BMW 5-Series Sedans

cmr530i · April 2001

I ordered my 530i through Pacific BMW in Glendale. Talk to Keith Kruser(nice, relaxed- sort of guy, no pressure) I was able to get him to lower his initial quote after about a half dozen other quotes from southland dealers including one from Autobytel.com (Autobytel was the lowest on the internet and so I started calling around with that price) Each quote got lower than the last and I was about to go with Long Beach BMW when I called Pacific and he was able to beat Long Beach. Pacific BMW is a "four star auto dealer" with my credit union so I don't know how much that has to do with the price I got. I will say that I did all the work on the phone and never set a foot inside a dealership which gave me a leg up because it was purely business and no bull. Good luck searching and I hope this has helped.

msingerbmw · April 2001

I live in Washington DC and have been told by my EPA friends that gasoline in California (high test) will reach $3.00 a gallon during the height of the summer driving season. What is the price there now of high test?

ezaircon4jc · April 2001

Premium here in San Diego is anywhere from $1.999 up to at least $2.359. I just saw on the news tonight that prices will start coming down around Memorial Day. That is after yesterday when they said that we could see $4.00 a gal. for regular!

merckx · April 2001

Saabs have never done much for me.My Cadillac dealer loaned me a turbo 9-3 5spd. convert for the evening.A fun afternoon,sure,but I noticed a fair amount of flaws.Due to short wheelbase the wheelwell intrudes into the interior-the driver's dead-pedal is nowhere near flat.It's quite annoying.If you think the 5-series has a poor shifter...really wide and long throws.The car is supposed to compete with the 3-series BMW,but I know now why it is so heavily)I trealize this is not the Saab you are considering.Except for the somewhat cramped back seat,the 5-series is a wonderful car.I loved the shift,though.
If you have a big GM discount,though,it is a shame to walk away from it,espically the 17%.
The Olds Intrigue is an excellent car,too(another automatic).It is one of the few GM products a car
lover can appreciate.I know this suggestion doesn't exite you much,but it would make a good and unusually cheap car.

robert111 · April 2001

I ordered a 530i, manual trans., with sport-premium package and fold-down rear seat. I was able to make the deal for $1800 over dealer cost. (See below for more on this.)

Here's the question: Can I get a trunk-mounter CD changer without having the dash mounted CD player? (I've never been in a car with a CD changer.) I didn't order the in-dash CD player because I planned on shopping the after-market, but earlier postings by klevey, cleobut, and Brian525 (postings #588--592) have got me thinking. I guess I'd agree with them that I want the BMW trunk changer to avoid potential problems with aftermarket equipment.

Now, regarding the price I'm paying for the car, I should note that I first contacted Eurobuyers after reading positive comments on this bulletin board. Steve, the guy who dealt with me, answered my email promptly and informed me he could get me the car I wanted for $1800 over dealer cost. I was about to hire him but was going by the local BMW dealer, Keeler BMW in Latham, NY, and decided to see what they could do. To my surprise, they matched the offer so I emailed Steve my thanks but said no thanks. I got a rather angry reply--obviously he was upset that I had used his quote to get a good price from my dealer. Other than this last event, I was positively impressed with Eurobuyers. He answered the 3 or 4 questions I had promptly and well. Maybe he was just having a bad day.

cb44 · April 2001

robert111,

All BMW's are pre-wired for the trunk mount CD player regardless whether you optioned for the in-dash player.

robert111 · April 2001

cb44,

Thanks for the info, but I want to know if I need an in-dash CD player to operate, or control, the trunk-mounted changer. Or does the trunk-mounted unit have its own control module that mounts in the dash? I probably wasn't clear about that.

cb44 · April 2001

robert111,

The head units of all of the BMW radios are able to control the trunk mounted CD player (DSP/Non DSP). If available, the steering wheel CD controls will also function with the CD unit as will as the buttons to control the optional (and expensive) BMW phone. You should be fine.

selvan · April 2001

Hi Folks,

I am being offered at $40K on the 528i with details below....

2000 Titanium Silver 528i BMW in excellent condition with very low mileage (9000 miles). Gray leather interior, sports/premium package, 17" cross spoke composite wheels, shadowline trim, auto dimming interior mirror, rain sensor wipers, sport suspension, multi-function M sport steering wheel, high gloss Vavona wood trim, Montana leather upholstery, power glass moonroof, sports seats, xenon headlamps, 6 CD changer

Is it over priced ??

