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Comments
I haven't been able to find a model with the Premium sound system on a dealers lot to audition. Largely because most of the 2001 5's have been sold and the 2002 will not be in until October.
michaelg5- Thank you for the feedback. I will be purchasing wheels and snow tires, now I need to decide what type.
You may well have to listen to one to decide.
Since that may be difficult, you could ask yourself whether you consider yourself to be an "audiophile" (i.e., big bucks into other stereo equipment at home).
If so, go for it... if not, I think you'll find the base system more than adequate.
In fact, it is a superlative sound system. I am sure that like any other option if you get it
you'll be very, very happy with it. The sound from a CD source is so good that I am very pleased with it.
535i (1985) with 65k. Very leary about
driving in the snow in Northern IL.
Comments?
Best Regards,
Shipo
P.S.
Starting in second gear with the 5-Speed helped a lot when it was real slippery.
My sales rep and the service manager at the large local bmw center in Santa Monica responded with very positive comments with references to how bmw's are commonly seen in Europe towing 'caravans' (i.e. small camping trailers) for weekend outings.
Since those two individuals had provided wildly incorrect technical advise on another matter, and since I've never seen any bmw sedan towing a trailer of material size, I double checked with New Jersey. Opposite response: don't tow anything otherwise the warranty will be voided. This was curious, since the sales brochure indicates that towing 1,000 lbs is ok. I didn't pursue the matter, since I have other vehicles more suited to towing on which I've installed hitch recepticles.
On the same topic, Trailer Life magazine provided comments on a number of candidate sedan tow vehciles for small utility trailers / jet ski trailers / etc. a while ago, and recommended avoiding using fwd cars and avoiding any vehicles with the Toyota/Lexus V-8, any bmw v-8 (the old missing cylinder lining and ZF auto trans issues again), or the Nissan V-8 engined Q45, for that purpose. They did indicate that the bmw sixes would be ok in their experience, either with the six speed or the GM 5 speed auto transmission. In the case of the automatics, they provided their usual suggestion of adding an auxillary transmission oil radiator.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Thanks for the towing advice. You've confirmed my gut feel, but I am still not sure what direction I'll go.
Gearman, which sales brochure were you reading which indicated the 1000 lbs?
What sort of problems, if any, are you seeing with high mileage M62 engines in 540i? I have heard there are a few potnetial problems with this engine. I love the performance of 540, but maintenance cost may swing it to 530. I do plan on keeping the car for at least 5 to 6 years, or ~100,000 miles. Any issues with the transmission or the clutch, both of them seem to be quite expensive to replace. I am planning on manual.
Thanks.
Just a couple of days ago, when some folks here were discussing towing with a 5-Series, Gearman posted that "Trailer Life magazine provided comments on a number of candidate sedan tow vehciles (sic) for small utility trailers / jet ski trailers / etc. a while ago, and recommended avoiding using fwd cars and avoiding any vehicles with the Toyota/Lexus V-8, any bmw v-8 (the old missing cylinder lining and ZF auto trans issues again), or the Nissan V-8 engined Q45, for that purpose." I must say that that post gave me pause regarding the North American version of the BMW V8, does the block use a different alloy than the I6? If not, why does it not have the same problem with fuel with high sulfur content?
Since I have not heard about any problems, I assume that BMW did indeed use a different alloy in the block; however, this is mere speculation at this point. Does anybody out there have any more information on the issue?
Best Regards,
Shipo
The alusil used in the v-engines seems to be holding up fine, curently, but there's obviously more room for trouble there.
dave
Best Regards,
Shipo
I am contemplating the same type of deal. As for the $2,500 trip cost, you can certainly do it for less, if saving money is your objective. One of my business associates did his 4-day trip for under $1,000 (by himself). I would probably turn it into a 10 day family vacation (wife & 2 kids) but, thanks to frequent flyer milage, will still probably budget no more than $2,500.
As for a 2001 525i vs. 2002 530i, I am sure the resale value would be at least $2,500 more for the 530i in 3-4 years. The added value of a one year newer model year (2002 vs 2001) would likely be worth almost that much alone, not counting the value of a 530 over 525.
