BMW 5-Series Sedans

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  • bmwmark1bmwmark1 Member Posts: 1
    Hello...
    I am finally getting ready to order a 540i for Euro delivery, and I was looking for any feedback on the 6-speed stick.

    I was planning on buying a 540iA with the Sports Package, but I recently drove both a manual and auto version of a 3 Series in a Susan G. Komen "Drive for the Cure" event. The stick was far quicker than the auto, needless to say.

    So, I am wondering if anyone would be willing to offer any advice. Our local traffic sucks, but I am thinking that I should simply deal with it and enjoy the 6-speed's performance.

    In closing, do any 6-speed users here agree with Edmund's statement that the manual transmission is "demanding"???

    Any advice would be appreciated!!!

    Mark in Austin, Texas
  • bmwrulesbmwrules Member Posts: 10
    I will be paying $1000 more, largely due to buying sport and premium packages separately. Comparing invoices from last year it looks like a price increase of about 2.3%

    I don't know how your saving $1000 because I didn't see any price decreases.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    I extensively test drove an M5 several months ago and have since test driven a 540i 6-speed a few times. I had also heard that the manual was demanding and "difficult to modulate"; however, from my experience the 6-speed was as smooth as butter. I would not hesitate for a moment to get the 6-speed, in spite of the fact that I live in Washington DC and our traffic sucks as well.

    Go for it!! And let me know how your Euro delivery experience goes, since I am likely heading that way in a few months.
  • peanut20peanut20 Member Posts: 6
    To bmwrules - I realize that each person's situation will be different as far as paying less or more in 2002. In my case, for a 530ia, I want the comfort seats which (if my 2001/2002 information is correct) has gone from $1,800 to $1,200. That's a $600 savings alone. Also the in-dash CD is now included as standard so that's another $200 savings. The Comfort pkg is gone which is a $600 savings added to an increase in the Premium pkg of $200 will let me net a $400 savings. Everything else I wanted stayed at the same price. When you add in the $50 increase to the base price of the car (Euro Delivery), it ends up saving me $1,150 overall. Because of that, I'll probably go ahead and spring for the Xenons since everyone on the board has said such good things about them. I see what you mean about the Premium & Sports pkgs being separate. That makes a big difference. I won't be getting the Sport pkg so I hadn't focused on that. Let me know if your pricing information conflicts with mine since you said you didn't see any decreases.
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    I have a 2001 540i 6-speed with sport suspension, in-dash cd, premium stereo, winter pkg.,and upgraded wheels. I also second habitat1's opinion. There is nothing quite like a V-8 with a manual transmission. It does take more concentration to drive a manual, and the clutch can get heavy in traffic. However, I am very happy I got the manual and would order one again. I just turned 7,000 miles, and not one problem.
  • yanbukenyanbuken Member Posts: 12
    Habitat1 and Indylowflyer, thanks for your responses.
    I too have misgivings regarding the new rear end of the 5-series (redesign), however, the thought of new larger engines and the benefits of valvetronics may overcome my redesign concerns. I understand that the valvetronics may result in a 15% (more or less) increase in mileage in the 3.0 engine. I just wish the new redesign was available in 2002, and not in 2003.

    Ken
  • cheekscheeks Member Posts: 67
    Can anyone recommend a good snow tire for the 530? I have been told that Blizzak is the way to go.
  • lgrosslgross Member Posts: 55
    You double banged the convenience package. In 2001 the $600 was included in the $1800 comfort seat price. You should not have been separately charged $600 for the convenience package. In 2002, the convenience package is included in the base price.
  • peanut20peanut20 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the clarification on the Convenience pkg price. I guess I need to go back and recalculate to see if I can afford the Xenons after all!
  • gmpianistgmpianist Member Posts: 2
    I'll be ordering a 2002 530i. I'm interested in anyone has purchased one in the San Francisco Bay Area, how much over invoice they paid? Thanks!
  • dabimmerdabimmer Member Posts: 165
    Hope this helps, I purchased a 530IA in Dec in SF. The cars were in very short supply and was told by another dealer in San Mateo that there would be a 3 month wait and expect to pay way over MSRP! I was able to negotiate with the SF dealer and saved about $1000 ! The car is pretty well loaded and I am very happy with it. I guess if I had saved a couple thou in the transaction it would have been even better but I got the car the same day and the dealer was just great in all respects. The car is a total blast and looks great. The color is Anthracite which I understand will not be available in 2002.
  • kelfkelf Member Posts: 83
  • crow72crow72 Member Posts: 9
    Pardon the intrusion on the 5 series board but I had planned on ordering a five myself before the latest deals on 7 series came out and I thought some of you might be interested...

    For 2001 cars on dealer lots:
    740iL has $7,500 rebate
    740i has $5,500 rebate

    With dealers in NJ happy to take $2000 on a deal, this translates to more than $5,500 under invoice on the iL and more than $3,500 under invoice on the i. That is a whopping 12k under MSRP on the iL and 10K under on the i.

    Well I take delivery on my Titanium Silver 740i with convenience pkg and cold pkg this Wednesday...$3,980 under invoice
    Odometer reading: 10 miles
    MSRP: 65,560
    Invoice: 59,335
    My price: 55,355
    Out the door with 6% sales tax, luxury tax, and motor vehicle for 59,699

    These cars come with a multitude of standard options; nav system, cell phone, major duty stereo, rain sensor deal...lots of things you might pay to add to a five.

    I found that there were many many more iLs around than i's. I preferred the short wheel base since I did want or need a really big car.

    I just could not resist what I viewed as a bargain to get into a 7. Happy shopping if any of you feel the same way.
  • crow72crow72 Member Posts: 9
    Does anyone have any thoughts on the following anti theft items?

    [1]LoJack
    [2] Having VIN etched onto all glass

    I have read that these can lower insurance and with VIN etching I heard that thieves will sometimes move on to the next car rather than deal with having to buff/replace the glass.
  • arizona4arizona4 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1997 528I with the basic stereo. It sounds bad. What can I do to make it sound a lot better without changing the tuner out? Any ideas?
  • ezaircon4jcezaircon4jc Member Posts: 793
    One word.....SPEAKERS!
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    Does anyone care to comment on 5-series with sport suspension and winter driving? Snow tires? Type/brand?
  • seanl3seanl3 Member Posts: 5
    I thought it was just me. I just got a 1998 528i, and the sound system is terrible. What speakers would you all recommend? and do I have to go back to BMW for this? (owner's choice customer) and if so, about how much would it cost me to replace just the rear speakers.

    Thanks
  • taylorttaylort Member Posts: 31
    I have a 2001 530 that is 4 months old. When I first turn the air condition on I get a mildew odor from the vents for about 5 seconds or so. Then it is OK. Has anyone else experience this?
  • cmr530icmr530i Member Posts: 278
    I experience that same smell once in awhile from my A/C too. My car is also 4 mos. old. I think some messages on this board have addressed the issue. I'll review them to see what I can find.
  • chrism123chrism123 Member Posts: 47
    I am in the market for a new 5 series, 525i or 530i. This will be my first BMW and I am curious about long term reliability. I put on average 25k/yr and plan on keeping the car 5-6 years. Are there any problem areas that I need to be aware of.

    How good is the 525i compared to the 530i. I know that there is a hp difference (184 vs. 225) plus 2 options. But is it worth 3k. I would hear from owners or people that have test driven both models.

    I live in New Hampshire but near the Mass border. Has anybody had any experience with some of the area dealers (good or bad).

    Is the DSC and Traction Control really that good for winter driving. I would not be getting the Sport Package. I would prefer to have it but the low profile tires wouldn't be good for the amount of miles that I would be driving.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    It's a very subjective matter, but I personally find the 530i has considerably more usable power than the 525i. I would rate the 530i as almost halfway between the 525i and 540i in performance. Given that it's only $3k more and there is no gas milage penalty, it would be a no brainer for me to go with the 530i over the 525i. However, I appreciate performance and would be getting the sport package and manual transmission. If performance is a minimal consideration, I am sure the 525i is a great car that will keep you happy for 5-6 years and 150k+ miles.

