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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 1170 of 1275

#11685 of 12737 Re: div2 [nyccarguy] by div2

Nov 25, 2006 (10:29 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Nov 25, 2006 9:38 pm)
When you have a long gravel driveway a black car NEVER looks clean. My black M6 was gorgeous but it only looked pristine for maybe ten minutes out of the four years that I owned it... Stirling isn't a bad color, it's just that it seems 99% of newer BMWs are either silver or black. Anyway it's a moot point; today I arrived at The BMW Store just in time to see the Stirling 2003 530i manual Sport being delivered to its new owners. And that was after being ignored at Jake Sweeney BMW, which you can read about in the "Stories From the Sales Frontlines" topic. Hopefully I'll be able to tell you how the Charger SRT8 drives tomorrow. My wife says that I'm getting in touch with my Inner Redneck...

#11686 of 12737 BMW 5 Series - 525 vs 530 by kegman0406

Nov 26, 2006 (5:57 am)

I am currently in the market for a new 2007 5 series vehicle. I've narrowed down my wish list to either the 525 or a 530. I have a couple of questions that I hope folks can help me with.
 
1) HP
I am not a performance nut, however I like to have adequate power while driving. I am a little concerned that the 525 w/ the 215hp is potentially underpowered especially w/ A/C on and a full load of passengers. I've driven both vehicles and I really can't tell the difference on the performance side.
 
Should I buy the 530 or go w/ the 525?
 
2) AWD
I live in VA and we get bad weather from time to time. Is purchasing the Xi version of these cars worth it? I'd like to be able to drive the vehicle in the winter and I worry that the RWD i just won't cut it.
 
Should I opt for the AWD version?
 
Thanks in advance for your help and recommendations.

#11687 of 12737 Re: BMW 5 Series - 525 vs 530 [kegman0406] by sambo49

Nov 26, 2006 (8:33 am)

Replying to: kegman0406 (Nov 26, 2006 5:57 am)
Live in NVA and just picked up a 525 xi from Passport BMW. Had very good experience with Farid (salesman) and his manager. No pressure and willing to negotiate. I heard from another dealer that you can boost the engine horsepower output by installing a chip, as both the 525 and 530 have the same engine. Not sure if this true, hopefully someone out there can let us know. The 525 xi has decent power and we do not have many moutains to climb around here. The all wheel drive ought to help in the winter. Watch out for the add-on costs.

#11688 of 12737 Re: BMW 5 Series - 525 vs 530 [sambo49] by cassidym

Nov 26, 2006 (10:13 am)

Replying to: sambo49 (Nov 26, 2006 8:33 am)
I live in b NVA and bought a 2005 545 from Passport (Joern is an excellent salesman). Anyway, I agonized about all wheel drive but it wasn't available on the 05 so I went with the rear wheel drive. I was unsure of this decision as my previous car (86 325) was a pig in the snow.
 
But I've found this car to handle very well. It is much better balanced than the old 325...about 50-50 front-to-rear and the traction assist and DSC render it very stable. I've been through two winters and, so far, am perfectly happy with its ability to handle the snow. My car did come equipped with Summer tires and so I bought a set of snow tires which I swap out for the season. When they wear out I plan to get all season redials.
 
Definitly recommend the 530...the more poweer the better. I almost out the 530 but I took my wife for a ride and afterwards she said it was the best car she'd ever ridden in but seemed a bit underpowered. Didn't take me long to change my mind!
 
As for color, I got the Olivene Green and gets lots of compliments. Very pleased with it.
 
And do the PDC. Don't think I could park the thing without it.
 
Mike C

#11689 of 12737 Re: BMW 5 Series - 525 vs 530 [kegman0406] by markcincinnati

Dec 05, 2006 (2:31 pm)

Replying to: kegman0406 (Nov 26, 2006 5:57 am)
The 525 IMHO needs to be driven ONLY if equipped with the stick shift -- otherwise it is not very peppy -- not bad, just not very quick. The stick cures much of this issue.
 
And, if you know me, you know I am going to swear by AWD espeically where you live.
 
