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BMW 5-Series Sedans

12737 messages,  Last post on Feb 16, 2013 at 11:05 PM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 1055 of 1275

#10535 of 12737 Re: 1997 BMW 528i w/ 80,000 Miles [timpdix] by sdg380

Jun 24, 2005 (7:04 am)

Replying to: timpdix (Jun 24, 2005 5:49 am)
My information comes from Consumer Reports, where they show high incindence of problems with cooling, electrical, and power equipment systems for earlier E39 models, with problems decreasing dramatically in '00, '01, '02, and '03. The ratings show '02 and '03 models to be almost Camry-like in reliablity (my '02 has been virtually trouble-free). So I'd look to see if any problems in these areas have come up and been addressed--also suggests that a later E39 might be worth the extra $$$.

#10536 of 12737 timpdix by div2

Jun 24, 2005 (8:15 am)

I have a 1997 528iA with 122000 miles on it. It still looks, runs, and drives like new. In the past 40000 miles all it has needed is scheduled maintenance and brake pads. 1997 was the first year for the E39 platform and thus they did have a few more gremlins than the later cars. That said, a car with 80000 miles has probably had those problems sorted out by now. As always, a thorough inspection by a good BMW tech would be money well spent. I'd also want to see a complete service history so that I would know that the car has been properly maintained.

#10537 of 12737 New color... by kyfdx HOST

Jun 26, 2005 (11:42 am)

I saw a new 530i today... in Olivin Green (yes, that is the proper spelling)..
 
It evidently is a non-metallic color... as there was no upcharge for it on the sticker..
 
Different, attractive, and will probably make the car sale-proof, unfortunately..

#10538 of 12737 Re: New color... [kyfdx] by hpowders

Jun 26, 2005 (12:06 pm)

Replying to: kyfdx (Jun 26, 2005 11:42 am)
Olivin green is listed on the BMW site as metallic.

#10539 of 12737 Re: New color... [hpowders] by kyfdx HOST

Jun 26, 2005 (12:09 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jun 26, 2005 12:06 pm)
Weird... Maybe 5-series don't have a charge for metallic paint?
 
EDIT: Yup.. thats it... No charge for metallic paint colors on the 530i..

#10540 of 12737 Fuse Location Needed by bob605

Jun 26, 2005 (6:08 pm)

I have a 2002 525 and the A/C is working I have located the fuse box in the glove compartment and in the trunk - Fuse 75 and 76 is not numbered - can anyone tell me where they are located

#10541 of 12737 BMW 530ix versus Audi A6 3.2 by tollyho

Jun 26, 2005 (8:18 pm)

I have owned several audi's in the last 9 years and found their performance and all wheel drive to be very good. Now that BMW has come out with all wheel drive in the 530, it may be time to get my first BMW.
How do they compare?

#10542 of 12737 5 series audio upgrade and nav system by rwenger

Jun 27, 2005 (7:05 pm)

What are impressions of the audio upgrade for the 2006 5 series? When I was considering buying a 5 two years ago the dealer didn't recommend the one available then.
 
Also, what are the pros and cons of just getting a Magellan nav unit rather than selecting that option from BMW?
 
Thanks for your views.

#10543 of 12737 GPS by erickpl

Jun 28, 2005 (8:09 am)

Handheld - Pros
Portable
Can use with other vehicles/camping, etc
Less likely to be stolen if it isn't in the vehicle
May have POI database built into a map basebase
 
Cons -
Need additional s/w for turnbyturn type directions
No voice activation
Wires for power lying around
Mounting issues/appearance
May not have POI database built into a map basebase
 
Car-based
Pros
Voice activation
Integrated look/feel in dash (attractive)
Turn by Turn directions and POI database
Can be easy to use - it depends (shrug)
 
Cons
Price
Use may not be as intuitive or easy as a handheld
 
I have a handheld Magellan Meridian Platinum. I use it in my Jeep, my BMW, my truck, and I use it when camping, hiking, and basically whenever I feel like it. You need to look at when you may want to use it. If you want to use it outside of your vehicle, then a handheld may be a better choice. If you want it for directions to a particular address, then the in-car version may be a better option.
 
However, the Magellan has a new software (Topo 3D) that is supposed to have addresses and stuff built into it, so you MAY be able to get the best of both worlds with a Magellan and the Topo 3D. I haven't used it, so I can't be 100% confident in these statements. I plan to get it, but my Jeep's modifications have had priority.
 
I have heard that the DVD-based nav systems in the BMW's are a lot better than they used to be, but I still don't know how they compare to the likes of Infiniti and Acura (who are supposed to have some of the best in-car nav systems available).
 
-Paul

#10544 of 12737 Re: GPS [erickpl] by cdnpinhead

Jun 28, 2005 (10:04 am)

Replying to: erickpl (Jun 28, 2005 8:09 am)
I'm a big portable Garmin advocate & agree with just about everything Paul had to say.
 
I'm not familiar with Magellan units or software, but the Garmin I use most (I have two) has software loaded into my two laptops that allows me to plan trips, then download the necessary maps to the handheld unit, which then guides me turn by turn to my destination, with beeps when things are approaching.
 
The complete map sets (I sprung for the European ones also) are almost as useful as the GPS itself. I can drill down to any city or town in North America or Europe to the street level, mark what I need to, and connect it all with a route. If I don't like how the system has routed me through an area I know, I can force it to go the way I want. All this on a 17 or 19" computer screen, with a mouse and full keyboard. I can plan and store an entire multi-day business trip in a file, then download each day's travel as I need it.
 
No fooling around with dashboard buttons, or learning on the fly that the GPS wants to take me on a shorter path that I don't want to use. Anyway, the ability to use a full-up computer to plan things, then a portable handheld to execute them, is the winning combination for me. Plus which, the thing cost $350 & works in any rental car or in the airplane on the way.
 
Oh, it also saves a track of where I've been, with time and altitude stamps. At the end of the day I can look at an altitude profile and/or verify when I was anywhere all day, or best of all, when I screw up and don't turn when/where I'm supposed to, it shows me where I actually went while I'm being guided back to my intended route.
 
YMMV.

Messages Page 1055 of 1275

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