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Does anyone know of a dealer who will sell the M5 below sticker, or am I dream'n? I know I can get it for sticker in the MI area from the same dealer I have worked with already. Would anyone consider the latest BMW cellular accessory option (I do like and use the handsfree option, etc.), or the M Audio upgrade option?
I know I am looking for support to make the leap, but any honest opinions are greatly appreciated.
As for the model years, there's no certainty here. Presumably, the M5 will continue side-by-side with the rest of the E39 5-series through mid-end 2003, but it may very well continue past that point (to wit, BMW continued selling the previous-generation M3 for two years after the rest of the 3-series evolved into their current state: the E46). Likely, there will be a 1-2 year gap before the new E60 M5 will debut, but time will reward the patient: Rumors abound of a 500hp, V-10 goliath (but I wouldn't be surprised if its price went up as well).
And pricing: I doubt you'd find any M5's below sticker, since there's still a wait list at most dealers for one. Due to the economic bubble burst, however, there are a fair number of very-low mileage M5's out there you can probably find (check the bimmer.org classifieds and ebaymotors.com sites) for a few thousand below sticker.
Options: The BMW cellular phone is a good example of monopolistic power at its worst: A $200 phone and a voice-recognition adapter being sold exclusively by dealers for $1500-$2000 installed. Yes, the price is ridiculous, but it's the only way you'll get a clean installation of a hands-free phone with full integration/control from the steering wheel buttons. I'd get it if I did a lot of business calls from my car, but otherwise not. And the M audio upgrade is decent, but you could probably go aftermarket to improve the componentry even more. Check the M5 forums at bimmer.org for a range of opinions.
Good luck.
As for Spartanburg delivery (which I highly recommend), yes, it's available regardless of purchasing or leasing.
Good luck.
Colt
In Europe, in little towns and villages, folks park their car half on the sidewalk and halfway into the (very narrow) street. As an aid to on-coming motorists, most European cars have the ability to light a front and rear light (usually the turn signal) on one side of the car.
As it turns out, you now know how to do that, simply leave the turn signal stalk on either the left or right setting and when the engine is off, the outer lamps will light.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Buying a CPO can save some $$, but if the previous driver did not know how to massage and drive the clutch - look out! I am referring to a 528 manual!
Colt
Best Regards,
Shipo
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
"What is not Covered: Upkeep
Manual transmission clutch assemblies"
There is also a discussion on p. 9 about limitations related to "components or parts...that are subject to gradual deterioration or wear as a result of driving habits, conditions, or use...."
The August 2001 issue of BMW CCA Roundel has a Tech Talk Q&A on this. Writer opines that one reason 540i6 uses a CDV (clutch delay valve) is to protect the transmission because "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. Drivetrain components are warranty items, whereas clutch components are wear items."
Also, check out the 4/98 issue of C&D. Is their 40,000 mile long-term test wrap up of '97 540i6. Their clutch went out at 30,377 miles. Cost them $1,653: "Since the failure of the clutch could not be attributed to a defect in its manufacture, it wasn't covered by the warranty."
I'm shopping for a used 1999 540ia. Here I just want to get some ideas about the price.
I found one black 540ia with Steptronic and sports package(include that M steering) w/ 41000 miles. In either Edmunds or KBB, I can't find the exact options for the steptronic transmission.
is $36000 fair price for this car? I'm buying it from the owner, what do you guys think? I saw and tested it, it's in pretty nice condition except a couple of door dings.
I'm in Bay area, any folks here had experience shopping car from the wholesale auction site in Hayward? today I went there and saw 200 lease return BMWs parking there. The dealers said the this month's auction will be on Tuesday and they can sell me the car w/ $1000 mark-up over the wholesale price. They will represent me for the auction. anybody ever did this to buy a car? is it good deal or just more hassels?
Thanks a lot!!
I don't remember the salesperson telling me anything about it when I picked up my 1999 328i 3 years ago. Did it have one too? If so, I definetly didn't follow it.
I don't have a car yet, but so far so good.
DL
...talk about a good reason not to buy a "demo"!
I think it is interesting that BMW CCA Roundel and Bimmer have both frequently reported on the tendency of some automatic transmissions in BMWs to fail in the 80,000-120,000 mile range, pretty much no matter how you maintain it. And when they discuss this issue they point out how bulletproof the manual transmission is. The manual tranny will essentially last forever if you take care of it.
Not sure what is scarier, replacing just your clutch periodically as it wears out like it should or replacing/repairing catastrophic automatic transmission failure?
Best Regards,
Shipo
Anyone one who own a 530i or other 5 series, could you help me to check yours, i am really appreciated.
to pass someone and " kickdown" to a lower gear,i.e. 4th,3rd or 2nd depending on
speed and what gear your are presently in.
I have found that if I just keep the Automatic Climate Control in AUTO on both
controls that it cools or warms just fine. You can also use the dial to dial to blue
for a little more cool temp or to red for a little warmer. I have used the AC in So Cal
in very warm temps and this worked just perfectly, no problems at all. Hope this
helps.
Best Regards,
Shipo
If you take decent care of your manual transmission and don't abuse it, the clutch will wear a long, long time and the basic tranny should last for hundreds of thousands of miles troublefree.