Thanks

curtnheidi · April 2001

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1998 BMW 528i with 28000 miles for $19995. It is in clean condition. Low value on a car like this is $24-$26K, high retail on BMW lot is $32K

It has a clean title, clean carfax history, but it has been wrecked before, and BMW has voided the manufacturers warranty. Nobody, including BMW, has any history on what exactly happened for them to void the warranty. The only thing they said is that the airbags could have been deployed which would have voided the warranty. That seems like a tough guideline to have.

I would like to get a warranty for this vehicle as it is a great deal. Most warranty companies don't know what to do with it. Because the BMW warranty is up, it is as if the car is out of warranty. But most places I checked have no way of processing it other than assuming it is under BMW's warranty. It leaves people perplexed.

This seems like a good deal, but i am still leary of it. I can actually Lease it for 3yrs/15K miles for $251+tax. I guess i am thinking at that price I could afford to put some $ in it down the road.

Can anyone give some advice on this situation?

Thanks,
Curt

cmr530i · April 2001

I would go with your gut feeling which sounds like it is a car to be avoided. There are so many really great pre-owned certified BMW's around that who needs one that has been wrecked. Whatever sounds too good to be true usually is.
Just my opinion.

dawgneck · April 2001

Tim:

Thanks for your comments. After I posted my message, I searched for additional information and decided to buy the BMW after reading hundreds of articles on both vehicles. I could not find what I was looking for here in California, so I searched BMW dealerships in nearby Oregon, Nevada and Washington. I didn't find what I was looking for.

I then searched dealerships in states I have friends in: Michigan, Illionios & Texas. I found an Aspen Silver (wife loves the color) 99 540i with the sport package & Steptronic, but the mileage was a high 45k - 13k over normal. I had a friend look at the car and he reported it had high miles, but was great in every other way. So I flew to Texas Tuesday, test drove the car at Autobahn Vehicles in Fort Worth, fell for it and purchased it within 1 hour! It has the 100k warranty, to help ease my mind.

I drove it back to California - the trip took 18 hours. I got it up to 146 MPH on a side road next to the I10 (just to make sure it was a true sport package vehicle). It was a fantastic experience! The only difference between driving it at 80 MPH and 151 MPH was everything rushes at you very fast! The car handles and performs the same - amazing!

A neighbor who parks a 318i in our underground garage had his wheels stolen recently. I had a gentleman comment on my wheels during a gas stop in Texas. These two events prompted yesterday's purchase of the $70 BMW keyed wheel locks. Hopefully they will negate attempted thefts. I am debating the purchase of a rear trunk spoiler. I get my tags in 6-8 weeks. "M540 PR" was the only available "power" plate I could think of, so that will be me if you ever visit California or see the CA plate in Maryland (my wife has a sister there).

I just smog' it today and it had ZERO EMISSIONS ACROSS THE BOARD! The smog tester said the vehicle must have been driven very carefully based on the smog results. He was very impressed with the 540i and laughingly said I would have been disappointed with the 430 in three months.

Overall, I love the vehicle. I am worried about the high miles, but I don't drive that much. I should be at average mileage in 2-3 years. My only complaints are the vehicle didn't have heated seats and I got stuck with the normal 10-way seats instead of the sport seats. The lower back support section is bothering me a little, but my wife feels I will adjust to it soon.

I test drove the GS 430 again yesterday and decided, without a doubt, I made the right choice. You are right about the smooth ride of the Lexus, but I know my driving habits; I would've fallen asleep behind the wheel of the 430. I loved the way the 540 griped to the road as I sped through the winding Sepulveda Pass on my way to work this morning.

Thanks for the info, Tim. And thanks to my loan officer who waited 9 months for me to make up my mind.

jay44 · April 2001

I recently test drove a 2001 530 with sport package. Can anyone tell me what difference I'll notice without the sport package? Is it worth the extra cost? Thanks in advance for any information provided.

cb44 · April 2001

If you have driven a sport model, it may be hard to go back. The non-sport model will have slightly more body roll and more distance from road feel. You will also lose the shadowline trim and the non-sport models sit a little higher (.28mm).

IMHO, the sports package is a must have as it is not too firm and adds much visually (with most colors) to the cars sporting nature.

dabimmer · April 2001

5 months ago I purchased a 530i with sport package,steptronic auto,leather,
fold down back seats,xenon lights,auto windshield wipers. I got the deal for $1000
below MSRP, not a great reduction but OK since the SF Bay Area is a pretty
tight market. The car is by far the best car I've ever had. I would get the car
with the automatic and sport package without question. It is a superb handling
auto . It becomes part of the road and just maybe it is a tad tight as far as its
riding characteristics but I'll put up with that gladly to get the road feel and
road manners exhibited by the car over any terrain. I enjoy all comments by
purchasers and would be purchasers on these posts even if they ended up buying
another car.

robert111 · April 2001

I will be driving a 530 with the sport package next winter up here in northern NY and have heard the traction is terrible. Some people on other boards have recommended getting another set of wheels and tires. What snow, or all-season tires would be best? How much would a set of the BMW wheels that come on non-sport equipped cars set me back? What wheels, other than BMW, should I look at? Can anyone recommend a good supplier?

mokco · April 2001

Does anyone out there know or own a BMW with Xenons in both the dipped(low) and high beams? Hella (used in BMWs) indicates that they are devloping a high beam, but only offer a low beam. Any thoughts?

msingerbmw · April 2001

Without doubt I would have rather had the sport suspension 530 model for looks and fun. But I live in a big city and the streets are worse than terrible. If that's your case too it isn't fair to you or the car to beat the both of you to death. The first 15,000 miles isn't so bad but after that the unexpected wheel crashes into pot holes and ruts isn't fun. Let the streets where you live and routinely drive make the decision for you.

Karen_S · April 2001

....but I'm here to announce the new BMW 5-Series Owner's Club now available on Edmunds.com Owner's Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club.

I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Sedans.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

taylort · April 2001

You should definitely look at the roads you are going to drive on most.
I test drove a 530 with Sport package and a 525 with Premium Package. There is a big difference in the sport and premium package. If I was going to do most of my driving in the city with rough roads the Premium package is the way to go. I think the sport package would have you wishing for a more comfortable ride.

On the other hand the sport package looks great and you can't beat to feel of the ride going into curves.
I have a 530 on order with Sport/Premium package. I live 30 minutes outside of DC and most of my driving is outside the city.

54me2 · April 2001

First thanks to all who responded to the sport package questions. Even though it wasn't my post, I was glad to read all the positive comments on the sport package. I ordered a 530i Sport Premium without being able to drive the Sport package since none were available in my area.

Another item I couldn't test are the Comfort Seats. I bought them anyway since the lumbar support is really appreciated. Does anyone care to comment on the comfort seat? Are they worth the money and are they similar to the Comfort seats in the 7 series? I was able to see the comfort seats in a 740i and like them very much.

Lastly, I've noticed that the 540i six speed has some sharp, inset chrome type trim in the door rub strips. Does the 530i Sport Premium have any type of detail in the rub strip or is it the same as a regular 530i?

HERMETIC · May 2001

I just purchased a new 525i, manual w/Sports premium, CD, Xenon and Convenience Package. Like so many other posts on this board, I test drove the Audi's, Volvo's and Lexus' before confidently deciding on the BMW. This is a step up for me since my last car was a '91 Maxima 5-speed that I logged over 230k miles (170k on the first clutch) b4 being wiped out on the 134 Fwy last month by a drunk. Luckily, nobody died other than my car which I had taken meticulous care of. Here's my question: The spoke wheels are a pistol to keep clean and the 17" full size spare will probably never see the light of day. However, I would like to get it into the rotation process so I will get at least some value out of it over the life of the car and hopefully prolong the life of the spoke wheels from getting to dull and dingy with baked on brake dust. Am I mistaken to think I can drop it into a routine rotation process and not screw up the handling of the car? By the way, the manual in the BMW is very smooth and not "demanding" as many write-ups claim, even in stop-n-stop LA traffic.

yosemitepark · May 2001

Hi,
I live in Silicon Valley,where traffics are a major problem. I love manual but don't want to deal with the bad traffics. Has anybody tried out both 540 manual and automatic? What do you think? Is there a big difference in term of performance Thanks.

merckx · May 2001

I don't think loss of performance is the real issue.It is a manual afterall-many would think it therefore is merely a labor-saving device and therefore a no=brainer when purchasing a luxury car. I just got my first ever manual,and I love it! But be honest with yourself-I think many car-lovers feel a pressure to buy the stick-shift.Everyone who loves cars should own at least one at some time.But I doubt you would think an automatic 540 to be sluggish.

tthompson3 · May 2001

I don't have much experience with BMW and would like to know what to expect from an 1986 528e. It has about 106000 miles. Are BMW good for 200K like I've heard?