    I continue to debate whether the 540i 6-speed is worth nearly $10k more than the 530i. In this case the added performance comes at the expense of much lower gas milage (and a gas guzzler tax), higher insurance costs and probably higher long term maintenance expenses. When I look at that analysis, the 530i over the 525i seems much more reasonably justified.
  • merckxmerckx Member Posts: 565
    Yes,it is extremely subjective.I almost bought a 5-spd. 525 last spring(ultimately,could not get past the somewhat cramped back seat);I did not in the least find it sluggish.In fact,I thought it a glorious drive.If $3000 is not a particular stretch,then get the 530.But if you do get the 525,I don't think you would ever feel cheated.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Friday Night, September 14, at 7:00 p.m., in your time zone, step out of your door, stop your car, or step out of your establishment and light a candle. We will show the world that Americans are strong and united together against terrorism. Please pass this to everyone on your e-mail list. We need to reach everyone across the United States quickly.

    fowler3
  • stevehhstevehh Member Posts: 6
    The only way to tell is to drive both! Try to drive where you can actually test the difference.

    Personal suggestion: In either case, make sure you get the Xenon headlights!!

    Good luck!
  • chardercharder Member Posts: 1
    This is my 1st post here, so hopefully I'm doing it correctly! Bought a certified preowned '99 540i 12 days ago. It's been to the dealer 4 times so far with problems. The last 2 times I had to leave it. I would like to know if this if this is what I can expect for the future? I purposely chose BMW for it's reputation as a good low maintanence car.
    Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated.
    C.H.
  • ojcojc Member Posts: 31
    Is it an auto or 6M? Is it warranty issues?
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,620
    You (and I, as it turns out) seek long-term reliability in a luxury sedan. What I've been told on the Audi board and have inferred from this one (and others) is that luxury brands aim at the lease market and could care less about people who actually buy cars and keep them 4 - 10 years.

    If one leases a car, one is in possession of it only during the warranty period, and the cost of repairs outside warrantly are completely irrelevant. There's the issue of selling the "off-lease" product, but that's not the problem for the folks who rent (lease) cars, for a variety of reasons.

    Having participated on a variety of boards over the past couple of years, it appears that most of the "enthusiasts" that are heard from lease rather than buy and don't give a rip about long-term reliability.

    I own a Lincoln LS that has had its share of first-year "issues", but major items have been pretty good. I intend to own it for the forseeable future. Stay tuned.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • 00hockey00hockey Member Posts: 1
    I recently bought a 2001 530i. It's really a great car but I am having trouble with the air conditioning. When outside temperatures are above 90 degrees my air blows warm air for about 3 minutes and intermitantly blows warm and semi-cool air until it finally blows cold. Has anyone else had this problem? I havn't taken it in for its first serice as everything else is perfect.
  • cmr530icmr530i Member Posts: 278
    A few of us on this board, myself included, have experienced your same A/C problem and I have yet to see an answer for it. It does seem that after being parked in the sun with temps. 90+, the cold air takes about 5 minutes to come out, and even takes longer in stop and go traffic. If you can find an answer PLEASE let me know. Otherwise I just love my car!
  • dvdbmwdvdbmw Member Posts: 2
    I was experiencing similar problems with my A/C - I recently had my aux fan replaced, (due to the BMW recall) and it took care of the problem. A/C cools like a meat locker. I purchased my
    530i in March and I love it!
  • chrism123chrism123 Member Posts: 47
    I would like to believe that is not the case, that a luxury model is only lease attractive because it parallel's the warranty. I would hope that the up-front cost, being an expensive vehicle, would pay for itself over the long run. Otherwise I would just assume buy an Accord or Camry.

