Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
http://germancarfans.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=3200
Details and pics of my 530i can been seen at: http://www.cardomain.com/id/nyc530i
Good luck...JL
In the end, though, BMW's are about driving. It's hard to imagine much improvement over the current 5-series, but any improvements in that respect are what I'm looking forward most in the E60.
1) consumer reports: Highest scoring car in CR history; Car tested was non sport version.
2) New car test drive.com and placed in other reviews: Even when equipped with the sport package, each model provides acceptable ride quality. However, for most people, the standard suspension (which is hardly standard) is probably the better choice.
Readers on message boards:
3) like most people, drove the 530 (w and w/o sports package). With all the potholes in and around Chicago, car drives much better w/o the sports package. Very glad that I didn't get the sports package (can't believe I'm saying this).
4) The roads in Mississippi are miserable, with gaping potholes. Also, many freeways are concrete, and the blocks settle irregularly, so each expansion gap is like a step that you ram into. I passed on the sport option, but my 530i still handles beautifully. I would possibly have ordered it if I lived in a place with good roads, but not here.
5) Same in Houston – roads are a disaster and the dealers must be making a fortune on suspension repairs, replacement wheels and new glass!
6) Got 525i, Premium, Step, non Sport...LOVE it! The 5% of the time I might want the Sport and manual tranny is more than made up for the other 95% of the time I am driving at 90mph and it feels smooth as silk. I think that you would love the 530ia without the Sport package. For normal everyday commuting,I really don't think you would be disappointed at all.
7) Standard suspension handles fine, goes aroundcorners as if its on rails, No hassle in changing tires in winter. BMW standard suspension is better than most cars sport versions. you made right decision,
8) Quite happy w/o. Not practical for me either.
9) I don’t have it and I don’t miss it. Unless you're into taking tight turns at high speed, the standard suspension is just fine- as a matter of fact, everyone who rides in my car comments on the smooth ride. If I want to have fun in the twisties, I'm fortunate to have my wife's Z3 that will out-corner ANY E39. :-) The only "downside" for me was that my non-sport came with gobs of chrome trim. As the post above indicates, there's an easy fix for that.
10) I am so happy without SP.
11) In retrospect, I'm extremely pleased with the standard suspension. I drive hairpin turned canyons to work, and the car is very stable, true and solid. As a comparison, I've driven the same route in a Turbo Eclipse, 325i, Honda 750, Harley Sportster Motorcycles, Mercedes 250C, and Lincoln Town Car. So I think I have a good basis of comparison. Nobody, but nobody can stay on my six in the Turbo Eclipse though, even had an E39 SPP pull over to keep me from riding too close ;-)
12) Test drive the Sport on some rough pavement before you make your decision. I drive a 99 wagon with sport package. Personally, if I had it to do over, I would have gone with the non-sport
13) After driving both, I decided that for daily commute Non-sport was best, the suspension is already tight. I am very happy with 530I
14) have tried both before deciding on a 530, as the engine is much nicer in terms of torque and power, and you get the same mileage. While I happen to have the sport package, I could have easily done without, as the 5 structurally handles well. IMHO, the 2.5 is a downgraded 3.0 for marketing reasons. Go for the 3.0, since you';ll enjoy routinely every day, whereas the SP only improves a feature that's already above average.
15) I have owned many sports cars as well as normal cars of both domestic and foreign make over the many years I have been driving (I am now 75, but still an avid car fan and drive "quickly") I have a 1997 540iA; most of the cars I have owned had manual transmisisions, but I have had to settle for automatics the last few years due to some medical siituations with my left foot/leg. Yes the sports package will handle "better" , but the standard suspension E39 cars still out handle the majority of all other cars out there. I am not the least bit phased when entering an on ramp at speeds that scare the crap out of friends riding with me that have not done so before in an E39 BMW. You can still throw it around with aplomb!
16) I have a '01 540/6. The other week it was in the shop (yet another temp gage and fromt wheel liner panel replacement) and I was loaned an 02 525a (auto) by the dealer. While I disliked the lack of power from a stop, and don't care much for automatics - including BMW's due to sluggish responses on kick-down etcetera - I must say that the non-sport ride had many advantages in LA. where many streets in the downtown area have bumps, holes and small dips which can cause the sports package to crack the front airdam and bottom out the front suspension at speeds the car encourages. I drove the 525 for about 50 miles and very much enjoyed the less jarring ride and enjoyed not having to worry about every bump in the road. Of course, I am getting older too.
That is not to say that the sports package isn't terrific on smooth curvy roads which are plentiful in the surrounding area. Its a tradeoff. Also, in my opinion, while the sports seat are very nice for aggressive turns because they hold you in place, for my 5'10" average weight frame they are not the most comfortable. (My wife's 95 940 Volvo wagon, while a dog - had unbelievably comfortable seats.)
17) The 530i is the perfect car and there is no reason for you to spend the additional $$ for SP. I purchased the SP because there is value in it for me. I have the factory SP in my 1993 325i and I own a race car, so it would be strange not to have SP.
18) First of all, you said it in your post: Everyone has different tastes and preferences. For instance I have a black on tan (because it is obviously the BEST clor combo.), 1997 528ia non-sport pkg. Do I sometimes dream about the 17' cross-spokes? Yes. Do I take a corner a 80mph and feel body roll? Sure. Do I think the sport pkg would handle better in "agressive driving" situations? Thats what sport pkg is for, so yes. Do I wish I had sport package (with those phat looking 17' mentioned above)? NO.
I specifically wanted the more "plush" feel of the standard suspension and any additions made by the premium package (I think just 15' wheels though). When I bought the car I knew exactly what I wanted and I knew how the car was going to be driven... like a luxury sports sedan. NOT a sports car. For me I am happy with the non-sport pkg and I think the car handles great without. Even friends of mine who were passengers in the vehicle comment on "how great this car handles" or "I couldn't take that turn
I purchased an '01 530i Sport/Premium/Xenons/CD for $36.5K. The differences are that my car is a CPO car, and I had them include an installed OEM CD changer at that price. The car only had 13.5K miles, and was in showroom condition. With that extra mileage, I would bargain for a lower price, especially if the car isn't a CPO car (est 1-2K for the CPO value).
RE:larryn3's excerpted SP reviews: I'm in Houston, and have had no problems with potholes or rough roads with my SP in contrast to the poster you quoted. I think it's a philosophical issue--my dad loves his LS430 and bought it over a 530 because he likes to feel insulated from the road. Anyone who feels similarly should probably opt out of the SP if choosing the E39.
Isn't the point of a BMW to bring out the most in your driving experience? Thankfully the roads around where I live and drive are in pretty good shape. If I lived somewhere they weren't or I was stuck in a ton of stop-and-go traffic, I'd probably have a 2nd car for those days, a less expensive non-BMW car to get me from point A to point B.
I had drove my other cars gently over the yrs which has help last my cars in the super high mileage club.
I almost bust out laughing when I read this but it is not really funny. In Houston, it makes not difference buying SP or Non-SP. I have a non-SP 3er and I am still getting kicked to sleep. I have had my alignment done once and I have to repair my windshield. Houston is not car friendly. I have never had windshield damage until I moved to Houston. In the ideal situation, I would take SP over Non-SP anyday.
2001 530i with 34,000 miles. In service date is June 2001 and it's a CPO car. The options are steptronic, cold weather package (no use here in Phx.), CD player (no changer), SP and Convenience package. It's about $30,000. The color is white with the sand colored interior. It's in great condition cosmetically and drives just fine - the only thing is it's got a smell in it. They've shampooed the carpets twice and tried to wash the leather seats but the smell is still there.
I'm a dad of 3 little ones and I think it smells like spoiled milk or formula that's underneath the back seat. I'm thinking some enzyme cleaner will get rid of the smell but I'm not 100% sure.
They pulled a repair history and there are 4 non-maintenance codes:
0064360100, 631218200, 6134003700, and 5116331300
Anyone have any clues what the codes stand for? What do you think about the smell and the price? How about ideas for moving forward? I'm thinking telling them out the door for $30k - including TT&L. Appreciate your input. Thanks!
Miles: 502.1
Fuel: 17.296
Calc MPG: 29.03
OBC Calculations:
MPG: 29.4
Avg Speed: 56.4
OBC Calculations after the first 190 miles (Before I hit the I-95 Traffic):
MPG 30.5
Avg Speed: 72.1
Some folks have noted that, over time, their cumulative MPG calculations come out as much as 2 MPG lower than the OBC. In this case, I filled up at two gas stations, both of which appeared to be level, and the 0.37 MPG difference is well within the variance of how much two different pumps would fill the tank, so I am inclined to believe my OBC.
As a point of reference (for those of you who do not know), I have a 2002 530i 5-Speed with the Sport Package, which (as previously noted) is currently running on winter tires (Michelin Arctic-Alpin). FWIW, I will probably find the time to remount my OEM rubber (Michelin Pilot-Primacy) back onto the car this weekend.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Per the OBC, I averaged approx. 22.3 mpg the first 900 miles because I was doing mostly short highway trips/city driving. I was also breaking the car in and trying to stay within the limits set by BMW. Over the last 500 miles, the mpg has gone up to 28.0 doing mostly highway miles. The highest mpg noted was 29.4. The 530i is my "summer car" used for weekend getaways and transportation to various northeast SCCA events which means lots of highway miles. I am hoping the mpg will be 29-30, but will be satisfied if I can maintain 26+ mpg. Time will tell.
Your past trip itiniarty was interesting. I am a NYC resident and have visited friends in all the locations you mentioned. BTW, what line of work are you in ?
Regards...JL
As with srfast, mine has been tucked in a garage a lot since I purchased it in Jan. I have been getting around 19/20mpg in short distance trips in the nyc area. I had only one 500 miles trip so far..... I was getting a little nervous that BMWs have poor fuel economy since my '00 LS400 gets around 21-22 MPG as well which has a V8.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Best Regards,
Shipo
As for the price, just run a report here on Edmunds to get the value with all the options you list. Make the dealer a sincere offer somewhere south of that, with the stipulation that they get a professional detailer to exorcise whatever evil odors are persisting there. (This reminds me of that Seinfeld "B.O." episode.)
Good luck.
I was thinking the same thing in reference to the BO episode in Seinfeld... funny thing b/c that was also a 5er if I am correct.... lol...
Ummm, I am sort of "Between careers". ;-) By profession, I am an IS Consultant, and I sort of specialize in fixing messes created by other Programmer/Analyst/Consultant types. For what ever reason, most companies seem reticent to hire me to do it right from the start; however, they are more than happy to hire me to clean up the mess. :-/
In the process of cleaning up a BIG mess at MB-USA back in 1996, I developed a fairly severe case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, so bad that I could hardly shift the 5-Speed in my VR6 Passat. Given what I do for a living, I simply solved the problem by inventing a new computer mouse that does not generate the same stress that causes CTS. I then got it patented and now I am working with a company here in NH that makes Ergonomic input devices, I am revamping their Data Processing systems, and they are building my mouse for sale under their name.
My intent is to finish their systems, and then start "Carrying a Bag" and market my mouse to corporate America.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Regards...JL
I, too, am an IS Consultant. I both create and fix messes. Maybe you've fixed one of mine :-)
Good luck w/ the mouse. Sounds very interesting.
Jack
Hmmm, probably not, given that you are the type of person who hangs around a "5-Series" discussion. ;-) I have found it very interesting that the folks that I clean up after usually (as in with only 1 exception that I know of) drive a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry (and think that there is no finer vehicle on the face of the Earth). The one exception mentioned was an old Ford "Country Squire" wagon, complete with rusted out fake wood grain sides and streaks of mucus and pipe tobacco down the side glass. :-P
Regarding the mouse, with any luck, we will have the tooling finished sometime this summer, and have initial production samples in time for fall COMDEX. And yes, the process has been very interesting. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Shipo, I've enjoyed your posts and like to keep up with things re: the 5.
Jack
Maybe you could market your mouse to the BMW people who think I-drive is a good way to go. heheh
My wife is really loving our 3er and with the kids growing up, we are looking to do one of 2 things:
1. Digress and get a Z4 and have some fun
2. Get a 530 and enjoy the fact that our careers are doing fairly well.
Either way, I can't argue with her logic. She is even suggesting we get the stereo in the 3er upgraded.
Gotta love it.
-Paul
I can contact you offline if you would like about this, but I know of some people I work with (in a BIG govern... err company that may be interested in your mouse.)
shipo: I echo joatmon. Another IT consultant here, and I'll be the first to admit some of my early work after graduation could probably make for a nice "How Not to Program" book one day. Good luck with the mouse endeavor, or, as one of our clients once called it, the "rat thing."
I am a recovering car addict as well (hopefully I will never fully recover ;-)). Interestingly enough, I drove my Passat the entire time I was at MB-USA, while most of the folks that I worked with drove a C-Class. Everytime when we would take my car out to lunch, they would say, "You are so lucky to be able to drive a car with real power and a 5-Speed, we HAVE to drive a Mercedes, and we cannot afford an E-Class". Poor babies. ;-)
Erickpl,
Works for me, I am at the same old E-Mail address. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Too little money and too many BMWs.
Life is good,
Jack
Best Regards,
Shipo
After considering purchase of a used 5-spd 530i I decided to go the Euro Delivery route and get a brand-spanking new silver/black, SP, PP, Premium Sound, CWP, Xenons, Fold-Down Seats, 5 spd 530i. My father happens to be going to Munich for a meeting and will pick up the car for me. I was able to negotiate a good deal with a nearby dealer. The car will arrive stateside in late July (can hardly wait!).
Anyhow, I am interested in getting the integrated cell phone. I asked the dealer about this and got serious sticker shock when he told me the total cost would be in the $1500-$2000 range. Does anyone have any experience with phone installation in these cars?
Regards,
BlueOx
pickup their car in person. Has this rule
been changed?
I average 22.8 mpg around town which is still very good.
I was forewarned to never use detergent or any product by Armor All on leather.
You and others are correct that the BMW website does clearly state that the car must be picked up by the buyer. The salesman I'm working with was not aware of this rule until I informed him (after learning of it on this forum!). He's going to see what he can work out. Worst case scenario, I figure my father can buy the car and then sign over the title to me (I'll reimburse him of course!).