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Good Luck
PS - On the downside, my black interior does show the lint quite a bit, but a quick vacuum with a portable Dust Buster and a rag - and I'll deal with it. It looks that good IMHO!
I am off for a 2 1/2 hour drive one way for a 1:00 Golf Playday in Peoria, IL and can not wait to hit the highway. I could take my 98 Max GLE and save the miles on the 530, but not today!!!
regards,
kyfdx
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colors: Buy what you like and ignore all others (ok, except the spouse...). Choosing a color because you think that other people think it looks cool is, well, pathetic.
HiC
Mark
Wabends
On this trip I encountered a few tidbits that I thought y'all might enjoy.
I picked up a magazine in the lobby of my hotel in Paris and found the published prices for the 6 cylinder E60 for France:
525i (Petrol): 42,000 Euros
530i (Petrol): 45,000 Euros
530d (Diesel): 41,000 Euros
Hmmm, am I missing something? Unless the 530d is de-contented when compared to the 525i and the 530i, how is it that it costs less? If I remember correctly, the published specs for the 530d rank it right behind the 530i in acceleration off the line, and even faster than the 530i above 40 mph. Go figure.
Speaking of diesels (part 1); I rode in one of the new W211 E-Class cabs again on this trip. I hailed it at something like 4:30 AM Monday morning for a ride from the Gare du Nord area to Charles de Gaulle airport. When we started rolling, I immediately noticed that this one was a diesel just like the E220 CDI that I rode in back in April; however, it felt somewhat faster. When we merged onto the autoroute we were following some other traffic up the ramp, and as we hit the main roadway, my driver opened it up, and I was stunned at how fast that thing went from 60 kph (a little less than 40 mph) to 160+ (100 mph and then some). When we got to the airport the driver turned to me while patting his steering wheel and said, "What do you think of my new taxi?" I told him that I loved it. While retrieving my baggage, I noticed that I had been riding in a new E320 CDI. Hmmm, given my dislike of the new E60, maybe by the time the lease is up on my 2002 530i, MB-USA will be importing that thing; I would buy one in a minute.
Speaking of diesels (part 2), on my flight home from London yesterday, I was seated next to a Petroleum Engineer who works for UOP (I think that used to stand for "Universal Oil Products"). Anybody out there remember the black "UOP Shadow" Can-Am car? If you do not, check out http://www.photoessayist.net/canam/uop/. Anyway, this individual does a lot of work on figuring out the process for removing sulpher from fuel, specifically diesel fuel. Cool! I had to ask, "Why is it that Europe has Low Sulpher Diesel already available and we will not be able to get it for several more years?"
His response was a little surprising, "Well, actually, Europe and the U.S. use the same basic diesel fuel. The difference is in their legislation. In the U.S., the government is reticent at best to legislate standards that are as yet unobtainable, in Europe, they write the legislation so that it spells out what the standard should be, and they hope it gets there sooner or later. Basically, Europe uses Low Sulpher Diesel simply because their laws and standards say it is."
Needless to say, I was shocked. Everything I have read regarding diesel fuel indicated (to me anyway) that Europe was using a different flavor than us.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Best Regards,
Shipo
Anyway, I learned very quickly that they perform very well and use very little fuel, relatively speaking. I'd buy a BMW diesel in a heartbeat, if any were available over here.
Can someone also tell me what is the differences between the 1991 m5 and a 5 series of the same year? Would it be possible to officially call a 5 series an M5 if the original M5 engine, "brains" and trans were placed into a 5 series that originally had a 2.5L or 3.0L V6 engine and a manual transmission?
Also, I watched on World's Wildest Police Chases about a black 1990 BMW M3 coupe w/ 240 HP beat a new LT1 Camaro police car w/ upgrades and 350HP. After the camaro slid off the road after chasing the 15 year old car theif at 150 mph, 15 minutes later, the BMW broke down but I don't know the reason. Can you tell me how to modify a 1991 5 series or M5 in anyway to keep the engine keeping a sustanted maximum speed and yet not destroy itself?
