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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 438 of 1275

#4364 of 12737 Need help deciding on used BMW 530i by gchua

Jul 03, 2002 (8:53 pm)

I hope to join the ranks of a proud 5 series owner. Budgetary reasons confine me to a used 1994 or 1995 (then again, the E34 is my favorite). Ofcourse, only 5 speeds are being considered. Here are my two choices:
 
1) 1995 - 80k miles, good condition, solid mechanically but a/c does not work, one power window does not function, quarter size rust spot below the trunk and no service history. Interior is clean (leather good, with no rips and very little rub spots). 3 easily repairable door dings. Paint is good. Two owner New England car.
 
2) 1994 120k miles, excellent condition, all electricals work, interior almost feels like its new. Mechanically great. No rust, no dings. One owner with 90% of service records. Paint is really good. A southern car. This is $1500 cheaper.
 
I actually think its easily no. 2 - but I thought I'd get some confirmation. The biggest concern with no. 2 is obviously the high mileage. But I figure - a well cared for Southern car is also a big plus for it. Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've heard that the BMW V8 engines, when well taken cared of, will last for well over 200k.
 
Thanks!!!

#4365 of 12737 To: poorrichard01: BMWCCA member/ 525 ED etc by sambeam

Jul 04, 2002 (11:04 am)

Hi:
 
Can you (or someone) provide info as to HOW one
becomes a member in this? I gathered that I have to wait for 1 year to get 1000$ discount on 525?
How about US Delivery Same 1 year wait applies?
 
PoorRichard01:
  You mentioned San Francisco. I posted question
earlier to see if anyone had luck finding dealer
in San Francisco Bay area that can offer 1400-1500
OVER INVOICE for 525iA Euro Delivery. any experience on your side?
 
Thanks.

#4366 of 12737 sambeam by div2

Jul 04, 2002 (11:57 am)

Go to: www.bmwcca.org - you can join online.

#4367 of 12737 Have Good Independent Mechanic Familiar w/BMWs Inspect by riez

Jul 04, 2002 (5:03 pm)

gchua... Is worth it to spend a little bit of money to have a good BMW-familiar mechanic inspect the cars. Key things to look at include engine, drivetrain, and transmission, not to mention steering and suspension.
 
Plus do some research on 530i V-8 reliability. From what I've read, there were some problems with these early 1990 small V-8s. That is why they didn't sell the 3.0L V-8 for long. The M60 3.0L & 4.0L V-8s were only used 1992-1996. Then replaced by the M62 3.5L & 4.4L V-8s. Think the big I-6 is probably more reliable and weighs less.

#4368 of 12737 decisions decisions by ajrose1

Jul 05, 2002 (5:07 am)

3 years ago I chose the MB 430 CLK over the 540. The CLK's looks were too good to pass up even though I thought the 540 was more athletic. I love my CLK but really miss the manual transmission. I am facing the same challenge again.
 
The CLK has a new design this year and the new 5 comes out next year.
 
HELP

#4369 of 12737 Bay Area Dealers by poorrichard01

Jul 05, 2002 (8:08 am)

Sambeam,
I've actually only been to one dealer: Peter Pan BMW in San Mateo. (Those outside the Bay Area, I hear you chuckle; but maybe there's a little someone in all of us who doesn't want to grow up.) I'm still trying to decide on which model, options and color so I'm not ready for talkin' turkey.
 
The $1000 cash back sounds like a great deal and I'd like to go for it. But if my current ride tells me its time for that last trip to that great parts yard in the sky, I want to have a replacement in mind.
 
Sorry I can't be of more help, but I keep you posted.
 
Ta Ta For Now
PoorRichard

#4370 of 12737 Should I worry? by SergeyM

Jul 05, 2002 (8:29 am)

I noticed that the left rear tire on my 540 loses about 5 pci every day till it gets to 25 pci (normal pressure is 38 pci) and stays there. At least that's what it looked like for the last 3 days I was monitoring it. I am planning a 300 mile road trip and do not have time to take it to my dealer. Unfortunately I cannot (can I?) use the spare, it is smaller (235 vs. 255) size.

#4371 of 12737 Should I worry by nosho

Jul 05, 2002 (12:43 pm)

The spare can be used in a pinch, but not for prolonged highway use. Just fill the tire up before hitting the highway.

#4372 of 12737 Should I worry by nosho

Jul 05, 2002 (12:46 pm)

Just as a thought, you might want to stop in at an autoparts store and pick up a valve stem tighting tool (about $1.79, if that much). Back the valve out a 1/4 turn then tighten. It may solve your problem.

#4373 of 12737 Slow leaks by vcheng

Jul 05, 2002 (2:34 pm)

and if tightening the valve stem doesn't work, sometimes remounting the tire with a sealant along the bead helps.

Messages Page 438 of 1275

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