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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 124 of 1274

#1228 of 12737 to chrism123 by jls21

Sep 17, 2001 (7:15 pm)

We obviously have similar paths regarding our choices in automobiles. You are coming out of an Accord V-6, and I came out of a Camry 6 cyl. Same deal - the Camry, while no comparison in handling, smoothness of operation, body integrity, etc. to the 528, actually had more apparent power - about the only thing that I liked in the Camry. Don't fault me, as I did not choose that car. I inherited it from my wife when we had our first child and decided to replace my 1993 Audi 90 with a Subaru wagon (since traded for a 2000 Honda Odyssey). So, that is pretty much why I never bothered to test drive a 525. I figured for the money I was about to spend, putting aside all other great things about the BMW, it better outperform the Camry as well. The 530 not only outperforms it, but leaves me with a huge smile on my face every time I drive it.
 
Regarding your color choices, I'm obviously biased towards the Aspen Silver since that is what I have and love it - it shows virtually no dirt, it is not a common color, and gets unbelievable comments from everyone who sees it. It looks a little different from time to time, depending upon the light source. My neighbor across the street has one of the blue colors - I think Orient - Is that a dark blue? Their car has the tan leather - nice combo, but I prefer the black leather. I just think that over a period of several years, black will look better later on.
 
At this point, will you end up with a 2001 or a 2002?
 
You will not regret this choice. This car has no rival - if you can think of one, I'm sure I can give you a reason why the 530 is the better choice, and it keeps getting better after 3 months of driving it.

#1229 of 12737 to chrism123 by jls21

Sep 17, 2001 (7:18 pm)

One more thing - if you think your Accord V-6 handles well, you haven't taken the right type of test drive yet. When you drive the 530, get yourself on a country road with nice curves, engage the steptronic, and as you approach a good curve, downshift to 2nd gear and hit the pedal hard as you go through the curve - you will never feel the same way again about your Accord.

#1230 of 12737 How does the steptronic stuff work? by bmwrules

Sep 17, 2001 (8:01 pm)

Never drove manual and I dont understand how all the shifting and downshifting works. Also, if I just mess around with it - shifting it up and down, could I mess up my transmission?

#1231 of 12737 Couple of topics from above... by chesdin4

Sep 18, 2001 (10:27 am)

A friend has a mid-80's 535i w/ 160k miles. It requires a steady diet of $300/month in service to keep going. I suggested he'd be better off putting the money toward a lease on a new BMW...
 
Didn't get the Xenons on my '01 530i. Now I wish I had.
 
Am happy with choice of 530 (5-speed) over 525/540. Definitely the sweet spot in price/performance.
 
To REALLY see where BMW handling shines, you have to take a sweeping curve on the autobahn at 100+ m.p.h. What a blast. I highly recommend euro delivery. It's a good way to have a really fast car to play with on the autobahns, since most rental cars have smaller engines over there.

#1232 of 12737 Sweeping Turns/etc. by indylowflyer

Sep 18, 2001 (2:38 pm)

I am not surprised at the high maintanance costs of a mid-80's 535. I think the big improvement in quality has only been in the last few years.
 
Xenons are nice, providing they last as long as claimed. I guess they would be a little pricey to replace.
 
For me it was V-8/manual/sport suspension that hit the "sweet spot" for me. I felt the price was comparable to other vehicles in the same class.
 
There is a long sweeping interstate ramp that I have taken at 85 m.p.h., not the autoban, but it is a blast!

#1233 of 12737 snow tires and oil changes by jls21

Sep 18, 2001 (6:37 pm)

I know this question has been posted in the past, but I haven't seen a recent answer. Does anyone have any suggestions for any particular snow tires. I intend to buy a set of 4 for my '01 530, as I live in the Boston area and frequently have to drive in snow and would rather spend the money than be sorry. Thanks.
 
Second question: do we all believe the recommended service intervals. Is there really no need to do the first oil change until 10 to 12 k miles, or is the car better off with more frequent changes?

#1234 of 12737 2002's available when? by golubian

Sep 18, 2001 (7:44 pm)

When will the 2002's be out? Any word yet on invoice and msrp pricing as compared to 2001?
 
Also, any thoughts in terms of i) when in relation to the 2002's coming out would be the best time to try to acquire a 2001 525i or ii) whether the availability of the 2002's would tend to depress the market prices for 1999 and 2000 528i's?
 
Thanks in advance.

#1236 of 12737 jls21/golubian by indylowflyer

Sep 19, 2001 (2:04 pm)

jls21: I too am looking for winter tires,and would like feedback on tire choices. I will be purchasing new rims and snow tires as this seems to be the way to go.
Regarding oil changes, my service tech at the BMW dealer says it wouldn't hurt to have it changed at least once. (He said between 3,000 and 4,000 miles)
 
golubian: I read October is when 2002 5-series will start arriving at dealers. Anytime the new model year starts, the older models are "a year older" and should depress the pricing. It seems the late model 5-series I have seen are retaining their value as the asking price remains high.

#1237 of 12737 Snow Tires by cheeks

Sep 19, 2001 (4:37 pm)

I have been having the same thoughts about whether or not I should invest in snow tires. I have heard that the Blizzak snow tire is the way to go, especially for snow and ice. I'm counting on other 530 owners to chime in with some input on snow tires. I have also considered buying a used SUV as a backup.

Messages Page 124 of 1274

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