BMW 5-Series Sedans

dabimmer · July 2003

I think it is a great idea to teach a youngster the stick first. We did have a large parking lot across from a local mall that wasn't used much and we had it all to ourselves to start out straight at first and then moves to the right and left, then right and left turns. I think the most important idea I imparted to them is to know the location of each gear up and down without looking and being kids they picked this up soooo fast. Later when we tried street driving it was such a cinch for them and the driver training at school just solidified what they were learning.

erickpl · July 2003

have you taught your kids to learn to drive using your 5er?

No way!

-Paul

microrepair · July 2003

Hmm, I seem to recollect that in my younger days ( a long, long time ago!) here in Massachusetts, a new driver was required to take their driving test on a stick shift car. Once you had a license you could then drive any kind of transmission you wanted. That always seemed to make sense to me since it took more skill to drive a stick shift and who knew what kind of car (or truck) you might have to drive at some point. Of course, now with our higher standard of living, we are all able to afford the luxury of an automatic transmission.. And miss out on the Joy of Driving..

):,

jccssc · July 2003

Sorry I was out on an unexpected trip and just came back. Thanks for the info. I am in the process of checking 3rd party co also. As you probably all know, when a bimmer is out of warranty, anything goes wrong would likely cost BIG $$ to fix......

cmr530i · July 2003

dabimmer--Thank you for the tips. He started his driver's ed yesterday and only has to put in four more hours to qualify for the written test and permit, so I guess we'll be in that empty lot soon enough.

sdg380--I concur with your post. Seems as if every other driver is on a cell phone these days.

erickpl--As the 530 is the only car in my household at present, my extremely lucky son just may need to have some follow-up lessons on it. Hoping the first lessons will be on his grandfather's 1990 Maxima with stick, however.

riez--Thanks to you and all the info you have given over time about CPO, I convinced my brother to look at the CPO program at his lease's end. He traded in his 2000 525 for a 2000 540 touring wagon. He loves it and got a great deal on the purchase.

seivwrig · July 2003

My daughter is at driving age and she does not want to learn to drive a stick. When she watches me drive, she feel like it is unnecessary work. Talk about plum laziness. I will probably force her to learn on a manual, so that she will know how.

riez · July 2003

Was tooling back from a work trip this afternoon in the middle of nowhere on a 2-lane county road. In less than a mile went from 65 mph to 140 mph and back to 65 mph, effortlessly and all the while in 6th (overdrive) gear. (Tach indicated 4250 RPMs at 140 mph. Redline is at 5750 RPMs. She'll easily hit the 155 mph governor. Thinking I read somewhere she'll go somewhere around 165 mph ungoverned.)

Given BMW's notorious speedo error (indicating a speed higher than actual), maybe I was only doing 130 or 135 mph. But she was rock steady, quiet, and completely composed.

riez · July 2003

seivwrig... Doesn't the King James version of the Bible answer this question? Spare the rod (stickshift), spoil the child?

I've started teaching my kids (both under 12) how to drive a stick. And I never tire of telling them how boring automatics are or how much more fun it is to drive a stick, not to mention the feel of being in complete control.

kennynmd · July 2003

I am considering an 03 325i or an 02 525 0r 530. I haven't driven the 525 or 530 yet. My question is is there enough power in the 525 to go smoothly when you need it to?

designman · July 2003

The concept of steptronic never sat well with me. I couldn't see having the cost of unwanted technology foisted upon us. Apparently most agree as the either-or rationale seems to rule. However, as a stick aficionado, I have now decided that half a loaf is better than none, and that steptronic was indeed designed for husbands like me.

Naysayers take note--although it is no replacement for the stickola, steptronic is cool, and if given the choice of paying for it as an option, I would definitely take it.

First the negatives. The driver's pure attachment to the engine is still missing. Because it is automated, the transition between gears is poky and this delay is intrusive--you just can't change gears quick enough. Also, the braking dynamic on the downshift is nothing like the stick.

Now the good part. Having control over engine speed is golden, and because of the steptronic, the symphonic brickyard growl of the BMW engine can be experienced to its fullest. It's amazing how totally impotent the automatic is in comparison. Trying to get satisfaction from the engine with the automatic is like trying to play guitar wearing hockey gloves.

Bottom line. The step is no stick in terms of spontaneity and total control over the drive train, but it offers a fine relationship with the tach, something that is virtually nonexistent with auto. If it has been compromised into your life as it has in mine, be glad you have it . And if you choose not to use it, you're not getting the most from the bimmer.

srfast · July 2003

manual transmission. If you need the auto, go with the 325i or 530i.

Hope this helps...JL

erickpl · July 2003

I agree... a lot of kids (not all, but a LOT), tend to take the lazy way. I personally feel that when you are driving a manual, at least part of the grey matter has to pay attention to what the car is doing.

With an automatic, I find myself going into auto-pilot and not really paying attention. Having the manual encourages me to pay attention. As a result I enjoy the drive that much more.

My daughter learned on our Jeep Grand Cherokee (an auto). With this, she had to control her speeds (especially in turns), but she could focus on driving and the rules of the road. She now has her own Jeep Wrangler, which is a manual. She was able to learn it pretty quick because she didn't have to worry so much about the rules of the road, as they've become part of her habit (for the most part

).

She's now learned skills like transmission braking downhill, using the transmission and gearing to affect how she accelerates, and stuff like that. She told me, "You can't really do that with an automatic!" Good girl!

Despite her music being played too loud, the manual is forcing her to pay attention.

-Paul

dabimmer · July 2003

Check out in the main menu for Edmunds under Ownership, then scroll down to Safety Tips to the link " Defensive Driving School for Teenagers" which is jam packed with excellent information for a young driver just starting to drive. I would have posted the hyperlink for you but can't do it with this browser. Cheers.

fjk57702 · July 2003

http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/driving/articles/73570/article.h- - tml?tid=edmunds.o.landing.advice.safety.3.*

By the way, I use my automatic to hold on hills all the time, just select a lower gear.

colt007 · July 2003

Thanks for that post. Some want to believe since you (& I) have no stick, life is incomplete. Hello??! I guess my Dad wasn't cool enuf to teach me to drive a stick (hell he didn't even teach me to drive, another story), so I don't even know what I'm missing. However, I do know what I have: the best sport sedan (next to the 540 or M5) on the road & when the step is used properly (IMO) the growl of the engine as you whip thru turns & off ramps at twice the speed limit (sport pack) is quite satisfying. I could have got the 540, but alas, wife was having no part of manually shifting, which is a shame since most of our driving is highway. I don't eat or drink or chat on the phone while driving 'cause at the speed I drive, you must pay attention! Sorry about the rant; just tired of the auto-bashing. I do agree that all should learn stick first, then make a decision on what you want.

Colt
530ia

hoopsref · July 2003

I agree. Though I have not had to drive a manual transmission in a while, I find the Steptronic in "sport mode" on my 530iA with SP, fun to drive. I may change my mind when I feel the need for an M5! I am going to enjoy the 530 for now..only 200 miles on it for cryin' out loud...lol

hoopsref · July 2003

For those of you who don't know, BMW does travel the country doing their "driving schools" like the ones they do in Spartansburg, SC. Check the BMWusa.com web site in the events secton for places and dates. The PDE is a FREE 2 hour course with prof. race car drivers. You drive their cars on course and learn about the car, driving, braking, safety... I just did the one in the Boston area and man was it fun. It gave me even more appreciation for what these cars can do as well as a new respect for what a professional driver can do with the dame car I am driving! These guys & gals were great. You can even test drive several cars that part of their brest cancer donation program. BMW gives $1 for mile driven. THese is a great way to check out new models, SMG, Z4's... Sign up weeks in advance if possible, 'cuz they fill up quick. Have fun!

driller2 · July 2003

This may have been discussed before, but with winter not too far away (at least in Canada), I'm looking for 16" wheels and tires for my 2003 530 with SP. Any suggestions regarding manufacturers and designs? Are certain wheel spoke designs better for snowy winters? What would be the appropriate offset? Best winter tires?

vtricar

gongli · August 2003

Just bought a BMW 525i, dealer stated the first oil change is due at 15,000 miles. Is that O.K. or should the first oil change be earlier. It can take me 2 years to drive 15,000 miles. Please help.

jb_shin · August 2003

Your best bet is to check out the www.tirerack.com for compatible wheels and tires.

joatmon · August 2003

First, oil should be changed yearly regardless of mileage. So that may answer the question for you.

People differ on oil change mileage intervals. Some say every 5k with synthetic. Some say every 7.5k. Some say every 15k is fine.

I would use the 5k or 7.5k interval unless I did a used oil analysis to insure myself that the oil can do the job for 15k in your car.

