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Comments
Do a ton of research to learn what is out there. Look at everything from Edmunds to Consumer Reports to Intellichoice to the automotive press.
Finally, take lots of lengthy test drives. Don't shell out a lot of money unless you get to spend sufficient time behind the wheel driving on the roads you normally do at the speeds you normally do with the loads you normally carry. How will you know if something is comfortable unless you spend some time in it? Or whether it has the right amount of engine or wind noise at interstate speeds unless you spend some time there?
Both the 3 and 5 Series might meet your needs. Lots of choices. 525i, 530i, 540i. Automatic or manual. Sport Package or not. Lots of options to personalize it. Even more choices in 3 Series. Everything from station wagons to convertibles to coupes to super-high performance M3. If you can't find something that meets your needs and price range in 3 or 5 Series, then you might be unique. Good hunting!!!
Has anyone had any success in getting this corrected, or is it an inherent design flaw in the replacement units. I've had the dealer look at this twice. The first time they said it was a loose belt, and the second time they could not reproduce the noise. This is my only complaint in an otherwise wonderful machine.
also, is metallic paint really tougher to be chipped?
Thx
First question - has anyone experience this with Michilens? I always had good experiences with Michilen, V-Rated, on my Acura legend coupe.
And second what brand of tires have you had the best of luck with when it comes to noise level while keeping the performance feel and handle well on wet and dry roads?
Furthermore, since BWM has been perfecting the car for a long time, it should not have any new model design flaws, since it really is not a new model, rather it is an improved version. These cars are not cheap, I can't see the logic in buying something now that will be dated in six months. The 2003 style will be the style for the next four to five years. The 7 Series redesign looked great, and is doing well. I am sure the new 5 series will do as well.
Again, I am not slamming anyone with this post. I like the 2002 5 series, I just can't get past the fact that in six months it will be a dated design.
I am growing out of my 1996 328ic and am interested in moving up to the 530i, but I may push off my decision for 6 months.
Given that I typically lease for three years, that means that I am scheduled for a replacement car during the spring of 2005, the second model year of the E60, which, by the way, is a totally new car, not an evolution of the E39. Given the technical sophistication of the E60, I would feel better about not leasing a first year E60, assuming that that is my inclination, which it is not.
I am not even remotely a fan of the new E65 7-Series, to my eye, this car is seriously Butt Ugly, and the current round of spy photos of the new E60 5-Series takes many styling cues from the E65. As such, I am highly unlikely to ever want such a car in my garage.
I know that many folks say that the new "Bangelized" cars will "Grow on you", but I am "Not Buying" that. I live less than a mile from BMWNA, and have seen the E65 cars running around here for over a year, and if anything, I like it less now than when I first saw it.
So, why would I lease a new E39 in the 8th year (the 1997 model year was released in early 1996) of its (likely) 9-year production run? Simple, I really like the design, AND I really DO NOT like what I have seen of the next generation 5-Series.
Best Regards,
Shipo
I am very aware of your concern, however. I bought a 323i in 2000 and just six months later the 2001's arrived with more horse power, more standard features, a '325' designation, and a lower base price. Aargh!
http://www.bmwworld.com/bmw/rumors6.htm
Best Regards,
Shipo
Based on what the motor press has been saying, the new 5-series (E60) will resemble the E65. There are even indications that the idrive will be standard. My guess is that this will not sit well with the majority of current 5-series drivers/owners. That being the case either the customer will look at other brands (Audi, MB, Acura, etc) or hold onto their current 5-series until the next redesign. In my opinion the current 5 has the right mixture of design, performance & luxury.
Chris
The thought, while somewhat crazy, is to order a 03 530i before the new platform is in production. My current car is being financed as a 3-year lease through BMW FS. I did speak with a rep at BMW FS. The rep indicated that customers have upgraded before lease end, even after 1 year of ownership. The question will be how much the dealer will give me vs. the buyout figure.
Chris
Best Regards,
Shipo
I've heard great things about the Bridgestone Potenza S03's (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridgestone/bs_s03.jsp). I'll be sure to look into them when I need new rubber, but at 12k miles I doubt you're ready for new tires (unless you've driven them very agressively).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
In my case, when the lady did my door with her mini-van (the witnesses were not able to get her license number) she hit hard enough for the sheet metal to bend in far enough to hit something on the inside. The result was her 2" concave dent, and a separate convex point an inch lower on the door skin. My total bill was $150 plus tax, and it took less than an hour. I am TOTALLY pleased with the job.
Best Regards,
Shipo
1) Daytime Running Lights - we chose to not have them "wired up" after our dealer told us there is no way to override and turn them off. Is this true?
2)After reading the Delivery Checklist (website posted by some kind soul a few weeks back), it states "Verify with dealer if you do/don't want front/rear plates installed plus an concerns about holes in front." Does the dealer drill holes through your bumper to install the plates? Last time we were at a dealer, I thought the front plate area was plastic and the back metal. Anybody know?
3) How can you find out the exact date of production? Our estimated date was April 5th. On April 6th we checked Owner Cirle and it was "Awaiting Transport", but didn't check web for a couple of days prior, so don't really know when it was produced. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
2) I believe that delivery checklist (which, if memory serves, I posted the link to) was a generic one, not one for 5-series. You're correct; the front license plate bracket sits in place by beeing wedged in there between two slits on the bumper. I'm fairly sure no holes are drilled.
3) Call BMWNA at 800-831-1117, option 3, and ask them (using your VIN or production number). Owner's Circle is entertaining but vague and slow.
Or you can call some of the larger volume parts dealers (http://www.pacificbmw.com/ or http://www.circlebmw.com/), which would be happy to send you one by mail (unsure of cost).
My car came with Michelin Primacy tires. I don't think I have been overly aggressive while driving.
I need to schedule an appointment with my dealer to have the Aux Fan replaced for the second time (2nd recall) so I will get them to look at it.
Good news (besides fixing the defect): The dealer handled it like a champ. For those in the D.C. area, it's BMW of Sterling, a new dealership. I set up the appointment the day before. When I brought it in, they had the shop foreman drive while I rode. He confirmed there was a problem, they "admitted" the car immediately, and set me up with a loaner.
Bad news: The loaner - an '02 325i 5-speed. Bombing around in that car was a blast. It's much stronger than I recall from a cursory test drive at another dealership last year. I hated to give it up when my car was ready. I am a sick puppy.
Fuel tank gal. 18.5
Reserve gal. 2.0 525, 530
2.5 540
For me it is obvious that Reserve is not included in the 18.5. It's on the separate line and there is no reason to believe that it is a part of 18.5.
A 20k mile treadlife isn't great, but it's within the normal range for performance tires. Look at it as the price to pay for having a great driving and performing car. You can replace them with harder-rubber all-seasons, but be prepared for performance to suffer.
Keep wondering why so much difference in brake dust between the two. Mine has standard Sport Package. Her's is just Premium Package. Usually thought sport packages used the type brake pads that created dust issue.
I was starting to play around with the steptronic transmission yesterday. Any advise on how to best drive with it? It seems to always start you off in 2nd gear. Should I start in first?
CAR magazine says the 5 series is due to be replaced in 2003. Many on the board here have specualted that the new 5 will come out in late 2003 as a 2004 model. It is a mystery to everyone though.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD