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I have a question about the center arm rest. It is too low for me. Does any one else have this problem? On my Lexus (and for that matter, in my friend's Audi A6), the height of the arm rest allows my elbow to be slightly higher than the height of my wrist when holding the gear shift lever (most comfortable for me, especially on longer drives). In the 530i, however, my elbow is slightly lower than my wrist when holding the stick shift knob. This is a less comfortable position. If I lower the seat to have my elbow height equal to my wrist height, I do not like the lowered driving position (I like the seat at approximately 80% max height). Any suggestions?
Also, in my previous cars, I used to store my parking gate card (the size of a credit card) in the center arm rest storage area. However, the 530i does not have a center arm rest storage area. The card does not fit in the little storage area under the center arm rest either. Other than in the glove box, is there a place in the car I overlooked for storing the card?
P.S. About the cup holder, I use the cup holder to hold my cell phone. Works great.
I can pick up a new 525i, manual, cold weather premium package for $36K. It is a leftover - sound like a deal?
The car would be a family vehicle - I have two children 10 and 6. I had bought a Lexus RX300 last year but my wife has commandered it!! Right now I am driving a 1999 Toyota Seinna (please no comments!!)
The 525i won't last - you all seem to know these cars so well - can you give me some honest advice?
Appreciated and signed - Mr MiniVan
If you order a car you will get exactly what you want but can you wait 6-8 weeks? If you get one currently on a lot it may not be exactly what you want. Only you can decide.
Does anyone know what the new 2003 models will be like? Should I wait? Will changes be significant?
Thanks.
Has anyone use or have a California Duster, does it really work?
I'm 6'2" and find the center armrest for my '98 540i6 is perfect. No complaints. I do prefer a low driving position, with seat all the way down.
1. No car is perfect. But for me this is as close to perfect as I have had the pleasure of driving.
2. Bad sound system. I don't get it. With the premium soud and DSP, this car's stereo is excellent. Not competition level, but certainly a very good sounding system.
3. Heavy steering. Again I don't get it. I've thrown this car around at some very serious speends. And the car goes where you expect it to and how you expect it to. No unpleasant surprises.
4. Cup holders SUCK! But anyone that is buying a car for the cup holders is definitely looking at the wrong car
5. Engine --- Unbelievable!!! Well worth the price of admission
Again this car may not be perfect. But it is certainly in the neighborhood.
Sorry for rambling! I'm off for a drive
RE: Bad sound system. I just wish I could hear/find the premium audio, as far as I can tell--it does not exsist on a 525/530 inventory car and I have checked three dealerships so far. I have to deal on an inventory car, because I cannot afford to order one. The stock stereo is bad, my Accord sounds better! I do love my audio on commutes to work.
RE: Heavy steering. No complaints.
RE: Cup holders SUCK! I don't need 18 cupholders like a Chrysler Mini Van, but one or two good ones up front for my 31 mile drive to work would be nice! Is that too much to ask a car manufacturer?
RE: Engine --- Unbelievable!!! Could not agree more and that's why I will probably buy one! I may lean back to a 3 series because of these non-features. So undecided today!
Scott
I was able to get a lease on a 540i for $530/month and only put $3000 out of pocket on it. About what I am paying for my 328i.
If you are set on getting the 2001, make sure that it is 2001 invoice that the dealer is talking about and get him to eat the MACO and training.
Goosefish - go for 530, if you plan on keeping it for a while. I personally like the MID and extended computer that comes with 530(makes you feel that the only difference between 540 and 530 is the engine, which is basically mostly true). Regardless, 525 has 325's engine, and IMHO it's too slow. 525 or 530 is a JOY to drive in terms of handling, but sometimes even acceleration on 530 seems less than stellar(maybe because of the damn CDV on the manual). Also, I can tell you, my wife also has RX300, and I used to like driving it(I had 3000GT). After I got my 530, driving in RX300 seems like a torture!(but yes, it is a nice car, just the feeling is sooo loose? The handling of 5-er is the best handling of any car, and you know the turning radius of the RX300....:(
Best Regards,
Shipo
pen 101 - Armrest - You are discovering the weak points on the BMW 5 series, the interior. The armrest, cup holder, comfort of the seats, sound system, etc.. (I can't get my steering wheel adjusted so I am comfortable and can see the items on the dash behind it) I usually store thing in the pockets on the side of the door.
I asked the dealer about the interior when I took my care in for an oil change and he said that people often complain about interior items/comfort items. He said that Europeans don't value the same things Americans do on the interior. The value the way the car drives. They have added comfort features to the car to please the American buyers.
As Roundel's Tech Editor says, "The purpose of the CDV is thought to be to delay clutch action in order to protect drivetrain components against wear or failure resulting from 'hole shot' clutch action. The trade-off is weird shifting and clutch wear." Goes into a bit of detail about removing the CDV.
I have no qualms about the way my CPO '98 540i6 shifts. All the discussion I've seen about CDV centers on 540i6. Not sure if it is only any other 3 & 5 Series or M3 & M5. Just haven't researched as it doesn't seem to be an issue for me, my car, or way I drive.
Best Regards,
Shipo
You won't like it so much the first three times you use it. But the next 250 or so will be great. Enjoy.
Take care.
Joe W.
