BMW 5-Series Sedans

jim52 · December 2001

The finance guy at a local dealership just told me that they were informed that money factors would increase in January. Does anyone know if this has in fact been announced or is it simply a negotiating tactic. For a number of reasons I want to wait a few weeks before making a decision. He said that I could fill out a credit app and lock in the rate now (for 30 days I believe) with no obligation. If rates go down or if I decide not to go forward I get out. Is there any downside to doing this?

chrism123 · December 2001

I have a 02 530ia on order and had planned on using standard financing however since I do use my car for business I am now looking at leasing. I spoke with the BMW finance guy last night to get M.F. and residual values for January. He told me the numbers will not be available until Jan 5th. However he did say it should be very similar to the current numbers of .0019 and 62%, respectively.

Curious, did you ask the Car Man in the Finance/Lease room.

My car is in stage 154. I believe that means it is almost complete. Should be here by the end of January. As I live on the East Coast. Which model are you considering (525, 530 or 540).

Chris

chrism123 · December 2001

Can someone explain to me the difference between the two suspensions? Aside from the visual differences (17" wheels, larger tires & 3-spoke steering wheel) what is included in the Sport pkg. Is there really a dramatic driving experience or just when the car is being pushed hard.

I have ordered my 530ia w/o the Sport pkg and I am already regretting not getting this option. BMW options can get very expensive and I was trying to keep the cost, well, reasonable. Mine has the Steptronic, Xenon's, Cold, DSP Sound, Premium pkg and Heated Wheel. Yes I could have eliminated the Step and DSP and ordered the Sport but I needed the Auto (slushbox) as I will not be the only driver.

Chris

postoak · December 2001

The lease forum host doesn't know any more about this than we do:

Car_man "Lease Questions - Ask Here" Dec 27, 2001 3:46pm

lgross · December 2001

You really have to try them for yourself and compare. IMHO there is no difference in normal driving but a discernible advantage with the sport if you if you push it fast (really push and really fast) through winding back roads. None-the-less, the standard suspension is still pretty good when pushed. Nothing to make excuses for!

I think the big advantage with the sport is the large, low profile, sticky tires which impart the handling qualities. However, these tires make it impossible to drive in any snow and I mean any snow. So plan on changing tires in the winter if you expect to encounter snow. Also, the sport tires wear faster.

compwhiz · December 2001

Well, I finally decided to break and go for it. After pretty long investigation(maybe not as thorough as it should've been, but still). I visited/spoke with more than half of dealers in the Chicagoland area(and even one in Wisconsin). One two offered the option of locating the car as opposed to buying stock or ordering. For instance, I am buying Silver, 5spd, PP, Cold Weather, and Xenons. These are only options I wanted. However, one dealer was pushing me 530 with Sport, because it was already in stock, and I certainly didn't want to spend $2300 more plus another $1,200 on a set of snow tires/rims. Actually, most of the dealers don't have 5spd in stock. However, the dealer that I am buying from offered to locate the car among the inventory that is coming in to the US(i.e. floating across the ocean to NJ) and trade with another dealer if the car that matches my requirements is there. As a I result, I'm getting a car that it very acceptable to me(I only wish I could get sterling gray instead of silver). The dealer also said that almost all 5spd that are on the water right now are coming in with Sport package.

Personally, I just sold my 3000GT, so I had enough of 17" tires in winter. I think I'm going to live with 530 as it is, and if I get bored - there is always Dinan. :-)

Oh, forgot to mention that I'm getting $1555 off MSRP. $1500 is the most I was offered by the dealers in Chicago, so considering the circumstances(not a stock car, quick trade, etc), I think it's a pretty fair deal. Anyone got more than $1500 off sticker recently?

shipo · December 2001

I have a question for any of y'all who have researched the European Delivery option. Is it possible to do ED and take advantage of the Performance Delivery Center in Spartanburg, SC? I am about to place my ED order for April 2002 and need to get all of my facts in order.

Thanks in advance.

Best Regards,
Shipo

chrism123 · December 2001

A $1500 discount from MSRP appears to be average. I believe it could swing either way depending on the area and how quick 5's are selling. I went to three dealers and here the discounts that they offered for a 02 530i.

Dealer #1 - $1300 from MSRP
Dealer #2 - $1500 from MSRP
Dealer #3 - $2100 from MSRP (winning dealer)

Because I had time on my side I was able to order my car. I did go with the Sterling Gray w/ black interior.

