Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

BMW 5-Series Sedans

17172747677248

Comments

  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    Just a unrelated side note: I'm going to get my "need for speed" fix this afternoon. I have been invited to a suite at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to watch practice for the upcoming Indy 500. Average lap speeds are exceeding 230 m.p.h. with straightaway speeds approaching 240 m.p.h. on the famed 2.5 mile oval.

    I'm sure I'll see a number of interesting BMWs in the parking areas around the track. Weather forecast for the next 2 days is not good, which means the cars/drivers will be running alot today.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Are you going to be able to run your 540i around the track? Tha would be fun!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    Not without being arrested. A few years ago, some nut got on the track in his truck and wouldn't stop, so the security guards blocked the track with three vans at the start finish line and this guy just kept on going and plowed into the parked vehicles. This was in the late fall and not during any race/practice time.

    The owner of the Speedway drives a 7-series BMW. I saw him get out of his car at the Speedway golf course earlier this year which he also owns, and has four of the holes inside the track. The track certainly provides an interesting backdrop when you are playing the golf course!
  • merckxmerckx Member Posts: 565
    Interesting analogy to the bike tires. Are you a cyclist?
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Not since I moved to the NYC metro area in 1992. Around here, what with the roads and drivers, I feel VERY unsafe (that from someone who has ridden his bike through London, Paris, Brussels, Rome, Marseilles, Auckland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Milwaukee, Chicago and Detroit), then, take into account the addition of a wife and children since the move, and I have no time either.

    That said, before 1992, I rode around Lake Michigan in one trip, and across the U.S. in another, toured Europe three times, rode both islands of New Zealand, and have raced in seven triathlons and two biathlons (I think they call them duathons (sp?) now a days), so I do have a few miles in the saddle. One of the things that I am most looking forward to if we do ultimately move to New Hampshire this summer, is getting back on a bike after a ten hear hiatus, the roads up there look positively wonderful for cycling. ;-)

    By the way, based upon your merckx user id, I have often wondered if it had any relationship to Eddy or some other cycling connection. I now assume it does based upon your question. ;-)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • bmwluverbmwluver Member Posts: 11
    Thanks for telling me you think the Edition Exclusive 530 which is available in Europe is not coming to our shores. A pity. How definite are you with your information? Thanks.
  • bs530bs530 Member Posts: 5
    Had a tour of the factory on the 13th. Had to wear a lab coat and safety goggles( sure looked good with the short pants I was wearing!). It lasted three hours and was very detailed. You see the huge rolls of steel that get stamped and pressed,parts being added, chassis to frame. a movie on the painting (they can make you a car in 368 additional colors besides what in the book $$$)It really makes you understand how well these cars are made. They give English tours on MON, WED, FRI at 1pm. BUT call 4-6 weeks ahead of time.
    I then picked up my 530 the next day and drove it to Frankfort. What else can I say. You all are right. It truly is the UDM ! After dropping it off, I took the train up the Rhine to Koln and flew out last night. What a view of the castles. Sure wish I had more time. But, my lease is up in 34 months, so I guess I'll have to go back for another car!
    By the way, never say never with BMW. They said that you can't get ED on M3's and M5's, but a guy in group just picked up his RED M3 and he lives in Connecticut.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I thought that ED was available on the "M"s, just that there was no discount.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • sergeymsergeym Member Posts: 283
    Thanks, I will reduce my car's tires pressure and let you know.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    SergeyM...

    1. You might also have your car looked at for a complete 4-wheel alignment. And make sure your tires are wearing properly.

    2. The May 13, 2002, issue of AutoWeek, p. 10, has a moderately lengthy update on the next generation 5 Series. You might be interested to know:

    "A revolutionary steering system that automatically corrects the angle of the front wheels in hefty side winds and under braking is likely, along with the 7's automatic damping control and dynamic drive systems."
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    I don't know if what you saw was a particular trim line or package, but I know that in many countries (including, of course, Germany, but excluding, of course, the US and Canada), BMW has an "Individual" program which allows you to customize your car a heck of a lot more than you can here. To give some perspective:

    The US 5-series offers 13 colors, 6 upholstery colors/fabrics, and one or two wood choices.

    With the Individual Program, there are dozens of exterior color choices, 27 different upholstery colorts/fabrics, and seven wood choices. In addition, you can outfit the car with other goodies like TV/DVD system (with screens in the back of the headrests), fax machine, more sound systems, rear trays, privacy screen and intercom, compass in rearview mirror, kleenex dispenser in door, a mini-fridge in the back, and much more. You can get a glimpse at http://www.bmw.com/bmwe/products/individual/ .

