Was the first aid kit an option? My wife can't find it & is ready to let the dealer know it. I've got some band-aids so not a big deal to me but if it should be there, she wants it. I hope it didn't go the way of the warning triangle. I'm going to try to get that.
Correct, only European cars get it. But that hasn't stopped some from ordering it and installing it (which apparently is a royal pain to do--under the passenger seat).
I suggest you head down to your local pharmacy, buy one for $20, and stuff it in your spare wheel well in the trunk.
I just went on to the Owners Circle and it says my car has been produced and is awaiting transport. Roughly how long will it be until it reaches my dealer (I am near Philadelphia)?
It looks like our cars are siblings; mine just went from “Scheduled for Production” to “Awaiting Transport” today as well. As an aside, what was the production date of your 328i? Mine was produced in 12/1998, could it be that both of our cars have been siblings?
As for transit time, I suspect that if you figure 5-Weeks, you will not be too far off. Best case scenario, the car gets transport to the port within a couple of days, gets “On Water” shortly thereafter, and clears the VPC in Jersey City and onto a truck with minimal delay, you could see your car in as little as three weeks.
I agree with you that the AC should be on automatically but they may have a good reason for manual operation... I used the auto recirculation last week so I know a little bit about it.
Good theory on gas tank on the right side of the car,it makes sense to me.
I have been on the sidelines for many months reading all of your insightful remarks and commentary.
I finally got out of the house this Saturday and went for some test drives. I think I have narrowed it down to an A6 3.0 or a BMW 525/30. I really like the BMW. I drove both a manual and auto 525.
When I got home to read the brouchures, I was disappointed about the lack of features in the 525. You can't even get auto headlights on a $43K car????? I know that may sound petty, but for the past 6 years my Ford truck has provided me with this luxury and I have grown accustom.
Bottom line is that the Audi is more affordable, especially with current finance deals, but I think the BMW puts a wider smile on my face.
We didn't get to the negotiations, but on a car stickering for $42,300, he said "I can't get to $41K, but I can get below $42K". According to this site, the invoice price is $38.75K. I have read about people frequently getting pricing at $1500 over invoice. This brings it to $40,250, well below the range the salesman was flirting with.
Can anyone recommend a dealer/salesman in the DFW area? I am willing to pay fair value for the car, but I am not so in love with it as to be taken advantage of.
I took delivery of my 328i on 30-Jan-1999. WOW, are we on the same cycle or what?
"Any thoughts on what your next car will be?" Hmmm, well, not yet, a lot can change in three years. ;-)
Boxster,
The Xenon headlights are standard equipment on the 540iA. The Premium Sound is NOT part of Sport Package, so to add both you will need to pay an extra $5,300 ($2,800 Sport Package, plus $1,300 Gas Guzzler Tax, plus $1,200 Premium Sound).
excuse my lack of knowledge, what is Gas Guzzler Tax? is that binded with Sports package? does it mean in 1999, buying a brand new 540ia w/ steptronic and sports package, you have to pay $4100 more than the non-sports 540ia? before the steptronic was added in 1999, what was the cost of sports package for 97 and 98 models? the sports package always included sports seats, sports suspension, 17" wheel and tires, am I right?
If you guys are anywhere near as obsessed as I was pre-delivery, call 800-831-1117, option 3, and have your VIN or order number ready. They can tell you with better accuracy what the car's delivery status is. The Owner's Circle is vague and often slow to update its status.
If the price is a bit too high, some options are 1. European delivery bonuses = a short vacation and an opportunity to drive on excellent autobahns with intelligent drivers on the road. 2. Go for CPO
The Gas Guzzler tax is a federally-mandated tax on certain cars who's mileage is below a certain threshhold. The 540 requires it (regardless of sport package or not), but the 525/530 don't. It's $1000 even.
As for the sport package equipment, I think you're right but I'm not sure. If Shipo's not sure, you can ask on the forums at bimmer.org...someone there will know.
I feel your pain. I was working in Dallas for about a year, and stopped at John Roberts BMW near 635 to test drive the 530i. The dealer told me with a straight face the best they could do was sticker. I politely told him he'd lost any chance of a deal with that perspective. I ended up buying from Athens BMW in Athens, GA (since I live in Atlanta), which was a great experience.
Anyway, if you don't get any other dealer recommendations here, you might want to ask around at bimmer.org. Otherwise, you may consider European Delivery, or contact Steve Diamond at http://www.eurobuyers.com. For a couple hundred bucks, he'll find you a dealer willing to sell for a great deal (I'd imagine $1500 over invoice tops). The only downside is you may have to go to a nearby state to get it, but people who've used the service unanimously praise the whole process.
gas guzzler on a 2002 540i, and 540iA with the sport package is $1400 dollars.
If you have the 540iA without a sport package, you pay no gas guzzler tax:)
The sport package for 2000(oldest model year for which I have hard data) consists of: steptronic automatic transmission with high-stall-speed torque converter, performance final drive ratio(3.15:1 vs. std. 2.81:1), sport suspension, 17 in. wheels/tires with differentiated front/rear sizes, high gloss shadowline exterior trim, 3-spoke sport steering wheel--I'm prety sure this was a new option in 2000, and sport seats.
Thanks to advise from shipo, we just ordered a bmw 530i. We dealt with VOB in Rockville and the sales man, Patrick Obi, was very patient and offered us a car at $1700 over cost.( as we learned from shipo there is less profit for the dealer in a diplomatic sale). Bargaining took all of 5 minutes, that is a first.
For those looking in DC, we hated arlington BMW they practically ignored us and we had to wait quite a while. BMW of Fairfax was nicer and more attentive but less than great. We took a test drive with literally a quart of gas in the tank. Yes these things happen, but the salesman didn't even offer to put in a gallon, so we could test it out.
Everything i read says new 5 series to be introduced this fall for the 2003 model year. you have previously said it wont be available in the US until 2004 model year. Which is it? When will the new 5 series be introduced? will the 2003 5 series be the same body style as currently?
from what I've read and heard so far, I would think the new designed 5 will not be avaible anytime before Spring 2004. I guess there might be no 2003 BMW 5 at all
No one's sure, but consensus is it'll be introduced at either the Geneva show next March or the Frankfurt show next September. Either way, it'll arrive in US dealers about 4-6 months afterwards, and will almost certainly be designated an '04 model.
Oops, I guess I stand corrected. I could've sworn the tax was always $1000...how do they calculate it, then? And why on earth wouldn't it apply to the base 540iA?
boxster... You really should do some research on the E39 540i. Lots of good info is readily available in print and on internet in regard to what equipment has been standard and optional on the E39 540i since it came out as MY 1997. On web, thinking BMW NA CPO locator section has good info on standard and optional equipment across model years. And you should check out your local library.
Pulled out a Consumer Guide Auto 2000, published January 2000. It says "For 2000, rain sensing windshield wipers and Xenon headlamps are standard instead of optional for the 540i". These were optional items in MY 1999 for 540i. And their price list at time shows the then gas guzzler tax in MY 2000 as $1,300 for 540i6 and 540iA with Sport Package; $2,100 for M5.
If the fuel economy of the model type in which the automobile falls is: The tax is: At least 22.5 $0 At least 21.5 but less than 22.5 $1,000 At least 20.5 but less than 21.5 $1,300 At least 19.5 but less than 20.5 $1,700 At least 18.5 but less than 19.5 $2,100 At least 17.5 but less than 18.5 $2,600 At least 16.5 but less than 17.5 $3,000 At least 15.5 but less than 16.5 $3,700 At least 14.5 but less than 15.5 $4,500 At least 13.5 but less than 14.5 $5,400 At least 12.5 but less than 13.5 $6,400 Less than 12.5 $7,700.
"Fuel economy" is based upon 55% EPA City + 45% EPA Highway ratings (e.g. my Honda S2000 would be 55%* 20 mpg + 45%* 26 mpg = 22.7. Whew, that was close to an extra $1,000!)
