BMW 5-Series Sedans

erickpl · July 2004

it won't unlock automatically when you stop - carjackers would LOVE that...

But you can double pump the door handle - pump 1 unlocks and pump 2 opens it. Or you can just hit the unlock button.

This is how my 3 is set up.

Other setup options may include: seat memory, alarm blinking indicator, daytime running lights, air bag activation in rear seat, keyless remote 1 button lock/unlock vs 2 button unlock (1 click = driver, 2 clicks = other doors), things like that. As your delivery gets close, just ask for the sheet they give you for delivery configuration options.

They'll know what you mean and can probably help explain what they all are.

-Paul

rich545 · July 2004

I just picked up a 545 about three weeks ago and the doorlocks can be set up using iDrive. You can set them up to lock when the car starts moving there as well as several other central locking options. The dealer should ask how you want things to be set up that you can't control in iDrive (but they will go through iDrive with you when you pick up the car and help you set up things within it). Daytime running lights are something they should ask about because they have to set that. They will also set up the BMW Assist system (a lot like OnStar), and make an introductory call. Other than that I can't really think of anything else that you can't set up via iDrive. They may have asked me about how I wanted to key set up to unlock the doors too though.

erickpl · July 2004

Thanks for that clarification on what Idrive can set. I have a 2002 3er, so obviously things will be a bit different. It seems nice that you can configure that through the Idrive though. Nice touch. Puts a bit more control back into the owner's hands.

-Paul

riez · July 2004

rich545... I loved my '98 540i6. Magnificent car, but she was a driver's car. Meant to be driven and driven hard.

There are just way too many things about the E60 that tell me pure driving pleasure isn't at its heart. Just compare the E39 and E60 dashboards. Looked at how flat the E60s, losing the driver's inclination of the center stack. Or look at the gauges (really the lack thereof). How many gauges does the E60? One less than the E39. They added an idiot light. And they think iDrive will enhance driving over real gauges? Reducing useful information for the driver and forcing the driver to take his eyes off the instruments/away from the windshield to do too many tasks is both scary and designed to reduce driving pleasure. That tells me more than I wanted to know.

I will readily confess that the E60 is a more luxurious and practical car. And that it is filled with gadgets and electronic everything (that likely will make long-term ownership an absolute nightmare after say 10 years and 150,000 miles). But if all I wanted was that, I'd rather have a more reliable appliance like the LS430.

confused2 · July 2004

My 23-1/2 month old 530 (Perf, Cold Weather, 19K mi )recently had an electrical fire which started in the passenger seat and led to severe interior smoke damage, not to mention a melted seat and front passenger door (amazingly, engine still works). Long story short, BMW N.A. has offered me 37,500 (purch price was 46K) for the car, which seems fair based oon research done on Edmunds and other sites. Just wondering if anyone had a similar experience and what the resolution was. Anyone get a new car? Since I do not like the look of the new 5, I told them I'd take a 330 convertible - but best they said they could do pricing-wise is approx $1000 under MSRP. Given the situation, I think they should do more.

erickpl · July 2004

that you want to give the money back to them for a new BMW, but you could always go to the Infiniti dealer and a G35 or a CTS-V or something... anything.

-Paul

rich545 · July 2004

Riez-Are you talking about the gas gauge? I don't know, that's never been an essential-to-the-driving-experience gauge to me. All it tells me is when the ride is over; not what the ride I'm on is like. I just want to ask again, have you ever driven the 545? I can't comment on the 530 or 525 because I haven't driven them, but I've been in the old 5 and I can tell you that there is nothing more luxurious about the 545. If anything it's more spartan. And honestly if you haven't driven it how can you comment on the distraction caused by iDrive (or lack thereof). You think iDrive was designed to reduce driving pleasure??? Believe me, I do drive my car hard (maybe too hard sometimes), and the 545 is more than up to the task. I can see people having trouble with how it looks, but how it drives? No way. This car eats up the road faster (and meaner) than the T-Rex in Jurassic Park swallowed the lawyer, and it doesn't spill a drop.To me the proof is in the pudding and if people that own the new 5's love them that's all that really counts.

