport. Also, I'm not crazy about the summer tires which wear quite readily. Most BMW-philes say to never get a BMW without the S.P. The S.P. is great but just doesn't work as well for me.

topspin628 · June 2007

I am also leaning away from the sport this time. I had it on the 330 which I think fit the personality of that car and now for me on the 5, I think the normal suspension is sporty enough. Plus, I think I would get the all wheel drive version and I don't want to do the winter tire changes that I had to do on the 3. Could you share the details on your lease?

Thanks

carnaught · June 2007

Oh, forgot to mention that I also got Navigation with traffic updates.

Lease was 24 mo., 18,000 mi. per year with tax, license + fees first payment, then $930/mo. Admittedly, this was not the best posssible lease out there but my mileage and 24 mos. (I get bored of cars if I keep longer) cost me. Also, if a better deal comes within the next 90 days, I will get it.

sdg380 · June 2007

My wife has a Lexus ES 300, I've been driving a E39 530 for about 5 years. Perhaps stating the obvious:

The Lexus is a pleasure to ride in.
The BMW is a pleasure to drive.

I have also found the standard BMW suspension to be sufficiently sporty, and more versatile for our crummy Midwest roads, and think it is worth considering. I'm also looking forward to the new body style (very low miles on my E39), but would also consider an E-class, so everyone's comments in this regard are of particular interest.

The rap on Lexus reminds me of the recent Consumer Reports (which back in 2001 called the E39 "the best car they ever tested") in which they gave the new Lexus ES top marks overall, but stated that it "wasn't even remotely fun to drive"--ouch!

kcx · June 2007

I am considering a 2008 528xi. I never owned a BMW (I owned Mercedes and Lexus), so out of curiosity, I searched the web for sales figures and I came up with some interesting statistics (interesting to me anyway).

http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/s/01062007/31/link-finance-news-bmw-group-reports-8-7-percent-increase-sales.html?p=1

http://home.att.net/~fdmeloan/5_Series_Sales.pdf

There were more 535xi sold than 528xi in the first two months (April and May 2007) since they hit the market.

What is more interesting to me is, historically, the bigger (or more powerful) engine xi's have outsold the smaller ones. The 530xi outsold the 525xi according to the sales reports.

I am beginning to wonder if I shouldn't be considering the 535xi myself for reasons such as resale value due to demand, etc. The 528xi has better fuel economy and less performance but costs less. Perhaps a 528xi is sufficient for an entry level BMW guy like me coming from Mercedes and Lexus

Any comments or advice?

sdg380 · June 2007

Well, I can appreciate "value" in purchases, but when spending $50k+ for a car, why economize? Presumably you can afford either. While some are satisfied with the performance of the less powerful 6's, you should try a back-to-back comparison yourself. I think you may find the extra power somewhat intoxicating, and lure you into the BMW camp from the fine offerings at Lexus and MB. Or not. You may find the extra power isn't enough to justify the extra expense. I think either will hold their value ok for resale, and the difference in fuel economy should not be that big of a deal when considering such expensive cars, imo.

kyfdx · June 2007

Generally, the smaller-engine, lower-priced BMW model will hold a higher percentage of it's value. At least historically, this has been the case.

The 3.0 litre engine in the 528xi is pretty nice. If you don't drive the 535xi, you'll probably never miss it.

macdad · June 2007

I had a 2005 E320 and a 2006 525 at the same time (for about 7 months)and with exception to the upgraded stereo in the MB, I felt the BMW was far superior.

macdad

kcx · June 2007

Thank you all for replying.

I drove the 528i and 535i last Saturday and found that the 528i is sporty enough for me. The 535i is definitely quicker. Unfortunately the dealership did not have any xi's in stock. They had over a dozen 528i's and only one 535i. They are expecting a 535xi soon.

I hope the added weight on the 528xi doesn't make a noticeable difference in performance compared to the 528i I drove last weekend.

Before the test drive, I favored the 535xi because of the spec. After the test drive, I was leaning more towards the 528xi because I am not (or have not developed) a sporty driving style, and the 528i felt sufficient

I could be persuaded to consider a 535xi if there are obvious reasons for doing so. I'll give myself one more week to research and read what others say, and then I'll place an order.

Thanks again for your input.

blckislandguy · June 2007

Superior in what dimensions????

dhanley · June 2007

The 528ix will be a little less sporty than the 528i in both acceleration and handling. But it will not be night and day, by any means.