Colt
I'm coming off a '99 323i 5-sp lease in March - and have been studying the +/-'s of each (I doubt there is a review anywhere out there I haven't read). The 323 is the first car I still look forward to driving 3 years later, amazing. It was close, but I finally went with the 530 5-sp, PP, CWP and Xenons, $1800 over invoice. Car is due in late March / early April. (By the way, 330i is a great machine, but tight for occasional adults and my kids in back seat; as far as the X, I thought I'd miss the "car" feel and get tired of lugging around 4500lb, bad reliability, just not necessary).
I had to order the 5-sp w/out driving one, I'm just assuming the gearbox is as good or better than the 323 and a bit quicker than the 530 auto I DID test drive. Any first hand feedback is appreciated
To all - thanks for all the great info posted. Shipo, I felt like you were reading my mind on some of your 3 and 5 series comparisons - I see you also went with the 530 - good luck!
Thanks
Thanks for any input. Cab
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Do you have access to complete service records? Have you run a CarFax report to get vehicle history data? If not, this is a must! Do you know the former owner(s)? Talk to them, if you can.
Who is providing the warranty? Check out the company. Warranty is only as good as the company. I'm not impressed with 99 percent of 3rd party warranties. Often too many exclusions.
Personally, unless the price is great, you have all the service records and history data, and you know all the former owners (& trust 'em), I do NOT think high mile 5 or 7 Series make much sense as used cars. Very complex. Lots can go wrong. Expensive to repair when not under warranty. Can you deduct any future repairs as business expense?
Thanks again for the sound advice.
New to this board, so forgive me if you've already hashed this out... When will the new redesigned 5 series be introduced? Motor Trend mentions 2003, but not clear if it will be introduced in late 2002 as a new 2003 model, or introduced in late 2003 as a 2004 model. Anyone know?? Also, where can we see the new specs? Thanks!
Are there any people out there who have tested both and have views one way or another? Would the 525 be considered a good safe family car being rear wheel drive and all or does the quattro factor win hands down? I really love the way the 525 feels on the road and so does my wife but winters in New Jersey could be tough. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
A6 3.0 Quattro was very pleasing to drive, but a bit heavy feeling to me--still better than my current car (Accord). Cabin was very nice, more creature comforts than BMW 525 for sure. I liked the trunk size, I loved the Bose radio and the steering wheel was comfortable. However, the car scares me because it is an Audi--my memory of the 80's and early 90's will knock this car off my list. Oh, another big reason was the wife did not like it compared to the 525. Exterior styling is questionable--not sure this is going to look good 5 years from now, could be dated in a few years.
525 Manual/auto: Both configurations of 525s are thrilling to drive, more so than the Audi. The BMW is more comfortable--seats are better, and the car feels well put together to me. The BMW feels quicker--more responsive to me. I'm not sure what it says on paper, but 525 manual seemed faster than Audi. Impecable styling, the car looks good sitting still! I love the front end of this car. Not to scientific, but it's getting late and I'm tired. Hope this helps. Scott
$0,558.29 -- First Month Payment
$0,525.00 -- CAP Reduction (I read somewhere that this is required by BMWFS)
$0,299.00 -- First Year Fees
$0,600.00 -- Security Deposit
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$1,982.29 -- Total
================================
$0,558.29 -- Second Month Payment (Required for ED only)
================================
$2,540.58 -- Grand Total
Best Regards,
Shipo
We'll see, but personally I'd stay away from the first model year to assure they've ironed out the bugs (I've already read more than a couple nightmare stories about the new 745's electronics going berzerk).
Best Regards,
Shipo
I haven't driven an X5 (but have sat in one), and didn't find the interior room any greater than the 5-series. Of course, there's more cargo room in back, but not much. In fact, I think the 525 and 540 wagons have more cargo room.
From a driver's perspective, there's no real comparison. Against a 530i manual, only the X5 4.6si (nearly $70k) is faster. And, while the X5 handles very well FOR AN SUV, it's nowhere near as nimble and comfortable as the 5-series, owing mainly to its heft (more than 1000 pounds heavier than the 530) and higher center of gravity. When equipped with the sport package, the X5 is reportedly extremely jittery and uncomfortable, even if it does outhandle other SUVs on the skidpad.
Are snow tires a must? Is this considered a safe family car? The wife wants the Acura MDX but I am trying to talk her into the 525. We test drove it and loved it, but I am worried about safety? All wheel drive vs. rear wheel etc. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Are snow tires a must? Is this considered a safe family car? The wife wants the Acura MDX but I am trying to talk her into the 525. We test drove it and loved it, but I am worried about safety? All wheel drive vs. rear wheel etc. Any help is greatly appreciated.
AWD vs RWD...first thing you need to know is that AWD helps you start, but does nothing but add weight which will decrease your stopping distance.
The 5 series is one of the safest cars on the road.
95% of the driving conditions can be handled fine if you have All Season Tires (Standard on non Sport Package equipped cars) by the traction control and dynamic stability control. If you want snow tires, they will help get you started in snowy/icy conditions. The near 50/50 weight distribution of the BMW will also help you control the car.
I'm from Rockland County. Its the first county in NY at the top of the NJ border. During the Blizzard of '96 which was the worst that we've had in a long time, my mother got along fine in her 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E with 4 snow tires, 2 sand bags in the trunk, and NO TRACTION CONTROL. Your wife shopuld do fine in a 525i.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
525i: 3450 lbs
MDX: 4416 lbs
If you want to talk about safety and snow driving, the thing you should be worried about most is trying to avoid an accident, not getting to the mall when the kids have a snow day. The MDX is carrying around an extra 966 lbs of weight. The 525i will stop sooner. One of BMWs philosiphies is that the best way to survive an accident is to avoid one.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD