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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 498 of 1274

#4970 of 12737 dzuba, mseals by habitat1

Nov 01, 2002 (7:27 pm)

If you are considering a 528i 5-speed, I think it will be quicker than an automatic 1998 Maxima GLE. If I'm not mistaken, the automatic (4-speed) Maxima is at least 1+ second slower in 0-60 than the 5-speed manual. I even think an automatic 528i would be close to an automatic 1995-2001 Maxima, since the BMW automatic is a 5-speed and the performance penalty of the automatic over a manual isn't as great in the BMW as it is in the Maxima.
 
But please test drive them yourself. I agree with mseals that once up to speed, the difference is negligable. And there is no doubt that any 5-series will be much better handling and steering than any Maxima, SE included. Especially a 528 or 530 sport. When it comes right down to it, acceleration is less important to me than handling. That even holds for my S2000.
 
P.S. Don't drive an M5! I drove a brand new 2001 model for an afternoon two years ago and for six months thereafter, my Maxima felt like an underpowered Buick.

#4971 of 12737 SSK by mseals

Nov 01, 2002 (7:29 pm)

I did notice that the throws were longer than than usual. I don't think that I would be interested in a SSK though because one of the things that I like about the 528i is how smooth it is driving. There is no choppy feeling to it even though it is a manual. After having it for a while I might change my mind, but for now I will wait and see.

#4972 of 12737 habitat1 by mseals

Nov 01, 2002 (7:34 pm)

Man, that is the funniest thing I have heard, but I keep hearing if from everyone who has driven them. The M5 must be totally incredible and it must cause people to lose their license at an alarming rate. I saw a guy yesterday behind me in a 5 series, he kept coming up on my bumper right after we left the light. Well due to the rush hour traffic, there was nothing that I could do to get out of his way. When I finally made some distance enough in front of him to see his entire front end, I notice the big gaping lower scoop and realized that is was an M5. It was almost as if he had a hard time not taking a whole shot ahead of everyone.

#4973 of 12737 M5 by jb_shin

Nov 02, 2002 (2:31 pm)

The darn thing is a 4-door sedan and accelerates harder than a 911, it is ridiculous. I think I might have to go see my sales guy before the production ends.

#4974 of 12737 SSK follow-iup.... by srfast

Nov 02, 2002 (7:37 pm)

The SSK does not void the warranty because it does not modify the actual drivetrain (engine/gearbox). The SSK replaces several "bolt on" shifter linkage components and can be removed at anytime and the OEM parts reinstalled. I am accustomed to short throw shifters, but it might not make a difference to others.
 
Hope this helps....JL

#4975 of 12737 dinan mods by fasr

Nov 02, 2002 (7:54 pm)

i'm planning on installing the dinan software chip modifications for the engine and trans on my 1994 540i, as well as the cold air intake. for those that have done similar modifications, what kind of performance difference have you noticed? in retrospect, did you think it was worth it? i also want to be very safe in doing this, so as to not compromise the longevity of my engine or trans. any thoughts on this? thanks.

#4976 of 12737 Mods & Tweaks.... by srfast

Nov 03, 2002 (8:19 am)

fasr: I think this site offers great information regarding car ownership & purchasing, but for mods & tweaks, I think the www.bmw.tips.com site is more useful.
http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e39/

Hope this helps....JL

#4977 of 12737 Question on Xenons and Manual/Non-Sport by dzuba

Nov 03, 2002 (12:18 pm)

Can you add them aftermarket somehow? Through the dealer I presume?
 
Anyone out there drive a 530 Manual Non-Sport? As I will be driving so much, am wondering if I should lean the non-sport route?

#4978 of 12737 Xenons., etc..... by srfast

Nov 03, 2002 (3:46 pm)

dzuba: I recommend you find a reputable BMW shop/mechanic in your area and begin picking his/her brain if you are not mechanically inclined. This person is going to be your best friend if you start to modify your 530i. I don't recommend you use the dealer for anything other than warranty/covered maintenance.
 
Xenons can be added later, but if you can, order them with the car. Regardless of the amount of driving you are doing, I recommend you get the Sport Package. Besides the tighter suspension, you get sport seats, three spoke "M" steering wheel, 17" wheels/tires, etc. You won't regret it.
 
Hope this helps...JL

#4979 of 12737 Newbie by shecky53

Nov 03, 2002 (5:41 pm)

Just picked up (Friday) '00 528i 5spd w/ 11k miles. Could not be happier!! The car is flawless!! Under orig. factory warranty until 02/03 and then CPO'd until '06 or 100k. I have been craving a 5 series since I was a teenager and finally got it done. Choice was between Acura CL, Infiniti G35 (both new) or used 5 series. I drove the the others first and then the 528 last - that was it - I knew it was the one. With two young kids and a third on the way it was even a pretty easy sell to the wife. It is impossible to convey to anyone who hasn't driven one how effortlessly the car drives, how natural the clutch and shifter feel, how reponsive the throttle is. I know it is a cliche at this point but it really is a drivers car. OK. Done gushing for now - I actually do have a question for the folks here - I live in CT and with winter rapidly approaching I am certain that I will need snow tires as I commute about 35 minutes each way everyday over a mix of back roads and highways. Which tires should I consider? This has probably been asked before so forgive me if I am covering a topic that has been beaten to death already.

Messages Page 498 of 1274

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