    Too bad we can't get this range of options here...
  • cmr530icmr530i Member Posts: 278
    Just had my 530i in for its first service. Very pleasant experience, with the service completed in less than two hours. Although I had the option of keeping the loaner car(an auto 3 series) through tomorrow, I decided to pick up my car right before closing today.(I can't bear to be without it!) I was surprised by the amount of wind noise from the tilted sunroof at highway speeds on the 3. This does not happen in my 5. Having the auto transmission also reaffirmed my passion for manual. I did not feel in full control of the car's acceleration. Plus, my right hand felt out of place with nothing to do. Overall, I give my service dealer an A+ for appointment accommodation (got one in two days with loaner car), expediency and courtesy!
  • jb_shinjb_shin Member Posts: 357
    The Individual program "officially" does not exist in the US. However, I have seen and heard of people doing it nonetheless. It depends on how persistent you are and how willing and able your dealer is.

    The model that was mentioned in earlier post is a special edition, not Individual, so you probably won't be able to get it. Unless of course you order the parts and replace them yourself.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Ever since I saw the first “Spy” photo of the new E60 5-Series, I have wondered to myself, “What were they thinking?” After all, how could a company with so much success in their execution of their previous models even remotely think that a “Bangle Butt” 5-Series would be popular with their chosen public? Add to that, all of the furor in print and on the Net regarding the E60 images that we have been allowed to see (which at least a few folks over at BMW cannot help but to have noticed), and one can only assume that somebody high up within BMW has totally “Lost It”.

    So, if all this is not enough of an indication regarding the new 5er, there must also be some folks over at BMW looking at the sales numbers of the current E39, which in the twilight of its production life is selling as well as (if not better than) it has ever sold before. Assuming that they have in fact noticed the jump in E39 sales, only an idiot would discount the possibility that many folks (myself included) deliberately ordered said E39 now instead of waiting for the E60 so as to be able to avoid a car that is likely to be “Butt Ugly” (or is it a car that is likely to have an “Ugly Butt”?).

    Then this little voice inside my head (that had been talking all along) got loud enough for me to consider another possibility. What if BMW deliberately released those horrible E60 pictures through back channels so as to keep E39 sales strong until the very end? What if BMW has never actually had any intention of releasing the E60 with such revolting clothing, and the looks of the REAL E60 are still a very well guarded secret? What if the new E60 is so stunning looking that if the REAL pictures were released, E39 sales would almost totally dry up (sort of like the current E-Class in anticipation of the W211)?

    Then I read the following this morning on bimmer.org:



    From Autospies.com:

    5 series update

    As reported in the 4/10/02 issue of our newsletter, a more conservative 5 series design has been confirmed. The spy photos you’ve been seeing at the other sites show a car that is technically a smaller version of the new 7 are WRONG! The brass smacked Bangle’s design team with a few uppercuts and changed the direction of the ship, in favor of a more traditional looking BMW. The ‘Fat [Oops!]’ from the seven is gone in favor of a much more elegant/sporty rear end as well as styling cues taken from some of the current Audis.



    Hmmm, I wonder if that little voice in my head has been right all along. ;-) Any thoughts?

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    A Bangle-Butt E60 5 series Spy photo conspiracy you say? I wouldn't put it past them. Sending out rumors to keep the sales of the current E39 platform alive? If it is true, then it is brilliant!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    Nice conspiracy theory, Shipo :)

    This reminds me of counter-culture theories that emerged after the "New Coke" blitz in the mid-80's, which suggested that Coca Cola really knew the new flavor would bomb, but would generate so much publicity that overall sales would eventually pay off for the stunt. As Coke insiders later admitted, they were not that smart, nor were they that stupid. The same, I think, applies to BMW here.

    Many of the "images" of the upcoming E60 have been loosely based on heavily camouflaged and "computer enhanced" (i.e. Photoshop-aided guesses) with many cues from the new 7-series, since that seemed to be reasonable. And, according to even the most recent Road and Track, BMW insiders admit there'll be "some getting used to" with the new design. So it's hard to reconcile all these different images and statements from "sources" that are sporadically trickling in.

    I'm sure BMW doesn't mind us getting anxious about the E60--especially if it helps current E39 sales, as you say. But remember that the 5-series enthusiasts who read these boards comprise a rather small percentage of current and potential 5-series owners. If memory serves, they sell about 5,000 of these cars a month in the US, so favorable reviews in mainstream media and Consumer Reports, I think, are most responsible for driving 5-series sales to their current level.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    and if it is Butt Ugly, then can you people in California & Texas say "Availablily Markup" on E39s still laying around on the lot?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • jstylejstyle Member Posts: 129
    There isn't an official photo out yet but in a German auto magazine the one thing that can be seen clearly in spy photos (not graphics) is the front does resemble the new 745. Who knows about the back. Also in the same article it is confirmed through BMW that the i-drive will be standard in the next 5. I too wonder where a manual will go. We might assume that the auto gear select will be on the steering column like the 7. More volume production cost savings is there if the systems on both the 7 and 5 are alike.
  • derprofiderprofi Member Posts: 250
    What I've heard indicates that i-drive will be an option in the E60. It makes sense that it's standard on the top tier Bimmer, but I don't think it can be justified on the mid-level 5-er.
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    Sure, we're all speculating to an extent here, but I've read as well (source was either Roundel or Automobile Magazine) that, since iDrive requires a significantly different dash design (than no iDrive), it would likely be standard (or, "required," depending on your perspective) on the new 5 as well in order to save the expense of designing and carrying inventory of two different dash types.
  • pap5pap5 Member Posts: 144
    "Decoy" butt-ugly/ugly-butt E60 as marketing ploy is an interesting theory. For it to be true, it would have had to be put into play in relatively short order, starting from the time the initial negative E65 reviews started rolling in -- November or so? OR, the boys at BMW AG might have been guessing all along that the E65 was going to get a mixed (or worse) reception, and had the strategy ready to go when the feedback started.

    In any event, I wonder how much less our bimmers would cost if we weren't supporting the marketing department!
  • l943973l943973 Member Posts: 197
    There is a stereotype that BMW parts are expensive. Are they that much more expensive than other cars in its price range?

    For example, I heard the rear view mirror costs about $265. I thought that was high until I heard that my rear view mirror cost $450.

    What are typical service costs?

    thanks,
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    According to Intellichoice (http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport.cfm?section=ownership&vhcl_nmb=9539), the 530i's value--which takes into account not only repairs and maintenance costs but depreciation, insurance, fuel, etc--is rated "Better than average [for its class]." Its 5-year ownership costs amount to $41,188, as opposed to the class's $42,954 average.

    Its class, of course, includes some pricy competitors: Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, Infiniti, Lexus, Cadillac, Lincoln, and others. In a very general sense, yes, part-for-part BMW's are probably amongst the more expenensive in the group. But it's fairly reliable, and its warranty covers most things. If you're buying used, be sure to look for a CPO model or a solid extended warranty.

    General advice for maintenance and repair (out of warranty): For relatively simple things (e.g. wheel alignments, oil changes), go to a respected mechanic (preferably one that specializes in BMW's) in your area. Save the dealer visits for more proprietary stuff (electronics/drivetrain problems). And be aware some volume parts dealers (e.g. Pacific BMW out in California) can usually sell you parts for less than your dealer.
  • bluewater5bluewater5 Member Posts: 55
    Instead of a marketing angle, the early E60 images could have been "test": throw out some pictures and see the response. If response="butt ugly", it is time to rework. The delay of the E60 from 2003 to 2004 model year could be caused by some remodeling.
    A "standard" I-drive would turn me even more off than a 7-like exterior. With a dash with as many buttons as a cock-pit, you still know where to reach to do the one thing you want (with enough experience in the car). Even if iDrive is somewhat intuitive stand alone, there are too many other "primary" controls (steering, pedals, etc.) to have a menu-based control.
  • bmwluverbmwluver Member Posts: 11
    If BMW tried to provoke sales of the 530 by trickling out false information about the new
    E60 version it created success with at least one guy--me. I decided to go for a sure thing and buy a 2002 530. And besides, we all know that models at the beginning of a new run are often more troublesome.

    Also, thanks for the continuing information about
    the "Edition Exclusive" available in Germany.
    Indeed, it is a distinct model, rather than an individualized package. I have seen several in the dealer showrooms here in Germany and it is a classy looking boat. My conventional 530, even in the new blue water metallic, looks a bit dowdy
    by comparison.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    You can save money on parts by joining the BMW Car Club of America. Many (most?) BMW dealers give discounts to members. The two BMW dealers nearest me both give BMW CCA members discounts on parts. One in Omaha gives 20 percent discount. This and Roundel magazine are worth the annual dues (not to mention the rebate program and lots more!)!!!
  • jstylejstyle Member Posts: 129
    snagiel's post right below yours is exactly right. There was a quote in CAR mag from a BMW rep visiting the US plant in SC that said having two versions of the next 5-series, one with and one without the i-drive system would be incredibly expensive. You would need two seperatly tooled assembly lines. So yes BMW's i-drive will be in the new car. The dash needs to have the computer screen hood and electronics so it will probably look nothing like the current interior.
  • derprofiderprofi Member Posts: 250
    Only time will tell, fellas. I talked to my dealer the other day regarding my planned July pickup of a 530i in Munich, and he said that based on his information the E60 would get i-drive as an option.
  • dabimmerdabimmer Member Posts: 165
    I will be in shortly for first service, any out of pocket expenses or any
    surprises? It sounds like you had outstanding service and that's the way
    it should be. Any input is appreciated.
  • nycanyca Member Posts: 232
    June 14th, BMW headquarters in NJ is hosting a reception for CCA members. Product managers will give presentations and "previews". I'll be there, digital camera at the ready, with questions.

    Finally saw that new Titanium Gray color in person on a 530 today. Interesting, but I like Toledo Blue better. Watch, with my luck, they will drop Toldeo Blue for the 2003 model year E39.
  • zhangqjzhangqj Member Posts: 15
    Went to the dealer today. The salesman told me, unlike what some indicated here, that there will only be three models, 525i, 535i, 545i (except M5 and wagons) in the US.


    Check this one out

    http://www.bmwrulz14.homestead.com/homepage.html


    click "future BMWs"

  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    That page is riddled with predictions that run contrary to most published automotive media (not to mention misspellings and errors like "lame men terms").

    And, sorry to generalize, but dealers are usually amongst the least reliable people as far as future model information. That said, he's probably right, to an extent: US models always constitute a susbset of those that are available in Europe, and usually comprise the bigger-engined variants.
  • joseph40joseph40 Member Posts: 17
    Any word on your car? Will it be ready for May 20th? Based on your drop-off (4/24 in your write-up), that seems to be less than 4 weeks. I hope that I am that lucky. Enjoy.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    That site simply must be a parody, no one could be that moronic. Example: The "M7" picture is a Photoshopped April Fools joke that made the rounds on several BMW boards and sites. This guy treats it as a serious story.
  • bluewater5bluewater5 Member Posts: 55
    - saw it on a web site
    - heard it from a salesman
    - read it on Edmunds forums
    - saw it on TV
    - read it in a magazine

    If the E60 does appear in Fall 2003 as a 2004 model year, the "real" answer could be that BMW has just not decided yet. I am still glad I'll be getting my E39 next month.
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    On closer inspection, I don't think it's a parody at all. Zhangqj, how did you hear about this site? I've emailed the contact about the dozen or so errors I spotted on the E60 page alone, I'm curious to see his responses. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if it's the working of a 14-year-old with way too much on his hands.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Hmmm, while I am sure that my 530i is “Feet Dry”, beyond that, I have sort of lost track of it for the moment. This has been a really full week, and on top of it all, my salesman is on vacation for the week as well. Based upon a few things I have read in the last couple of days about cars being held in the NJ VPC for a week or three, I am suddenly not too optimistic about getting my car next week.

    To the folks that have called BMW and asked about the status of their cars, do you have their phone number handy? If you do, could you please post it, I may succumb to the temptation, and give them a call.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    800-831-1117 (option #3). Succumb away!
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I just called BMWNA (thanks Snagiel), and they told me that my car was "On its way to the VPC for its inspection and customs clearance". I just checked the Owners Circle, and the "Estimated Delivery Date" is 21-May-2002 (next Tuesday), so, I guess my initial guess of next Monday was not too far off. I will keep y’all posted. ;-)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • taylorttaylort Member Posts: 31
    I took my car to the dealer this week to have the Aux fan replaced, Oil change, and checkout a noise that sounded like it was coming for the tires. (road noise like I was riding on a gravel road)
    They found that the tires were wearing improperly. The word they used was they felt choppy. If you rub your hand across the tire it felt choppy/bumpy.

    The dealer said they wouldn't replace the tires because it is just how the tires are wearing. They suggested I call Michelin to see if they would replace them under warranty. (I only have 12K miles on the car - 2001 530 with Sports Package)
    Michelin referred me to one of their service centers here in Maryland. They recognize that there is a problem but said the problem is because the tires were not rotated. With most of the car's weight on the front tires, plus Y-rated tires are soft, the tires should be rotate at least every 6k miles.

    They said if I can show that the tires were rotated they will replace the tires otherwise not.

    Have anyone every heard of this before? Since BMW really tell you that the car doesn't have to be serviced until 12K to 16K miles how would I have caught this? ( I have had the dealer change the oil every 6k)
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    And also BMW advises AGAINST rotating the tires.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    Ahh...the endless beauty of the corporate run-around. BMW: "Michelin's tires suck." Michelin: "You should've rotated them, regardless of what BMW says." You gotta love it.

    I'm not sure if I understand what's wrong with your tires. If there's fairly symmetrical (for the right and left tires) wear more on the outside edge than the inside, then that's due to lack of rotation and is normal. If the tires are somehow not wearing down in a smooth and straightforward manner, there MAY be something arguably wrong with their workmanship, but if so it would likely only appear on a single tire, not all of them.

    I'd see if the dealer might be willing to determine whether your alignment is indeed out of whack or not. Considering you have only 12k miles, I think you have a reasonable argument. But I've heard many of the sport-package tires don't last beyond 20k miles, so I'm not sure how far along your tires are given that longevity.

    Good luck, and keep us apprised.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    "With most of the car's weight on the front tires..."

    Ummm, I don't know what transmission you have in your 530i SP, however according to the following, all 5ers have fairly equal weight distribution:

    Car/Trn -- Frnt%/Rear%
    525i/A -- 50.6%/49.4%
    530i/A -- 50.9%/49.1%
    540i/A -- 52.7%/47.5%

    525i/M -- 50.2%/49.8%
    530i/M -- 50.5%/49.5%
    540i/M -- 52.1%/47.9%

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • jim52jim52 Member Posts: 161
    What product do you guys recommend to clean/protect the dash board?
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    The dash itself: Lexol Vinylex
    Wood trim, instrument cluster plastic, steering wheel base, and radio/HVAC faces: moist cloth
  • nycanyca Member Posts: 232
    I recommend trying some of the Wurth products for various car care and cleaning needs. Wurth Cockpit Cleaner is great for the dash, and even more stubborn stains on the door sills and such. If you've ever wanted to restore the original windshield washer fluid your BMW was shipped with when delivered, they make that stuff too. I buy mine from motorhead.net, they have the entire lineup (I have no financial interest in this).
  • cmr530icmr530i Member Posts: 278
    I experienced no out of pocket expenses whatsoever. The only surprise was that they washed my car and did a nice job too! Even found a mint on the passenger seat. I did have to provide a credit card in order to process the loaner car as one would with any rental, but nothing was charged to my account. They also requested that I return the loaner with about as much fuel as it started with. I had no need to do this as the 3 series gets good miles per gallon.
    I hope your service experience is as positive as mine was.
  • dabimmerdabimmer Member Posts: 165
    Thank you so much for the info, it's gratifying to know in advance what to
    expect. Your dealer treated you quite nicely and why not? I also hope to
    have such a positive service experience. Thanks again.
  • bmw323isbmw323is Member Posts: 410
    Here are a few things to consider about the new 5 series.

    -When was the last time BMW made a styling mistake on a new model (the new 7 is actually selling extremely well)?
    -When the E46 3 series was introduced in 1999, many journalists did not like its' styling. By 2000, all were raving about it and sales skyrocketed. Bangle correctly predicted that the styling would get more appealing as time went on.

    I think the new 5 series will be much the same. BMW is on a roll like no other manufacturer - they won't blow it now. The new 5 will likely be better, larger, more powerful, and only slightly more expensive. And, as always, the design will grow on you. I'd still stay away from first year production though. I wonder if BMW will feel the need to deep discount the E39 in 2003? Can you say Accord or Z3? Sales are way down in anticipation of the new models. For long term buyers, that do not mind the first-year residual blow from a new model introduction, the deals may get very good in the next year. I know they are heavily discounting the Z3 now in my city.

    Just my thoughts.
  • bmw54bmw54 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2001 530i with the sport and premium packages.Does anyone know how to keep the tan leather seats clean? I have noticed that it is becoming more and more difficult to keep the front seats looking new. Does anyone have any advice on how to best keep the leather interior from looking soiled. Also, the leather does not appear to be of the same quality as my 89 525.
Sign In or Register to comment.