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BMW 5-Series Sedans

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

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 1147 of 1275

#11452 of 12737 Re: Kissing frogs... [cmybimmergo] by shipo

Jun 03, 2006 (11:17 am)

Replying to: cmybimmergo (Jun 02, 2006 8:09 pm)
"Is this where I get to say I told you?"
 
Yup. Although if I remember correctly I agreed with you at the time. That having been said, given the new business launch (which entailed outlays of hard cash in excess of the cost of two brand new M5s) and the resultant financial conditions that my business partner and I were in, affording my 530i was no longer a practical option.
 
Now with the business finally launched (although not in the black yet) coupled with my ever-extending consulting contract, the immediate financial pressure is off.
 
Regarding the maintenance issues, I cannot say that I've ever noticed a trend for any serious problems on 1999 and 2000 vintage cars anywhere south of 150,000 miles, errr, except for some automatic models (525i). Either way, I'm more than capable of doing pumps, motors, alternators, brakes, clutches, some suspension components, sensors and oil changes myself, so as long as the engine and transmission are good to go, so am I. And for the items that I don't have the time or expertise for, I have a very good indy BMW specialist the next town over that is very active in the local BMW racing scene, and reasonably priced to boot.
 
From a purely financial perspective, buying any car is a dumb move given how inexpensive the DGC is to drive. That having been said, buying a sweet 2000 528i (as opposed to a Civic, Golf, Corolla or something else new for approximately the same dollars) will probably cost more per mile than the appliance cars from a maintenance perspective. Of course, given that I'd be starting with a car that was already partially depreciated, at least some of that extra maintenance will be offset by virtue of the fact that the BMW will most likely hold its relative value better.
 
From a driving perspective, I'd much, MUCH, MUCH rather spend my hours in a 528i than any appliance car currently on the market. As such, it comes down to this:
1) Keep the DGC until it hits about 250,000 miles (about three more years), or
2) Buy a 528i (keeping the DGC as well) with say 80,000 on the clock and then driving it into the ground (probably four to five years at the same annual mileage rate)
 
I'll keep you posted.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#11453 of 12737 Re: Kissing frogs... [cmr530i] by shipo

Jun 03, 2006 (11:52 am)

Replying to: cmr530i (Jun 02, 2006 8:46 pm)
Hey CMR,
 
Oooooh, tempting offer. I have to admit, it took some elbow grease to bring those wheels back up to showroom condition, fortunately I replaced the brake pads with a set of PBR/Axxis pads and the wheels stayed clean from brake dust for the last year that I had the car.
 
Funny thought... The lucky individual that got my car had probably an easy 25,000 miles of pad life left on the PBR/Axxis pads when they bought it. When those PBRs are done the (then) new owner will probably have OEM pads put back on, and if they do, they're in for a very rude surprise.
 
I can just imagine the conversation with his dealership...
 
Owner: "Hey guys, ever since you put new brakes on my 530i, I've noticed lots of brake dust, especially on the front wheels."
 
Dealer: "Lots of dust? Yup, that's totally normal."
 
Owner: "Totally normal?!? What are you, NUTS?!? I know better than that, my car's wheels stayed clean for weeks on end before YOU did the brakes and now I cannot drive to the corner store and back without turning my wheels black. What did you do, use really cheap brake pads and then charge me for BMW pads or something?"
 
I kinda pity the dealer on this one.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#11454 of 12737 Re: Kissing frogs... [shipo] by cmybimmergo

Jun 03, 2006 (12:31 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Jun 03, 2006 11:17 am)
if I remember correctly I agreed with you at the time. That having been said...affording my 530i was no longer a practical option.
 
But I told you to ditch the wife, and you refused.
 
Anyway, as is usually the case in situations such as these, I believe you have answered your own question.
 
Can't wait to see what you find...

#11455 of 12737 Shipo by nyccarguy

Jun 03, 2006 (1:04 pm)

May the force be with you! Good luck finding that perfect used E39 528i

#11456 of 12737 525i or 530i ? by jec1031

Jun 03, 2006 (6:24 pm)

Just wanted an opinion on owning or leasing my first BMW. The cost difference between the 2007 525i and the 530i are about four grand. As far as I can tell, the only difference between the two are 40 additional horse power, and the standard Xenon lights for the 530i. Bottom line. For the money, am I better off with a 2007 loaded 525i, with 40 less horses, or a low end 530i. Are the 40 horses and the lighting worth the extra four grand, or is my money better else spent in a 525i with more options. Thanks!

#11458 of 12737 2003 530 warranty expiring by maccar

Jun 03, 2006 (8:06 pm)

Any sage advice appreciated:
My warranty is going to expire (48800 miles) in the next few months. My second service will likely be due before then. Is there anything I should insist they do that they may not if I don't prompt them? Belts, fluids of any kind, brake pads etc...
Thanks

#11459 of 12737 Re: 2003 530 warranty expiring [maccar] by cmybimmergo

Jun 03, 2006 (8:52 pm)

Replying to: maccar (Jun 03, 2006 8:06 pm)
They won't do anything that isn't part of the service unless there's a failure.
 
Unless, of course, you're willing to pay for it.

#11460 of 12737 Re: 525i or 530i ? [jec1031] by shipo

Jun 03, 2006 (10:46 pm)

Replying to: jec1031 (Jun 03, 2006 6:24 pm)
"As far as I can tell, the only difference between the two are 40 additional horse power, and the standard Xenon lights for the 530i. Bottom line."
 
The Manual transmission in the 530i is more robust than that of the 525i (I'm pretty sure that the Automatic trannys are the same), and the brakes in the 530i are larger and more capable as well.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

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