OK, here is the skinny on the Gas Guzzler Tax (NOTE: I wrote this before I read Habitat1's post):
Under “US Code Collection”
Title 26, Subtitle D, Chapter 32, Subchapter A, Part 1, Section 6061 to 4064
Imposition of Tax: There is hereby imposed on the sale by the manufacturer of each automobile a tax determined in accordance with the following table:
Tax Amount – Fuel Mileage* Range $0,000 – At least 22.5 mpg $1,000 – Between 21.5 and 22.499 mpg $1,300 – Between 20.5 and 21.499 mpg $1,700 – Between 19.5 and 20.499 mpg $2,100 – Between 18.5 and 19.499 mpg $2,600 – Between 17.5 and 18.499 mpg $3,000 – Between 16.5 and 17.499 mpg $3,700 – Between 15.5 and 16.499 mpg $4,500 – Between 14.5 and 15.499 mpg $5,400 – Between 13.5 and 14.499 mpg $6,400 – Between 12.5 and 13.499 mpg $7,700 – Less than 12.5 mpg
* Fuel Mileage as defined by the EPA is calculated as (City MPG * .55) + (Highway MPG * .45)
So the mileage calculations for the three versions of the 540i work out to: 18 City -- 24 Highway -- 20.7 Combined / 540iA 15 City -- 21 Highway -- 17.7 Combined / 540iA Sport Package 15 City -- 23 Highway -- 18.6 Combined / 540i 6-Speed
Hmmm, so, why does the 540iA not pay $1,300 in Gas Guzzler Tax? I cannot answer that. Furthermore, why do the 540iA SP and the 540i 6-Speed not pay $2,600 and $2,100 respectively in Gas Guzzler taxes? I do not know that either.
What I do know; for model year 2002, to buy (or lease) the standard 540iA, one must pay no Gas Guzzler tax; meanwhile, to buy (or lease) either the 540iA with Sport Package, or the 540i 6-Speed, one MUST pay a $1,300 (no more, no less) Gas Guzzler tax.
If any of you out there know why there is a discrepancy between the Tax Code as written and the Tax as implemented, I would love to know the reason.
A little digging partially revealed the reason for the discrepancy noted in my last post, the actual formula must have been changed since that portion of the tax code was published. The new formula for calculating the combined Fuel Mileage number is:
So the (New) mileage calculations for the three versions of the 540i work out to: 18 City -- 24 Highway -- 23.89 Combined / 540iA 15 City -- 21 Highway -- 20.26 Combined / 540iA Sport Package 15 City -- 23 Highway -- 20.87 Combined / 540i 6-Speed
Ok, that explains why the 540iA does not pay and Gas Guzzler Tax, it also explains why the 540i 6-Speed pays $1,300 in Gas Guzzler Taxes, however, why does the 540iA equipped with the Sport Package not pay $1,700 in Gas Guzzler Taxes?
Once again, if any of you out there know why this discrepancy exists between the Tax Code as written and the Tax as implemented, I would love to know the reason.
I just ordered a 2002 530i and would love to get the benefit of other's insight to see how I did. The deposit was $500, so it is not to late if I really screwed up.
The options I ordered were leather seats, xenon headlights, manual (no automatic), sport package and HK sound system. According to Edmunds, the invoice (with destination charge) is $41,665 and the MSRP is $45,545. My price was $44,000 or about $2,300 above invoice. This is above the "$1,500-over-invoice" number I have seen on this site, but I was able to get this deal at my local dealer (Braman in Miami, FL) in two short and straightforward visits. Do you think I got a reasonable deal or did I overpay?
Also, what is the consensus on the HK sound system. To be honest, they did not have one in the dealership so I don't know how it sounds. I did hear the standard system and was disappointed with the noticeable distortion at even medium volume levels. Is the convenience and quality of the HK system worth $1,200 or should I pass on this option and upgrade in the aftermarket? If so, what is recommended in the aftermarket?
Finally, should I have waited for the 2003 model, which I was told is coming in a couple of months?
Admittedly, this is a semantic issue, however, technically speaking; the Harman Kardon (HK) audio system is only available on the 3-Series cars. On the 5-Series, the “Premium Sound System” upgrade for $1,200 is a more powerful system (compared to the base 5-Series audio system) with 12 speakers (including two sub-woofers) and a Digital Signal Processor.
For those of you trying to negotiate the price you want on a new BMW, the April 2002 edition of Consumer Reports gives good advice to get your price. The "Deals On Wheels" article lists strategies to shop smartly. I personally used the "internet car-buying" and the "phoning dealers" strategies to get my car. I have read where many people only go to one dealer before buying. These folks are doing themselves a huge disservice.
I'm very pleased with the premium stereo, but plenty others have complained it's not worth the price. My advice, as usual, is to go listen to both and decide for yourself. You may want to go to another dealer and suggest you're thinking about buying, and have a listen while you're at it. After market solutions exist aplenty, but they often get more expensive than the premium's $1200 price, and the car's proprietary electronics and interfaces do not lend themselves to easy upgrades. You may want to comb the archives at bimmer.org for opinions, and/or the articles at www.bmwtips.org for some DIY jobs some have tackled.
About your deal: $1500 over is a fairly good deal, but certainly geographical differences exist. In southern Florida, I wouldn't be surprised if $2500 over invoice is the norm (which is what I paid in Atlanta, by the way).
And the 2003 model--which will include no major changes--will appear around late October or so.
From what I read here on this and other threads, we seem to get the best deals here in the Northeast (especially NY/NJ) compared to Chicago, Miami, Texas, & California.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Not to beat the Gas Guzzler thing to death, too much anyway, however, I have been mystified by the fact that, while the 540iA (sans SP) does not have to pay the Gas Guzzler Tax, the 540i 6-Speed does.
Using the 530i as a basis for comparison, the EPA has rated the 5-Speed 530i as having 16.14% better mileage than the otherwise identical car with an automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the EPA has done the reverse and rated the 540iA as having 14.47% better mileage than the 540i 6-Speed. What gives?
To attempt to answer that question, I did a little research, and as you will see, I am still in a quandary. Consider the following specs:
Car/Pkg – Top Gear – Diff – Tire Dia – RPMs @ 60MPH (top gear) 540iA PP – 0.80:1 – 2.81:1 – 25.7 in. – 1764 540iA SP – 0.80:1 – 3.15:1 – 25.6 in. – 1985 540iM SP – 0.83:1 – 2.81:1 – 24.9 in. – 1889
Now, admittedly, the standard 540iA turns 125 fewer RPMs at 60 MPH than does a 540i 6-Speed, however, at this engine speed, the difference is virtually irrelevant, it is the rolling resistance, wind resistance and drive train efficiency that really determine fuel economy. That said, there is virtually no difference between the various 5ers as far as wind resistance goes, the tires on the 540i 6-Speed are about an inch wider than the ones installed on the 540iA, so rolling resistance is not much of an issue either, that leaves us with the drive train. Given that the engine on both cars is the same, as is the rear-end final drive ratio, the EPA is essentially telling us that the 6-Speed manual transmission is substantially less efficient than the Automatic gearbox. Am I the only one who is having a problem swallowing that?
My guess is that our friends here that drive 540i 6-Speed cars are experiencing fuel economy that is significantly better than the EPA calculations (assuming that our friends with said 540i 6-Speed cars can keep their foot out of the loud end of the go pedal ;-)), especially when cruising down the highway with the cruise control set.
I have noticed very ofter that in road tests,European cars will do far better than their EPA numbers,while Asian and,to a lesser extent,American cars agree with the government figures. I just chalked it up to the Eastern manufacterers more willing to play the game...
Congratulations gang, for the first time since I have been checking, we boosted the BMW 5-Series discussion into the top ten here at Town Hall. We ranked number 4 yesterday, beating out other such perennial favorites such as the Lincoln LS, Chrysler 300M and yes, even the BMW 3-Series.
Speaking for myself and I'm sure other's, this board is top notch! Just by reading the posting's I had many questions answered before I started looking for my car. I always wanted a BMW and this group made it easy to sift through the issues. Thanks to all!!!
You raise some good points. Not to confound you any more, but the sport package also drops the car by about an inch or so, which only aids fuel economy at speed!
300m is also very good. Lots of folks who know more about the car than the ppl who sell or service 'em. I used to be very active on that board then dropped out after 9-11. I got into this board when beginning the search for the 530i & this board has proved to be invaluable. I can only hope to one day be as knowledgable as some of you are about the 530i & BMW in general. I owe yous all one. Thanks.
Does anyone have fuel economy estimates done by any other governments? UK? Germany? EU? Japan? Australia? They might calculate it in number of liters of gasoline/petrol used per 100 kilometers. Would be interesting to compare those to USA EPA.
Keep in mind that the EPA has designed their own test and makes statistical adjustments. Don't think they really do do real world tests of actual cars out on a road in the open.
from BMW meet the members: #53 of 53 Zymol by jerry333 Mar 12, 2002 (06:16 pm) I am getting ready (next couple of months) to wax my 2001 525i for the first time. I have seen ads about Zymol cleaners and waxes and wonder if anyone has tried them. I note they are pricey, but if they do an above average job I would not mind paying the price. Any thoughts?
Comments
and save money over new. A great choice.
Colt.
Colt.
Best Regards,
Shipo
I suggest you head down to your local pharmacy, buy one for $20, and stuff it in your spare wheel well in the trunk.
It looks like our cars are siblings; mine just went from “Scheduled for Production” to “Awaiting Transport” today as well. As an aside, what was the production date of your 328i? Mine was produced in 12/1998, could it be that both of our cars have been siblings?
As for transit time, I suspect that if you figure 5-Weeks, you will not be too far off. Best case scenario, the car gets transport to the port within a couple of days, gets “On Water” shortly thereafter, and clears the VPC in Jersey City and onto a truck with minimal delay, you could see your car in as little as three weeks.
Good luck.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Good theory on gas tank on the right side of the car,it makes sense to me.
is Xenon light standard for 99 540ia? and is Premium Sound included in the sports package?
What was the cost of Sports package plus Steptronic then?
Thanks
I finally got out of the house this Saturday and went for some test drives. I think I have narrowed it down to an A6 3.0 or a BMW 525/30. I really like the BMW. I drove both a manual and auto 525.
When I got home to read the brouchures, I was disappointed about the lack of features in the 525. You can't even get auto headlights on a $43K car????? I know that may sound petty, but for the past 6 years my Ford truck has provided me with this luxury and I have grown accustom.
Bottom line is that the Audi is more affordable, especially with current finance deals, but I think the BMW puts a wider smile on my face.
We didn't get to the negotiations, but on a car stickering for $42,300, he said "I can't get to $41K, but I can get below $42K". According to this site, the invoice price is $38.75K. I have read about people frequently getting pricing at $1500 over invoice. This brings it to $40,250, well below the range the salesman was flirting with.
Can anyone recommend a dealer/salesman in the DFW area? I am willing to pay fair value for the car, but I am not so in love with it as to be taken advantage of.
Sorry for the long post.............
I took delivery of my 328i on 30-Jan-1999. WOW, are we on the same cycle or what?
"Any thoughts on what your next car will be?" Hmmm, well, not yet, a lot can change in three years. ;-)
Boxster,
The Xenon headlights are standard equipment on the 540iA. The Premium Sound is NOT part of Sport Package, so to add both you will need to pay an extra $5,300 ($2,800 Sport Package, plus $1,300 Gas Guzzler Tax, plus $1,200 Premium Sound).
Best Regards,
Shipo
does it mean in 1999, buying a brand new 540ia w/ steptronic and sports package, you have to pay $4100 more than the non-sports 540ia?
before the steptronic was added in 1999, what was the cost of sports package for 97 and 98 models? the sports package always included sports seats, sports suspension, 17" wheel and tires, am I right?
Thanks again!
1. European delivery
bonuses = a short vacation and an opportunity to drive on excellent autobahns with intelligent drivers on the road.
2. Go for CPO
As for the sport package equipment, I think you're right but I'm not sure. If Shipo's not sure, you can ask on the forums at bimmer.org...someone there will know.
Anyway, if you don't get any other dealer recommendations here, you might want to ask around at bimmer.org. Otherwise, you may consider European Delivery, or contact Steve Diamond at http://www.eurobuyers.com. For a couple hundred bucks, he'll find you a dealer willing to sell for a great deal (I'd imagine $1500 over invoice tops). The only downside is you may have to go to a nearby state to get it, but people who've used the service unanimously praise the whole process.
Good luck.
If you have the 540iA without a sport package, you pay no gas guzzler tax:)
The sport package for 2000(oldest model year for which I have hard data) consists of: steptronic automatic transmission with high-stall-speed torque converter, performance final drive ratio(3.15:1 vs. std. 2.81:1), sport suspension, 17 in. wheels/tires with differentiated front/rear sizes, high gloss shadowline exterior trim, 3-spoke sport steering wheel--I'm prety sure this was a new option in 2000, and sport seats.
hope this helps you guys out!
Rob
For those looking in DC, we hated arlington BMW they practically ignored us and we had to wait quite a while. BMW of Fairfax was nicer and more attentive but less than great. We took a test drive with literally a quart of gas in the tank. Yes these things happen, but the salesman didn't even offer to put in a gallon, so we could test it out.
