BMW 5-Series Sedans

cassidym · January 2005

thanks. That is a good site and does seem very current

gold233790 · January 2005

Well, I live in a very hilly section of Central NJ. Last night there was about 2 inches of snow on the ground, with freezing rain coming down steadily.

No problems whatsoever. I know this wasn't 6+", but quite frankly it was very important to me that the Blizzaks performed well in this type of condition. How many times will I be out in a major snowstorm? Probably once a year, where I get stuck at the office midday. Other than that, I have an AWD SUV at home.

I played a little in my neighborhood on the slippery stuff, and I didn't even slide around the corners or skid into stops. VERY sure-footed. I had the Nokian WR on my Audi A8 and liked them. The Blizzak WS-50's I have on the BMW are superior.

rrusso1 · January 2005

I just got a 2005 530 in November. I have noticed that I seem to be steering to the left more often than I should. The alignment seems to be good but I have just begun to suspect that the steering wheel is slightly misaligned. I am not technical enough to consider the possibility of the wheel being aligned with the convex dashboard but based on the fact that I am experiencing the same issue as you are I think you might be correct. I have not yet contacted my service advisor but will do so in the near future. I will post his response.

kyfdx · January 2005

If you mean, that when going straight, the steering wheel is off-center to the left.. that is an easy fix...your dealer can adjust that.

Now, if the steering column doesn't line up perpendicular to your driver's seat.. that is a design problem..

warthog · January 2005

My E39 530 doesn't have that problem. However, my 1995 Olds van does. That is, the steering column points somewhat to the right of the center of the driver's seat. However, I never found it to cause any discomfort, even on 4-5 hour drives.

cassidym · January 2005

Here's another Bluetooth question.

Got an E60 with Bluetooth and, although neither my wife nor I have Bluetooth phones compatible with the BMW now, we are contemplating getting Motorola V600s with T-Mobile. Question is if both of us are in the car at the same time and both of us have these Bluetooth equipped phones switched on, what does this do to the Bluetooth system in the E60? I have visions of the car talking to itself.

mark ii · January 2005

You got it! When going straight, the steering column doesn't line up perpendicular to the driver's seat - instead it is tilted to align with the convex dashboard!

So far, my dealer has said there's nothing he can do about it - but I'm ready to escalate this all the way up to BMW Germany, if necessary. Since I can't believe that BMW can make such a design blunder, I think that there is an adjustment that the plant can do - that dealers may not be allowed to do.

I'm giving my dealer just a week more to figure out some reasonable response to my complaint letter.

mark ii · January 2005

You can easily see the alignment of the steering wheel with the convex dashboard if you look down from the windshield and onto your steering wheel column. The other way is to look perpendicular from the side of your car - and you will see the tilt of the steering wheel towards the driver's door.

If the steering column were perpendicular to the driver's seat, you should only see the slim side profile of the steering wheel - but instead, you will see part of the front of the steering wheel!

kyfdx · January 2005

If every other 5-series is like yours.. I don't see what they could do about it..

If it is just yours.. I'm sure it can be fixed..

This kind of thing is prevalent in smaller cars and sports cars..

mark ii · January 2005

The reason why I believe this steering wheel misalignment can be fixed is that in the dealer showroom, the tilt was more in one 5-series than another one. Therefore, there should be an adjustment mechanism - but the dealer is not authorized to fix it.

The other thing I saw is that this misalignment was also in the BMW 740 on display, which also has this convex dashboard style. I really hope that this is just a manufacturing plant mis-implementation - as I still can't believe that BMW can make such a major design blunder.

I'm waiting for an official response from my BMW dealer - then I'll take the next step from there.

srfast · January 2005

Bluetooth can only have ONE active session at a time with similar devices. You can pair up to five different BT phones to the BMW ULF, but only one can be active at a time. If both your phones are paired successfully and both phones have BT turned on, the BMW session will be established with the phone it finds first. If you want a specific phone to be the "car phone", turn off BT on the other phone or power the other phone off.

Hope this helps...JL

cassidym · January 2005

It helps a lot. Probably pick up a Bluetooth compliant phone this weekend.

