BMW 5-Series Sedans

vishnu11 · May 2002

Shipo:

(a) wlna.com is fairly accurate.

(b) I think they update Owner's Circle using a batch upload, and when they do this is anybody's guess. I took delivery of my car 2 weeks ago, and it still shows "in final processing center". I just call 800-831-1117 option 3 for more accurate detail.

(c) I also showed bi-xenons in the Owner's circle, but when the car showed up, it had low-beam xenons only. There was some talk about cars after 4/1 having the bi-xenons on the bimmer board, but I am not sure of that. Maybe there's somebody on this board doing ED and whose car is built after 4/1 who can test this theory?

indylowflyer · May 2002

Shipo- Thanks for the listing of wheels. Now that you listed, I realized I have the M Parallel wheels on my 540i 6-speed/sport suspension. I think the M style is the standard wheel that comes on the car. I assume you can order a different style, I'm going to ask my salesman next time I'm at the dealer. Even though it sounds like your wheels are more difficult to clean, I still like them better than the "M" style.

snagiel · May 2002

Apparently, BMW is offering bi-xenons on European E39's only (a couple of guys there who contribute to the bimmer.org forum have confirmed this), and Owner's Circle is incorrectly describing US models as having this feature (when xenons are ordered).

I too have the 530i sport Style 42 cross-spokes, and have found success cleaning them with the following products:

-P21S HIGH PERFORMANCE WHEEL CLEANER (includes sponge)(10401)
-DETAILER'S CHOICE SOFT WHEEL BRUSH (17625)
-OIL FLOW SAFETY SOLVENT & DEGREASER (11001)

Spraying and coating the wheel with the P21S cleaner, break dust is greatly loosened. Then using the sponge, I swipe off all debris on the front of the hub and spokes, and then follow up with the excellent brush between all the spokes. Water then washes everything off. I've found that, over the past several months of driving, my wheels have also accumulated small black specks that at first I thought were road tar. After speaking with the knowledgable guys at Car Car Specialists (http://www.carcareonline.com--that's their stock numbers in parentheses above), I learned the specks were actually some sort of adhesive byproduct from the brake pads (which normal tar remover is not usually strong enough to remove), so they recommended the above-mentioned degreaser, which has worked very well in removing these (using a rag) specks. Finally, I've recently started waxing the wheels (using the same One Grand Blitz Wax, also available from CCS), which I've heard will greatly help in the future removal of dust and other debris.

nyccarguy · May 2002

My favorite 5er wheels of all time are the wheels that came on the '97-'98 (maybe '99?) 540i SP. I love the exposed nuts around the rim as well as the spoke pattern (not sure how many). They make the car look really aggressive. Shipo's wheels (and others who have a 530i SP) are my favorite of the current styles. I saw a 525i SP the other day and those wheels are striking as well. I rarely see a 525i or 530i around here with SP (probably 'cause many are scared by the high performance tires). The SP wheels on all BMWs across the board definitely do their respective cars justice.

indylowflyer · May 2002

Ny- No doubt that the wheel/tire combo on the 5-series SP really improve the looks of the vehicle. I am continually amazed at how wide the rear tires are for a sedan. I now have a total of 21,000 miles on my 5er(16,000 on the tires due to using winter wheel/tire combo for 5,000 miles this past winter) and still have alot of tread left. I should be able to squeeze 25,000-30,000 miles out of this set of Dunlops. I have been very happy with this brand/type of tire.

colt007 · May 2002

Looks like I'll be ordering another brush, the wheel cleaner & degreaser. Thanks for your thoughts on this.

Indylowflyer - were the Dunlops standard on your 540 or aftermarket?

Colt.

indylowflyer · May 2002

The Dunlops were standard equipment. I will probably buy Dunlops again when it is time to replace.

colt007 · May 2002

Is there any special way you should store your winter/summer wheels? Take the air out? Lay them on the side instead of the contact patch?

Colt

shipo · May 2002

While I was in southern Bavaria, I noticed a number of open garages where you could see inside, and one of the most common wall adornments was wheels and tires. I would suggest to you that the best approach is to leave the air in them, and hang them on the wall to get them out of the way.

Best Regards,
Shipo

bluewater5 · May 2002

Now you are experiencing the best part of ED: "enjoying" the anticipation of delivery twice.

I may be a bit behind since I don't have a chance to check this site each day, but:
-Nice pics. I like the black but did not want to try to keep it looking clean myself. With too many silver BMWs in NJ, I went with my color.
-Believe the paper ED confirmation letter, not bmwusa.com on Xenons (! Bi-xenons).