If you truly have no intention of pushing the car, get the 528ix. If you think you might be kicking yourself in 6 months, well...

Either is a great car, in any case. I'd rather drive an underpowered bmw than a overpowered lexus.

kcx · June 2007

dhanley, that is very good information to know, given that I was not able to test drive a 528xi! Thank you!

So, can I assume the 535xi is also "less sporty" than the 535i although the 535xi is 0.1 second faster than the 535i from 0 to 60mph? (with automatic transmission)

lovemyclk · June 2007

Consumer Reports made their obervation in 2003 I believe - I also have a 2003 e39SP. Now if only I could drop the new twin-turbo in my car, it would even be "perfect-er" ;-)

Not to make any Lexus fans out there jealous, but I have yet to drop a dime into my car for maintenance outside of my summer tires. Doesn't mean I don't take it in - just have had a bullet-proof car and performed all required maintenance. Originally leased in 2003, then CPO'ed and purchased in Jan '06 since I knew more engine in the 5er was on the way. Drove the 535 and loved it, but may just hold on until the next series change in 2009 or so.

I'm looking into the iPOD adapter and docking station for the center console ashtray from DICE and will call it a day with this terrific machine.

shipo · June 2007

Now if only I could drop the new twin-turbo in my car, it would even be "perfect-er"

Funny, I actually have fantasies of buying a clean 2003 530i SP 5-Speed and putting in the twin-turbo I6 and 6-Speed from the 535i. For my needs, wants and desires, it simply couldn't get better than that. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

dhanley · June 2007

"So, can I assume the 535xi is also "less sporty" than the 535i although the 535xi is 0.1 second faster than the 535i from 0 to 60mph? (with automatic transmission)"

By and large, yes. The AWD will help a little 0-60, and perhaps powering out ot turns, but in general the RWD cars are a little sportier and more fun to drive than the AWD versions.

Are you sure you want AWD? Putting on snow tires is a better option in many ways, in my opinion. You get RWD sportiness, better fuel economy, and snow tires help you turn and stop in snow/ice; AWD just helps you accelerate in incliment conditions.

kcx · June 2007

dhanley wrote: Are you sure you want AWD?

Yes, I see it as a compromise, a "swiss army knife" approach

A car to me is not so much a hobby. It provides my basic transportation needs plus a little more. I have to admit I like gadgets, and I am sure a BMW will give me more than what I need when I want to have some fun:)

I don't want to have to change in and out of snow tires if I don't have to because it doesn't snow all that much here (relatively speaking). But when it snows heavily, I have a better chance of "surviving" - less chance of getting stuck in snow. I am sure AWD will be better in wet pavement too.

I owned 2 FWD's (Acura), 2 RWD's (Mercedes) and 1 AWD (Lexus), and it looks like AWD is a trend in luxury cars.

Like I said, I like gadgets, so if I can have the most fun-to-drive car (BMW) with AWD (safety and good traction in bad weather), then I will very happy.

This will be my first BMW, and I am looking forward to it

kamdog · June 2007

When I test drove the 528xi, I made sure to take it on an up-hill entrance ramp to the highway. To me, it kinda struggled and I said for a $50K BMW, this don't make it for me.

I'm ordering a 535 because for 5 grand more, I will be driving a luxury sports sedan, rather than a luxury sedan.

The 528ix is 2 seconds slower to 60 than the 535ix. That is a big difference. 60mph = 88 fps, so the 535 would be at least a 150 feet further down the road in a 0-60 drag. (I don't know enough math to really pin it down, as I realize that when the 535 hits 60, the 528 won't be near that at all, and when the 528 hits 60, the 535 would be well ahead of that speed.)

kcx · June 2007

Presently, almost all countries outside North America require that all front, side and rear turn signals produce amber light. In North America the rear signals may be amber or red. International proponents of amber rear signals say they are more easily discernible as turn signals, and US studies in the early 1990s demonstrated improvements in the speed and accuracy of following drivers' reaction to brake lamps when the turn signals were amber rather than red. US regulators and other proponents of red rear turn signals claim there is no proven lifesaving benefit to amber signals.
http://www.answers.com/topic/turn-signal#wp-_note-26
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_lighting#Turn_signal_colour

OK, I personally prefer amber rear turn signal light because I agree, it is "easily discernible".

I never understood the reason for using red turn signal light. I was very disappointed when Honda started using red years ago, followed by Acura. To my surprise, BMW followed with red on their new 3 and 5-series in the USA, but apparently stayed with amber in Europe. Does anyone know why?

Apparently I am not alone in the disappointment http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2438

designman · June 2007

So, can I assume the 535xi is also "less sporty" than the 535i although the 535xi is 0.1 second faster than the 535i from 0 to 60mph? (with automatic transmission)

The 535xi is also 243 pounds heavier than the 535i, and total final drive is slighty taller in the first two gears. I doubt whether it is really .1 second faster to 60 and would like to see this verified with tests.

If you don't crave the extra power in the 535 I wouldn't hesitate to get the 528. It's similar to the E39 530 and that was the cat's meow not long ago. I would also have concerns about the newness of the twin turbo 6 in addition to potential issues over the long haul. $5K extra is a lot to pay for something you don't want. Gotta want it and appreciate it, not just feel good about the acceleration numbers.

gohorns1 · June 2007

My wife and I had a chance to test drive a 535 yesterday. It was every bit as good as I had read about (and a lot more fun to drive than to read). Before the '08's came out, I had been leaning toward the 550. But with the 535 available, I didn't even bother test driving the 550. The dealer did not have the 535 with a sport pkg so we test drove a 528 with sport. I found the 528 underpowered, as did my wife. She preferred the ride of the non-sport. I could go either way, but the multi-contour seats were amazing. I tend to be picky about the seats, but with the adjustments available, these were clearly the most comfortable I have tried. We are leaning toward the 535 with premium but not the sport pkg, but will add the seats. We are pretty set on the options we want. But does any one have a comment on the rear-side impact airbags? Edmunds stated in their review that do to safety concerns, you have to request to have them activated. Are these a true safety option or is it unnecessary, or even potentially a safety concern. Thanks for any comments.
Lastly, I am in central Texas. Anyone have experience with pricing in Austin/Waco/Houston/San Antonio/DFW etc?

cmr530i · June 2007

I opted not to get the rear side airbags with my 5er because at the time of purchase my younger son had to ride in the back seat. He would at times fall asleep against the side door which would have been a dangerous position if an airbag were to have deployed. If you know that only adults will ride in the rear seats of your car, then the side airbags are a great safety item.

strataprop · June 2007

I was planning to choose rear side airbags because I have two small children (ages 2 and 4) and wanted to protect them as much as possible. I understand that front airbags can be dangerous by trapping young children against the front seat, but I thought airbags coming from the side were safe for children and added to their overall safety. Any comments?

cablue · June 2007

When I got my 2001 530, I chose not to get rear airbags. It was believed to be a danger to children because, for one, they could fall asleep against the door which was just too close to the airbag. My children were then 8 and 6. Now that they are older and taller than me now, for our '08, we are ordering the rear airbags this time. You might want to check into the current airbags and the recommendations for '08.

JingleJill · June 2007

Your best bet would be Austin. I'm on my 5th BMW and 3rd one from Austin. They treat you right. Avoid San Antonio like the plague and I live in San Antonio. In fact, I make the drive to Austin when my car needs service. You could try Garlyn Shelton in Temple and/or College Station, but they are a smaller dealership and might not be able to deal.

cmr530i · June 2007

If you google "side airbags and children's safety", you will find various articles that discuss the dangers side airbags pose to children. Although airbags have gotten "smarter" they are still not child friendly or safe.

gohorns1 · June 2007

I was able to get an answer regarding the rear side airbags from the BMW dealer. He stated BMW does not recommend the side airbags for children under 12.

kcx · June 2007

When I first glanced at the spy photo of the 2008 Honda Accord, I thought it was a BMW 5-series

richardga73 · June 2007

gohorns1, in reference to the multicontour seats, did you compare them to the sport seats in the spt. package? compare specifically the bolstering and lumbar support.. I realize that they are probably comfortable but with leather being a little slippery and all I have a tendency to slide laterally with my underbolstered seats in my e500. It would be almost worth it to me to get the sport in the 535(my next car or the 550) just to get the good seats. Also, and I guess more important can anyone out there compare the ride of the sport 3 and the sport 5. Im like some of you in that I thought the 3 sport (had a 2003 330 sport)was a little too bumpy but Im wondering if the increased weight of the 5 would preclude that. Thanks anyone

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