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Comments
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Terry Howell
First, they want to reduce warranty claims during the original factory bumper-to-bumper period. Second, they want viable CPO programs. A BMW CPO car's warranty, which is different than the new car warranty, covers an additional 2 years or 100,000 total miles. Third, reliability problems impact potential buyer perceptions of a marque and model. Fourth, they can influence lease residual values and harm future resale values. Fifth, not to mention what happens when people see poor Consumer Reports or JD Powers long-term reliability results; total sales can decline.
As CR has pointed out in their long-term studies, exceeding the manufacturer's recommendations might bring you peace of mind, but it is rarely warranted on the science (unless there is something unique about where or how you drive).
A dealer will make money on the work. They are the only ones with a pure personal, selfish financial interest to encourage unnecessary oil service.
Plus, if the recommended oil service is truly inadequate and causes problems, the dealer makes money doing warranty work for which the manufacturer pays them. Rebuilding or replacing engines during warranty periods will make a dealer more money than one oil service at 3K or 5K miles.
Are you a member of BMW CCA? We are and we show our cards for all visits so we get the parts discounts. Plus the stickers are on our cars.
I had the dash computer lights replaced on my 540i6 recently. Some of the red lights were burning out. Replaced under CPO warranty. Done by Markel. Now all lights work all time. Have had no issues since.
First up, a "new" 745i. It was an '02 model, but already had 23k miles. The interior, in my opinion, seems like a rough draft. The lines aren't clean, the ergonomics aren't terribly intuitive, the seats--while supremely comfortable--are tarnished by the thousands of little ventilation holes in the leather. The steering wheel feels cheap and uncomfortable with the buttons at 10 and 2 o'clock. Overall, it feels cluttered and aloof--no warm cockpit feel like my 530i. I didn't bother fiddling with iDrive too much, but from my little experimentation it seemed like a royal pain, and way too distracting to operate while driving. Speaking of driving, the car was smooth, but not much more so than my 530i. The engine sounds and feels very refined, and the body was well-composed taking turns at speeds most 7-series owners probably never do. Nevertheless, there's no misconception you're driving a heavy car around. Despite its mighty thrust, it didn't feel much quicker than my 530i (manual).
Next was a 330ci (non-sport). In many ways, it's the antithesis of the 745i: 2-door, 6-cylinder, small, sporty, spartan, simple. Settling in after the 7-series, the interior at first feels a little bland and basic, but not cheap. Unfortunately, this was an automatic (the only manual they had was a Z3 2.5). I played with the manual mode, but the second-delay for up- and down-shifts, plus the computer's implicit "trust me, you want to shift now" attitude reminded me of why I bought a stick. It felt great on the road--not as hushed as the big 7, but certainly comfortable. It was noticeably more nimble than the 745 (I should hope so, considering it's more than a half-ton lighter), but not substantially nimbler than my 530i.
Next, the 540i sport wagon (with sport package). Ah, nice. Everything was familiar, given the sibling relationship to my car. It, too, was an automatic, but it felt more acceptable for a wagon, and one with the V8, at that. The engine wasn't as smooth and refined as the 3.0 inline, but, man, was that thrust fun. Even with the wagon's extra weight and the power robbery from the torque converter, the V8 pulled strongly at all engine speeds. And the handling was nearly as crisp as my 530i, although the steering had a somewhat vague on-center feel, and feedback wasn't as tactile as the R&P setup on my 530i. Nevertheless, this impression wasn't nearly as obvious as the engine's power, which I think makes a compelling reason for buying this car over the 525 wagon.
Finally, the X5 3.0. First sitting down, it felt awfully similar to my 530i, but everything--the driving position, the stereo and HVAC controls--seems more upright and taller. I quickly got used to it. The sixer works relatively well in this car: It has no trouble getting this heavy car moving, and the automatic smooths over the heavy shifting you put the engine through when driving aggressively. But, when you ask for full throttle, it simply runs out of steam. Passing a semi along a 2-lane road was scarier than I expected; At 4500 pounds or so, I guess it's asking a lot from the 3.0 engine. For an SUV (sorry, an "SAV"), it was amazingly nimble and composed...far less floaty and truckish than my brother-in-law's Explorer. Then again, considering the 5-series sport wagon has more room than the X5 (if memory serves), I really see no reason for its existence other than appealing to the SUV market.
While chewing on a complimentary burger afterwards, I was talking with the young folks who travel around with the cars. I asked about the absence of M cars. The guy said, "We had a few when this program started, but in that first year, we had one M3 flipped, two other accidents, a few speeding tickets, and bunch of destroyed transmissions. Even the 530i manual we started with this year has already gone through FIVE CLUTCHES [they started out in April!], and has been taken out now."
All in all, a fun way to test drive the latest, and, of course, contribute to a good cause as well.
One last note: The dealer also hosted the silver M5 from the BMW Films short movie, "Star" (with Madonna) in the showroom. Very cool.
It's a roof rack that mounts in 4 threaded holes in your roof. Check along the black molding that runs the length of the roof on both sides. There should be 4 little covers that you can pop up to reveal the holes.
IMHO, this is the only way to go!
-murray
DL
I'm feeling pretty good for having picked up a brand new 2002 M5 for under $70k in March! (My dealer kept a 10% deposit from a bozo that special ordered it and then defaulted - and passed part of the savings on to me for having been a previous & loyal customer.)
Seriously, I just advised someone in my office to go through discounted ED for a 530i after they had major transmission problems with a new Acura. They haven't finalized the order yet, but the deal is 2003 530i 5-speed w/ sport, premium, xenon, hi-fi stereo for just under $42k (about $1,500 over ED invoice price). She's estimated trip costs at under $1k for 3-4 days.
I have nothing against the E320 itself, but that price is outrageous, considering you can get a 2003 540i 6-speed or steptronic sport for less through ED. I don't consider myself to be a cheapskate, but I do think that "value" is important whether you are spending $30k or $130k.
The only thing I can think may be the cause is that my driveway here is a very steep and long uphill climb just before I turn off the engine.
Anything else I need to check before I attribute it to the driveway?
P.S. To update my previous post regarding increased tire noise, I found out that my front tires were "cupping". The Michelin dealer in town said the noise was due to lack of rotation and he couldn't understand why BMW recommends not to rotate. The BMW dealer thought it was a defective tire. However when I called Michelin customer service, they stated that it was an alignment problem. This seems to be the most believable problem since I have never had cupping with other BMW's.
It shows you how much bad advice is out there from so called "pros".
Does the 530 handle well in snow conditions or are snow tires required.
I looked at getting a 530i sport last year and, in the DC area, would not have bothered with snow tires. However, if you are in area where snow is more frequent, snow tires and steel rims are recommended, especially if you opt for the sport package. As best I can tell from my research, the 3-series and 5-series handle about as well as any RWD cars in the snow, but they are not FWD or AWD. So snow tires will help.
"All 5-series models offer a DVD-based nav system, and a sunroof is standard on all six-cylinder models. All 5-series, except the 540i wagon, come standard with rear head airbags, including the M5. The eight-cylinder 5-series get a new Sport package...."
There have been some good recent articles in Roundel and Bimmer magazines on BMW CPO program. Both point out that it IS possible for unscrupulous dealers to pass off cars that haven't really undergone full CPO certification. People have gotten problem CPO cars. (But people buy new cars that are problematic.) A couple dealers had their participation in the program suspended, were reevaluated for compliance, and then reinstated. Most dealers are scrupulous.
I've got an auto lease expiring mid Nov. 02.
Looking for a "great" lease deal on a 530 (03 or 02). Where can I get my "best deal?"
Thanks,
-Jeff
But then again, not exactly sure what you mean by "technical"? Things like new or modified engines or transmissions? Or revised weight, length, or wheelbase?
All 5 Series Models:
· Navigation upgraded to DVD-based system
· Pre-wiring for auxiliary input standard on all radio systems
· Moonroof added as standard feature to all 6-cylinder models
525i sedan
· Rear Head Protection System (HPS) added as a standard feature
· Rain Sensor has been added to Premium package
· Standard alloy wheel has been changed
530i sedan
· Rear Head Protection System (HPS) added as a standard feature
540i sedan
· Rear Head Protection System (HPS) added as a standard feature
· New Sport Package including front and rear spoilers, black side molding, M suspension II, black roof liner, M footrest, 18 inch wheels, titanium rings around gauges in instrument panel, and visible exhaust pipes.
540i six-speed manual transmission
· Rear Head Protection System (HPS) added as a standard feature
· New standard Sport Package including front and rear spoilers, black side molding, M suspension II, black roof liner, M footrest, 18 inch wheels, titanium rings around gauges in instrument panel, and visible exhaust pipes.
540i sport wagon
· New optional Sport Package including front and rear spoilers, black side molding, M suspension II, black roof liner, M footrest, 18 inch wheels, titanium rings around gauges in instrument panel, and visible exhaust pipes.
M5
· Rear Head Protection System (HPS) added as a standard feature
· Navigation upgraded to DVD-based system
· Pre-wiring for auxiliary input standard on all radio systems
Does anyone have pricing experience witht an 03 yet? I'm looking at the 540 6 speed with an early January delivery. I've taken several test drives and always end up with a big silly grin on my face.
I was allowed to drive to my heart's content. It was a little disappointing in that there was only one manual shift,a Z3. But other than that,it was great fun. I was a little surprised that the 540i wagon proved the revelation of the event. I really loved it.
Think I ended up driving about 3.5 hours. Drove a ton of cars. Sedans, X5, roadsters, convertibles, coupes. Our pool had 2 manuals. We also had two roadsters (Z3 2.5 and Z3 3.0). Course is set out. I posted my comments about the drive on this board back in early Aug, think 8/3/02. That post had the time and distance of our course. Each site different.
Think I ended up driving about 3.5 hours. Drove a ton of cars. Sedans, X5, roadsters, convertibles, coupes. Our pool had 2 manuals. We also had two roadsters (Z3 2.5 and Z3 3.0). Course is set out. I posted my comments about the drive on this board back in early Aug, think 8/3/02. That post had the time and distance of our course. Each site different.
Does anyone know about such an event in San
Francisco bay area? I would love to participate!
I'm not a chemist and can't get into much better details, but many auto enthusiasts have lamented many of the new paint formulas, since they are much softer and more prone to chip and scratch. However, I haven't heard any specific complaints that the paints fade any easier or faster.
Here's my suggestion: If you like the color, buy it. Avoid parking the car in intense sunlight day after day. Either find some shaded/covered parking, or buy a Noah cover from your dealer ($150-200). And be sure to apply wax at least every other month or so, and use a mild car wash solution (i.e. not Dove), to help best protect the paint from UV radiation.
Thanks in advance
for this year here.
This weekend I am scheduled for a test drive of the new Mercedes E320 and E500 at a Mercedes sponsored event on a runway course. It should be fun and also a neat comparison to my BMW. However, no matter what, I think my BMW will get my vote, if nothing else because of the manual transmission option. But I could be tempted by the gobs of power of the E500 (until I see the sticker price, that is).
I just checked the 2003 pricing against what I purchased my 2002 for in December, 2001, with same options, the difference in the invoice price is just over $1,000 while the MSRP rose by $700.
Question: The owners manual states that the automatic recirculated-air control (AUC) switches back and forth between outside air supply and recirculated air within the vehicle depending on the air quality (page 110). What constitues bad air quality? If it is smoggy outside? if I am behind a bus? Also, how do others use this feature?
I prefer fresh outside air during most times (except when it's extremely cold or hot out, and I'm trying to quickly moderate interior temperatures), so I usually keep the "A" (automatic recirculation) setting on. When extremely hot out, I'll roll down all the windows, hit the "max" button (which activates recirculating air), and roll the windows up within a few seconds once the interior has reached outside ambient temperature. I'll also manually activate the recirculation mode when I approach heavy traffic and see a particularly dirty truck or car ahead (i.e. spewing thick smoke out the back).
After the engine is warmed up, let it cool off for a few minutes, and--on level ground--check the dipstick (wipe first, then read the level). If it's very close to the "min" (top) bar, you can add a quart of Castrol Syntec 5W-30 (virtually the same as the Castrol BMW blend).
As for those "gobs", it still does not feel as quick to me as a 540iA, definitely not as quick as a 540i 6-speed (I used to own one) and maybe only marginally quicker than the 530i 5-speed. The 530i sport still handles better than any MB sedan product, IMHO. As for a comparison with the M5, the only thing the E500 comes close to is its price.
I think the new E is an attractive improvement over the old one, but it still won't win the hearts of a true driving enthusiast.
Jack
Thanks!