Thanks again

mark ii · January 2005

I have a 2000 Nissan SUV that also has its steering wheel slightly to the right of the driver's seat. Like you, this also doesn't bother me because though it's not directly in front, the steering wheel is perpendicular to the driver's seat. The problem with my 2004 530i is that the steering wheel is tilted toward the driver's door, and is NOT perpendicular to the driver's seat.

argelius · January 2005

Do the current (2005) 5-series cars play mp3s recorded onto CDs?

cmybimmergo · January 2005

At the end of a ten minute trip this morning, my born-again CPO 2002 530i (5spd, sp, pp, xenons) started making a loud revving-type of noise. The engine was not racing, and it seemed as though it was coming from underneath the body. While I was driving, it sounded like an airplane, but when I parked it in the garage, it was obvious that it was the car. It returned after I cut the engine and restarted it. The car has almost 46K miles on it. I have had it for two weeks.

I believe I read something on this board about noises from the undercarriage, but I couldn't find the postings. Does anyone know what it might be?

hazard · January 2005

Living in Phoenix on a grid system with virtually no corners or rain should I have the DSC button on or off?

sdg380 · January 2005

Since DSC doesn't operate unless wheel-spin is detected (which I understand you're unlikely to encounter), I see no reason not to leave it ON, thus ensuring that it can operate in the unlikely event that you need it.

maccar · January 2005

Continuing this thread...

I have a 2003 530iA and recently I noticed when I turn primarily to the right, but occasionally to the left with any acceleration, the DSC engages, slows the engine and bogs down, which I suppose is it's purpose, but this is occurring on completely dry pavement. Tires are good. Any suggestions welcome. Thanks

kyfdx · January 2005

Always leave it on.. The only time to turn it off is when you need wheelspin to get out of snow or mud.. For you, that may be never.. It can also keep you from going into a skid, due to an accident avoidance maneuver.. It isn't just for bad weather..

kyfdx · January 2005

If it is intruding that much, you have a problem... Mine never cuts power from the engine, unless I get wheelspin on snow or ice..

My first inclination was seriously underinflated tires.. but, if that is okay, I'd get it into the dealer..

bartalk2 · January 2005

Can you bypass iDrive when adjusting the radio/CD and the heat/vent/ac on the 5 series? How? Steering wheel controls?

rich545 · January 2005

Yes...The radio/cd can be adjusted using steering wheel buttons, and the heating/ac can be adjusted using the dials on the dash.

rich545 · January 2005

The DSC in my car does bog down the engine a bit (and when I say a bit I mean just that; it's not that dramatic a difference) and I have the 545. They even mentioned it in the review on this website. I agree though that it should be left on unless you really need to blast off of the line. In that case turn off DSC and DTC and with the automatic engine switch to sport mode.

bartalk2 · January 2005

Thanks. With planning, I guess you can avoid using idrive most of the time.

jlbl · January 2005

This is it.

scoutlab1 · January 2005

I just ordered a new 530 (6sp, sp, pp, cw, nav)to replace my leased 2002 530. After looking at both the new A6 and the new RL, I decided to get the 530 despite the I-drive. Interestingly, the lease price on the 530 is $150/month less than the price I was quoted on the Acura even though the MSRP for the BMW is $6K more than the Acura. I'm not sure if the price differential is due to the residual, the money factor, or the Acura dealer's perception of me as a rube. I would have opted for the 530 even if the numbers were the same, despite the fact that I like Acuras, having owned a 2000 TL.

I was advised that I have a March production slot, and that the car will accordingly have the new R6(?) engine w/either 255 or 258 hp. Interestingly, the dealer said that 5 series cars that are produced in March and thereafter will be sold as 2006 model year cars.

gold233790 · January 2005

It is both residual AND money factor. However, be careful- BMW may change the rates on the new car. It should still be cheaper than the RL (that car is a joke in leasing terms), however.

