- #258 of 292
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Re: Tires for a 528i? [janetk]
by derkombiwagen
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Jul 18, 2005 (6:15 am)
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Replying to: janetk (Jul 08, 2005 5:59 pm)
Without question, Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50s for the winter (www.tirerack.com). For summer tires I have Continental ContiPremierContact P225/55R 16 94H on the '99 528 iaT OEM rims (luxury - not sport - package). I noticed that these tires tend to cause considerable vibration through the steering column when they're inflated to the manufacturer's specs. This was determined after numerous troubleshootings with my BMW maintenance dept. My option is to run them slightly less than what is spec'd for air pressure. The ride otherwise is nice. Great grip and cornering with these tires. I just went to tirerack.com and noticed that they no longer carry these tires (by this name). I hope this helps with your search.
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- #259 of 292
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Re: 87 octane gasoline [grek]
by e39_touring
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Jul 22, 2005 (11:59 am)
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Replying to: grek (Jun 13, 2005 10:35 am)
The car will run OK on 87, but I wouldn't do it regularly. These engines run very high compression rations (10+:1). The knock sensors will keep retarding the timing until the knock goes away, but you'll be running at way less than optimal iginition timing. The result, power and mileage go down, and, worse, peak combustion temerpatures go way up. Over time, this will cause premature valve wear and pit the pistons.
Many will disagree with me, but as added insurance, pay the extra few $$ and get the high-test.
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- #260 of 292
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Re: height of cargo area - 2003 525iT [vanalder]
by e39_touring
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Jul 22, 2005 (12:03 pm)
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Replying to: vanalder (Jun 27, 2005 12:42 pm)
BMW also makes a nice cargo liner for the iT. There's a dealer selling them on ebay, and I got mine for about $55.
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- #261 of 292
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Re: Tires for a 528i? [janetk]
by e39_touring
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Jul 22, 2005 (12:09 pm)
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Replying to: janetk (Jul 08, 2005 5:59 pm)
I use Bridgestone Potenza RE950's for year-round driving and am very happy with them. Quiet ride (compared to the OE Dunlops), good rain tread (important here in Seattle), and OK all-weather capability (not so important here in Seattle).
Where do you live? If you have heavy snow, I'd use dedicated snows on narrower wheels for the best bite.
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- #262 of 292
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Re: Tires for a 528i? [janetk]
by woodyww
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Jul 29, 2005 (4:33 pm)
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Replying to: janetk (Jul 08, 2005 5:59 pm)
I had Michelin Artic Alpin Snows for a season on my 528iT. Pretty darn good snows; night & day compared to the OEM Conti's on the car. But after reading the snow tire report in the Nov. '02 Consumer reports, I sold them & ordered a set of Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3's from the Tire Rack (I talked to Jim there). I got the same size as the orig. 16" tires (not narrower), & scored a set of like new BMW Style 33 wheels off a '99 540i for $400 out of a local "want-ad" publication to mount them on. (Now I just have to figure out whether to mount the snows on the new rims, or on my kind of beat stock rims, & use the new rims for summer).
Anyway, after reading CR, reading the owner ratings on Tire Rack, & talking to Jim, getting the Dunlop WS M3's seemed like a No Brainer to me. I also disagree with those who say that RWD bmw's are fine in snow with the summer tires--mine is almost undriveable in even 2-3 inches of snow w/the OEM Conti's..... 
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- #263 of 292
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525 driver window control panel
by e210s
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Sep 16, 2005 (1:19 pm)
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I have a 2001 525i. The driver door electric window control panel is not working properly. I am told that the panel for the '00, '02, '03 and '04 models will work as a replacement. Does anyone know whether one from an '08 will also work? Thanks.
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- #264 of 292
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Wagon rear window
by noggin
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Oct 05, 2005 (1:16 pm)
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I am on the hunt for a used wagon (tough in Arizona) and I have decided this is the wagon for me, no question, after a lot of research...after all this, the answer to one minuscule question continues to perplex. I'm curious if the rear window is completely stationary or if it rolls down or pops out. Can someone clear this up for me? Thanks
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- #265 of 292
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Re: Wagon rear window [noggin]
by mguthrie
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Oct 08, 2005 (3:45 pm)
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Replying to: noggin (Oct 05, 2005 1:16 pm)
Hi Noggin--On the '95 525iT, there are two release buttons beside the license plate lights, one for the rear door and one for the rear window. They are electrically operated. The rear window "pops up" just as the back door. Mine, however, has a tendency to drop on my head when I'm not looking.--Michael
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- #266 of 292
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BMW 5x or 3x Wagon Vs. Subaru Outback
by smiththebest
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Nov 16, 2005 (12:46 pm)
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I am on the look out for a 99/00/01 BMW wagon (preferebly 5x) or Subaru Outback due to its AWD. Can anyone give their valuable suggestion with pros and cons? In Jersey we have ~3+ months of snow time and so inclining for AWD car and everyone say Subaru is the Safest of all. This will be for my wife (I drive an ML)
I am looking at things like like Maintaince expenses, reliability and drive. Thanks all
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- #267 of 292
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Re: BMW 5x or 3x Wagon Vs. Subaru Outback [smiththebest]
by woodyww
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Dec 01, 2005 (11:18 am)
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Replying to: smiththebest (Nov 16, 2005 12:46 pm)
With all due respect to Subarus, BMW's are from a totally different planet. I have a 2000 528i Wagon. It's built like a tank, awesome road car, beautiful interior, great seats. And superb safety. You WILL NEED snow tires if you buy a RWD bmw. And Maintenence may be more. However comparing a Subaru to a bmw is like comparing a Seiko watch to a Cartier.
The last person I knew with an AWD Subie slid into another car on a snowy road when trying to brake. They had no snow tires--which you really should have even on an AWD vehicle. And if you do buy a used bmw wagon, try to get as low mileage one as possible is my advice.
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