Can't wait the 6-8 weeks for delivery.
About the Xenon lights, some say that's standard for 2000 models but option for 99 models,
what do you think?
Couple people here concur:)
Rob
Which is it? When will the new 5 series be introduced? will the 2003 5 series be the same body style as currently?
I guess there might be no 2003 BMW 5 at all
It doesn't apply to the base 540iA because the final drive ratio is taller in the base, meaning less acceleration in the name of economy:)
Rob
Pulled out a Consumer Guide Auto 2000, published January 2000. It says "For 2000, rain sensing windshield wipers and Xenon headlamps are standard instead of optional for the 540i". These were optional items in MY 1999 for 540i. And their price list at time shows the then gas guzzler tax in MY 2000 as $1,300 for 540i6 and 540iA with Sport Package; $2,100 for M5.
At least 22.5 $0
At least 21.5 but less than 22.5 $1,000
At least 20.5 but less than 21.5 $1,300
At least 19.5 but less than 20.5 $1,700
At least 18.5 but less than 19.5 $2,100
At least 17.5 but less than 18.5 $2,600
At least 16.5 but less than 17.5 $3,000
At least 15.5 but less than 16.5 $3,700
At least 14.5 but less than 15.5 $4,500
At least 13.5 but less than 14.5 $5,400
At least 12.5 but less than 13.5 $6,400
Less than 12.5 $7,700.
"Fuel economy" is based upon 55% EPA City + 45% EPA Highway ratings (e.g. my Honda S2000 would be 55%* 20 mpg + 45%* 26 mpg = 22.7. Whew, that was close to an extra $1,000!)
Under “US Code Collection”
Title 26, Subtitle D, Chapter 32, Subchapter A, Part 1, Section 6061 to 4064
Imposition of Tax:
There is hereby imposed on the sale by the manufacturer of each automobile a tax determined in accordance with the following table:
Tax Amount – Fuel Mileage* Range
$0,000 – At least 22.5 mpg
$1,000 – Between 21.5 and 22.499 mpg
$1,300 – Between 20.5 and 21.499 mpg
$1,700 – Between 19.5 and 20.499 mpg
$2,100 – Between 18.5 and 19.499 mpg
$2,600 – Between 17.5 and 18.499 mpg
$3,000 – Between 16.5 and 17.499 mpg
$3,700 – Between 15.5 and 16.499 mpg
$4,500 – Between 14.5 and 15.499 mpg
$5,400 – Between 13.5 and 14.499 mpg
$6,400 – Between 12.5 and 13.499 mpg
$7,700 – Less than 12.5 mpg
* Fuel Mileage as defined by the EPA is calculated as (City MPG * .55) + (Highway MPG * .45)
So the mileage calculations for the three versions of the 540i work out to:
18 City -- 24 Highway -- 20.7 Combined / 540iA
15 City -- 21 Highway -- 17.7 Combined / 540iA Sport Package
15 City -- 23 Highway -- 18.6 Combined / 540i 6-Speed
Hmmm, so, why does the 540iA not pay $1,300 in Gas Guzzler Tax? I cannot answer that. Furthermore, why do the 540iA SP and the 540i 6-Speed not pay $2,600 and $2,100 respectively in Gas Guzzler taxes? I do not know that either.
What I do know; for model year 2002, to buy (or lease) the standard 540iA, one must pay no Gas Guzzler tax; meanwhile, to buy (or lease) either the 540iA with Sport Package, or the 540i 6-Speed, one MUST pay a $1,300 (no more, no less) Gas Guzzler tax.
If any of you out there know why there is a discrepancy between the Tax Code as written and the Tax as implemented, I would love to know the reason.
Best Regards,
Shipo
$1300 is the guzzler tax, I guess I'm a little dyslexic today! lol
Rob
(1/ ( ( .495 / CityMPG ) + ( .351 / HighwayMPG ) ) ) + .15
So the (New) mileage calculations for the three versions of the 540i work out to:
18 City -- 24 Highway -- 23.89 Combined / 540iA
15 City -- 21 Highway -- 20.26 Combined / 540iA Sport Package
15 City -- 23 Highway -- 20.87 Combined / 540i 6-Speed
Ok, that explains why the 540iA does not pay and Gas Guzzler Tax, it also explains why the 540i 6-Speed pays $1,300 in Gas Guzzler Taxes, however, why does the 540iA equipped with the Sport Package not pay $1,700 in Gas Guzzler Taxes?