M5 is more than just the engine and transmission. And I believe BMW M vehicles have their own VIN number (forget which digit(s) theirs). Think what you are proposing might cost a small fortune. You'd likely be better off either just buying a used M5 or aftermarket modifying the non-M5 car (Dinan chip, low restriction exhaust, better tires, lighter wheels, upgrade brakes, etc.).
As far as aftermarket mods, most of the German tuners/manufactures tend to get more out of the engine that BMW Motorsports but at a price. The M cars tend to be a bargain when compared to what AC Schnitzer, Hamann, Alpina, Racing Dynamics, and Hartge will cost. On the flip side, I have scene a side by side comparison on TV of a E46 M3 with the Alpina and I believe, Hamann counterparts. The M3 did lag. None the less the M cars are excellent and I would love to own one.
I have heard that the engine on a 530 is below the quality of the 525, and despite the less power, the 525 is the choice between the two. Do you agree, disagree? Also please don't shred me...I am a bit of a novice here, and wan't to verify what I have heard before I purchase. Thanks.
Ummm, I am not quite sure what you mean by "below the quality", however, I think one would be hard pressed to prove that the 2.5 liter mill has fewer problems or lasts longer than the 3.0 liter engine. Why? Simple, the two engines are virtually identical, with the only significant difference being the crank shaft (longer throws) and the connecting rods (shorter length), which is what gives the 3 liter engine the extra .5 liter of displacement.
Regarding the power, the 530i has considerably greater low end torque, and makes for a much more pleasing driving experience when compared to the 525i.
Best Regards,
Shipo
When I asked a business associate about this, his reply was something to the effect of "those who care know -- who cares about the others?"
Not bad words to live by.
There are those who drive BMW's who would beg to differ. It'll be fun to hear from them.
Hope this helps....
Following words made my spirits soar: "Overall weight is down by as much as 165 pounds, so the 530i weighs about 3500 pounds."
Too bad the Sport Pkg uses run-flat tires!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Been reading this discussion for a while. I finally got my new 03 530i manual/PP/SP/DSP/xenons 2 weeks ago and absolutely love it! I have several questions if I may.
1. I can't seem to program the universal transmitter to work with my garage door opener (Genie), even after trying the instructions several times. Are there any known compatibility issues?
2. Will there be a problem if I top-off the gasoline tank each time I fill up?
3. Pardon my ignorance, but do I need to use the club in addition to the BMW alarm system?
Numbers 2 & 3 reflect the obsessive-compulsive part of me. Thank you very much in advance.
#1. I do not have the UGO, but I understand the manual is lousy. If your manufacturer, Genie uses rolling codes, which I believe it does, I think there is one extra step. Do a search on the forum for "rolling codes" as I believe someone has posted that information.
#2. Topping off - I don't do it, in many places it is against the law. Overfilling will result in fuel spillage down the side of your new vehicle.
#3. Club + alarm - How obsessive to you want to be? How much extra artillery do you want to defend your BMW against would-be thieves.
Good luck with your new vehicle.
I just programmed mine last week after 30 minutes of trial and error. Because the Genie has rolling codes there is an extra step:
1. Follow the manual instructions to clear the existing programmed codes (I think you push the 2 outside buttons until light blinks?)
2. Program the universal transmitter as you normally would (i.e. point the garage door opener at the transmitter and push both buttons for a while)
3. This is the additional step - on the Genie garage door opener there should be a button next to the light that emits a signal when pushed. You normally would use this button to program the openers it comes with. Not sure exactly where your button might be (check your garage door opener manual), but I had to remove the white cover from the openere and the button was on the left hand side. Push the button - a red light will start blinking and will continue to blink for 30 seconds.
4. While the red light is blinking, go back to your car and press one of the 3 universal transmitter buttons 3-4 times to program the rolling codes. The BMW manual says 3 times and my GMC Yukon manual said 4-5 so I just pressed it a handful of times during the 30 seconds.
You now should be set - wish the manual was a little better in explaining this. My GMC manual actually helped me on the BMW. Hope this helps.
