Ask the Car People.SM


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 1261 of 1274

#12598 of 12737 Re: '04 525i - Sound good? [atodd3] by carnaught

Jan 31, 2009 (3:36 pm)

Replying to: atodd3 (Jan 30, 2009 8:45 am)
I'd focus on an '02 or 03 5 series if I were you. That model is incredibly durable.
 
I had an '03 5 Series (an E39), and now the newer E60 (2004+) 5 Series. While I agree that the first model year of a redsigned car line can be troublesome, I find the E60 much improved over the older E39 series. The E60's ride, handling, driveability, ergonomics and gas mileage are far superior. The looks of the E60 are not universally loved (especially by BMW purists) but this is purely subjective.

#12599 of 12737 Doesn't the '04 525i.... by kyfdx HOST

Feb 01, 2009 (6:33 am)

..come with the old 2.5 litre engine from the E39/E46?
 
If so, that's a lot of weight for that engine to lug around, with only 184 HP... It's a great little engine when mated with the right vehicle, but I don't think the E60 is it..
 
I wouldn't be scared of the first-year model, considering anyone you find is already 5 years old, and should be in working order.. But, that car might be a tad slow..
 
regards,
kyfdx

#12600 of 12737 Re: '04 525i - Sound good? [atodd3] by andys120

Feb 01, 2009 (3:55 pm)

Replying to: atodd3 (Jan 30, 2009 8:45 am)
I am nervous about lack of awd here in New England...would appreciate thoughts on that, too.
 
Don't be, assuming you have some experience driving in snow and a level head as well as a good set of snow tires (not all-seasons).
 
I bought a 2000 528iA back in '04 and put on a lot of miles in snowy, hilly NH winters
and only ever got it stuck but once so far under odd circumstances. With a set of Blizzaks and a tow strap in the trunk you should be ready for anything.

#12601 of 12737 Re: Doesn't the '04 525i.... [kyfdx] by tayl0rd

Feb 10, 2009 (1:59 pm)

Replying to: kyfdx (Feb 01, 2009 6:33 am)
...that car might be a tad slow..
 
It'll be more than a "tad" slow! That year did have the wheezy 184HP engine to lug around 3700+ pounds of car and driver. It'll feel like driving a Chevy Cobalt or something along those lines. Agonizingly slow!

#12603 of 12737 2009 sport suspension by richardga73

Feb 24, 2009 (5:54 am)

Has anyone driven the new 550i with the m-spec sports suspension? In "Bimmer" they said that it rode much smoother yet handled better. The sport option costs over $4K but would be worth it considering the condition of the roads in US. It is only found on the 550i. The 535 and the 528 sports have the regular rough riding sport. And you 535 owners dont get your panties in a wad and say that it doesnt ride rough. It is always "brittle and often abrasive."

#12604 of 12737 got my first 5 series by bobbybuche

Feb 25, 2009 (6:40 am)

yesterday i purchased a 1997 bmw 528i. the car is loaded other than the phone in the center console (im glad, it would be embarassing to have that giant thing in the car), the guy that owned it before me only put 65,000 miles on it. i just traded in my ford exploder and with the loan and interest i only owe 7,100 dollars. i think i got a great deal on this car for the condition, mileage, and price and it beats the hell out of driving a two door explorer for another year.

#12605 of 12737 Re: got my first 5 series [bobbybuche] by roadburner

Feb 25, 2009 (9:33 pm)

Replying to: bobbybuche (Feb 25, 2009 6:40 am)
Check out the Yahoo E39 Enthusiasts Group; lots of good information can be found there. Also visit BMWTIPS.com. I ran a '97 528i from 2000 to 2005- they are great cars.

#12606 of 12737 Re: 2009 sport suspension [richardga73] by tayl0rd

Mar 03, 2009 (1:21 pm)

Replying to: richardga73 (Feb 24, 2009 5:54 am)
As far as I know, the '09 550i Sport has the same suspension as the '08 550i Sport. That being said, I have the '08. To me the ride is more planted than in the 535i Sport. The 535i Sport felt too flimsy to me, and the 550i Sport definitely inspires more confidence in the bends when hustling it (to me.) Some comparison tests have also stated that the 550i Sport corners around a track better than the 535i Sport.
 
Drive both and see for yourself. Your buttometer is the deciding factor.

#12607 of 12737 Dinan software upgrade for 2009 535? by dexinsd

Mar 24, 2009 (1:31 pm)

Does anyone out there have any experience to share with the Dinan Stage 1 or 2 upgrade for a 2009 535i? Supposedly it significantly boosts the HP and torque by increasing the turbo boost. Cost is $2K for the Stage 2 and $1,500 for Stage 1. Dinan provides the warranty equivalent to BMW 4 yr/50K mi.
 
Thoughts or recommendations?

Messages Page 1261 of 1274

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement