My experience is that you should simply tell them that you are confident that you can get the car for 1K over invoice and that if they give you that deal on a car ordered to your specs, they can have the deal right now. If they balk or tell you that you won't get that deal anywhere, I would tell them that if that's the case you will be back but for now your going to walk and take that offer elsewhere. And then walk. Because I am sure you can get that deal or very close to it if you call around and are willing to travel just a bit (50-75 miles).
Well, I bought the friggin' thing! So far, so good. I already did a few setup items, and found some nitpicks. Biggest one so far is that the garage door opener doesn't work unless the car is on. About gave myself carbon monoxide poisoning trying to get it setup. :P I-drive is a pain! (so far) The trunk lid will take your head clean, smooth off if you're not mindful! :sick: And the trunk handles are in the dumbest place ever. I still have to touch the paint to close the trunk all the way.
But to recap the car: 2008 550i Carbon Black Metallic (blue) 6-speed manual Sport Nav Logic7 Shades iPod/USB Heated seats
BTW, I was only able to get them to come down $3K off MSRP.
Congrats! So the lease price that you mentioned of 880 tax included was calculated on 3K off?
I have a similar car due in this week (sport auto instead of stick). After you take a few laps, would love to hear your review. Are you going to get winter tires and wheels?
I'm surprised you haven't gotten any responses to this so far. Asking about AWD vs RWD always seems to stir up interest, and sometimes controversy. If you search, you should find some (but not all) postings on this topic that are very objective and helpful.
I feel it boils down to a combination of factors, such as weather conditions, traffic, terrain, dependency on the car in winter weather, etc. plus your own personal priorities.
With snows on both cars, I think they will both handle winter driving but, and this is just my own personal opinion, the AWD will go better and be more stable in adverse weather conditions. Not sure the AWD affects stopping or turning.
I think the big question is given you have some degree of preference for the 550 over the 535Xi, is that a higher priority to you than better winter weather performance?
In my own case, I chose AWD as I have a high priority for year round versatility in a variety of conditions and driving environments. I came to BMW by way of moving from FWD to AWD. I currently own a 535Xi, and I am very pleased with the dry road handling. Last winter, I still owned an '06 330Xi, and it was definitely better in winter driving than any RWD or FWD car I have previously owned.
I don't remember mentioning an $880 lease price. That must've been quite a while ago (I've been working on this for 1.5+ years!) I won't be getting any snow tires. I'm in the South, so that's not really an issue. I can't believe how low the profile of the tires is, though! Like rubberbands.
I took a friend for a ride last night and she said the ride was stiff. I don't find it stiff at all; not yet, anyway. Just goes to show that different people have different tolerances. Reviewers always talk about how wonderful BMW shifters are and how short the throws are. I find them to be flimsy and the throws too long. And the clutch could be a firmer. Not the best shifter I've experienced, but not the worst either.
Thanks, Bruce, I have searched a ton on this site and others regarding the trade-offs between the AWD 535xi and the RWD 550i and I know the main trade-off is the V8 grunt and sharp handling of the MSport package vs the winter superior handling of the xi. Our winters here are not as severe as many Canadian centres, come later (late Nov to mid Dec) and are usually gone by early/mid March. BUT, we can get big dumps of snow, and icey conditions at any time in those months. I do have hills to drive from home to work, and I will have to take the car every day year round (our AWD Highlander will be driven by wife daily).
My really large concern is whether or not the 535xi (as it doesn't have any of the Sport packs) will give me the sharp handling that I remember from all my other/older BMWs.
I think I know the answers, I just really need to make up my mind which way I want to go. Every time I see and drive a 550i, it thrills me. Will it thrill me when there is 3 inches of new snow on the hills??
Probably no one can answer this but me; but I keep wondering?1?
My mistake. It was another poster who mentioned the lease price and he lived in the NE. Give us the full review after you put on a few miles. Mine is due in next week. Enjoy!
So I'm fumbling around in the trunk and I keep moving around this soft polyester bag with the license plate holder in it. Had picked it up, tossed around, moved it aside several times. Then the thought hits me, "Why in the world do they have a license plate holder in a bag??" :confuse: So I pull it out and voila'! It's paint-matched to the car! I always said BMWs aren't worth the money charged. As I look around and get more acquainted with the car, I notice all the little considerate things provided for your hard earned dollars. Granted, it's still insane money to pay for those "little things," but it's nice to know they're there. I might actually become a BMW convert.
It's sort of like Applied Sciences. I can't reliably criticize a product if I don't have first hand experience, can I? I'm trying to lead by example here. There's too many people that criticize based solely on some magazine writer's opinion. I'm simply formulating my own personal experience. :P
I currently have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and have been test driving luxury sedans (E350, 528i and will test drive the 08 M soon). My goal is to have a comfortable luxury feel without getting too big in car size. The 528i seems to have it all but I am confused with the sport package and run flat tires. I want a comfortable ride that has good pickup especially when I am on the onramp of the freeway (my Jeep has no get up) but I do not need a power horse either. The car will be my day to day car for work, errands, tennis, etc. and used for longer trips to Vegas, mountains, wine country, etc. so I want the tire ride to be smooth. We are in the O.C., S. Cal. I've waited a very long time to upgrade. Any feedback? P.S. My husband always has the smaller car and is also looking for a new car. He will most likely end up with a car with run flat tires.
i am wondering if there are any rumors out there on the power train for the 2009 550i? it seems to me that the current 4.8l v8 is too close in perofrmance to the 3l turbo 535i, and there is enough of a power gap to the m5 to allow a bump into the 400 hp range. a few options could include the new m3 v8 power plant, a turbo v8 or a detuned v10? the v8 is usually a trickle down from the 7 series, but i don't see much new up there. turbo v8 would improve fuel performance - a side bonus. any such upgrades would be enough for me to pull the trigger on an 09. otherwise, i'll probably stick with my e39 540i6. any other thoughts or rumors?
Tennisgal, if you're wanting good pickup, you'll be sorely, sorely disappointed in the 528i. It'll probably be on par with your Grand Cherokee, speedwise.
Concerning the ride, I have an '08 550i Sport and the ride is just fine. I don't find it harsh at all, however, I have had a passenger who commented that it feels quite firm. Different strokes, yada, yada. But a Honda Pilot is her daily driver. You should drive a Sport and non-Sport to see the difference. But drive them as you would normally drive them, not the typical "I-gotta-take-it-easy-because-the-salesman-is-hawking-over-me" drive. I think you may find that the Sports package ride is about the same or better than your Grand Cherokee with vastly improved handling.
Good luck! And if you even want a modicum of speed/pickup, stay away from the 528i.
t/g, I would certainly agree with others that back-to-back test drives are in order, sport package v. standard. Personally, I'd opt for the non-sport, which I think is plenty firm, and avoids the drawbacks (and harsh ride) of run-flats. I still don't think I've read anything too complimentary about run-flats yet, except that you don't need a spare. I do note you're in SoCal, so maybe all your roads are billiard table smooth, unlike our crappy roads here in the Midwest, so you'll like the firm sport suspension, but I don't think it's money that must be spent--JMO.
As others have suggested, you may find that 528 doesn't have the pop you're looking for, particularly compared to a E350, which I think will wax it. A 535i is probably a better comparison, and I would guess priced comparably to a E350. On the other hand, a 528 does drive very nicely, and may deliver the best mileage (I did not check EPA ratings for these.) For the kind of dough you're spending, would be worthwhile to try the various flavors available. Luckily, they'll all fine cars, you can't really go too far wrong, have fun!
It looks like I am going to go ahead with the 535i w/Sports Package. I do not like the idea of run-flats, nor can I justify the $350/ea. price for them... so, I am going to purchase a spare wheel and when the time comes to get a new set of tires I will replace them with a good set of Z-rated tires and buy a spare as well. It just makes sense. With my current car I have driven for over 10 years now, I have never had a flat yet have changed the tires about every 50K or so. I can equip the car with 4 good Z-rated tires for less than 2 of the run-flats... and get a better ride! Guess it is a personal thing, and how you drive the car. But I cannot see spending $72,000 MSP for a fully loaded vehicle and running it into the ground. I really don't think you would notice much handling difference unless you were at the track. The only thing that is keeping me from making the deal comes down to... is it going to be a 535i or a 550i? Everything I read from the seasoned pros that evaluate new vehicles (Edmonds.com, Road & Track, Car & Driver) say the 5 Series is just made of the I-6, a perfect match... so I guess that is the way I'll go. :confuse:
Anyone with long-term experience with BMW's automatic transmissions care to comment? I am trying to decide between the manual and the auto-sport transmissions. Are BMW's auto transmissions known for any long-term issues... say > 200K miles? Once I buy this best I am going to keep it until it rots off the frame and don't want any huge costly repairs on down the road that could be avoided with a 6-spd manual.
I nave the 5-speed Steptronic in my '00 528iA and, after 103K+, I have no issues to report, NONE! I do not adhere to BMW's Lifetime Lube philosophy and have had the ATF changed @ 69K and again @ 100K. I don't know if the original owner/lessor ever changed it (doubtful).
I expect to keep my car for some years tho I doubt I'll see it cross the 200K mark. If you are concerned about cost there is no doubt that the manual is cheaper to run in the long term, even if you should need to replace a clutch or two. Nevertheless I can say that BMW's A/Ts are as good as anyone's. IIRC, the unit in my car is made by a GM subsidiary in France.
Thanks for your input. I will go back to the dealer and test drive both a sport and non sport to make sure what the 528 feels like. My husband tested both the 328 and 335 (because he is looking for a smaller car) and the 335 seemed to be very fast for me in the passenger seat, like in high school when we were all trying to race camaros; a heavy pedal that I am not interested in, yet I still like a car with good pickup. I may have to test drive the 535 just to make sure of what I might be missing.
BTW, streets here are not as smooth as you might think. My husband is a midwest guy and he comments all of the time that we have way more potholes than where he grew up. We probably do have a higher percentage of streets/curbs/sidewalks/etc. that are finished somewhat pristinely but street repairs seem to take a long time to get done.
Get the non-sport model and then get a set of wheels or change the original wheel 's tires to Michelin PS/2s. I have them and they are the best riding tires ever while enhancing the handling of your new BMW. BTW - the 528 is still a nice ride and may satisfy your need. You will also get 30MPG on the highway cruising at 75!
I just bought a 1989 525i with 191,000 miles on it, what all should I check on the car before I put my family in the car and is 191,000 alot of miles for this kind of bmw
If you don't have the past service records I would suggest establishing a baseline by changing out all the lubricants and fluids. Here's what I would use: Engine Oil: Mobil 1 0w-40 or Castrol Syntec 0W-30- every 7.5K Manual Transmission: Redline MTL- every 30K Automatic Transmission: Any good Dexron 3 ATF- every 30K Rear Axle: Mobil 1, Redline, Royal Purple, or Valvoline Synpower 75W-90- every 30K Brake Fluid: A good DOT4 fluid such as Castrol LMA or ATE Super Blue Racing- every year Coolant: BMW Coolant ONLY- every two years If you don't know the last time the timing belt was changed I would change it NOW. A broken belt will cause expensive damage. Check the guibo and center bearing on the driveshaft Check rear axle CV joints Check tie rods and lower control arms
is 191,000 alot of miles for this kind of bmw
I personally know of two E34 5 Series that have over 300K on the clock and are still going strong.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Tennisgal, I also think you would be happy with a non sport 3 or 5. I had the sport in the 3 and my teeth were chipped just kidding with the ride. These are very sporty cars already and the non sport will be sportier a lot more than the jgc. The people who like the sports admit to me that they have a go kart on their mind or they are very young and love the constant stimulation. No offense out there guys and gallions but you know its true. The people who cant afford the bmw sport will have the civic si and the ones who can constantly change wheels, tires, reprogram the computer and generally drive service nuts trying to go faster from stopsign to stopsign. The only time I really use my powerful car is the onramps, 360 degree offramps, and the rest of the time dodging potholes and railroad tracks!
Oh boy... what an experience. I placed my order for a 535i (post #12255) and the day after Thanksgiving I went back to the dealership to make a few changes, and they made me an offer I could not refuse on a 550i. It was a no-brainer! It seems the 6 spd. manuals do not sale as fast as the A/T units do, and yet the manual was the only way I would go. I mean, this is a luxary-sports car... I want to drive it, not merely steer it! This dealership got in a 550i manual by mistake as they did not choose the A/T option when ordering thinking it would come with an A/T being there is no price difference, and they wanted to move this vehicle. So for a mere $2,100 over what the 535i was going to cost me I drove off the lot in a fully loaded 550i. My God... what a vehicle this is!!! No comparison, just love it! :shades:
Welcome to the Club, man! A.k.a. "the dark side," a.k.a. "the poorer value," a.k.a "the unnecessary power," a.k.a. "not much faster than the turbo 6," etc., etc.
So, with the Verizon Blackberry Pearl, the phonebook will download and phone are fully operable on the 5-Series' Bluetooth?
The reason I ask is that it has been pointed out on these forums that Verizon has disabled many of their phone's functions like automatic downloading of the full phonebook in BMWs.