    Anybody else have experience with a BMW with 150k on the odometer.
  • mbnut1mbnut1 Member Posts: 403
    It is pretty safe to say that you will not have lower post warrenty operating costs with a Mercedes, BMW, or AUDI than with a Toyota or Honda. Which is to say in all likelyhood you won't be compensated for your higher upfront costs. I wish it were otherwise as I tend to buy used rather than new. What you are paying for is the superior driving experience.
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    The quality/reliability of BMW has improved greatly over the last 10 years. IMO, these cars are well built and will easily go 150-200,000 miles. The overall quality/reliability of all makes and models have improved tremendously, they've had to due to intense competition.
  • jls21jls21 Member Posts: 40
    I, too, have had the infamous A/C problem of no cool air for several minutes upon starting out on a very hot day. I haven't taken my car in for the fan recall yet. I just want to be clear on what you've said here - what they did during this recall fixed your a/c complaints?? Has anyone else found this to be true or not true?
  • jls21jls21 Member Posts: 40
    I live in Massachusetts near the NH border. I ended up buying my 530i from Dreher-Holloway in Stratham. I checked with BMW of Peabody (which is where I will service my car), but Dreher Holloway just happened to have a car being driven by the owner in the exact color combo and equipment level I was looking for. Car was delivered with about 1300 miles on it - saved about $2k vs. ordering a new one. Al Burke is the sales manager - very helpful. I had been test driving 99 and 00 528's and 01 530. Once I found this particular 01 530, I knew that I could stretch for it financially, and that no other car was an option for me. 530 really outperforms 528, which was important to me, so I never drove a 525. I did drive an Audi A6 2.7T - fast car, but no comparison on the handling. As others have suggested, whether you go with the 525 or 530, GET THE XENONS - they are unbelievable. Being a fan of manual transmissions, but with a wife who won't touch one, I got the steptronic and am quite pleased with it. I actually use it and enjoy it thoroughly. Good Luck.
  • dvdbmwdvdbmw Member Posts: 2
    Replacing the defective aux fan corrected the a/c problem. When I set up my appointment to replace my aux fan, I mentioned to my BMW service rep the a/c problem, and he told me replacing my aux fan would correct the problem, and it did. I am assuming your car is on the recall list - you can confirm with your dealer, or you can notify BMWNA via the BMW Owner's Circle, to find out if you car is on the list.
  • chrism123chrism123 Member Posts: 47
    Thanks for your input. I had also been test driving 99 & 00 528's but found the sales price a little high. Actually by spending another 3-5k I could buy a new one, either a 525 or 530 (depending on options).

    I did pay a visit to Dreher-Holloway and spoke with a sales rep. Willing to offer $1500 off of a 525i sitting on their lot. I haven't had them price the 530, yet. Curious if you receive a quote for a new one (with no miles). Did they discount it or was it MSRP.

    Have you driven your car through the winter season. If so, the good or bad. I'm wondering if DSC with the traction control is enough for our roads. '

    Any other options that I should consider (aside from the XENONS). I was looking at Premium, Cold, Steptronic, single CD and Convenience. Thanks.
  • jls21jls21 Member Posts: 40
    I didn't price a zero mileage 530 at Dreher Holloway, but I did at BMW of Peabody - the best they would do was $1200 off MSRP. I ended up with mine at about $3200 off MSRP (with 1300 miles on the car). Apparently, you are looking for my car - Premium Pkg, Steptronic, Cold, Convenience, Single CD and Xenons - that's exactly what I have - What color are you looking for?? Mine is Aspen Silver/Black - gets rave reviews - I thought my first choice color was titanium silver, but the aspen is nice - a little different, and a lot less common. If performance is important to you, and you are going to keep the car for a while, I definitely suggest the 530. Not having driven a 525, I assume it is not faster than a 528. I did drive the 528 and 530 back to back, and the difference to me was significant - the 530 performs amazingly well, and if you use the steptronic, which I do, the experience is enhanced. Let me know how you make out.
  • jls21jls21 Member Posts: 40
    I forgot to respond to your question about winter driving. I took delivery of my car at the end of May, 2001, so no, I have not experienced winter driving yet. My plan is to play it safe and get a set of 4 snow tires. Does anyone have any suggestions as to snow tires that they like?
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,208
    ..is the caption below a horrible picture in the 9/14 edition of my local paper. The home was destroyed by a fire that originated in the engine compartment of the owner's two month old BMW. The paper lists the BMW as a 503, I'm guessing they mean 530. You really can't tell from the picture. The house, the BMW, and a Mercedes ML are gone, gone, gone. Thank goodness, no one was hurt.
    Just a lousy week for the civilized world...
    Give blood regularly and know you are saving lives.

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • chrism123chrism123 Member Posts: 47
    I believe you have convinced me, that is, the 530i is the correct choice. Yes performance is important to me. Presently I'm driving a 2000 Honda Accord EX-V6 (certainly not an Autobahn car but it does handle well and has decent power). When I test drove the 528i I felt my Honda had better low-mid range power. Therefore the 525i wouldn't be enough. For the record, I am not implying that a Honda is in the same class as any BMW. I'm just comparing basic power(HP) numbers.

    I am looking at three colors, Topaz Blue, Orient Blue or Aspen Silver.