As for the auto climate control, this is what I do not understand. Let's say I set it at 72 degrees and turn on the AC, in my mind when the temperature reaches 72 the AC should cut off just like the AC in my house, but it doesn't. In my theory, I assume the system lets in warm air from the engine to maintain the set temp when it senses that the temp is dropping below 72. Do I have the right theory or I just miss the boat completely?
Shipo, have you discovered the cause and remedy for your brake light problem yet?
As to the Climate Control, I don't have my 530i yet, so I cannot offer any help there.
Best Regards,
Shipo
it's from the owner.
Thanks a lot!!
If you go thru with this private party sale, have you checked out 3rd party used car warranties? The ones I've seen from the few reportedly decent companies can set you back a couple thousand dollars, depending upon terms. You should factor that into any cost analysis as well as comparing CPO to private party sale.
Of course, you might pay a decent mechanic to pour over it. Have you looked at the new Consumer Reports 2002 Car issue's historical reliability data for '99 5 Series? Data is pretty good but there are a couple areas to be on look for.
No, I have no interest in VA Surety, but we used to use them when I was in the business and they have a decent product. It is a "named exclusion" product meaning everything is covered EXCEPT what's listed. Be very wary of "named component" products, meaning it's only covered if it IS listed. You often get an impressively long list of items covered, but you'd be amazed at what gets left out and is therefore not covered!
Therefore, it wouldn't make sense to turn the system completely off once the temperature reaches, say, 72 degrees. Assuming there's any sunlight, that temperature will start rising immediately. Furthermore, there's a couple of safety issues involved; for one, stale air in a car is bad, because the oxygen content starts deminishing, while the carbon dioxide content starts increasing. Exposed long enough, it can make you lightheaded, less alert, and eventually, potentially pass out. For another, stale air is sleep-inducing, while drafts help keep you more alert. That is why BMW places the cold-hot dial on the center vents; it allows you to continue getting gentle cooler air on the face to refresh you even if it's freezing outside and the top and lower vents are spewing out hot air as fast as possible to warm the cabin.
Therefore, if it's cold out and you set it to 72, the system will at first--once the engine warms up sufficiently--blast out warm air as quickly as possible to reach the set temperature. If it's dark out, it'll just reduce the fan speed to keep the temperature levelled. If it's sunny out--which would start to warm the car up more than requested--the system would start blowing in fresh cool air to keep it down to 72. Likewise, if it's hot out, the AC will continue blowing air at a reduced speed once the set temperature is reached, to prevent it from climbing up quickly.
Hope this helps.
Took delivery yesterday on my '02 530i. Got the "ubiquitous" titanium silver, PP, Prem. Sound, Cold Weather, Steptronic, Lumbar, Fold Down Rear & Xenons. Since it's pouring down the rain where I'm at and I want to keep my car spanking clean for a little longer, I'm just sitting in the car in the garage and becoming familiar with the controls. (My wife thinks I'm nuts!) Like many earlier posts, I'm totally in love with this vehicle. It literally hugs the road and is rock solid. (Is there a bolt anywhere or is everything welded?)
Thanks again for all your valuable info. I'll keep watching and reading and will contribute my own advice when I'm more knowledgeable. Oh yeah, bought my wife a Z3 last October. Can't get the smile off her face when she's driving it too. For last Valentines Day, we bought each other California dusters. True Love?
Thanks again.
1. 2000 528I Premium, Cold Weather, Sport Package, Xenon,CD, Rear Shade, Manual, Silver in color, 193 HP (but a manual) CPO to 100K miles, 17,000 current miles - $36,000
2. 2001 530 Premium, Cold Weather, Xenon, CD, Automatic, Black, 5,000 miles so warranty to 50K, asking price is $41,000. It is from a BMW dealer as well!
If I were to buy option 2 in a 2002 model, after taxes, etc....and not through ED (It just will not work into my schedule right now) I think I can get it for around 45K plus taxes, shipping, etc..
This is the kind of question that makes this board valuable!! At least to me! Thanks in advance!
Also, if I remember correctly, you have a slight preference for an automatic transmission, so, my vote for your three options are as follows:
1) 2001 530i
2) 2002 530i (the one for 45K), or a new 525i for arount $41K
3) 2000 528i
Best Regards,
Shipo
Hmmm...I think I'd pick the 528, mainly because it's got the stick and the sports package (in my mind the two most important features/options on my 530). Acceleration is likely to be very close between the two (since the auto, I've found, really saps the mojo out of the 530). But Shipo makes a good case above; if I did a lot of highway driving, I'd probably forego the sport package and opt for comfort.
Not to sound shallow, but be aware the 528 comes pre-2001 facelift, so it won't have the angel eyes or clear rear turn signals. Of course it's trivial, but it seems like a quarter of all threads in bimmer.org are about pre-2001 people wanting to make these upgrades.
But, be sure--as with any car, new or used--to drive them both to your satisfaction. Don't go just by what we 'vote' or what the dealer says. If you get the sense the 528's been driven hard (i.e. is creaking and moaning constantly), you may want to avoid it. Good luck!
Best Regards,
Shipo
Best Regards,
Shipo