-Bob D.

theomd · May 2002

Have 1mo old 530iA CWP;PP;Topaz/Sand. Love it best car I have owned. Often find myself easily above the posted speed limit and deicded to upgrade my aging Escort with a V-1. Any tips on permanent wiring found a link at BMW Tips which shows attachment to the hot of the Home link transmitter. Any other suggestions or is the best remedy. Thanks

snagiel · May 2002

I've done a similar install with my Passport 8500. One thing the page at BMWTips.com doesn't mention is that you should snake the power cable between the headliner and the dashboard, and NOT through the lid for the sunroof/homelink switches. It's a bit more of a pain, since the headliner doesn't budge much. I found using a small screwdriver helped wedge it through, and now the cabling is invisible from the driver's seat (my detector is mounted just underneat the rearview mirror).

If you're concerned about other motorists sharing your view, you might consider getting the remote display unit, which many have bought and installed near the lower left hand corner of the windshield (by the A-pillar), snaking the cable between the headliner and windshield and down the pillar. The only other suggestion is to unplug and hide the detector when you leave your car--many cars have been broken into because of expensive detectors just sitting there temptingly.

snagiel · May 2002

You can see a copy of it at http://members.roadfly.com/snagiel/new5.jpg.

sergeym · May 2002

But I do not care, BMWs are not about looks. If performance will be as good as expected I'll get one in 2005 when my 2002 540 lease is over.

nyccarguy · May 2002

I saw a Silver/Black 530i SP this morning...Love those Sport Package Wheels!

The way the 5's tail lights were redone last year (Euro Style White Corners w/ Orange Bulbs), I think it really looks great on the darker colored cars!

nyccarguy · May 2002

Tuesday evening I was rollerblading home from work and saw a gorgeous 5er! I'm not sure what year, but it looked newer (Angel Eyes & Clear Rears) It was maroon exterior and I didn't get to see the interior color. The Model designation was removed and it had what looked to be M5 Wheels. It wasn't an M5 because it didn't have the Quad Exhaust pipes sticking out of the back. The color was gorgeous!

shipo · May 2002

For those of you who were having problems with the download speed of http://photos.yahoo.com/shipo I have just posted a picture of my car to the Town Hall discussion: Owners Clubs - BMW Owners Clubs - BMW 5-Series Owners - BMW 5-Series Owners: Photo Gallery.

Naturally, as soon as I do this, the performance of the Yahoo! site improves. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

tigger33 · May 2002

Shipo - Since you live in Jersey, do plan on putting new tires (and rims?) on for the winter? How do the SP tires handle in the rain? Thanks.

I just ordered my 530 w/Sport, Prem, Cold. When I test drove both the sport and standard (at the suggestion of someone on the site) and didn't notice all that much difference in the ride - I had expected the SP to ride to be much less comfortable, but it was really pretty smooth.

stl540 · May 2002

I have been reading the 5-board for the past couple months and knew that I had to have a 5. I finally test drove the 540 with SP two weeks ago and fell in love with it. My SUV lease ends in late June, but I could not wait after driving the 540. So I will turn in the SUV early. I will pick up my Jet Black 02 540 SP,prem sound,CWP,M-wheels, powershade by 5/24 (wife wants me to wait until 5/24, but I don't think I can).

The 540 SP is an amazing car. I cannot wait to have the car as my everyday drive. I am sure I will be disappointed when I arrive at my destination.

shipo · May 2002

If my wife and I end up staying in New Jersey (we are going to be house hunting in New Hampshire again in the next couple of weekends), I will probably not change the tires.

I look at it this way, I have lived in the NYC metro area for 10 winters now, and during that time there have been maybe two dozen days where I would not want to be driving a car equipped with summer tires. Of those 24 days, at least 8 to 10 of them were of the kind where you could not drive (Christy said so), or should not drive without good reason. That leaves maybe 16 days (some of which were weekend days) where I could either drive my wife's MiniVan (which does very well in the snow), or simply put another log on the fire, and pick up a good book.