If you have NAV, good chance you won't mind the I-drive- in fact, you may learn to really like it. I have the nav in my '05 530, and I love I-drive because of the intuitive nature of the voice command feature. I rarely, if ever, use the toggle button on the console.

argelius · January 2005

Other than the enhance horsepower and availability of an xi (AWD) version, does anyone know of any other changes (even minor ones) expected for the 2006 5-series? I've searched the boards, but didn't come up with much.

I'm planning on ordering a 530xi (to replace my 'o4 Acura TL), and am just curious what other changes I might get to be titillated by...

kyfdx · January 2005

Probably the biggest factor in lease price. between these two cars? Selling price in relation to MSRP.. Any lease figured with a selling price of MSRP will be expensive.. Figure in a 5%-8% discount, and the numbers look much better..

I wonder though.. if the new 5-series are really '06 models, will they honor the current MF and lease numbers that are for '05 models? Of course, if you have negotiated a monthly payment, then all of that doesn't matter..

regards,

kyfdx

merckx · January 2005

I did notice that the formerly optional wood trim insde is now standard...

jim53 · January 2005

My 02 530 comes off lease in late March. I just recently realized that I need to start shopping. While the new styling hasn't quite grown on me, given that my last 2 cars were BMW's, I feel like I have to at least consider a new one (also considering looking at the E500, RL and maybe the A6). I was debating btw the 530 and 545 but leaning towards the 545 due to the bigger engine mostly. In reviewing some recent posts, it sounds like there is a new 530 coming out with a bigger engine (2006 model maybe). Is this true and if so, when is it expected to become available and is there any idea how much more it will cost? Also, if true, how does everyone feel it will compare to the 545?

scoutlab1 · January 2005

I negotiated a monthly payment in December, but told the dealer I wanted to wait for the car until I got a production slot with the new engine; I felt my 2002 530 w/225 hp was too slow but I didn't want to opt for a 545. I am told that they will honor the monthly number. As far as changes other than the new engine and the AWD option, I don't know of any. However, it appears that the xenon headlights may now be standard. My order in December included the xenon headlights but it is now no longer an available option (for cars in March production); my assumption is that BMW has made it a standard feature for 2006. Also, the dealer thought that I-Pod connectivity might be added.

juniorbmw · January 2005

I drove the night after the big snow storm & my '05 530i got stuck in 5" of snow & took me 1/2 hour to get out.

For the most expensive car that I've brought thus far, it was the worst at handling in the snow.

Anbody have similar experiences.

Anybody have suggestions for the snow. (besides don't drive in the snow?)

cassidym · January 2005

scoutlab, you will not be unhappy with your decision. I bought a 2005 545 back in November and could not be happier. I knew I was getting a good car but I didn't know it would be that GOOD.

You will quickly adapt to iDrive. True it's counterintuitive at first but, after a bit, it'll be second nature. I've got six-speed, SP, CWP, NAV, SAT radio, in fact, just about everything but the audio upgrade. Love the SAT radio. I have about an hour commute in the evening and love getting in the car and and deciding what sort of commercial free music I'm in the mood for. Also, the CW is a real treat. I now think of my car as a warm oasis in the otherwise icy, grey Viginia winter.

You get Voice Command with the NAV and it works well. And your car will come with Bluetooth. Get a compatible phone and it pairs rigtht up with the car. Makes phoning effortless and all voice driven. Cool.

Be sure and let us know how you like it when you get it

nyccarguy · January 2005

do you have a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires? Snow tires would drastically increase your car's winter handling ability.

div2 · January 2005

As nyccarguy said, you need a dedicated set of winter tires. My 5er runs on a set of Arctic Alpines in the winter and the car has had no trouble with 8+ inches of snow on our gravel farm road. I fit them myself in early December and take them off in late March. The whole job takes less than 45 minutes.

kyfdx · January 2005

If it is 5" of unplowed snow.. a lot of cars will get stuck... Once snow exceeds your ground clearance, all bets are off..

My wife got her 3-series stuck in the parking lot at work..(6"-8" of snow) I finally got it out without pushing (once I remembered to turn the DSC off), but it took quite awhile... and, she has winter tires..

