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BMW 5-Series Sedans

12657 messages,  Last post on Nov 05, 2009 at 6:14 PM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan


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#11914 of 12657
Re: 535i [gohorns1] by richardga73
Jun 27, 2007 (6:31 pm)
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Replying to: gohorns1 (Jun 24, 2007 7:31 pm)

gohorns1, in reference to the multicontour seats, did you compare them to the sport seats in the spt. package? compare specifically the bolstering and lumbar support.. I realize that they are probably comfortable but with leather being a little slippery and all I have a tendency to slide laterally with my underbolstered seats in my e500. It would be almost worth it to me to get the sport in the 535(my next car or the 550) just to get the good seats. Also, and I guess more important can anyone out there compare the ride of the sport 3 and the sport 5. Im like some of you in that I thought the 3 sport (had a 2003 330 sport)was a little too bumpy but Im wondering if the increased weight of the 5 would preclude that. Thanks anyone
#11915 of 12657
Re: 535i [gohorns1] by strataprop
Jun 27, 2007 (9:52 pm)
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Replying to: gohorns1 (Jun 26, 2007 6:23 pm)

Thank you all so much for your input on the issue of the safety of rear side airbags with children. You really enlightened me and kept me from making a potentially fatal mistake.
#11916 of 12657
Re: 535i [strataprop] by achonko
Jun 28, 2007 (11:17 am)
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Replying to: strataprop (Jun 25, 2007 4:38 pm)

That is a very good idea, and it makes absolute sense to me if I am in the same position.
It is something I will consider doing in my next purchase.
#11917 of 12657
run-flats? by zoelman
Jun 28, 2007 (3:13 pm)
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i've heard that many people do not like the dunlop run-flats that come standard on many bmw's. i have a 2004 545i with sport package and have the dunlop run-flats. what is the difference between (other than running for a while after they get a flat) regular and run-flat tires? why do some prefer the regular rather than the run-flats? just wondering. still have much tread left but curious.
#11918 of 12657
Re: 535i [richardga73] by bruceomega
Jun 28, 2007 (6:15 pm)
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Replying to: richardga73 (Jun 27, 2007 6:31 pm)

When I ordered my 535Xi, the sport package came with the multi-contour seats. I saw no mention of sport seats.
 
Alternatively, I could have ordered the multi-contour seats separately, without the sport package, although I think they do require the optional leather. Again, as a stand alone option, I did not see any mention of a sport seat.
 
Thanks
Bruce
#11919 of 12657
Re: 535i [richardga73] by gohorns1
Jun 28, 2007 (6:26 pm)
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Replying to: richardga73 (Jun 27, 2007 6:31 pm)

It is my understanding that the multicontour seats available in the sport package are the same as those available as a stand alone option, according to the 535 brochure from BMW. They have the side bolsters that are adjustable, which is part of the 20-way power seats. As Bruce mentioned in his post, the leather upholstery is required, which is part of the premium package
#11920 of 12657
Re: run-flats? [zoelman] by sdg380
Jun 29, 2007 (6:17 am)
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Replying to: zoelman (Jun 28, 2007 3:13 pm)

The typical run-flat is designed with extra-rigid sidewalls to enable the tire to still be driveable without air. As a consequence, I've read that the tires do not offer as much shock-absorption, and can produce a harsh ride. Additionally, the tires are relatively heavy, undesirably increasing unsprung weight. Replacement in the event of a flat can be problematic (since one never has a flat at a convenient place, like in front of the dealer.)
 
If you haven't noticed, I'd suggest you continue to enjoy your 545, but to be honest, I think a limited service spare might be the way to go these days. Both my E34 and E39 have full-service spares that have seen very "limited service".
 
Here's a link to an Edmunds discussion of pro's and cons:
 
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/tires/articles/117588/article.html
#11921 of 12657
Re: run-flats? [zoelman] by pat HOST
Jun 29, 2007 (7:20 am)
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Replying to: zoelman (Jun 28, 2007 3:13 pm)

In addition to reading the article that sdg380 linked for you, you might want to read some 3-Series owners' real-life experiences: BMW 3-Series Run Flat Tires. At least a couple of regular posters have replaced their RFTs with regular tires (which we've nicknamed Go Flats, i.e. GFTs).
#11922 of 12657
Re: run-flats? [pat] by achonko
Jun 29, 2007 (11:21 am)
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Replying to: pat (Jun 29, 2007 7:20 am)

I still have my RFT in my car with 25K miles, and a I also have a spare tire that I bought from Tire-rack in my garage. I usually toss the spare tire in the car when I embark on long road trips.
I have had two punctures with my RFT and have been able to get them repaired. The key is not letting the tire pressure fall below 18 psi at which point you will start loading the side wall.
The RFT in both cases allowed me to drive home safely and change the punctured tire.
 
I have to admit that due to stiff side-wall, you get a harsher ride, however I have also noticed maintaining 2-3psi above the recommended tire pressure improves the ride quality. Increasing the pressure a little bit reduces the load stress on the side wall when you take those little bumps or pot holes.
 
I intend on getting the 535i, and I will without a second thought opt for RFT because of the safety factor.
 
Just thought I should share my experience.
#11923 of 12657
Re: 535i [strataprop] by strataprop
Jun 29, 2007 (4:21 pm)
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Replying to: strataprop (Jun 27, 2007 9:52 pm)

More info re rear side airbags in the 5 series: I contacted BMW of North America about this and they said that a child properly restrained in a car seat would be okay, but many children fall asleep or lean against the door and would be in danger.
 
Here is the text of the follow-up e-mail:
 
Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding the rear-side airbags in the vehicle. We appreciate your inquiry.
 
Passengers are safer with rear-seat side impact airbags than without them. Children must be properly positioned and restrained to ensure their safety and avoid possible injury from airbag deployment. Please see your Owner's Manual and the in-vehicle safety tips card to ensure proper positioning and restraint.
 
For vehicles equipped with side airbags, all occupants should be properly restrained - children in appropriate child restraint systems: larger children and adults using the safety belt - and sitting upright. Never let an occupant's head rest on, or near any side airbag. If this warning is not heeded, the inflating side airbag could cause a serious or fatal injury.
 
We believe the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat. However, a child sitting in the rear seat and not properly restrained in a child seat appropriate for their size and age may place his or her head on or near the side airbag. For example, a child, even though belted, may fall asleep with his or her head against the side airbag or may lean out of the child seat in the direction of the door. It may be difficult for a driver to ensure belted children in the rear seat will remain properly positioned at all times and not place their heads on or near the side airbag. Therefore, we recommend that you deactivate the rear-seat side airbags if you plan to transport children not properly restrained in approved child seats or in the rear seat of your BMW.
 
BMW of North America, LLC will provide rear-seat side impact airbag deactivation free of charge. If you are interested in deactivation, please contact the service team at your authorized BMW center.
 
You may read more about airbags by accessing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website www.nhtsa.dot.gov, or you may call them at 800-424-9393.
 
If you have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time. Again, thank you for contacting BMW.

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