Have you ever walked through a parking lot on a hot day and smelled that destinctive gas station smell of fuel vapor? In the end, "Topping Off" is not good for our environment, or the wallet of the person who tops off (lost fuel and extra fuel system repairs).
Best Regards,
Shipo
"Run-flat performance tires and a tire-pressure monitor also are included in the Sport Package... [Discussion about sizes.] ...The run-flats mount on wheels with double rim humps, so the tires won't jump off the rins under a sudden loss of [air] pressure. Aside from providing better control of the car in a blowout, the run-flats save eight by eliminating the spare wheel and tire, and they can be driven nearly 100 miles, even when completely deflated."
Normal problem is that in order to provide the run-flat capability, these tires use different compounds and, most importantly, often have different sidewall strength than regular performance tires. The sidewalls have to be strong enough to hold the tire with no air. Usually leads to degredation of both ride quality and handling performance. A great example of this was in the 2002 Motor Trend comparison test of the BMW 330i vs Infiniti G35 vs Cadillac CTS. The 330i had run-flat tires. MT panned its ride and slalom/skidpad performance heavily and strongly recommended against run flats.
I want regular high performance tires with a full-size spare and alloy wheel!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
suvbuyer4, I finally got to make my bmw open my garage door openers. It took me just a few minutes to program it using your instructions. Thanks a lot.
530bmw, thanks for trying to help.
One of my associates drove her E300 from DC to Hilton Head and back last year and averaged 34 mpg at 70-75 mph. While I certainly love the idea of an M5 doing 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, I think 0-60 in 6.7 seconds and mid-30's on the mpg meter would also be a prudent choice.
My only concern with the 5-series diesels is the added weight of the heavier engine, and what it does to BMW's class leading handling and steering. This wasn't as much of an issue when I drove the E300TD, since the E-class was 2-3 rungs down the handling ladder from the 5-series anyway. Any insights??
Regarding the 530d vs. the 530i, yes I assume that weight is something of an issue given that the 530d weighs 209 pounds more than the 530i (which is only 77 pounds less than the 540i). I wonder how much of the extra weight rests on the front wheels (from the heavier engine and sound deadening) and how much of the weight is spread between the front and the rear (heavier drive train). One thing is for certain, the 530d is the performance superior to the 525i in every category except top speed (143 vs. 148), and even faster than the 530i in fourth gear acceleration between 50 and 75 mph (6.9 vs. 7.3). I have a PDF brochure of the entire 2003 5-Series line, and the only differences between the 530d and the 530i are the obligatory drive train changes (in other words, there are no content differences at all). To take it one step further, the 530d actually has a slightly higher content level than the 525i, which (at least in France) costs 1,000 Euros more. Go figure.
I saved the best part for last, the (published) mileage (in MPG):
Model City --- Mix --- Hwy
525i - 21.51 - 29.98 - 39.14
530i - 21.51 - 29.67 - 38.08
530d - 29.05 - 39.69 - 50.32
Best Regards,
Shipo
Those EPA miles ratings are hilarious at best. Unless you typoed that stuff in those ratings should put the cars in very good ULEV emmisions vehicles. I am happy to say that I just filled up this morning and recorded 28.82 MPG. I did do a little bit more driving on the Freeway this time. I took two trips out to Ann Arbor in the same day at about 25 miles each way. And I took a trip to East Lansing which is about 70 miles each way. Other than that, all my miles were made going to and from work and to and from the gym. All surface street driving.
Mark
One step further - I went to a HS Baseball game Saturday and parked far away (as my car is new and does not need any dings, etc.........) - when I returned to my Black 530, sitting next to it was a black E320 - so i could really size the two up. And I did.
If you ever get the chance, try and compare the two literally side by side. I already know the BMW drives much better, and wow does it look sharper. Hands down, no doubt about it!!!
My question: I am a prospective buyer of 1998 528i. 150,000 highway miles, one owner. How long can I expect this engine (and related items) to last? Owner is my boss, miles/upkeep are verified. Car is in great shape. Are these vehicle as reliable as they tout?
Thanks so much in advance!!
Mark