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1) The 530i is faster than the 328i at virtually all speeds.
2) Given that my 530i is equipped with SP and the 328i was not, I have noticed that the 5er is substantially better in the twisties and in fast transients.
3) The 530i is so quiet that it is difficult to shift smoothly by ear, even when the audio system is turned off. The 328i only had that problem when the audio system was too loud.
4) Even though the official measurements don't show it (officially, the E39 5-Series has only 0.1" more legroom than the E46 3-Series), the 530i is a much larger car, both inside and out.
5) If anything, the steering is even better (both heavier and more communicative) on the 530i than the 328i.
6) My wife is always cold, the dual climate control rocks!
7) The premium DSP audio system totally blows the HK system of the 3-Series away. Of course, one would hope so for the extra $1,200 in cost.
8) The Type 42 Composite II two-piece wheels of the 530i SP have been rated as one of the two best looking wheels on the 5-Series over on the Bimmer.org boards. What they did not say was that these wheels are a total pain in my hindquarters to clean and polish (hopefully the Klasse application will help).
9) With the non-SP 328i, I was able to cause the DSC with relative ease by accelerating around a corner, no so the 530i SP, where I really need to stand on it to get the DSC to light up.
10) With the extra power of the 530i, SP wheels and tires not withstanding, if I make a full RPM shift from first to second, I can break loose the rear tires enough to cause the DSC to cut the fuel to the engine, which makes for a very wierd sensation. On the 328i (tuned for more low end torque and less high end HP) I was barely able to chirp the rear tires, even though I had narrow(er) All-Season tires on the rear.
12) I cannot think of any other car (other than the 911) that in its seventh year of production (sixth model year) that looks as fresh and exciting to peoples eyes that I get non-stop compliments on it. Oddly enough, my 328i was one of the first around (I leased it in January 1999), and I never got anywhere near as many compliments on it as I do on the 530i. Go figure.
13) If BMW does end up totally hosing the E60 5-Series, I could EASILY see myself keeping this car until the E60 replacement comes along.
Best Regards,
Shipo
But, it gives me time to overplan the trip. With 4 of us in Europe for 2.5 weeks, I am worried about fitting luggage in the trunk, one of the few weak points of this car.
So, what are the dimensions of the 5 series trunk? I know the size is "11.1 cubit feet", but will this fit 4 suitcases (2 30" and 2 26")? Anyone know height, width, depth? Thanks for any feedback.
I also ordered the standard stereo. This is probably easier to after-market upgrade than the DSP system. After I get some time with it, I might consider a sub-woofer and amp upgrade. bimmer.org might give you some hints. Also, talk to a quality installer. If you feel handy, Crutchfield might be a place to order components.
Michelin: id steer clear of the lower segment of tires , they make the most awful "tire slap" road noise ive ever heard. i think one poster on tirerack.com said the Michelins on the Volvo sounded and road like a "bucket of rocks".
and city vehicle's get LOW BID ala firestone NON speed rated *sigh*
DL
I'm also glad to hear that the 530 feels like a noticeably larger car. Size was one of my main motivations for the change as I've been struggling with the cramped back seat of the '3', particularly when I have to move the drivers seat up to accommodate even average sized people that occasionally sit behind me.
And to top it off, it sounds like the audio upgrade in the '5' is a step up from the HK upgrade in the '3'. Can't wait to light it up with Garcia, Gilmour and my other favorites.
Now I just have to be patient. The website shows an estimated production date of Friday 6/14, which should mean delivery in mid to late July. If my car is, in fact, built this Friday, I hope that old bromide about not buying a Detroit-built car manufactured on a Monday or a Friday doesn't apply to the esteemed workforce in Bavaria! Perhaps, like me, they do their best work on Friday 'cause they're in a great mood anticipating the weekend!
And finally, unlike my wait for the 323 two years ago, at least I'm driving a Bimmer while waiting for my baby to arrive. Could be worse (I had a small rental Mazda last time, having just returned to the US carless from an expat stint in Singapore).
Keep in mind that the 5 Series uses the good multi-link hinges that do NOT take up interior space. Unlike many cars with supposedly roomier trunks, those that have gooseneck hinges can be a real pain to load as you have to load around where the hinges will go. If you can cram it into the 5's trunk, you'll be able to shut the trunk lid without a worry.
Width of trunk, by rear seats: 35"
Width of trunk behind fenders: 42"
Width of trunk over batterybox: 48"
Depth of trunk: 43"
Height of trunk, under speaker deck: 15"
Height of trunk under trunk lid: 18"
I hope this helps. I know that just for my wife and myself, we pretty much filled the trunk. Of course, if I had backed her stuff for her, we probably would not have even filled half of the trunk. ;-)
Good luck on your trip.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Congratulations on your new 5er, I am absolutely sure you are going to fall in love with the 530i. A couple of points: I am not completely positive that the offset between the 323i and the 530i is the same, you might want to call Tirerack to confirm this, you might need spacers so that you winter wheels don’t rub on the brake calipers.
“And to top it off, it sounds like the audio upgrade in the '5' is a step up from the HK upgrade in the '3'. Can't wait to light it up with Garcia, Gilmour and my other favorites.” Yup, the first CD I played in my 530i was Dark Side of the Moon, Time just totally blew me away.
When you got your 323i you were driving a Mazda, ouch, I at least had a VR6 Passat before my 328i. That said, I did European Delivery on my 530i two weeks prior to the lease end of the 328i, so I drove the 530i, then went back to the 328i, for a week, then to the family MiniVan for three weeks prior to the U.S. delivery of the 5er.
Hang in there until delivery, and good luck.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Shipo: Thanks for the data. At worst, we might throw a duffel in the middle rear seat that could double as an armrest. I'll have to limit my daughters and wife. They are old enough where we would get complaints if we picked out what they should bring.
TIA, again,
metmdx
“For the first time in nearly 20 years, BMW has provided the driving enthusiast with all of the power that can be mustered as a result of engine management tuning. BMW detonation control systems, high speed engine management computers and sophisticated ‘adaptations’ have left no horsepower for we tuners to extract; as much as we hate to admit it!”
They do go on to say that their chip will bump the top speed governor, remove the 128 top speed restriction and change the throttle curve for the Drive-By-Wire system, so that your car will “Feel” faster.
IMHO, if somebody is selling a "Chip" to give 1999 or later BMWs more horsepower, I would say they were selling "Snake Oil". ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
You can spend more on a "hot" performance cam set up.
Chip can increase top speed.
Quaife, Dinan, or other limited slip differential can help you transfer power more efficiently to the drive wheels. A valuable performance aid, esp. if accelerating in corners & curves.
Getting tires that are optimized for performance, rather than noise or ride control, can help with power delivery.
Big thing now for increasing power seems to be aftermarket supercharing. For about $4-6,000 you might add upwards of 30 percent more HP. Seeing it mentioned more and more in Roundel and Bimmer magazines. I wouldn't recommend it with an automatic tranny.
P.S. As a former Lincoln LS-8 owner, this car rocks. As my Mama said, "Don't judge a book by its cover."
As for the aesthetics on my car (Toledo Blue), the edge of the film is noticeable from certain angles, but it's not that blatant, nor is it that unappealing. It's certainly far better than a series of ugly paint chips or a regular bra.
If you're installing yourself, be sure to ask XPel for the free installation video when ordering, and set aside plenty of time (for the whole set, probably 4-6 hours) for the task. Be patient, and watch the video and read the instructions carefully.
Following the advice of a friend, we were determined to keep everything out of sight in the trunk while the car was parked. One day during a visit to France's Loire Valley (we duplicated his itinerary) a few years ago with his wife, teenage stepson, and son's friend, the boys left their backpacks on the back seat of the rental car while they explored a chateau. When they returned, the car had been broken into and the backpacks stolen. You may want to reconsider leaving a duffel visible in the back.
BMW intake and exhaust systems are pretty well optimized already so you'd be very lucky to pick up much more than 10-15 hp with any intake or exhaust mods.
Also, I remember reading that one of the contributors on this board had a spread sheet for calculating lease prices. Where can I acquire?
Invoice:
525 5-speed: - 33,520
60/40 split - 430
Premium Package - 2,910
Sport Package - 1,820
Cold Weather - 545
Destination Charge - 645
Advertising Fee - 0
DMV - ?
Total - 39,870
Would the $1,500 over invoice that I have heard suggested exclude or include the Destination Charge? What would the luxury tax be on the above car? Is the luxury tax calculated on cost of car including sales tax?
What would I save if I went ED?
Also, what is the current money factor and residual? When will this change?
What could I expect to pay for a 36 mth lease, no money down and 15,000 miles for the above car?
Thanks for the assistance.
Can't thank you enough!
regards,
metmdx
manual shifts. The auto is a bit scary on the grades. It just keeps rolling downhill and requires constant monitoring. I never felt secure with it even after considerable practice with the Steptronic. Thank god for the super BMW braking system. Ah, but, on the autobahns Big Blue Water Metallic redeemed itself and I felt very secure. But I'd still go with the auto for most US urban situations. Also noted there are not nearly as many Swiss driving BMWs as there are those driving Audis and various Japanese 4-wheel-drive machines. Even without snow after experiencing some of the steep grades I'd be reluctant to go BMW if I lived in the Alpes.
as always,
tia,
metmdx
Best Regards,
Shipo
As for the model year change, '03 production starts in August, if memory serves. Hence, if you place an order with your dealer in late June, they may have an available production slot in early August.
Thanks much.
Lee
It's hard to find, let alone test drive, all the 5 series cars 525,530,540 in auto/manual, sport/non-sport versions. Now that I have done so, here are my impressions for anyone who is interested.
I got a 540 auto, non-sport because of my unique situation; I live in Boston and the roads are just unbearable with traffic, bumps and potholes. I had a 911 5 speed for 5 years and as great a car as that was, it was simply not enjoyable day to day in traffic with it's finicky clutch and getting bounced around on low profile tires. Also I got married and my wife needs to drive the car so an auto means one less issue between us! I went with the 540 vs. a 530 because I was used to a very powerful car in the Porsche, especially love to drive 90+mph on long trips up hills in New England etc. Also, I am very fortunate that my company leased the car so the extra $7K (options adjusted over the 530) cost was not a significant consideration.
That said, if I lived somewhere with decent roads and paid for the car myself, I would definitely get a 530 5 speed. The 530 has ample acceleration, is somewhat lighter, and the steering (R&P vs. recirculating) definitely feels more responsive to me. I would get the 5 speed because a car like this just asks for it. I have already instinctively reached to downshift my auto in frustration several times (unlike the 530, everyone who is interested in the 540 should know that the non-sport version of the 540 does NOT come with Steptronic. That is only available on the sport version of the 540, why I don't know.)
I drove the 530 and 540 in the the sport and non sport versions. The sports felt and looked great except on the bumps around town which were clearly pronounced especially to passengers. I would make the sport decision on where you drive. A $500 new rim is not for everyone and I bent a couple of them on my 911 around here.
I would also say that for many people who don't drive that fast, the 525 had plenty of power and is a great value. In fact, we drove one without looking and thought it was a 530 until we hit the highway and noticed a slight difference in the 40MPH + acceleration.
Other impressions:
Upgraded stereo and DSP; i absolutely notice a difference and feel it was worth it to me. Despite BMW's reputation in this area, the stereo seems just fine compared to Lexus I was considering.
The only slight disappointment so far is that compared to my friend's 540 6speed sport with 10K miles, my new car feels more cumbersome than I expected. It decelerates faster when you take your foot off the gas and the steering requires more effort. Part of this is certainly due to the auto vs. manual, but I also hope it loosens up a bit over time as the engine and other components break in.
Everything else is very positive. Steel gray is beautiful and practical to keep clean. The car is very quiet, comfortable and tight. It does 90 mph at very low RPM and has plenty left; there is no real justification for why I would need any more than that.
Hope that helps someone, thanks to everyone who guided me on the selection to date.
Interesting there is no steptronic on the 540iA non-sport. WHat is there, just PRND4321 and no side gate?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I now have 2100 miles on it and absolutely love it. I am happy to be out of the break-in period. It was very difficult to keep the RPMs and speed under the recommended level because of the quiet passenger compartment. I found myself at 90+ many times without even noticing the speed.
I did not get the 6-speed because my wife plans to periodically drive it and she was not keen on the manual. The next best thing to the 6-speed is the Steptronic. I love to use the Steptronic rather than the normal auto. The engine has a perfect growl especially as the RPMs increase.
I chose the 540i over the 530i specifically for the extra horses and torque. It is hard to beat the power of the smooth V8 in the 540. I chose the SP for a few reasons. I love the Steptronic, deep dish wheels (17x8 front, 17x9 rear), tighter suspension for excellent handling, the black trim around the windows, etc (rather than chrome), and the sport seats. The overall experience of the car is amazing. I am also very impressed with the premium stereo (as well I should for $1200). The stereo is very clear and crisp.
My daily commute is ~45 miles roundtrip, with a couple two lane curvy roads (need to watch the cops-already got a ticket!) and Interstate. This car makes the commute an enjoyable one!
I have a friend with an E430 and another friend with an A6. Both made comments that they would like to trade ‘up’ to the BMW. Both are very nice cars, but not quite the level of the 540i SP.
Any comments regarding the recommended oil changes on a BMW? This is my first BMW and I am shocked at the recommended oil change intervals (12K-15K). I purchased the car and plan to keep it for 5-7 years. I want to make sure it runs the same (or better) in 5-7 years as it does today. I am familiar with the normal domestic and Japanese recommended oil changes of 3K to 5K. What about the lifetime automatic tranny fluid? Something else I have not heard of.
You should subscribe to Bimmer magazine. Also, join BMW CCA to get parts discounts and their wonderful magazine, Roundel. Tons of great tech tips and more.
Both Roundel and Bimmer have published extensively on their concerns about the lack of durability in modern ZF and GM automatics. Too high a percentage fail in the 80,000-120,000 mile range. Doesn't seem to be much anyone can do, even if you try to go aggressive on preventive maintenance. They seem to think it is a design issue. They have mentioned the supposed lifetime sealed tranny as an issue.
I now have 2100 miles on it and absolutely love it. I am happy to be out of the break-in period. It was very difficult to keep the RPMs and speed under the recommended level because of the quiet passenger compartment. I found myself at 90+ many times without even noticing the speed.
I did not get the 6-speed because my wife plans to periodically drive it and she was not keen on the manual. The next best thing to the 6-speed is the Steptronic. I love to use the Steptronic rather than the normal auto. The engine has a perfect growl especially as the RPMs increase.
I chose the 540i over the 530i specifically for the extra horses and torque. It is hard to beat the power of the smooth V8 in the 540. I chose the SP for a few reasons. I love the Steptronic, deep dish wheels (17x8 front, 17x9 rear), tighter suspension for excellent handling, the black trim around the windows, etc (rather than chrome), and the sport seats. The overall experience of the car is amazing. I am also very impressed with the premium stereo (as well I should for $1200). The stereo is very clear and crisp.
My daily commute is ~45 miles roundtrip, with a couple two lane curvy roads (need to watch the cops-already got a ticket!) and Interstate. This car makes the commute an enjoyable one!
I have a friend with an E430 and another friend with an A6. Both made comments that they would like to trade ‘up’ to the BMW. Both are very nice cars, but not quite the level of the 540i SP.
Any comments regarding the recommended oil changes on a BMW? This is my first BMW and I am shocked at the recommended oil change intervals (12K-15K). I purchased the car and plan to keep it for 5-7 years. I want to make sure it runs the same (or better) in 5-7 years as it does today. I am familiar with the normal domestic and Japanese recommended oil changes of 3K to 5K. What about the lifetime automatic tranny fluid? Something else I have not heard of.
The transmission difference is also the reason you pay the gas guzzler on the 540 sport but not on the 540 non sport. Be careful, the dealer I went to tried to charge me gas guzzler tax intitially on my non sport until I mentioned it.
I should also add that if gas is a consideration the 540 is not optimal. My car only has a few hundred miles on it now but the computer shows it has is averaging 14 MPG and half of that was on the highway!! I hope that will get a lot better on break in.
In America, the 540iA Sport uses the 3.15:1 final drive versus the 2.82:1 in the 540iA non-Sport (& 540i6). This helps the 540iA Sport out accelerate the non-Sport (esp. in 0-30 mph and 0-60 mph times). Doesn't effect top speed as all are electronically limited below their maximum top speed. Does cause it to rev a bit higher in any gear and thus reduce fuel economy.
stl540... How many RPMs does your 540iA Sport turn over at 55 mph, 65 mph, 75 mph, 85 mph, and 100 mph? (What tires--size and brand--does she have?)
For those of you who seem to be concerned with the fuel efficiency of your V8 Powered ~$60,000 car, I hope it is for practicality reasons (You drive far and don't want to stop for gas every so often or only want to fill up maybe once a week if it is a commuter car) and not because you paid this much for a car and are angry at the price of gas:)
Relax...I'm just having some fun here in the AM:)
Enjoy your 540s (plural), they're beautiful cars which I aspire to own one day.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
1) Is it worth it?
2) With snow tires, will this perform well in winter conditions?
3) Is the ride noticably harsh?
4) Should I just get the replica wheels??
Decisions, Decisions.....
I currently drive a 330Ci now, but with kids on the way in a few years, I was planning to upgrade to a 5 series... until I saw the rear of a 745i. I dont know, I honestly dont think I can purchase a car if I cant fall in love with its appearance. Maybe things will change... Maybe it will grow on me... but then, the boxy obtrusive Volvo rear-design has never grown on me (and thats exactly what I think this new rear looks like).
1) Yes, may be the single most cost justifiable option on the car.
2) Yes, my 328i with All-Seasons performed quite nicely, the 530i with Winter tires should be even better.
3) Yes, my 530i is nominally harsher than my non-SP 328i.
4) No, according to Tirerack.com, the BBS wheels that are the closest in look to the type 42 wheels that come on the 530i sport cost $499 each. So, if you buy the BBS RX II wheels and Pilot Sport Primacy tires, you are at $2,728, before any additional charges (like mounting, balancing, sales tax and shipping). If you follow that route, you will end up with a 5er without the lowered ride and the better suspension, without the nicer front seats and without the nicer steering wheel.
Best Regards,
Shipo
As for the loaded-530-versus-stripped-540, it depends on your priorities. If a big engine is important to you, then you probably have your answer. But it is nearly impossible to find a completely stripped 540iA among dealers, since most people order at least the premium package along with other options. I wanted most of the options on my 5 (except for the lousy nav system and rear airbags), and preferred the 530i's slightly better handling and steering over the 540's greater grunt, given the $8k difference between the two (comparably equipped with my options). I'm more than satisfied I made the right choice.
Best Regards,
Shipo
love2skicar - the V8 must be sweet! Congrats!
stl540 - Congrats to you also! Someone who actually "loves the Steptronic"! The manual purists won't like to hear that.
riez - auto tranny failure?? were these '97-2001 5ers? I haven't heard that one.
bimmer12 - get the SP. The handling alone will make it worth it. Add the suspension, wheels, shadowline trim & nice M steering wheel & that's a great package. The SP ride isn't much harsher than my 300M. I agree w/ Snagiel on the loaded 530 vs. stripped 540. I too got most options less nav, park distance, sunshade, rear airbags & I'm lovin it.
Colt.