    I have an appointment to test drive a 530i in 10 days (busy schedule).
  • jls21jls21 Member Posts: 40
    We obviously have similar paths regarding our choices in automobiles. You are coming out of an Accord V-6, and I came out of a Camry 6 cyl. Same deal - the Camry, while no comparison in handling, smoothness of operation, body integrity, etc. to the 528, actually had more apparent power - about the only thing that I liked in the Camry. Don't fault me, as I did not choose that car. I inherited it from my wife when we had our first child and decided to replace my 1993 Audi 90 with a Subaru wagon (since traded for a 2000 Honda Odyssey). So, that is pretty much why I never bothered to test drive a 525. I figured for the money I was about to spend, putting aside all other great things about the BMW, it better outperform the Camry as well. The 530 not only outperforms it, but leaves me with a huge smile on my face every time I drive it.

    Regarding your color choices, I'm obviously biased towards the Aspen Silver since that is what I have and love it - it shows virtually no dirt, it is not a common color, and gets unbelievable comments from everyone who sees it. It looks a little different from time to time, depending upon the light source. My neighbor across the street has one of the blue colors - I think Orient - Is that a dark blue? Their car has the tan leather - nice combo, but I prefer the black leather. I just think that over a period of several years, black will look better later on.

    At this point, will you end up with a 2001 or a 2002?

    You will not regret this choice. This car has no rival - if you can think of one, I'm sure I can give you a reason why the 530 is the better choice, and it keeps getting better after 3 months of driving it.
  • jls21jls21 Member Posts: 40
    One more thing - if you think your Accord V-6 handles well, you haven't taken the right type of test drive yet. When you drive the 530, get yourself on a country road with nice curves, engage the steptronic, and as you approach a good curve, downshift to 2nd gear and hit the pedal hard as you go through the curve - you will never feel the same way again about your Accord.
  • bmwrulesbmwrules Member Posts: 10
    Never drove manual and I dont understand how all the shifting and downshifting works. Also, if I just mess around with it - shifting it up and down, could I mess up my transmission?
  • chesdin4chesdin4 Member Posts: 22
    A friend has a mid-80's 535i w/ 160k miles. It requires a steady diet of $300/month in service to keep going. I suggested he'd be better off putting the money toward a lease on a new BMW...

    Didn't get the Xenons on my '01 530i. Now I wish I had.

    Am happy with choice of 530 (5-speed) over 525/540. Definitely the sweet spot in price/performance.

    To REALLY see where BMW handling shines, you have to take a sweeping curve on the autobahn at 100+ m.p.h. What a blast. I highly recommend euro delivery. It's a good way to have a really fast car to play with on the autobahns, since most rental cars have smaller engines over there.
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    I am not surprised at the high maintanance costs of a mid-80's 535. I think the big improvement in quality has only been in the last few years.

    Xenons are nice, providing they last as long as claimed. I guess they would be a little pricey to replace.

    For me it was V-8/manual/sport suspension that hit the "sweet spot" for me. I felt the price was comparable to other vehicles in the same class.

    There is a long sweeping interstate ramp that I have taken at 85 m.p.h., not the autoban, but it is a blast!
  • jls21jls21 Member Posts: 40
    I know this question has been posted in the past, but I haven't seen a recent answer. Does anyone have any suggestions for any particular snow tires. I intend to buy a set of 4 for my '01 530, as I live in the Boston area and frequently have to drive in snow and would rather spend the money than be sorry. Thanks.

    Second question: do we all believe the recommended service intervals. Is there really no need to do the first oil change until 10 to 12 k miles, or is the car better off with more frequent changes?
  • golubiangolubian Member Posts: 2
    When will the 2002's be out? Any word yet on invoice and msrp pricing as compared to 2001?

    Also, any thoughts in terms of i) when in relation to the 2002's coming out would be the best time to try to acquire a 2001 525i or ii) whether the availability of the 2002's would tend to depress the market prices for 1999 and 2000 528i's?

    Thanks in advance.
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    jls21: I too am looking for winter tires,and would like feedback on tire choices. I will be purchasing new rims and snow tires as this seems to be the way to go.
    Regarding oil changes, my service tech at the BMW dealer says it wouldn't hurt to have it changed at least once. (He said between 3,000 and 4,000 miles)

    golubian: I read October is when 2002 5-series will start arriving at dealers. Anytime the new model year starts, the older models are "a year older" and should depress the pricing. It seems the late model 5-series I have seen are retaining their value as the asking price remains high.
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