I have a 2007 530xiT with an after-market Curt hitch installed for our bike carrier and to haul our small trailers. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find an American hitch manufacturer which can furnish a wiring harness for newer BMWs, nor can I find an independent BMW shop that will make and install one. I've located an importer of European auto parts that has a source for a harness ($400.00+) --one sees BMWs towing all kinds or trailers in the UK and on the Continent--but I'm not certain that an overseas sourced harness will fit a U.S. spec. vehicle. As for the wagon's ability to tow a trailer: it does a great job of pulling our small sailboat and our 13' Boston Whaler ( I've jury-rigged a harness that furnishes tail- light only power to the trailers and both trailers are narrow enough that the wagon's lights can be seen from behind [but, for safety sake, I'd still like a real harness]).
I've located an importer of European auto parts that has a source for a harness ($400.00+) --one sees BMWs towing all kinds or trailers in the UK and on the Continent--but I'm not certain that an overseas sourced harness will fit a U.S. spec. vehicle.
I wouldn't buy the European harness unless it can be returned; I know for a fact that the E83(X3) US trailer wiring harness differs from the European version- and knowing Munich's penchant for overcomplicating things, I'd suspect that the same is true for your E61.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My ambient temperature display routinely reads -40 degrees on a warm day. So I think that I need to replace the ambient temperature sensor or probe but I cannot find it. Does anyone know where this sensor is located? I assume that it is in the air intake path somewhere, but I cannot find it.
Yeah, I know the 0-60 numbers are close for the 535i vs. the 550i... but they are not the same animal! Plus with the Dinan downloads and hardware upgrades you can make the 550i a little meaner. But just as it comes, look at the difference in the sport pkgs. and what comes as standard on the 550i. The 19" wheels are awesome, and the handling is over-the-top! :shades:
Yeah, the '08 Sport package on the 550i blows away the other two 5s in the looks department! I can't tell you how many looks, stares, smiles I get in mine. I can sort of tell from the looks on some of their faces that they're wondering if it's an M5 from a distance. The visual differences between the 550i Sport and the M5 are fairly subtle on the outside, and if a person isn't really into cars, they'd easily mistake one for the other. :confuse:
In the US you can only get the MSport package on the 550i; but in Canada, you can add the MSport package opton to a 535i or 535xi. That is what I did, and will be picking up my 535xi MSport in about 3 hours today!!! Alpine White with Black Dakota and Poplar.
Comments
Just my suggestion.
But to recap the car:
2008 550i
Carbon Black Metallic (blue)
6-speed manual
Sport
Nav
Logic7
Shades
iPod/USB
Heated seats
BTW, I was only able to get them to come down $3K off MSRP.
I have a similar car due in this week (sport auto instead of stick). After you take a few laps, would love to hear your review.
Are you going to get winter tires and wheels?
I'm surprised you haven't gotten any responses to this so far. Asking about AWD vs RWD always seems to stir up interest, and sometimes controversy. If you search, you should find some (but not all) postings on this topic that are very objective and helpful.
I feel it boils down to a combination of factors, such as weather conditions, traffic, terrain, dependency on the car in winter weather, etc. plus your own personal priorities.
With snows on both cars, I think they will both handle winter driving but, and this is just my own personal opinion, the AWD will go better and be more stable in adverse weather conditions. Not sure the AWD affects stopping or turning.
I think the big question is given you have some degree of preference for the 550 over the 535Xi, is that a higher priority to you than better winter weather performance?
In my own case, I chose AWD as I have a high priority for year round versatility in a variety of conditions and driving environments. I came to BMW by way of moving from FWD to AWD. I currently own a 535Xi, and I am very pleased with the dry road handling. Last winter, I still owned an '06 330Xi, and it was definitely better in winter driving than any RWD or FWD car I have previously owned.
YMMV,
Bruce
I took a friend for a ride last night and she said the ride was stiff. I don't find it stiff at all; not yet, anyway. Just goes to show that different people have different tolerances. Reviewers always talk about how wonderful BMW shifters are and how short the throws are. I find them to be flimsy and the throws too long. And the clutch could be a firmer. Not the best shifter I've experienced, but not the worst either.
My really large concern is whether or not the 535xi (as it doesn't have any of the Sport packs) will give me the sharp handling that I remember from all my other/older BMWs.
I think I know the answers, I just really need to make up my mind which way I want to go. Every time I see and drive a 550i, it thrills me. Will it thrill me when there is 3 inches of new snow on the hills??
Probably no one can answer this but me; but I keep wondering?1?
Are you kidding?? :surprise: There's no greater thrill than hanging a V8 powered, RWD car sideways on ice/snow! :P Really gets the blood pumping!
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/05/automobiles/autoshow/NUGGET_BMW_5.html?_r=1&or- - - ef=slogin
Whether you like it or not, you already are.
:surprise:
Sooooo... $50-60K later, on a car you "researched" for over a year, you think you "might" actually be a convert???
LOLOLOL
And I "might" actually need oxygen.
No more Lexus for you.
lol
Any feedback?
P.S. My husband always has the smaller car and is also looking for a new car. He will most likely end up with a car with run flat tires.
it seems to me that the current 4.8l v8 is too close in perofrmance to the 3l turbo 535i, and there is enough of a power gap to the m5 to allow a bump into the 400 hp range.
a few options could include the new m3 v8 power plant, a turbo v8 or a detuned v10?
the v8 is usually a trickle down from the 7 series, but i don't see much new up there. turbo v8 would improve fuel performance - a side bonus.
any such upgrades would be enough for me to pull the trigger on an 09. otherwise, i'll probably stick with my e39 540i6.
any other thoughts or rumors?
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Concerning the ride, I have an '08 550i Sport and the ride is just fine. I don't find it harsh at all, however, I have had a passenger who commented that it feels quite firm. Different strokes, yada, yada. But a Honda Pilot is her daily driver. You should drive a Sport and non-Sport to see the difference. But drive them as you would normally drive them, not the typical "I-gotta-take-it-easy-because-the-salesman-is-hawking-over-me" drive. I think you may find that the Sports package ride is about the same or better than your Grand Cherokee with vastly improved handling.
Good luck! And if you even want a modicum of speed/pickup, stay away from the 528i.
As others have suggested, you may find that 528 doesn't have the pop you're looking for, particularly compared to a E350, which I think will wax it. A 535i is probably a better comparison, and I would guess priced comparably to a E350. On the other hand, a 528 does drive very nicely, and may deliver the best mileage (I did not check EPA ratings for these.) For the kind of dough you're spending, would be worthwhile to try the various flavors available. Luckily, they'll all fine cars, you can't really go too far wrong, have fun!
I expect to keep my car for some years tho I doubt I'll see it cross the 200K mark. If you are concerned about cost there is no doubt that the manual is cheaper to run in the long term, even if you should need to replace a clutch or two. Nevertheless I can say that BMW's A/Ts are as good as anyone's. IIRC, the unit in my car is made by a GM subsidiary in France.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
BTW, streets here are not as smooth as you might think. My husband is a midwest guy and he comments all of the time that we have way more potholes than where he grew up. We probably do have a higher percentage of streets/curbs/sidewalks/etc. that are finished somewhat pristinely but street repairs seem to take a long time to get done.
You'd probably be happier with a 5 Series compared to a 3 Series and a non-Sport over Sport Pkg.in light of your comment.
Also get the comfort seats in any case.
1. Titanium Silver Metallic
2. Black Leather Interior
3. Options:
• Manual Transmission
• Sport Package
• Dakota Leather Package
• Navigation System
• Night Vision
• Cold Weather Package
• Premium Package
• Active Steering
• Logic7 Sound System
• Comfort Access
• HD Radio
• iPod and USB Adapter
• Bamboo Anthracite Wood Trim
It is scheduled for a Dec. buid-out and a mid-Jan. delivery. Now it is a waiting game... :shades:
If you don't have the past service records I would suggest establishing a baseline by changing out all the lubricants and fluids. Here's what I would use:
Engine Oil: Mobil 1 0w-40 or Castrol Syntec 0W-30- every 7.5K
Manual Transmission: Redline MTL- every 30K
Automatic Transmission: Any good Dexron 3 ATF- every 30K
Rear Axle: Mobil 1, Redline, Royal Purple, or Valvoline Synpower 75W-90- every 30K
Brake Fluid: A good DOT4 fluid such as Castrol LMA or ATE Super Blue Racing- every year
Coolant: BMW Coolant ONLY- every two years
If you don't know the last time the timing belt was changed I would change it NOW. A broken belt will cause expensive damage.
Check the guibo and center bearing on the driveshaft
Check rear axle CV joints
Check tie rods and lower control arms
is 191,000 alot of miles for this kind of bmw
I personally know of two E34 5 Series that have over 300K on the clock and are still going strong.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I remember a time when it was almost impossible to sell a BMW with a slushbox...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
So, with the Verizon Blackberry Pearl, the phonebook will download and phone are fully operable on the 5-Series' Bluetooth?
The reason I ask is that it has been pointed out on these forums that Verizon has disabled many of their phone's functions like automatic downloading of the full phonebook in BMWs.
I wouldn't buy the European harness unless it can be returned; I know for a fact that the E83(X3) US trailer wiring harness differs from the European version- and knowing Munich's penchant for overcomplicating things, I'd suspect that the same is true for your E61.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Bob
Best Regards,
Shipo