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BMW 5-Series Sedans

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Comments

  • topspin628topspin628 Member Posts: 373
    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).

    Just my suggestion.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    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.
  • topspin628topspin628 Member Posts: 373
    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?
  • bruceomegabruceomega Member Posts: 250
    rbleland,

    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
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    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.
  • rblelandrbleland Member Posts: 312
    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?
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... Will it thrill me when there is 3 inches of new snow on the hills?? ...

    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! ;)
  • topspin628topspin628 Member Posts: 373
    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!
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    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.
  • manybmwsmanybmws Member Posts: 347
    Seems like the BMW strategists read these message boards for styling input :) See comment about "frown" in a post I made a couple years ago.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/05/automobiles/autoshow/NUGGET_BMW_5.html?_r=1&or- - - ef=slogin
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,575
    I might actually become a BMW convert.

    Whether you like it or not, you already are.
  • topspin628topspin628 Member Posts: 373
    Very cool. Shouldn't the dealer have installed it for you?
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    We don't use front plates here, thank goodness.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Whether you like it or not, you already are.

    :surprise:
  • ny540i6ny540i6 Member Posts: 518
    might actually become a BMW convert.

    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.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    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
  • ny540i6ny540i6 Member Posts: 518
    Yeah, yeah, yeah....

    No more Lexus for you.

    lol
  • tennisgaltennisgal Member Posts: 7
    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.
  • jamesgjamesg Member Posts: 19
    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?
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,669
    I dunno if it'll happen in '09, '10 or '11 but sooner or later we'll get the excellent 3 liter BMW Diesel and be able to get 40 mpg driving a 5er. :)

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    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.
  • ny540i6ny540i6 Member Posts: 518
    Gotta agree....if you are getting this car for some perceptible improvement in off the line, I'd suggest at least the 535.
  • sdg380sdg380 Member Posts: 109
    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!
  • sdg380sdg380 Member Posts: 109
    I think the latest rumor I saw was a turbo-ed 4.4L V-8. Think that was from a google search of "5-series next generation", or something like that.
  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    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:
  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    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. :)
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,669
    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.

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,317
    I agree with andys120; change the ATF every 60K or so and I'd say that you have a very good chance of hitting 200K with no problems.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • tennisgaltennisgal Member Posts: 7
    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. :(
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,575
    BTW, streets here are not as smooth as you might think.


    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.
  • manybmwsmanybmws Member Posts: 347
    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!

    Also get the comfort seats in any case.
  • littlewonderlittlewonder Member Posts: 20
    I was wondering if a 5 series could tow a 250 pound scooter. Is there a hitch made for towing?
  • melizameliza Member Posts: 1
    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
  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    I just placed my order for a new 535i to be built as follows:

    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:
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,317
    what all should I check on the car

    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

  • bajanjackbajanjack Member Posts: 15
    Can someone tell me whether the Verizon Blackberry Pearl (8130) will work with my 2008 535xi...ie, downloading phonebook, etc?
  • richardga73richardga73 Member Posts: 84
    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!
  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    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:
  • ny540i6ny540i6 Member Posts: 518
    EXCELLENT!! And yes, I am drooling.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,317
    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 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

  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    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. ;)
  • jobiejobie Member Posts: 47
    Yes it will - I have both the car and the Pearl
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,575
    Yes it will - I have both the car and the Pearl

    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.
  • 2saint2saint Member Posts: 1
    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]).
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,317
    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

  • rstaylor99rstaylor99 Member Posts: 1
    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.

    Bob
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Not sure about the E60, however, on my E39 the sensor was snapped into the leading side of the right front wheel well liner.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    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:
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    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:
  • rblelandrbleland Member Posts: 312
    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.
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