rich545 · July 2004

Opps, guess you mean the engine heat gauge because the 545 does have a small half gauge for fuel (I usually just look at the miles-to-empty digitial display). On another note, just dropped off the 545 at the dealer to switch out the anthracite trim for the poplar (part of the deal when I bought the car because I hate the anthracite), and they gave me a 325i for a loaner. It's so strange being back in a 3 series (I had a 330xi before the 545). This 325 doesn't have much in the way of options, but I really realize how differently it drives now that I've been in the 545 for a while. Aside from the obvious power difference the lack of active steering is so apparent. The difference in the braking is as well. I found myself going wide around turns because I kept expecting the steering responsiveness in the 545. There's nothing wrong at all with how the 325i drives; it just shows me how you get used to whatever you drive because the 545 felt really weird at first too.

sapparo · July 2004

The 545 is a design nightmare notwithstanding the I-drive Nintendo video game controls in the "ultimate driving machine" mantra. The new dynamic, good lookin, powerful 2006 M45 is gonna blast this ugly bugger clear out the water when it arrives all for at least 10K less exactly what the G35 is doing to 3 series.

Reiz is right on the electrical, these new Bimmers are loaded with unstable, inferior to Japan electrical systems that are nothing but problems currently and waiting to happen. My cousin a master tech. just went to work for BMW after working for Lexus and Infiniti for so long, he was bored as nothing much goes wrong with those makes other than maintenance.

rich545 · July 2004

G35 blowing away the 3 series huh? Here's a good read for you:

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/73569/article.- html

Notice which car came in 1st and which came in 4th. As for the M45 blowing away the 545, I'm shaking in my boots (note the sarcasm). Fact is, if I wanted a Japanese car I would have bought one. As far as the electrical comment seeing as it's based on no hard proof at all it's not really worth responding to. Funny how so many here seem to have such strong opinions about a car they have never driven. I try to keep an open mind until I have some actual experience.

kyfdx · July 2004

You mean the one they can't "give" away, even with $10K off sticker.

The Japanese Impala.... You have got to be kidding!!

erickpl · July 2004

of negative comments posted by particular users, across forums even... interesting.

-Paul

mrkbbd1 · July 2004

I know someone who has a '04 M3 Cabrio SMG and absolutely hates the transmission. I am looking at a 545i SMG currently. My dealer had no SMG cars on the lot and said they wouldn't be receiving any any time soon. So my question is has anyone driven an SMG 545 and what was his/her impression of the car with that transmission.

mrkbbd1 · July 2004

I agree with you, iDrive is phenomenal.

designman · July 2004

I haven't driven a 545 with SMG but I drove an 03 M3 that had it. Word to the wise for anyone considering itdrive it, drive it, drive itthen make up your mind. This transmission is VERY different from both traditional automatic and manual trannies. I would imagine your friend is just plain sick of being jerked to death.

sdg380 · July 2004

I've also driven an M3 with SMG, and while I guess everybody is different, the novelty of clutchless shifting wore off in about 5 minutes, at which point you stick it in "auto" mode, and then realize that a regular auto trans is ALOT smoother, especially during stop-and-go. I'd opt for a slushbox if I wanted an auto.

cassidym · July 2004

I've driven a 530I and an M3 with SMG. Although I think it better than Triptronic, it doesn't feel or fuction like a real manual. It does a decent job of mimicing one but it ain't the same. Main reason I wouldn't buy one is that I've gotten too used to placing my hand on the gear shifter to unconsiously remind myself what gear I'm in and which one I need to shift to when something is developing in front of me. You don't get this with SMG. I also agree that you'd quickly start using the automatic mode and never go back to manual.

parrish · July 2004

I test drove a 530 with SMG about two weeks ago, trying to get the feel of it from both my own and my wife's perspective (she was not present).

First off, I believe that the M3 SMG and the regular SMG on the 3 and 5 series are not the same. The M3 SMG comes with 10 shift-speed gradations and the regular SMG has only two. Both of course both can be used in an automatic and manual mode. There may be other distinctions that I am not aware of. My salesman strongly preferred MT so he was helpful but not enthusiastic, and could not tell me more about this.

The auto mode, the mode my wife would use, was fine if you do not accelerate rapidly. If you do accelerate rapidly there is a pause while the shift exectutes, then because your foot is on the pedal, there is a sudden jerk as you enter the next gear. When you are in manual mode, you can adjust the gas to make the transition seamless (especially after a week or two of practice), but in auto mode the computer decides when to shift, so you cannot anticipate and therefor adjust the gas, and it will be jerky. But, my wife will rarely if ever slam the pedal, so for her my guess is it works very nicely. Maybe not quite as nice as the true automatic, but not bad at all. The only problems with it, as I recall, is that the method of switching from auto to manual and back again is to push the stick sideways, away from you, and then it switches, where the only feedback is visual in the center of the speedometer (e.g. A3 verses 3 for 3rd gear). I would be concerned if my wife or one of my daughters did the switch to manual and didn't know it. Don't have enough experience with this to know for sure.