Chris

jim52 · December 2001

I am looking at the 530. Where on the East coast do you live? What dealer gave you 2100 under MSRP? I got the current mf and residual from Car man but I understand that noone knows what they will be in January. The finance guy I talked to at the dealership led me to believe that they would go back to what they were in November since they are unusually low now to boost year end sales. My guess is that he has no idea but was trying to scare me into making a decision now. He did say I could fill out an app and lock in the mf for 30 days. Not sure if there is any downside to doing this.

jim52 · December 2001

I am seriously considering the sports package. I live in the Philadelphia area and therefore need to drive in snow from time to time. I am aware that I will need to put snow tires on the car. Will I need new rims or can snow tires be easily mounted on the existing rims. Seems like a big difference in cost since the rims on my 328 are around 500 a piece.

compwhiz · December 2001

Jim,

You will need new rims and tires. A complete set of rims and tires should run you $1000-$1200 from places like tirerack.com. Personally, I wouldn't get sport package in Philly. IMHO, the roads there are not that great.

compwhiz · December 2001

Chris,

Congrats, you got a good deal! $2100 off MSRP is definitely nice. I'm not sure what part of East Coast you live, but still pretty impressive. Great color choice, too. However, I'd like to point out that your car's MSRP is quite a bit higher than mine, cuz you ordered Steptronics and DSP. At the end, I think your dealer and my dealer will end up making the same $$$ profit. All dealers that I went to said that highly equipped 530s are discounted more(which makes sense).

chrism123 · December 2001

I live in New Hampshire and purchased my car from Tulley BMW (Nashua, NH). This was a different buying process for me. That is buying a car which is low volume (compared to a Honda Accord) and in demand. Large discounts are not the norm. I just leased a Saab 9-5 SE Wagon for my wife. They/we started at invoice and work down. But a Saab is certainly no BMW.

compwhiz, have you seen a Sterling Gray w/ black interior. I have only seen one with the gray interior. I believe it will be a good combination but you never know. Should only be another 4-5 weeks before my car arrives at the dealer.

Chris

caliking · December 2001

In the next coming weeks I will be purchasing a 99 or 98 528. My 93 325 was recently in an accident and is gone! (The best damn, car I've had which looked good and was basically trouble free for the last 7 yrs). Anyways, I only want the 5 if I can change the wheels. Those spoke wheels which 5's come with are a bear to keep clean, since I routinely wash my car myself. I was thinking of putting 19's on the car. Are these too big? What about performance? Please advise me before I go and spend $4K on some wheels and tires. I do not want any scraping when turning corners, etc

jls21 · December 2001

Getting back to your question about owning a 530ia without the sport package, here is my opinion: I, too, had to succumb to the steptronic because my wife drives my car from time to time - marriage is certainly full of compromises. Let me tell you that the steptronic with the standard suspension is an awesome experience. Would I prefer to have a 5 speed? Definitely. Would I prefer to have the sport pkg? I doubt it. The 530i with the standard suspension handles amazingly well. Every time I throw it hard into corners on some of the back roads near my home, I tell myself that this car defies gravity. Part of that opinion may rest on the fact that my prior car was a Toyota Camry, reliable, but not an A student in the handling department. I think that if you have driven the 530 with the standard suspension, and liked it, you will end up absolutely loving it as I do. Regarding your color choice on the interior - I was willing to take a few exterior colors, but only a black interior for a few reasons. 1. I have young kids who are occasionally treated to a ride in my car - black certainly shows less dirt than grey. 2. The black with the wood trim is very rich looking. I haven't seen sterling grey, but I am sure black will look excellent with it. My conclusion for you is do not change your mind on your color choice or option list.

compwhiz · December 2001

So, I go to the dealership today to pick up my 530 that the dealer traded two cars for. I get in, and the guy tells me that the car is mission Xenons - they were entered in the computer description, but were not actually on the sticker or the vehicle. I'm furious. He said he's trying to get BMW to locate another car tomorrow, but he also said that they don't care about customer service - they sell their cars anyway. Anyway, major disappointment, as I was hoping to drive away in the my new car today. Instead, I gotta way 'till tomorrow to see what happens.

Chris123 - Sterling Gray only comes with black interior according to my knowledge and BMW literature. I've seen it with black at the dealer(M3), and it looked pretty good.

chrism123 · December 2001

Yes, the BMW literature & website indicates that the black interior was the only option for the Sterling Gray (exterior). However I have seen both gray & tan interiors on dealer lots. My salesperson mentioned to me that all of the colors were available except for the new green option. I believe it will be a good combination but it is too late for me now as the car has just finsihed being produced.

compwhiz, I had a chance to test drive a 530 with the Xenon's and did not hesitate to add them to my option list. Good luck with you search.

Chris

chrism123 · December 2001

jls21, I believe you purchased a set of winter tires (Alpines) for your 530. What has been your experience? I know that snow & ice has been very limited up our way but we did have some snow. Did you buy another set of rims or use the existing alloys.

Chris

riez · December 2001

jimmys1... Every time I drive my 5 Series I'm reminded of the absolute joy of driving her. Fortunately the winter weather around my area has been mild enough that I have been able to take my 540i 6-speed out all day for numerous trips in December (I don't have snow tires for her.) My two kids had some free Burger King birthday Kids' Meal coupons; we also ran errands to bank, recycling center, bread store, grocery store, and department store. Took them and two neighbor kids to the big city. Whether it was driving 64 mph on county 2-lane roads or 74 mph on interstate or just tooling around the city or even doing stop and go driving, she was pure driving pleasure. And driving the manual in town wasn't a problem at all. Getting 22 mpg overall just makes the whole experience that much more pleasurable.

I'm just sad when the driving is over and can't wait to take her out for a spin the next time. Even though I love winter, it is my favorite time of year, I can't wait for spring now that I have my ultimate driving machine!

gerry18 · December 2001

"Chris123 - Sterling Gray only comes with black interior according to my knowledge and BMW literature. I've seen it with black at the dealer(M3), and it looked pretty good."

I agree with Chris123. Although the BMW web site indicates that black is the only interior color available with Sterling Gray, my wife and I checked out a Sterling Gray 530i with gray interior on our local dealer's lot. We went with black.

riez · December 2001

You should ask the dealer who has one of these color combinations on his lot about that color combination. How did they order it this way? The 2002 5 Series 84-page full color brochure says that Sterling Gray Metallic (472) is available only with black leatherette (std on 525i and 530i) or black leather (standard on 540i/optional on 525i and 530i).

metmdx · December 2001

Evidently the proof-readers were asleep at the wheel (pardon the humor here). Agreed that literature says only black with Sterling, but I also saw an '02 Sterling on the dealer lot (in CT) today with gray interior. Either it was a late change of heart by BMW to offer it as an option or the details slipped thru the cracks. Either way, I like the look. Couldn't hack a black interior on any car as it just gets too &@#* hot when it's sits in the sun.

metmdx · December 2001

Can anyone shed light on the relative experiences/reputations with regards to the dealers in Westchester NY and Greenwich CT?
Thanks!

jls21 · December 2001

Chris, I did get a set of 4 Michelin Pilot Alpins and mounted them on the factory alloys. My reasoning was that I didn't feel like laying out the money for a set of 4 good alloys, and if I happen to have to replace one of the existing wheels over the next few years, I'm still ahead financially. I figure the chances of eventually having to replace all 4 are pretty slim - I don't ever recall having to replace a wheel on any car that I have owned. Regarding the performance of the winter tires, the North Shore of Boston has seen about 1/4 inch of snow since I put the tires on, so I can't comment yet, but I'll let you know after we get a decent storm. So, are you glad you're ending up with the black interior?? I love it - wouldn't have any other color. I know you're in southern NH, and remember reading that you bought your car at Tulley in Nashua - if you're closer to the seacoast, don't hesitate to try Dreher Holloway for service. I brought my car back there for the fan recall and they were excellent. They took me on about 3 days notice and gave me a car to use. I tried to get an appointment at BMW of Peabody, and they wouldn't take it inside of a month. You are going to love your car - when are you getting it? Jeff

cl3inco · December 2001

To all.... This is the combination I ordered in August and finalized the sale on October 17, 2001. It's a sterling gray 530i with sport package, xenon lights, premium package, cold weather package (a must in Colorado)and split rear seats. Interior is gray leather and is fantastic!!!! For Colorado winters, I recommend 16" Borbet Type H's with Michelin Pilot Alpins. Great combination.

cl3inco · December 2001

I recently bought a 2002 530i. The battery will not hold its charge longer than 4 days without running the vehicle. The battery runs dead, and needs to be jumped started. Interesting enough, the dealer said the exact same thing happened to another 2002 530i owner who bought the same model at the same dealership I bought mine. They tested his battery and it held a charge in the shop. But when he took it home a second time, the exact same thing happened again to him. Now, my 530i is in the dealership today (12/28/01) to review the exact problem. Something is running the battery down. Any clues?

davv62 · December 2001

I have had a very good experience with BMW of Darien. It's a little beyond Greenwich (10-15 minutes) but it might be worth it for you to check it out since there aren't that many BMW dealers around, even in Westchester and Connecticut.