My humble recommendation: If you (1) are fully satisfied with the 525i (i.e. power/performance), (2) intend to own it for 6-7+ years (3) consider the trip to Europe a hassle; then go for the 525i. Your deal at $1,000 over invoice sounds pretty good. If, on the other hand, you can live with the wait and might actually enjoy going to Europe, the deal on a 2002 530i is great.
Good luck - I'm still not sure what I will end up doing in a couple of months.
The cost is lower to the dealer by the same amount as MSRP (i.e., margin is the same), AND the price is negotiable. Many dealers will lie through their teeth about these facts.
The upshot: I paid $38,900 for a new '01 530i 5-speed with Sport/Prem that had an MSRP of $44,500. My dealer sold me the car for something like $1800 over ED invoice. That invoice price is almost $3K less than for U.S. delivery. eurobuyers.com lists this info and his #'s matched my info.
You will LOVE having your car in Europe. It's like one big performance-driving theme park over there. Sweeping turns at 100+ m.p.h., mini-drag races with all manner of cars as you decide who passes whom on the autobahn...
I'm sure many of us have taken brief high-speed runs in our cars in the States, but it's a whole different ball game when you can do it all day long without looking out for cops.
And another thing: I have driven the autobahns at lot, but never in a car as powerful as my 530. That makes all the difference when you're running more than 100 m.p.h., versus doing it in some rental car with a 1.8-litre.
OK, I'll shut up now, but you really ought to look into ED.
Back in 1996, I was consulting to Mercedes-Benz here in New Jersey, they sent me to Stuttgart several times on a project and because I was not an employee of MBUSA, they got me a rental car. The rental car usually turned out to be a BMW 318i, needless to say, it felt kind of strange driving into the MB parking lot in a BMW.
Anyway, a friend of mine and I drove down to Lago di Garda in northern Italy over a long weekend. On the return trip, heading north just before dawn, between the Austrian border and Ulm, I was pushing the 318i flat out up a long grade at around 180-190kph and saw that I had been "Flashed" by a faster moving vehicle about a kilometer back. I promptly moved over and was stunned to see that the vehicle passing me was none other than a long wheel base Chrysler Minivan! How embarrasing!
Best Regards,
Shipo
On the issue of towing/drivetrain durability, I'll echo dhanley's comment regarding the probable durability advantages of the I-6 with its sleeved cylinders. Ford does the same thing with their aluminum engine used in the DEW-98 platform. It's sleeved for its Lincoln LS-8 application and not in the Jaguar S-type because Ford expects that the Lincoln buyers will appreciate the durability advantages of the sleeved block, and that the Jag buyers perfer having the extra power that the slightly larger displacement (plus some other important tweaks) provides in the Jag. Plus, Ford's marketing info indicates that proportionally more Jag buyers rent/lease their cars for 3/4 years and stay within the mechanical warranty period. Lincolns are generally expected to have longer mileage usage by either single or multiple owners. Differing demographics, I suppose. But what about the buyers of off lease jags? Perhaps a case of buyer beware.
Anyway, the bmw I-6 is one of the best engines out there these days, along with the Nissan v-6, the northstar, and the Chevrolet small blocks. And unlike those others, it has the excellent double vanos.
For towing applications, experienced drivers, as evidenced by consistent comments in Trailer Life and other similar publications, generally go with automatics due their advantages when conducting multi-minute trailer parking manuevers on slanted surfaces. I guess they don't like the smell of fried clutch in the morning. And the newer automatics, such as the excellent GM unit in the bmw six cylinder cars, with their lockup torque converters, are not subject to the same degree of fluid heat stress as the older autoboxes without lockup cluches in the top 2 or 3 gears.
He must have wondered if I was having engine trouble or something...!
I currently can buy a 540i for about $1500 over invoice from a relative in the business. Is this a great deal or just so-so? What have people been paying for this car recently?
Also, regarding A/C problems, I guess all new models are fixed. I test drove a 530 and a 540 yesterday. Both were like an ice box (however the 540 did take about 20 seconds to start cooling whereas the 530 was immediate).