On the other hand, if we do move to New Hampshire, I will almost certainly buy a second set of wheels and winter tires for my 5er. So, there you go, a totally non-committal, wishy-washy answer, maybe yes, maybe no. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

tigger33 · May 2002

Thanks, Shipo. Maybe I'm showing my ignorance, but why spend the money on a second set of wheels - why not simply swap tires? How would you describe the ride you get with the sports package vs. the standard suspension?

div2 · May 2002

Every time you dismount/mount a set of tires you run the risk that some bone-headed minimum wage "technician" will scar or otherwise damage your alloys. Besides, it's faster, cheaper, and safer to do it yourself. I can swap the wheels on my wife's 528i in @30 minute using a floor jack. I also thoroughly clean the wheels after they're removed, so it usually takes me about one hour max...

tigger33 · May 2002

Thanks, Shipo. Maybe I'm showing my ignorance, but why spend the money on a second set of wheels - why not simply swap tires? How would you describe the ride you get with the sports package vs. the standard suspension?

shipo · May 2002

The simplest reason of all, convenience. I cannot imagine stuffing four dirty tires in my car, driving to the local shop, waiting around while they removed the wheels from the car, removed the old tires, mounted and balanced the other set, remounted all four wheels on the car, and finally stuffed the other four dirty tires in my car. On top of that, you then get the pleasure of paying for the work just performed, typically about $20.00 per wheel, assuming (and this is no guarantee) that you can find a shop that can work on 17 and larger wheels.

The second reason, cost. To buy a set of four winter tires that fit the 17 wheels that come with the SP, your choices are extremely limited. According to tirerack.com, the Blizzak LM-22 fits said wheels, and they cost $163.00 per tire, which works out to $652.00 for a set of four. If you choose this method, figure on $160.00 per year for the swapping of the rubber on your BMW wheels. Contrast that with buying a new set of wheels, which, if sized properly, allow you to use 16 tires instead of the 17 you are forced into with the BMW wheels. The reason that 16 tires are more desirable are several, 1) they are more common, so getting the right diameter at any given section width for your car will be easier, 2) they are more common, so they cost less to buy, and 3) because of the fact that they are more plentiful, you can find narrower tires, which work much better in the deep stuff.

So, in summary, by buying tires only, the cost would be about $700 (with shipping), plus $160 per year for the swapping. If you buy wheels as well, then you have many more options, three of which I have listed below:

4-Mille Miglia Cello wheels, 4-Dunlop Winter Sport M2 tires plus shipping = $1,025
4-Mille Miglia Cello wheels, 4-Michelin Pilot Alpin tires plus shipping = $975
4-Mille Miglia Cello wheels, 4- Michelin Arctic-Alpin tires plus shipping = $890

As you can see, paying $160 per year for the swap adds up fast when you consider the fully mounted/balanced packages that TireRack.com sells. In the case of the Artic-Alpin package, the total cost for 2 years would still be $890, meanwhile, over that same two year period, the Blizzak tires, including the swapping charges would amount to something like $1,020.

In my case, even if buying the wheels were more expensive, I would still be inclined to do that just so that I could go out to the garage, swap the tires and be back inside in less than 30 minutes. Priceless!

Best Regards,
Shipo

nyccarguy · May 2002

I actually used to do the Summer Wheel/Winter Wheel Swap (V-Rated Michelin XGT V4 to Bridgestone Blizzaks) with my 1992 Beretta. The winters here in NYC metro area were fine, but I was edumacating at college in Ithaca, NY with rough Central NY winters and STEEP hills. I had 2 sets of wheels and tires. The place where I bought the blizzaks from (Ramapo Discount Tire in New City, NY) used to swap the wheels for me for free (And they were cheaper than tire rack). Even though they rotated the tires for free, I still slipped the mechanic 5 bucks. I sold my Beretta in 1998 when I graduated college. 2 months ago (a good 4 years since I've been to aforementioned tire place) went back to the same tire place to get the tires rotated on my Saab (you people wouldn't do this with your 5ers) and get a state inspection. I looked at the bill and they only charged me for the state inspection. The guy at the desk told me the tire rotation is on the house.

nyccarguy · May 2002

Are you getting the 540 with a 6 speed?

pap5 · May 2002

To Shipo's typically well reasoned and presented response, I would add that having winter tires on dedicated wheels affords you the opportunity to do "just-in-time" tire swapping, based on conditions. In areas where road conditions vary from dismal to dry several times a winter, you theoretically could have optimum rubber on the road at all times, if you're willing to go to the effort. Unless I lived in the Great Frozen North, I'd be reluctant to run winter tires all season.

snagiel · May 2002

Congratulations on the order. Like you said, the difference in ride between the standard and sport package is indeed minor; it's most noticeable over poor road surfaces with sharp bumps. The sport package will recoil a bit more sharply than the standard shocks and springs, but certainly nothing that'll jolt you rudely.

As for rain handling, it may surprise you--it did me--that summer/performance tires generally handle better in rain than do winter or even all-season tires. Despite being wider (which is great for grip but contributes to hydroplaning), they are often designed with long sipes (often v-shaped to disperse water) which contribute to surer roadholding over wet roads. Winter tires--and to a lesser extend all-seasons--are more "studded" in design for better traction against slippery surfaces in slower speeds.

shipo · May 2002

So, according to the Wallenius web site (http://www.wlna.com), my 530i left Bremerhaven on Thursday last (2-May-2002). Just today, the "Owners' Circle - Order Tracking" indicated my car is "En Route", that seems a little longer than the "3 Days" latency that I have heard about in the past. Based upon that, I should have my car in my garage well before Owners' Circle says my car has hit the port.

Best Regards,
Shipo

Kirstie_H · May 2002

A television reporter is interested in hearing from folks who have driven long distances to get good prices when buying new cars or trucks. If you have a story to tell, please drop a line including your contact info and city/state of residence to jfallon@edmunds.com.

Thanks,

Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

derprofi · May 2002

Does going 4000 miles to Germany count? :-)

jim52 · May 2002

I too am debating whether or not I should buy winter tires/wheels. I live outside of Philadphia and, like Shipo, have only experienced a handful of days over the past few years when they would have been necessary. It's hard for me to justify the added cost and fact that I will only "need" them a few times but end up driving on them for a few months.

I'm pretty sure that if I don't buy them, I'll end up wishing I had and if I do buy them they will end up not being necessary.

shipo · May 2002

Here is an idea, on days that are likely to be too snowy (or otherwise inhospitable for your new 5er), call Enterprise and have them drop a cheapo rental car off at your house for the day or so that you will need it.

Best Regards,
Shipo

elew · May 2002

My 530I Steel Blue is inbound sometimes this month. Has anybody purchased an extended warranty? From who and how much did you pay for the warranty?

silly1040 · May 2002

My wife currently has a Lexus RX300 with a DVD navigation system that is wonderful.

I remember seeing somewhere that BMW uses a CD navigation system and that some owners were not very pleased with it. Any input from you true owners would be helpful to this potential owner.

nyca · May 2002

The Lexus system is the best on the market. Nothing the Germans have can touch it right now, they are way behind in this area. The Mark Levinson stereo is also tops. Alot of people on the roadfly board buy the Garmin StreetPilot III instead of the factory nav system. I imagine things will improve with the new 5.

polo2928b · May 2002

about 30 dyas I change my tires,purchased the same dunlop 2000 235/45/17 for my 528i but I feel like the balancing was not done right, so I had it balanced one more time, and still the same, it just did not feel as smooth at 70 mph as it did prior to the new tires, so I had them balanced again and still it just does not feel the same, so is this normal, as I heard that one you change tires balacing may be a problem with BMW's? the balacingwas done with sticky weighs in the inside or the rim, also I must note that from factory they came in the outside of the rim, but it just look awful with all those weighs outside on the rim, ADVICE?

riez · May 2002

May 2002 issue of BMW CCA Roundel magazine has small news article on first quarter sales. Nice to see 5 Series sales up 21 percent. (3 Series up by 20 percent and 7 Series up a whopping 64 percent.)

Roundel news also reports that 52 percent of all BMW dealers in USA sell only BMWs (versus 63 percent for MB and 76 percent for Lexus). And that BMW dealers are 9th in per-dealer sales (625 vehicles per dealer), versus 2nd for Lexus (1,161/dealer), 5th for MB (667/dealer) and 6th for Acura (661/dealer).

kdshapiro · May 2002

Who is number one? Honda? Toyota?

dabimmer · May 2002

About 3 months ago we were in Sonoma County,Ca and as we were
leaving for home just south of San Francisco it began to rain and rain
very,very hard. On the road it was difficult to see the lanes and the wind
was blowing very hard, it would have been prudent to stop and let it blow
over but I didn't. The 530 IA plowed through this deluge like it was tied
to a cable in the road, I was so impressed with the sport suspension and
the summer tires ( Michelin Primacy) . There was no hydroplaning or
moving around on the highway. When we got home and hour later my
wife remarked that the drive was so comfortable and safe in spite of the
inclement storm. Never could have said that about any of our previous
cars.

riez · May 2002

kdshapiro... Toyota #1. Honda #3. Ford #4. Chevy #7. Hyundai #8. Saturn #10.