I went to another dealer first up into Fairfield County first, but that dealer was restrictive in their test drive policy and did not have a 530 for me to test drive, only a 525. When I asked when they planned to get a 530, their response was "not for weeks" and I got the sense that they just didn't care whether they got the business or not. They also insinuated that they would not be willing to deal on price. I was not sure what to expect of the whole process since it was my first purchase of a luxury car.

I decided to go to BMW of Darien and I liked them right away. They had the car I wanted to test, and the salesman, Neil Appleby, let me take the car out on my own for an extended test drive. It was great fun.

They were willing to deal on the price, and the car came exactly as I ordered it right around the date they promised.

I had one servicing so far (just this past week) to replace the recalled engine cooling fan, and that went very well. So you might want to check this place out if you are not happy with the dealers closer to you.

metmdx · December 2001

Thanks for the info. If I find that the dealers around here don't live up to expecations, I would go to Darien. Can you tell me which model you ordered, why, and what you paid (i.e. how much over invoice).
Thanks again !

lgross · December 2001

I have read previous posts about earlier models running the battery down in 7 days due to the quiescent load of electronics, such as the alarm, that are running even though the car is off. I have a 2002 530i and have not experienced the problem although I think three days is the longest it has gone without use.

Assuming that the dealer truly checked the battery for charge level, I would have to believe that something, such as a light (interior, glove box, trunk) is remaining on. If that's not the case, the dealer should measure electrical load with the ignition off and after waiting for the 20 minute electrical shutdown period. That would indicate if there is an excessive current draw under "off" conditions.

One other thought. My seats occasionally go to another position by themselves between the time the car is locked and before it is unlocked. This has nothing to do with the key memory function which is disabled. I check seat position after I lock and before I unlock in an attempt to figure out what is happening. It happens in-between lock and unlock while I am not observing it. Anyway, if your car does this numerous times in four days, I suppose it could wear the battery down.

cheeks · December 2001

jls21 · December 2001

The Pilot is H rated for speed, while the Arctic is Q rated (I think). So, the Pilots match the speed rating on the tires that came with the car. The Pilots are a bit more expensive, but I don't think the difference was too significant. I got the Pilots and am just waiting for some snow to test them out in.

riez · December 2001

Anyone interested in a CPO 5 Series should check out BMW NA's web site locator and see if you can find one near you. The local BMW dealer's big ad in the Motor News Section of my local newspaper says "Last Chance! To take advantage of "No first payment" on Certified Pre-Owned BMW's Financed thru BMW Financial Services. Ends December 31st." I took advantage of this in November when you could also get 3.9 percent financing with this deal.

compwhiz · December 2001

Well, BMW said that they cannot locate a 530i with 5spd, Premium, COld, and Xenons in the states, and I was faced with a customer order for 8 weeks. Since my old car is gone on the 8th, it certainly didn't make a good financial sense to do it, and given the fact that it was the end of the month and year gave me extra bargaining power with the dealer, so I ended up with Silver 530i, 5spd, Premium and Cold for $2000 off MSRP as opposed to $1500 agreed on initially. I'm contemplating putting Jimmy's Xenon's on it, but I'll wait and see. For now, the car is a pure joy to drive, I'm so excited. Just don't know yet how much of a difference Xenons would've made.

Also - question to 2002 530 owners - does Premium package replaces Check Control Graphics display with Alphanumeric display? All the literature said that graphics display is standard on 530, but I don't have it.

joseph830 · December 2001

I just got the 2002 525i yesterday. Anyone have any info. on engine break-in? how many miles, and what speed should I not go over? I read from a website that we are suppose to get a first time oil change after 500 miles to clean up the particles and also valve adjustments after 100 miles....what the heck? Anyone heard of this?

davv62 · December 2001

I started out looking at the 3-series and some of its competitors: the Audi A-4, Mercedes C-320, Lexus IS300 and the smaller Volvo (I forget the model name). I also checked out the Saab 9-5.

I test drove all of them, and found the ones that drove the best were the BMW 330, the Lexus and the Mercedes. I then decided that these cars were too small since I often take adults in my back seats, so I decided to move up a size.

That meant the 5-series BMW, the Audi A-6 and the E-class Mercedes. I didn't like the rounded back on the A-6, and I thought the image of the E-class was too stodgy, so I had pretty well decided on the BMW. The only decision remaining was the engine size (525, 530 or 540).

I first drove the 525 and it was fine, but I wanted to check out the 530. At this point, I switched dealers since the first dealer I went to did not have a 530 for me to test. When I took that car for a drive, it was pure heaven. It had such a great feel to it. I took it up I-95 for a little bit, then up Route 7 (which is wide open so I could really open it up) and then up and down the Merritt Parkway, which is hilly and curvy. I loved the car and decided that I really wanted it.

I decided not to consider the 540 because I did not think I would use the extra power, and it was therefore not worth it to me to pay more for the car, as well as for gas and insurance. I am a moderately fast driver, not slow but not a maniac, and I thought that the 530 was just right for me.

I loaded the car up with options. I got the steptronic transmission (much of my driving is around town), the cold weather package, the convenience package, the premium package, the navigation system, the premium sound package and the 6-cd changer, as well as the heated steering wheel. I also had the integrated cell phone hookup added later. I passed on the sport package because I heard it was a big disadvantage in the winter, and I don't generally like to zip around corners too fast in any case. I'm more an "open it up on the straightaway" kind of guy, so I didn't think I'd get a great benefit from it. I also passed on side airbags in the back, because I often take kids in the back and airbags are unsafe for smaller children. I passed on the fold-down rear seat, although I kind of regret that now.

I don't remember how much I paid above dealer invoice, but my best recollection is that I paid about $2000 less than sticker price.

riez · December 2001

daw62... What was the MSRP of your loaded 530i?

riez · December 2001

joseph830... Study the Owner's Manual. (There will be a test.

] Follow what it says. You won't go wrong. And you might talk to one of your dealer's certified BMW technicians to see what recommendations they might have.

davv62 · December 2001

Just under $50,000 including the destination charge but excluding the sales tax and luxury tax as well as registration fees.

riez · December 2001

daw62... For that kind of dough, I would've gotten a new 540i, preferably 6-speed but 5-speed auto as well. When you start getting within a couple thousand dollars (and are maybe talking a difference of less than 7-10 percent), the 540i is more car for the money and should hold its resale better. (I can't say enough good things about my '98 540i 6-speed.)

Did you buy or lease? If leased, wonder what the difference in payments would be between your loaded 530iA and a 540iA.

davv62 · December 2001

I bought, so I don't know what the difference would have been. I plan to keep the car for a long time.

I had heard that the 540 resale value was not as good as the 6-cylinder models. Perhaps I heard wrong. But it's not worth debating at this point. The decision is made, and I can't say enough good things about the car.

marcnyc · December 2001

Hi. I'm new to BMWs and need some recommendations of very good, responsive, customer-focused dealers/salespersons in the northern NJ area who also are also flexible on price. Thanks, Marc

lgross · December 2001

Wide World of Cars, Spring Valley. Barney Friedman.

jwilson1 · December 2001

I'm usually not picky about options, but ever since my first car with xenons, I would never own another without them. They are on the same level of need for me as air bags, abs, a/c, and having a radio -- I wouldn't do without those, either.

Happy New Year!
Joe W.

compwhiz · December 2001

You made my day.

Now I'll feel guilty for the rest of my ownership experience about not getting Xenons. I've never owned a car with Xenons, and I wanted this one to be IT. Well, somehow I got screwed - I just couldn't wait 8 weeks and spend $1000 on car rentals or pay $2300 extra for the Sports package. When I found out it didn't have Xenons, I immediately freaked out, and said "no deal". But such is fate. My only consolation is that I spent $1000 less than I originally thought - $500 for Xenons and $500 extra discount on this car. Oh well, my guess is that when I'll get my next Bimmer, they'll be standard on them all(in 5 years or so).

joseph830 · December 2001

hi,

think it is worth paying $1,999 for 108,000 miles factory warranty? or too much

jim52 · December 2001

I'd appreciate if you could explain why you like xenons so much. I have never owned a car with them but am considering them on the 530 I plan to buy. My eyes usually start to bother me during long night drives and I'm wondering if xenons would help.

lgross · December 2001

When trading-off lighting options remember that E39 Xenons only work on low beam. The standard E39 low beams are pretty good to begin with. Try them both.

metmdx · December 2001

Thanks again. I'm impressed by the length of your test drive. Musta' been at least 1/2 hour, right?
Also, as a follow-up, can you give any info on extended warranty and/or price?
Thanks again !
metmdx

riez · December 2001

joseph830... Is this something being offered by BMW or some arm of BMW? You say "factory warranty". Didn't think BMW had a full factory warranty to 108,000 miles. They do have Certified Pre-Owned Program out to an additional 2 years/50,000 miles after the expiration of original 4 yr/50,000 b-to-b factory warranty.

If not BMW, you would have to give us more details. Is this from an independent 3rd party? Who? What terms, conditions, and limitations? What is covered/not covered? Is there a deductible? If so, how much? Etc.

joseph830 · December 2001

Oh, yes, its by Carsdirect.com. I will talk to the guy on wednesday about the details, i know there is a slight difference from the dealers. Anybody knows if carsdirect.com's extended warranty is good? thanks.

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