Don't forget to turn the DSC off when trying to get unstuck.. You need some wheelspin to get going.... and next winter.. buy winter tires.

regards,

kyfdx

rich545 · January 2005

My '04 545 had no problem with about 8 inches of snow here in Chicago, but I do have dedicated snow tires. I have Blizzaks which I got from tirerack.com, and honestly it was as good as my '03 330xi was in the snow with all-season tires. I'm sure the 330xi would have been better if it had snows too though. But I actually took the 545 out specifically trying to see how it would do and the traction control barely even came on because I didn't lose traction much. And the roads around here are not plowed very well at all. You should consider going to tirerack.com. I got the 4 snow tires and pretty nice wheels for about $1200 and they arrived the day after I ordered them balanced and ready to go.

gold233790 · January 2005

Snows are crucial. I wouldn't drive a RWD vehicle in any type of snow without them. I have Blizzaks fitted to my 530, and I can honestly say it performs about as well as my Audi Quattro did with all seasons.

When I got the 530, snow tires were an expense I considered going in.

cmybimmergo · January 2005

I completely agree with the responses you got regarding snow tires. I have an '02 530i with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S and I had to drive it for ten minutes in maybe two inches of falling snow. Even at 20 mph, DSC constantly came on, and I didn't feel particularly secure. I was very glad to get home. For the two hour trip I subsequently took in the same storm, I drove my '92 Lexus ES (also with A/S, but FWD). The difference was remarkable.

If you don't have the option to keep it in the garage in the snow, then you must have snow tires.

hihomike · January 2005

They use Castrol high performance "full" synthetic.

What I'm amazed at is the 15000 miles between oil changes for the maintenance warranty. Even for synthetic, this seems a bit long.

hihomike · January 2005

I test drove the 530i, then the 545i. I am not a horsepower enthusiast, just like spirited responsiveness when needed. My salesman had to force me to drive the 525i when I found out it only had 184 horsepower, but after driving it, I fell in love with it. Very spirited for so little horsepower, and the new 17" wheel a great improvement along with all the wood amenities. I bought the car with a 2700 discount, which was unbelievable for a Bimmer. Still love it and it does accelerate nicely when needed.

hangun · January 2005

Do you think it is a good idea to purchase 3rd party extended warranty (i.e. from Warranty Direct)? Anybody has experience with Warranty Direct? How is their customer service?

TIA.

motowneer · January 2005

Read and listen very carefully......NO!..NEVER!>>>EVER!

motowneer · January 2005

I own two BMW'S and I find it very interesting that BMW used to insist on oil changes every 7500 miles and all other fluids every 30,000 miles. Now that Bmw is picking up the tab for scheduled maintenance, the intervals are now 15,000 miles for oil, and all other fluids are now, miraculously, LIFETIME FILL. Coincidence?

hihomike · January 2005

From what I understand, depending upon the type of driving you do in the 5 series, it determines when the oil should be changed. The less miles and more short trips, the more frequent the oil changes, which shows up on the I-Drive. As an example, I do short trips, few miles, so even though I have only 1400 miles on the car, it now shows I need to change the oil in 10,000 miles. So it adjusts to your driving style. Interesting, to say the least

kyfdx · January 2005

I prefer to think of it as progress.. Honda used to recommend every 3000 miles... Now, it is 10,000. And, they don't pay for the maintenance, or use synthetics...

pat · January 2005

You should be able to find more information on extended warranties on this board: Smart Shopper. Have a look at the discussion list and see if you find something helpful. Also, the keyword search on the left side of the page will turn up archived discussions for your reading pleasure.

vxj · January 2005

Hi,

I am from Michigan and I drove same car through the same snow storm without problem. You should definitely buy set of winter tires possibly with wheels.

VJ

nkwazi2 · January 2005

THEY HAVE STOPPED SELLING BLUETOOTH KITS. THATS WHAT THEIR PARTS DEPT TOLD ME.

ANYONE HAS ANOTHER SOURCE?

LOCAL SF BAY AREA DEALER QUOTED $600 + 1.5 HRS LABOR ($150/HR)

BMW 5-Series Sedans

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