The manual mode was essentially a true manual without the clutch, in my opinion. But, I really don't want to go back to a clutch drive, so perhaps I am biased. I did not have enough time to practice and refine my technique, but I could see that this will work very efficiently and smoothly. I don't see how I could shift faster. But, there are sophisticated manual shift techniques that I would never use, so mayber there are negative considerations for the really accomplished driver.

I did not test drive the M3 SMG, so to be fair, or comprehensive, or just for fun, one should test drive it.

Having said all this, my wife says no to something as exotic as SMG, even if she can ignore it! Also, I am not sure what the effect on resale is.

There was a series of useful comments on SMG in the E60 roadfly message board. It was about 2 or 4 weeks ago and was very positive. One contributer said to leave it in auto and let the computer do the shifting for a few weeks, driving (not too) hard, to learn what you can and cannot do with this system--apparently, it will teach you a lot.

Good luck with this!

pen101 · July 2004

The car was stick with SP. Test drive was without a salesman. 25 minutes and 15 miles later, here is my pro and con comments:

Pros:

Engine - intoxicating power, its just begs you to use/abuse all that hp
Steering - got used to it right away, definitely an improvement
Handling - feels better than my e39
Roomier interior than e39

Cons:

Exterior Styling - enough said
Interior Styling - look and feel not to e39 standards
i-drive - mastered quickly, but it is a distraction, takes eyes off the road
Shifter - throws too long
Window controls - poor placement and angle
Cupholders - not an improvment over e39
Center arm rest - not high enough, not adjustable
Price - more than I am willing to spend for this car

Conclusion: Not my next car

glaker · July 2004

I had a ball at the Susan Koman drive recently. I got a chance to drive all the '04 5 series including the 525 manual (not enough power for my wants), 530 SMG (whoever thought THAT was a good idea?) and the 545 manual (great car!). I then ran the same route in my boring old '03 530 with auto (yeah, I know, but there were no manuals available last fall). Aside from the rubber on the '03 (std 16" Conti touring tires) being clearly outshown by the 17" and 18" Michelin Pilot Sports on the '04s, I thought the old chassis was preferable in terms of quietness and smoothness. I think I'll keep my '03! On the other hand, I fell in love with the 330 with the performance package. Man alive, what a drive! My wife needs a car so I went to work to see what I could do. I found a terrific deal on a new '04 330 at $1900 under invoice (due to the current incentive and end of model run). Now I just gotta finish convincing her to move on it! Anyone else had a ride on the 330 with the perf pkg?

ltagg1 · July 2004

I have a 2002 525i CPO vehicle ( Black Sapphire/Sand Auto/Sport-Prem/Htd seats/rear shade) that I bought 12/31/03 from BMW of Nashville and now want to sell...just not enough power but a GREAT car otherwise. The CPO warranty is fully transferable to a subsequent owner. My question is: what's this selling point worth, dollar-wise. Edmunds (under Dealer Retail) says it's worth about $1550. There is no category for CPO Private Party sales. I'm thinking it's worth at least $1000 since a 3rd party extended warranty would run about this or more and this is a BMW warranty that also comes with 24hr roadside assistance...Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated....Also, curious...Is the Edmunds pricing data pretty accurate on pre-owned E39 cars? Thanks.

vsaxena · July 2004

$1K should be a fair amount. The CPO also includes tires, inspection etc. which would have to be discounted since you drove the car for 19 months. When I was buying my E39, the dealer was expecting about $1.5K as the CPO markup for another car I was considering.

According to Terry, the Edmund's Trade In values are a bit inflated (see post in prices paid forum). According to him the $31K on a 530 trade in on Edmunds is not accurate since dealers can get them at $28K in auctions.

pen101 · July 2004

My test drive was for the Breast Cancer drive. I drove 7 models, including the 545 (see above post), 525, Z4, X5, X3, 325 convertible and 745. The wait was too long for the 645 and the 330 with performance package was in the shop for clutch repair.

Of the cars I drove, my favorite was the 545i. For my 15 mile route, it averaged 14.2 mpg. For comparison, the X5 4.4 averaged only 11.5 mpg on the same route. The 745 averaged 13.7.

