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Sedans BMW 5-Series BMW 5-Series Sedans
12657 messages, Last post on Nov 05, 2009 at 6:14 PM
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Replying to: sdg380 (Aug 13, 2007 5:50 am)  ) I now have 125K on the clock of my E39 540I - Six speed manual, M sport package, complete with the 18 inch, low profile (35/40 aspect ratio) dedicated summer tires. I love the way the thing rides and I absolutely ADORE the way it handles. My only compromise is that I run tire pressures a bit lower than the door jamb recommends. This car is most definitely my daily driver, all year round. I will say that I do notice a softer feel in the winter, when I have the 16 inch, 55 series rubber on the car, however I've rarely found the ride harsh or punishing, and yes, I spend a lot of time in Manhattan, complete with potholes. Is it Lexus smooth? Hell, no... but then, I never wanted Lexus. |
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Replying to: bruceomega (Aug 12, 2007 6:32 pm) Thank you for your update! I am very glad that you found a car wash that works  My 528xi arrived last Wednesday (8/8/07), and I'll be visiting a car wash one of these days too Do you have Comfort Access? I do, and if I remember correctly, I am supposed to leave the key in the ignition lock in order for the car to stay in neutral and not go into park after a certain period of time.
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Replying to: shipo (Aug 13, 2007 6:11 am) WOO-HOO! I was expecting to get hammered on a trade of my low mileage, non-sport '02 530, with stick (PP, xenon, CWP)--Shipo, you have given me hope! And NY540i6, I'm sure your 540 is a real rock 'n roller, as I said, different strokes, I just don't feel like getting involved with wheel swaps, but guess that's just l-a-z-y--obviously a lack of commitment, ha!
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Replying to: sdg380 (Aug 13, 2007 5:50 am) |
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Replying to: sdg380 (Aug 13, 2007 12:52 pm) I remember when I bought it... my dealer was busy trying to talk me OUT of the 540. I knew I did not want a 525, could not justify (or afford) an M5, had seen all the reviews touting the E39 530 as "the best car in the world," but really lusted after the 540i. She had me just about convinced.... higher insurance cost, fuel economy, better steering on the 530, better weight balance. I tested a 530 and liked it. We were on our way in to her office to complete the paperwork, and they had a 540 sitting at the front of the showroom... last thing I remember saying was "OK, I'm getting the 530, but can I drive that thing, just once?" Rest is history. Got out of the car a grinning idiot. As for wheel swaps, for me that has nothing to do with the car - I've never used all-season tires, on any vehicle, except when I was very young, and could not afford a single new tire, much less four lol. Dedicated snows have always made sense to me. I remember when I used to do tire swaps - those were a pain. Wheel swaps are a breeze, comparatively, but then, I no longer change my own oil - Hmmmn, maybe I AM older!
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Replying to: kcx (Aug 13, 2007 12:30 pm) Congratulations on the new car. I do not have comfort access, but at the car wash I use you leave the key in the ignition. After vacuuming the interior, they drive it in to the starting point, then drive it out at the end to a work area where they finish up by hand. Thanks Bruce |
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Replying to: ny540i6 (Aug 14, 2007 8:52 am) You touched on a couple reasons I chose a 530, rack and pinion steering v. recirculating ball, less weight (under 3500#), a little better weight distribution, I like I-6's (so smooth), and I wanted a stick, but not the sport package, which would not have been possible with the 540. But don't you know I've lusted after a V-8! (As it is, I stopped commuting by car shortly after I got it, so now is just sits in the garage a lot depreciating.) Since the miles are low, and it really is a pleasure to drive, I'll hang on until the model change in couple of years, and will then see which engines are offered--that's why other's comments on the new 535 v. the 550 are interesting. And if somebody else changes the oil for you, well, that's not "old", that's successful! |
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Is there any reason to go with the 550 over the 535? I do like the M aero package on the 550 but was told that I could add it to the 535 if I wanted. I don't like to make winter tire swaps if I don't have to so the all seasons on the all wheel drive probably make more sense but I have never had a problem with all season tires on a traction and stability control equipped car. I would most likely load up the 535 with options so the price difference may not be that significant. Any reason to step up a bit further to the 550? Did you recent 535 buyers consider the 550 and if so what turned the tide for you? Thanks
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Replying to: topspin628 (Aug 14, 2007 1:28 pm) Did you recent 535 buyers consider the 550 and if so what turned the tide for you? Believe it or not, gas mileage was a major factor for me getting the 535. |
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Gas mileage is a very important factor if the performance is approximately the same. I didnt think the regular 3 liter 6 engine got that great a mileage figure. I had a 3 liter 3 and didnt get that great a mileage (maybe 21, with the way I drive combination mileage) Anyone can get great mileage cruising down the interstate. With the turbo it has to get worst mileage. Again, how would a 300hp 300torque 535 be as fast as a 360hp and 360 torque 550?
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