Once again, if any of you out there know why this discrepancy exists between the Tax Code as written and the Tax as implemented, I would love to know the reason.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Brest Regards,
Shipo
The options I ordered were leather seats, xenon headlights, manual (no automatic), sport package and HK sound system. According to Edmunds, the invoice (with destination charge) is $41,665 and the MSRP is $45,545. My price was $44,000 or about $2,300 above invoice. This is above the "$1,500-over-invoice" number I have seen on this site, but I was able to get this deal at my local dealer (Braman in Miami, FL) in two short and straightforward visits. Do you think I got a reasonable deal or did I overpay?
Also, what is the consensus on the HK sound system. To be honest, they did not have one in the dealership so I don't know how it sounds. I did hear the standard system and was disappointed with the noticeable distortion at even medium volume levels. Is the convenience and quality of the HK system worth $1,200 or should I pass on this option and upgrade in the aftermarket? If so, what is recommended in the aftermarket?
Finally, should I have waited for the 2003 model, which I was told is coming in a couple of months?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Rob
Best Regards,
Shipo
I'm very pleased with the premium stereo, but plenty others have complained it's not worth the price. My advice, as usual, is to go listen to both and decide for yourself. You may want to go to another dealer and suggest you're thinking about buying, and have a listen while you're at it. After market solutions exist aplenty, but they often get more expensive than the premium's $1200 price, and the car's proprietary electronics and interfaces do not lend themselves to easy upgrades. You may want to comb the archives at bimmer.org for opinions, and/or the articles at www.bmwtips.org for some DIY jobs some have tackled.
About your deal: $1500 over is a fairly good deal, but certainly geographical differences exist. In southern Florida, I wouldn't be surprised if $2500 over invoice is the norm (which is what I paid in Atlanta, by the way).
And the 2003 model--which will include no major changes--will appear around late October or so.
Congratulations on the new car.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Using the 530i as a basis for comparison, the EPA has rated the 5-Speed 530i as having 16.14% better mileage than the otherwise identical car with an automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the EPA has done the reverse and rated the 540iA as having 14.47% better mileage than the 540i 6-Speed. What gives?
To attempt to answer that question, I did a little research, and as you will see, I am still in a quandary. Consider the following specs:
Car/Pkg – Top Gear – Diff – Tire Dia – RPMs @ 60MPH (top gear)
540iA PP – 0.80:1 – 2.81:1 – 25.7 in. – 1764
540iA SP – 0.80:1 – 3.15:1 – 25.6 in. – 1985
540iM SP – 0.83:1 – 2.81:1 – 24.9 in. – 1889
Now, admittedly, the standard 540iA turns 125 fewer RPMs at 60 MPH than does a 540i 6-Speed, however, at this engine speed, the difference is virtually irrelevant, it is the rolling resistance, wind resistance and drive train efficiency that really determine fuel economy. That said, there is virtually no difference between the various 5ers as far as wind resistance goes, the tires on the 540i 6-Speed are about an inch wider than the ones installed on the 540iA, so rolling resistance is not much of an issue either, that leaves us with the drive train. Given that the engine on both cars is the same, as is the rear-end final drive ratio, the EPA is essentially telling us that the 6-Speed manual transmission is substantially less efficient than the Automatic gearbox. Am I the only one who is having a problem swallowing that?
My guess is that our friends here that drive 540i 6-Speed cars are experiencing fuel economy that is significantly better than the EPA calculations (assuming that our friends with said 540i 6-Speed cars can keep their foot out of the loud end of the go pedal ;-)), especially when cruising down the highway with the cruise control set.
Any comments?
Best Regards,
Shipo
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD, 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD
Best Regards,
Shipo
Thanks to all!!!
Colt
Keep in mind that the EPA has designed their own test and makes statistical adjustments. Don't think they really do do real world tests of actual cars out on a road in the open.
#53 of 53 Zymol by jerry333 Mar 12, 2002 (06:16 pm)
I am getting ready (next couple of months) to wax my 2001 525i for the first time. I have seen ads about Zymol cleaners and waxes and wonder if anyone has tried them. I note they are pricey, but if they do an above average job I would not mind paying the price.
Any thoughts?