And yes, like glaker, I took my 530i 5-sp, with SP and PP on the same route for comparison. It averaged 22.3 mpg. I may be biased, but everything considred, I still like my 530 better (except for the intoxicating power of the 545).

kyfdx · July 2004

A lot will depend on the buyer. In a private sale, for someone that will put close to 100K on the car by 2008, then it will really make your car stand out, and might be worth $2K. To a BMW dealer on a trade, probably worth about $1000. To any other dealer, maybe $500.

regards,
kyfdx

parrish · July 2004

RE: 530 SMG (whoever thought THAT was a good idea?)

I recently test-drove one, see the earlier post. I requested a 545 SMG, but none was available, and I really only wanted to get the feel of SMG, so the 530 SMG was fine. Although your opinion above is understandable and perhaps the majority around here would agree with you, here is the minority report: (1) The vavoom factor--the V8 is powerful, but I had forgotten how nice the inline-6 really is. It is a gorgeous engine. I am now asking, is the V8 worth the extra cost?? (2) The combination of active steering and the SMG paddles makes shifting from the wheel very convenient, because there is much less hand-over-hand. (3) Intended use makes a difference--I want to drive the scenic, twisty, curvey roads just outside (and even inside) Portland. So the bigger engine is not so much a factor, but nice handling and manual control of the shifting is. SMG handles the clutch peddle for me, and does so very, very quickly. (4) intended use #2--commutes, grocery shopping, freeway driving, etc. Except for the freeway driving, there is still opportunity for nice handling and manual shifting, in my opinion, but if stalled in traffic, I don't have to nurse the clutch peddle. (5) Other drivers can leave this in automatic and do just fine, more so than with a manual transmission, which is a lost art. (6) It looks odd, I suppose, putting a high-end formula-one-like transmission in a 530, true, but how much do we care about that?

JP

nyccarguy · July 2004

Reiz:

I agree with you about the fact that the 545i or any i-drive equipped BMW's complex electrical system won't last 10 years or 100+K miles. But the average owner (not nuts like us who post on TH or bimmerfest...) doesn't keep a car that long. So many BMWs these days are either leased and turned in or disposed of by their original owner by the time the warranty/free maintenance period is up. You yourself gave up on your much loved 540i6 before the CPO warranty was up for some of the same reasons.

I'm sure BMW cares about the longeveity of their cars' electrical systems to a degree, but their main focus is to sell cars.

When my Dad leased his X5 back in FEBRUARY, he toyed with the idea of buying it this time around instead of leasing. We asked the salesman about how long certain things last or how much they charge for certain services (INSP II for instance)... he told me that he's never actually sold an X5, every one he's ever delivered has been leased.

BTW, after 6 months and 12K miles, he loves his X5 that has had ZERO problems to date:)

mrkbbd1 · July 2004

I have seen the road tests with the 545i 6-spd MT and they give 0-60's from 5.3-5.5s, I have not seen any tests with a SMG tranny, does anyone know an actual 0-60 with the smg and if not should it be faster or slower?

parrish · July 2004

See Car and Driver, BMW M3 SMG, July 2002, very interesting article:

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=16&article- _id=1878&page_number=1

In brief, article says 0-60 with SMG is 0.3 seconds slower than with MT, where the difference is entirely in 1st gear, and assuming the driver is an expert with MT.

JP

mrkbbd1 · July 2004

Thats weird because on a few of the 3 series BMW claims half a second quicker to 60 with an SMG vs. MT.

Performance (330ci)

Drag coefficient 0.32 Cd

Top speed 1 128 [155] mph

Acceleration 0-60 mph2 2 6.4 (7.0) [5.9] sec

MT AT SMG

bmwdoug · July 2004

What options do you feel are essential for a 04 530i? Two options I need for sure are: navigation, and automatic. What other options would good folks consider essential?

Thanks.

designman · August 2004

Split-folding rear seats - $475. Makes a world of difference with what you can tote.

glaker · August 2004

My wife and I just purchased a 330 with the performance package to sit in the garage next to the 530. It has HUGE 18' low profile tires. We're picking it up on Thursday. I posed a similar question on the 3 series board, but I have been reading this board enough during the past 18 months to know that sound advice is always available here. So here's the issue...

The dealer offers an insurance plan on the tires and wheels for about $350. I will be running the 330 during the winter with snows. Given the possibility of hitting potholes here in upstate NY, as well as the cost of the M style wheels and tires, I'm seriously thinking about getting the insurance. Does anyone have any experience/opinions about this insurance? Thanks.

cassidym · August 2004

Sound advice on the split rear seats. I'mn ordering a 2005 545 and am including Park Distance Control. Friend of mine has this and likes it a lot. Also, if you live in a relatively cold climate, the Winter Package is a must. You get heated seats (which, using the dreaded iDrive, you can vary the ratio of heat you get in the seat back and bottom, a nice feature.) Also, the steering wheel is heated.

Agree navigation is very desireable and I also intend to get satellite radio. Other options I'm passing on are:
- Audio upgrade: $1800 for what? Can you really hear the difference when you're on the road. The salesmen love to demo this option when you're parked with the engine off but try it underway. Also, for $1800 you can put a much better surround sound system in your house.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Cool feature if you drive in congestion a lot but way too expensive
- Heads Up Display: Fighter jet technology here but for $1000 you get to see your speed projected on the window. Alternately you can display the right half of the Navigation screen. You can see both these items at a glance anyway

chicagotiger · August 2004

I'm looking at a preowned 2000 540i with 29K ; dealer
wants $33K comes loaded but lacks a CD player- I was
thinking about bidding $30K even - any thoughts

Kirstie_H · August 2004

A reporter is hoping to talk with a recent BMW buyer who traded in a VW, Toyota, Honda, Ford or Chevy when buying the BMW.
Please respond with your daytime contact info and a few words about your experience to jfallon@edmunds.com asap no later than Tuesday, August 3, 2004.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

rich545 · August 2004

One thing, at this point you can't have nav and satellite radio together. The two systems apparently don't work together on the new 5 series yet (but supposedly will in the future). Although maybe they will on the '05 545. I have an '04 and I know both won't work together on mine. About the audio upgrade, I don't agree, but that's a personal choice. I think you can definitely tell the difference with the Logic 7 system.

manybmws · August 2004

I have taken off my 17" wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on them for the last 4 winters. So far these "summer wheels" have shown the most wear (Star Spoke 71s with clearcoat polished rim). I am pretty fussy and want them to look new and recently paid $70 a wheel to have only the outer rim essentially painted silver. This was done by a third party the local BMW dealer uses. I was quoted $250 per wheel to restore to new condition but passed on this (replacement cost today is $400 or so).

So if you run these wheels through the winter I would get the insurance plan. Or you can put the $350 towards some 17" wheels with dedicated snows. Those 18" wheels probably cost $400-500 apiece. I think I have seen these wheels and they don't have the shiny clearcoat rims so they would last a long time as "summer only" rims.

manybmws · August 2004

I have an Audiobahn powered sub (10" although 8" might be enuf) and this takes the standard system to new heights for a $400 upgrade installed. And I have had lots of high end systems in cars over the years including ADS.

cassidym · August 2004

According to a salesman at Passport BMW in Maryland, you can now get the two options (Nav and Satellite radio) together. Problem was the two interfered with each other but apparently the engineers in Munich stopped mis-designing cup holders long enough to solve the problem.

Did you have the Audiobahn installed as an after-market feature?

And, speaking of engineers, why can't BMW fit a six-CD changer into the dashboard rather than jam one in the back of the glove box where nature did not intend it to go?

lienot14 · August 2004

I have a few issues I hope you can help a first time BMW owner with.

Is Bluetooth (hands-free cell phone use)functional in the new 5 series? The salesman tells me there is some "software problem" resulting in interference with the emergency response system. He is not clear whether the problem is fixed yet or not. He talks about buying some "module" to make it work. Is Bluetooth standard on the 5 series or is it an extra cost option? I did not see any mention of Bluetooth on the option list when I ordered the car. I'm assuming the car does not come with a BMW Bluetooth enabled cell phone so I'll need to buy my own. Will any Bluetooth enabled cell phone do or are there only specific cell phones which are compatable with BMW's Bluetooth technology?

Does BMW recommend synthetic oil in their engines? What type oil is in the engine at delivery of the vehicle? If so, is this "over the top"? Please give me input on synthetic vs petroleum based engine oils in the 5 series. If the engine oil is initially synthetic what problems would I run into changing to petroleum based engine oil at the first oil change?

My "order sheet" (Vehicle Inquiry: Design/MSRP) given to me by the salesman when I ordered the car, lists as part of the Premium Sound Package an in-dash 6 disc CD changer. Every 5 series I've seen has the CD changer in the glove compartment. Is this a running production line change?

Finally, the writeup for the Free Maintenance Program talks about "for exclusions and limitations refer to the Service and Warranty booklet or see your authorized BMW center for details." Are these exclusions and limitations to the Free Maintance Program significant?

Wow! I rambled on here didn't I. Appreciate any help you can give me on the above items.

Thanks.

kyfdx · August 2004

A couple of answers:

1) Yes, it is synthetic... made by Castrol. Considering the recommended service interval is 15K miles, it doesn't seem "over the top". I believe you would void the warranty if you used conventional motor oil.

2) The "Free Maintenance Program" is fairly comprehensive and even includes brakes, if needed. What it doesn't include, is service (oil changes) more often than the factory recommends. You would have to pay for that yourself.

regards,
kyfdx

srfast · August 2004

I have the BMW BT kit installed in my 2003 530i and though you are asking about the E60, the answers are still applicable:
1. The BMW BT ULF module cannot coexist with the BMW Assist system, which it standard on E60 cars. BMW states that 09/2004 production cars will support BT. BMW has not indicated if they will retrofit BT to earlier production cars.
2. BT is not standard in any BMW. The kit is a dealer ordered option. They can do the install (1.5 hours labor) or DIY. I did a custom install of my BT kit because I have the European armrest in my car.
3. The whole idea of the BT kit is that you get to choose your own wireless carrier and phone. The phone you select must have BT and support the BT HANDSFREE protocol. All BT phones supports BT HANDSET, but not HANDSFREE. Before you select a phone, you should check the BMW forums to see what BT phones other BMW owners are using.

Hope this helps...JL

glaker · August 2004

Thanks to all who responded to my positing on tire insurance.
I received a copy of the insurance agreement from the dealer yesterday, read the fine print, and decided not to buy it. Tires and wheels were covered only to the extent that they would no longer hold air (or a tire with air in the case of the wheel). No coverage for hitting a curb, scraping the finish off, etc. The plan said you needed approval from them before any work was done. Even then you had to pay up front and then they would reimburse you. One person in the 3 series boards said he bought into the plan and had an approved claim, but he's still waiting for reimbursement from the insurer more than 4 months after the repair!
I'll take the advice of manybmws and put the money toward the purchase of the winter wheels and tires.

dzuba · August 2004

Yes -I know they are a pain. So today I called my local dealer with the intention of having them replaced under the original warranty and/or CPO - - and I was told it would cost me $75.00.

That plastic is worth about .08 IMO, anyone else deal with this before?

Can I buy the part from BMW and screw it in myself?

bmwdoug · August 2004

I know I can test drive both the 530i and 525i to see how each drives, but that is not what I am talking about. I am interested in knowing what people think about the 525i. What are opinions on the 525i? How much do you actually save in terms of real dollars? Do you feel you have the same BMW prestige with the 525i as the 530i? What are you opinions? All opinions welcome. I know I can test drive both cars to see how each drives, but that is not what I am talking about.

riez · August 2004

bmwdoug... Don't worry about unimportant things like "prestige" or keeping up with the Jones. Get the car that is right for you and your budget.

Key to your question can be answered by thorough test drives. Drive both 525i and 530i. Drive the ones you're most interested in. (I'd recommend manual transmission, esp. for the 525i, to get the most out of the engine. If you're going automatic, the larger 3.0L engine makes a huge difference compared to the 525ia.)

div2 · August 2004

Just buy the part from a local dealer using your CCA discount- It takes @5minutes to R&R the front cupholders and less than 1 minute for the rear set.

div2 · August 2004

"prestige" is about the worst reason to buy a BMW. BMWs are designed to be DRIVEN-not WORN. Ditto for picking a 530i over a 525i. If you insist on utilizing some perceived "status" ranking as a primary selection criteria I believe you will find a Lexus ES to be equally satisfying.

warthog · August 2004

Where is it written that a person isn't "supposed" to buy a BMW (or any other car) except for certain approved reasons?

kdshapiro · August 2004

My opinion is BMWs are upscale cars. The 5 series is a luxury performance sedan. If you want to spend $50K on a car, there are a lot of choices, including the Lincoln Blackwood, which is extremely upscale. In terms of driving pleasure, a BMW is a drivers car, a Lincoln Blackwood is a dog. However, the competition is tough at $50K with entries from MB, Audi, Infiniti, Lexus, Jag and Acura.

I personally don't care what people think of my cars, I buy them for me.

BMW 5-Series Sedans

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