I have been calling around DC area dealerships trying to find a 530i 5-speed to test drive to no avail, but they all have several leftover 540i 6-speed and automatics and have encouraged me to come in for a "great deal". My best guess is in this area you could negotiate down to $1,000-$1,200 over invoice, but inasmuch as I don't want a 2001 now, I didn't try. Also, I think deals are very geographically sensitive, so $1,500 over invoice may indeed be a great deal in your area. Also, if that's the deal on ordering a 2002 model to your exact specifications, it probably within $300 of the very best you can do anywhere.
Out of curiosity, did you debate between the 530 and 540 and, if so, what was your evaluation of each that led you to decide on the 540. I am considering both (with manual transmissions and sport packages). Thanks.
Price wise, I have no way to deal, but to take 12-13% they offer to US personnel for US spec BMW or 15% for Mercedes. Curious, what is the invoice price you are seeing over there.
P.S.: Where in the DC area are you from? I lived in Tyson's and Reston area until June, but now in Berlin.
My current information for a 2002 BMW 530i shows (base price + shipping): US invoice = $36,310. European Delivery invoice = $33,620. I got these figures from "www.eurobuyers.com", as they are not yet posted on Edmunds. Base invoice prices changed nominally from 2001 (up $45), so I am assuming the US MSRP for 2002 is going to be about $40,100 including shipping. If you can get a 12% discount on US MSRP over there, that works out to about $35,300 or $1,000 under US invoice. That's about what I expect to do by getting the car through discounted ED (i.e. $1,200-$1,500 over ED invoice), but I will obviously have offsetting trip expenses. I would say you're getting a heck of a deal. Want to get two and send one back to me?
P.S. I have heard things that tend to confirm your analysis of the 530 vs. 540 tradeoff. However, regarding the E320 vs. 530i, I have become very suspect of Mercedes quality control. The new "C" class board lists numerous problems from small to significant. I would hope they do better with the new "E", but I still doubt that it will match the driving/handling experience of a 5-series. They just don't seem to make that a priority, even with their AMG cars (only automatics). Also, in response to your question, I live in upper northwest DC.
lgross:
You posted that your invoice price on a 2002 530i was $1,300 less than 2001 model with same options. I am curious as to how that can be? I am looking at a 530i 5-speed w/ sport/premium package and other assorted options. According to my figures, base invoice on 2001 & 2002 is almost identical $35,620 vs. $35,665. However, in 2001, sport/premium package was $3,655 whereas in 2002, they are only priced separately at $1,955 + $2,805 for a $4,760 total. The 2002 price appears to include the sport seats ($405 in 2001) and the convenice package ($510 in 2001), but even considering these additions, the 2002 still has an invoice that's up $200 from a 2001. What am I missing??
Also, how long wil it take to order a car these days and have it built to spec (assuming it can't be found available today?)
Thanks in Advance
1-847-907-7917 Brian Carlsson
I doubt it but please let us know if you find out?
I will be going with an 02 530i with the Premium package, Cold, XENON's, Premium sound and Steptronic. Exterior color will be either the new Sterling Silver or Black with Tan interior. However I'm concerned about up-keep with the Black exterior.
Yes the price did go down on the 02's. That is unless you get the Sport package.
Any ideas as to what this might be? It seems too loud to be the regular sound of the AC, but maybe I haven't noticed it until now.
I'm currently in a '98 328i which has what I consider good power. The 530 is even more powerful (just as fast as the 330 IMHO). So either way, I am stepping up in performance.
The other advantages of a 530i is the ?? improved reliability of the inline 6. Also I have heard that the handling is better in the 530 because the 540's suspension had to be tweaked to get the bigger motor to fit.
Still if I can get a 540iA without the sport package, that is probably my first choice (I am a horsepower junkie at heart).
Best Regards,
Shipo
Also, the tan interior is much cooler in my opiinion.
Our friends over there said this is known as a good place to test the top speed of your new car: 6 lanes, very straight, and not too much traffic. You should take your new BMW there (assuming you're not speed-limited to 128 or whatever).
It took nearly a minute, but I got my Opel up to 219 kph / 136 mph. In that car it was pretty much an out-of-body experience. My wife slept thru it and said it's a good thing because she would have killed me...
I actually saw the new 745i on the autobahn from Berlin to Nurnberg about 2 months ago as well, I was doing about 110mph and it blew by me and was gone in a few sec. Do not care for the new look, but what an engine.
I will be sure to break in the BMW and take it out there!