I am not certain the chip will do much since the car is non turbo. If it improves the so called throttle tip in, well that is not doing much for the power, just making you give it more gas with less pedal travel.
 
I'd look into that.
 
The 525xi with a stick shift and the 18" wheels is pretty sweet and often can be had at a good price with BMW financial's ever willing help.

#11690 of 12737 Re: BMW 5 Series - 525 vs 530 [markcincinnati] by bargamon

Dec 09, 2006 (9:45 am)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Dec 05, 2006 2:31 pm)
Mark,
 
been out of the x3, allroad, and audi forums myself and low and behold you is here now too!
 
Just placed an order for a 530i with MT, comfort seats, logic7, sirius, premium in monoco blue with Auburn interior. No Sport as I don't want to deal with runflats. I do need allseason capability and with only oneflat choice I don't want that kind of limitations and the way I eat tires Im looking at changes at 15-17k, 30-32k, and again before termination at 45k. Don't want to buy new shoes right before turning it in! I bought used tires for $165 for the allroad and they had 70% tire tread left before I turned it in!
 
In NC, I can't justify the X drive (no crazy lease money on x drive in winter!) and BMW is more than willing to help me on my new lease. Money rate is .00050 and residual was 60% with 15km miles. No money down pmt is $630 with tax on a 55k car!
 
The 530i is more than enough power and the incentives right now are way to good to pass up. From what I read the Spring refresh is not that intense and while the 535 will be sweet, the incentives are just too tempting. I just feel very good about my deal for this car.
 
Its on order due for a late february delivery in South Carolina. I'd do a euro but im actually going to be in munich in 2 weeks and don't have time to go back.
 
Given my preference to MT, I never even looked at the A6. All my choices at this time are manual trannys, the choices were all BMW 3's, X3's or a 5 series.
 
funny, BMW has incentives all over the place and they are flying off the shelves yet Audi has relatively none but still seem to be doing well. BMW locally is expanding the dealership. Again!
 
I hope to be back in an Audi one day as I enjoyed the experience. All these companies seem to run in cycles and this seems to be BMW's time. Im sure Mercedes will one day shine again. The consumer wins with good competition!

#11691 of 12737 Re: BMW 5 Series - 525 vs 530 [bargamon] by div2

Dec 09, 2006 (1:22 pm)

Replying to: bargamon (Dec 09, 2006 9:45 am)
That sounds like a really great car. As you might have read above, I'm considering an E39 for my new work hack. Right now I'm really giving a lot of thought to a 2002 M5. They seem tobevery reliable,and not all that hard to work on. I've also checked out a couple of E46 M3s. And, while I hate to admit it, that Charger SRT-8 is one fabulous car. How can anything SO big be SO fast? I just know I'd go through a set of pads every track day, but at least they are as easy to change as the ones on my old M6...

#11692 of 12737 Need info on 2008 5 series by flyguy8

Dec 09, 2006 (6:04 pm)

Any information on the 2008 5 series. I hear there is going to be a 525 and 535.
 
A dealer in Oklahoma City told me the 08 would not be out until Nov 2007 and a dealer in Austin told me that the 08 would be out in the May 2007. Do you know when they will be released?
 
I wrote BMWNA a few days ago and asked them "what was the truth" but have not received a reply.
 
Thanks for your reply

#11693 of 12737 Re: Need info on 2008 5 series [flyguy8] by 0audilicious0

Dec 10, 2006 (12:02 am)

Replying to: flyguy8 (Dec 09, 2006 6:04 pm)
This is just a pure educated guess from me, but with the cheap money rates on the 5 series right now I think we will see updates sooner than later. Seems like they are trying to clear out some inventory prior to the updates.
 
Also, not sure but I think we will see a 528 and a 535... no more 525.

#11694 of 12737 Re: Need info on 2008 5 series [0audilicious0] by div2

Dec 10, 2006 (7:47 am)

Replying to: 0audilicious0 (Dec 10, 2006 12:02 am)
Also, not sure but I think we will see a 528 and a 535... no more 525.
 
We'll also probably see a twin turbo 535d, since NA has finally decided to import some of their oil burners.

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