Thanks for the opinions.

div2 · May 2001

5ers of that vintage are great cars. The key to finding a good one is to have it checked out by a tech who KNOWS BMWs. I'd also want to see the service history-was the timing belt changed every 60K miles? brake fluid flushed every year? coolant every two years? Find a good one and it will easily make it to 200K. Me, I'd look for a 535i. More hp and torque as well as a REALLY bulletproof engine. My 1987 is on its fourth owner and has 300K miles under its wheels.

sanja1q · May 2001

Can anyone provide their input/experience on the handling of the 530 in NE snow conditions? Even with all weather tires, traction and stability controls, how concerned should I be with the BMW read Wheel Drive? The terrain around me is quite hilly.

Thanks much.

jimmys1 · May 2001

I recently picked up my 2001 530i. Love it. Great car, but I noticed the factory tinting in the windows seems much lighter than what I am used to in the many American cars that I've driven over the past decade or so. Is this some kind of BMW philosophy to hardly put any tinting in the windows? Do most owners drive as is or do they opt for aftermarket tinting? Man, I sure hate to add to anything this beautiful already but the windows do seem much more transparent than I am used to.

jimmys1 · May 2001

OK, it may sound a little funny, but I am afraid to take my new 530i through an automated car wash. Any comments of survival would be appreciated. Also, any particular wax your recommend?

johnhoit · May 2001

I read a rumor in Motor Trend that in 2003 we will see the next BMW 5 series sedan. Does anyone know more about this or where I could get more solid info??? Thanks!

qar · May 2001

All the magazines are comparing the new Jag X with the 3 series, but it also may be a competitior to the 5. The Jag X seems to be closer in dimensions to 5. A loaded auto Jag X 3.0 sport is ~$44K and a loaded auto 530i sprt is ~$49K. What are your thoughts?

alan78 · May 2001

I own a '99 528i and love the car. However, I have had a number of problems with the car - about one every 6 months. I have had the wheel speed sensors, the inside driver's side door handle, the VANS controller, and a part of the throttle control system (I can't remember exactly what) replaced. Is this normal? Does it stop or at least slow down, or should I expect to be making regular trips to the dealer for this things as the car gets out of warranty?

bogvly · May 2001

My new 530 is just tremendous! I am enjoying the heck out of it- and for anybody up in the air about it, the Navigation system is a great toy and is quite useful.
My dealer told me they were about to release the voice activated phone for the 5 series soon, has anyone heard anything about it?

jls21 · May 2001

I will be picking up my '01 530i in about two weeks. I probably won't get much sleep between now and then in anticipation. It is Aspen Silver/Black with steptronic, premium, convenience, cold weather, in dash CD, and Xenon lights. Has anyone purchased an extension of the included 3 yr 36k mile maintenance program. I understand you can extend it. How much should it cost, and is there a major cost maintenance during the extended period that justifies purchasing the extension?? I will be retiring a 1992 Toyota Camry, so you can imagine that I am quite excited. Thanks for any info.

jls21 · May 2001

In reviewing many of the earlier messages, I have read alot of comparisons of these two cars. These are the only two cars I test drove. I drove the BMW first. Before I drove the Audi, I thought I would not be able to decide. I love the Audi interior, and the rear seat room, and the Quattro system. Then I got in the car and drove it. Yes, it is fast, but is has no feel. As I drove it more, I realized that the Audi simply did not excite me in any way. The steering feel and handling and engine noise did not compare to the 530i. When I returned to the dealership, the salesman asked me what I thought. I told him I would love to have the quattro and extra rear seat space, but would have to do without them because the car did not excite me. The next day, I returned to the BMW dealer and drove the 530i again, and couldn't stop smiling as I was driving. The choice was very clear for me. I pick up my car in about 2 weeks.

karl18 · May 2001

Earlier advice to compare the reliability of the Lincoln LS vs. BMW 5 series (plus driving both) helped pushed me over the fence to the BMW side of the equation. However, instead of the 528 5 speed I was considering, I found a late model 1997 540 6 sp. w/29k miles and 5 months left on warranty. hoo boy! Let me tell you, this car goes! Of course, immediately taking it in for it's 30k mile checkup put a $1500 hole in my wallet, but, hey, I bought it behind book, and I knew it was going to be a touch more expensive.

One question however: The outside drivers door lock is "frozen". My dealer will replace it under warranty so I don't have a problem. But, it doesn't appear to have been jammed with anything and I earlier put some graphite in it to help loosen it up, but no luck. I don't want to have to deal with this again. I know with the "clicker", I can open the door anyway, but, after spending the money I did, I want it all to be right. Any ideas?

vrk01 · May 2001

I will be picking up my 01 530i Titanium Silver with black, Steptronic, CW, Convenience, Premium, heated strg wheel, rear side airbags and rear window roller blinds this weekend.

The dealer is offering $595/- for the extension to 4 yrs 50,000 miles should i take it?? Any suggestions??

jls21 if U could get any info please pass it on, thanks.

brian525 · May 2001

Hello,

From reading the BMW E39 forum board, it seems that the avg price quoted is indeed $595 for an extension.. however, some have gotten it for less.. it is a matter of shopping around and comparing dealers... get a quote from one, and see if another dealer will offer to beat it... it does not matter which dealer you purchase the extension from..

Good luck!

arnolds · May 2001

Here are some web pages that answer some of the questions that have been posted about tint, voice recognition and just general info.

I own a 2001 530i Anthracite-Sport Premium Pkg

More details about my car

Euro Delivery FAQ

Tint Comparison

CD Changer Install

Voice Recognition Install

If none of this links work please go here http://www.eagleglenonline.com/bmw/530i.html

Also you can email me at arnolds_01@hotmail.com

arnolds

brian525 · May 2001

Thanks for the links... and a very BEAUTIFUL car!

msingerbmw · May 2001

I have the 2001 530i owners manual and in it BMW is fairly direct about putting on tires in one place and then not moving them. Tires apparently wear to a certain position and changing tire positions is not an indicated procedeure.

raybear · May 2001

The traction and stability controls really make up for the lack of 4WD, and in some ways are superior.

I sold BMW's in Connecticut before my current job, and I loved showing them off in winter.

cmr530i · May 2001

I was under the impression that an extension can be purchased at any time before the original warranty is up. If this is true, wouldn't it be wise to buy it later and save the $ now? I will be asking my dealer next week how long I can wait to purchase an extension.

vrk01 · May 2001

I was at the BMW center this week and after talking to the business manager it looks like we can get the extended warranty within 12months/12k miles from delivery. He even offered a $50 discount

Great news I will save the $$ now. I can't wait to drive my car it has been a long 7 weeks since I ordered it.

cmr530i · May 2001

I'm glad you were able to save $! I too have been waiting since March for my 530 to come in. Should be here by the end of next week. Good luck and happy driving with yours!

vasgar · May 2001

Does any one know if BMW is offering any special financing incentatives? Earlier this year they were offering 5.9%, but I believe that expired at the beginning of March.

I am considering the purchase of a 2001 530I. Considering the time that elapses between order and receipt of car, I am wondering if it wouldn't be wiser to wait until the 2002 model year. Does any one know when BMW changes their model year?

Thanks,
Talley V.

kelf · May 2001

Does anyone have actual experience on picking up new car at Sburg, instead of your ordering dealer? Is there any extra charge for this? How about if you do Euro Deliv--can you ask car to be shipped directly to Sburg? Any extra charge? On Euro Deliv is there a Delivery Charge of $645?

kelf · May 2001

On BMW Euro Delivery is there a $645 Deliv Charge? How about if you ask that car is shipped not to your dealer, but to the Spartanburg Performance Center?

5speed5 · May 2001

I had ordered my "next year model"(2000) 5 series in July of the current year at the time(1999).

midtowneast · May 2001

Go to E46 fanitics.com there is an article about it there. There is no additional charge or discount for SC delivery. I was unable to do it because it was outside my delivery window. Make sure your dealer get your info to them a early as possible there is a waiting list.

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