Happy Motoring,

Jack

sdg380 · August 2003

I don't put too many miles on my 530 either, and was reluctant to wait (potentially) years for the first oil change. However, synthetic oils do permit the change interval to be stretched considerably from the old "3 months, 3,000 mile" rule of thumb.

I've always believed the 1st oil change on a new engine should be much sooner than the suggested interval, call if superstition, old wives tale, whatever, I always envision all those newly ground off pieces of metal floating around. So I changed oil the first time at about 3,000 miles, and will now do it less frequently. But it seems to me that at least annually makes sense, even if it doesn't correspond with the recommended mileage interval. This is one of the cheapest forms of preventive maintenance affecting some of the most costly components of you car.

joatmon · August 2003

the legth of your trip and driving habits have a lot to do with your oil's condition. Many short trips (under 3 - 5 miles) will not allow enough time at operating temperature to burn off condensation. So, lots of short trips, few long trips, maybe use a 5k interval. Mixed, mabe a 7.5k interval. Lots of long trips on the highway and 15k is probably doable.

BTW, if you do a lot of short trips, it's good to take it out for a long run (1 hour) on a regular basis.

Jack

dabimmer · August 2003

I had about 11,000 mi. on my bimmer early in the year and still had two green lights but the car was two years old and hadn't had an oil change. I was advised by BMW in San Francisco to bring the car in for the change and I did, the service manager told me the oil was "clean as a whistle" BUT that I should have it changed yearly at least since I don't put many miles on the car. BTW, I didn't have any out of pocket expenses for this. I'm waiting for the last green light to extinguish to take it in for Maintenance 1, the car is just a blast to drive and I enjoy it more than any other car I've had. Also, at oil change the oil was down 1/2 qt and I had only added about 1/4 qt after a 3600 mi trip to Colorado and New Mexico and back to CA. Cheers.

cmr530i · August 2003

Thank you for the links! I will explore the info with my son later today. I also have literature on the BMW driving school in Spartansburg. Thought it might make a great vacation next summer for both of us. (BMW offers a women's and teenage course in addition to others.)

pap5 · August 2003

As jb_shin suggests, Tirerack.com is a good source. I used them to order a set of Dunlop Winter Sport M2 mounted on 16x8 Mille Miglia MM-11, which got my '01 530i SP through a worse than average D.C. winter quite well. The tires also did very well on dry roads.

srfast · August 2003

pap5: Please double check to see if you have 16x8 wheels. I was told 16" wheels would not fit on a 2001-2003 530i because of brake caliper size. The 530i uses the bigger 540i calipers & rotors and this would present problems with 16" wheels.

Regards...JL

jb_shin · August 2003

16 inch rims do fit 530 fine, even with the larger brake caliper size. It may depend on the shape of the wheel (the curvature), but I also use standard 530 (from non-sport) wheels as my winter set.

pap5 · August 2003

There may be clearance problems with some 16" wheels, but the MMs fit just fine on a 530i, including those with SP. You can verify with Tirerack.

karmikan · August 2003

I agree that the BMW driver training program is great stuff. I took the Advanced course (a full day) back in April. We were given 330's and taught skid control, high speed maneuvers etc. it was excellent.

Last week I went on the Perfection course which is done in M3's - WOW! This was just a blast and we got the chance to put all of the things that we had been taught to practical use in an autocross competition. These courses are not cheap but they are worth every penny.

driller2 · August 2003

Thanks to all for your thoughts. A wheel supplier in my area also suggested that 16 inch wheels would not fit the 530 with SP because of the caliper size. My concern with 17 inch wheels is the greater possibilty of damage if one were to hit a pothole (lower profile tires).

Has anyone used 17" wheels with winter tires and if so, what have been your experience?

Thanks in advance

gongli · August 2003

With auto climate control on, temperature set at 70F. Even if inside the car is hot, the air condition will not turn itself on (unless I press the AC button). Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?

Please advise.

phm · August 2003

Anybody knows how to clean the dashboard (black color). It looks dirty but I don't know what appliance to use for it. Thanks.

jb_shin · August 2003

Your supplier is wrong. My 530i SP has no clearance problem with 16 inch wheels, which were sold by my local BMW AG dealer (Berlin). In fact, the only winter pkg BMW AG offers for 540 and 530 are with 16 inch wheels. The only 17 inch winter wheels are for M3 and M5.

As suggested before, www.tirerack.com can show you the list of 16 inch wheels that will fit any 5-series models

dabimmer · August 2003

Thanks for that link.

karmikan · August 2003

You're not doing anything wrong, the a/c needs to be turned on manually. It seemed a bit strange to me at first because on every other car I'd had with climate control, the compressor came on automatically.

The BMW approach seems pretty intuitive once you get used to it and I prefer it.

jacqueslan · August 2003

Hi,

Enjoying the posts here. Is there any major changes in terms of engine and technologies between 2001 530A model and 2003? I came across an 01 model with PP,SP 30,000miles for $32,000. Any inputs are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Jacques

driller2 · August 2003

I checked with my local BMW dealer today and yes, last winter they only sold a 16" wheel package wither either alloy or steel wheels for the 530 SP. I believe he said the OEM alloys were the BBS cross spoke design . They ran out of supply early because it seems that more people are buying the the sport packages these days.

Thanks

sergeym · August 2003

I would not get them from a dealer. Too expensive. I've got a set from tirerack.com for about $1,000. They fit perfectly well on my 2002 540 sport. Dealers price was something like $2,500.

jb_shin · August 2003

One advantage of being in Germany, other than the autobahn, is that the winter wheel/tire pkg was surprisingly inexpensive from the dealer last year. It cost me about $1200 and that was only about $100 more than Tirerack price. Due to the current exchange rate it would be more likely about $1400 now.

drdw · August 2003

Does the wheel from German dealer has a BMW logo? To me, the ~$300 difference between tirerack's and dealer's in US is mainly due to "BMW" brand.

riez · August 2003

I'm in the minority here, but if my car is still under warranty, I prefer to have the tire work done by a BMW dealer. I think it prudent to have a 4-wheel alignment done with every complete tire replacement. Might cost your $100 but worth it. I'm not a fan of replacing tires without an alignment.

I'm surprised the BMW dealer's price so much higher. I have NOT found that to be the case with my local BMW dealer. He is a bit more expensive than local tire shops and chains but more like $5 or $10 a tire, at least for the Continental ContiSportContact 2s I recently put on my 540i6 and ContiTouringContacts I put on my wife's 323ia.

Besides the 4-wheel alignment, I tell the service writer to have the mechanic look at the brakes, suspension, etc. Never hurts to have 'em take a look at things while the tires are off. Peace of mind and they might see something.

jb_shin · August 2003

The pkgs always come with BMW wheels, unless it is a regular steel wheel. Mine pkg consisted of Dunlop Wintersports M2 (H-rated) and the wheels that come with non-sport pkg 530i in the US.

george94 · August 2003

Occasionaly my wife would ask if I smelled any strange odors in the garage. I always took it lightly and thought the trash needs to be brought out. Well, this am I open the hood of my 2003 530 and this odor is coming from the car!!!! It seems to happen only when the engine is warm and it seems to be located somewhere on the front of the engine block. I read some posts about strange odors coming from the AC unit. I dont recall if you, gents, had any resolutions. This doesnt protrude the cabin, however, it is rather strange. This car has only 3k. Any idea?

riez · August 2003

Here in midwest, this time of year my garage ends up smelling of dead grasshoppers from the front of my 540i6. I drive her on lots of county 2-lane paved farm roads. Hoppers everywhere. Nasty stench. And the buggers are hard to get out of the grille, radiator, rims, and in every nook and cranny of the front end.

george94 · August 2003

I wish it was this simple. I even took a flashlight and looked. Nothing. Everything is clear as far as I can tell. It is almost like something would be rotting...Going to work tomorrow. The engine will heat up so I will see (or should I say smell?).
.g

jb_shin · August 2003

It is not uncommon to find mice in the car. Unother list had someone who had to replace much of the wiring harness because a mice family nested in the car and chewed it up!

sharris · August 2003

Parking my pristine 8-month old 530 the other day, I pulled into an angled space and misjudged the height of the curb. As a result, I scraped the underside of the bumper on the passenger side. ARRGGHH! First blemish on my baby. Sigh. Anyway, I want to take it to a good body shop to get it fixed. I'm in Mtn. View, CA, not far from Allison BMW. I'd appreciate a reference to a good body shop in my area. Thanks!

putneyswope · August 2003

Try Allen's Auto Body on Quarry Road in San Carlos: they specialize in BMW's. They are priced high but they do a great job.

tuckpana · August 2003

Got in the machine today and the radio will not turn on....Computer still works...But you push the radio knob and nothing happens...Any thoughts before I bring it in? Thanks...

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