cmr530i · May 2002

Well, I can't believe that one year has past since I took delivery of my 530i! My heart still races with every drive!
I received a nice surprise letter in the mail from my dealer celebrating my 1st anniversary with the car. The letter included a $100 certificate toward the purchase/lease of a new or CPO BMW. The letter also said I'd be receiving more certificates in the future(perhaps future anniversaries?)as a preferred customer. Anyone else getting such certificates in the mail?

riez · May 2002

cmr530i... I'm assuming this is something from the dealer and not BMW. Does the certificate say anything about when it must be presented during the buying process? The ones that have to be presented before negotiations begin (or anytime before negotiations conclude) are essentially worthless. Only certificates that are valuable are ones you can use after you have negotiated a price.

That is one nice thing about the GM Credit Card rebates. You negotiate hard, get your best deal, and only then do the rebates kick in. Dealer doesn't even know about them until you have agreed to a price.

Anyone here have a BMW FS Ultimate Credit Card, the one that gives you points? Think there is a $50 annual fee. Anyone used their points? Are they as easy to use as the GM Credit Card points?

If you think you'll buy another BMW down the road, you should join BMW CCA. They, in conjunction with BMW, have a Membership Reward Program, for members in good standing of more than one year. Current rebate is $500 off CPO cars and then there are specific dollar rebates for new cars. Now $1,000 on new 5 Series, including M5, and $500 on new 3 Series, including M3.

kdshapiro · May 2002

Interesting way to get a discount.

love2skicar · May 2002

Hello, I would appreciate hearing from 530 owners about how the car handles in snow, particularly forward traction. I used to have a rear wheel drive car and sometimes the slightest hill would be a problem. Also I heard a rumor that BMW will add AWD to the 5 series next year, is there any truth to that?

I live in Boston and there are approximately 10 days a normal year when we have to drive in significant snow. I had been looking at a 330xi all wheel drive but what surprised me is that it is priced within 5 thousand (option for option) of a 530. I'm thinking I might go for a second set of wheels with good snow tires and take my chances and enjoy a bigger, smoother car which might have better resale value. Some have told me the 3 series is more fun to drive, but honestly the 5 seems more comfortable to me, the only issue is snow. Any advice would be appreciated.

I tried the X5 but there i didn't like it compared to the cars.

thank you

nyca · May 2002

I don't think you get any $$$s for your "points" towards a purchase, its just for leasing rates as I recall, but I could be wrong. If they gave cash rebates, I'd get one in a minute....

riez · May 2002

nyca... I've ordered the credit card. The number is (888) BMW-CARD (269-2273). Here are some excerpts from material BMW FS sent me:

"2002 Rewards Package, which gives you one point for every dollar charged... BMW FS loan or lease rebates, now increased up to $5,000. Up to $5,000 on your next loan or lease. Additional miles on your existing BMW FS lease. No yearly point cap. No expiration for points. Double points for gas purchases."

There is a $50 annual membership fee. I ordered mine after BMW FS recently sent me a pre-approval notice indicating I would get so many free points for signing up now.

I'm sure the BMW NA web site has details.

nyca · May 2002

I'll read it again, but when they sent me the prospectus in the mail, it was clear that it was not a rebate. For example, if I buy a car for cash, I don't get anything it seems? I have to take a loan through BMWNA? Can I take a loan for $1 more then the rebate I've earned with my points? Its not "clean" like the GM card.

How many points do you need for $1 of rebate? Do you get 1 point for every dollar you spend (double for gas)?

cmr530i · May 2002

The letter is from the dealer and they are calling it a "gift letter" worth $100. The only restriction is that I can only use it at this particular dealer. The letter says to "watch for and collect" more such letters on each anniversary. It does not say when I need to present it during the buying process.
I also looked into( had BMWNA send me the application packet) the BMW credit card just a few weeks ago, but decided against it. I do not like paying a yearly fee on any credit card. The literature in my packet said the rebate was only up to $500 which I thought was not worth it considering the yearly fee. Your post says it is $5000. Are you sure? That is quite an increase! I will call again to clarify the rebate amount.

nyca · May 2002

OK, I see they they have updated the web site with a PDF document that has more details. But here is the catch phrase:

Redeem 35,000 points for a $350 loan rebate certificate.

What's that? It implies I have to have a loan through BMWNA to get the $350. Of course, you can redeem the points for merchandise certificates, I wonder if you can use them at the parts departments?

BMW 5-Series Sedans

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