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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 529 of 1274

#5278 of 12737 3 Series Info by riez

Dec 29, 2002 (9:22 am)

jb_shin... If you want a good source for a ton of infomation on all 3 Series, going back to the E21, you should get Jeremy Walton's book "BMW 3 Series Enthusiast's Companion" (Bentley Publishers, 2001). Great text, photos, production data, sales data, and specifications. You can get it at most bigger bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Borders.
 
As Walton points out, European-spec LHD E46 full tech specifications issued 2/98 and cars in showrooms in May, 1998. USA-spec LHD E46 in showrooms in July. British RHD E46 on sale in September.

#5279 of 12737 Riez by jb_shin

Dec 29, 2002 (3:05 pm)

Thanks, but I already have the book, and like I said, E46 was introduced worldwide at the same time. I feel like I am hearing echos.

#5280 of 12737 Time by riez

Dec 29, 2002 (3:23 pm)

jb_shin... May, July and Sept are "the same time"? The difference in time between the E39 and E46 isn't a big deal. But two or three years difference between both E39 and E46 development and start of retail sales isn't "quite a few years after" (see 5271). Difference between the E39 and E60 5 Series will be quite a few years after.

#5281 of 12737 Do I have to buy an extended warranty for 2000-528ia? by billytong

Dec 29, 2002 (11:48 pm)

Is very difficult for me to make a decision to buy a used 2000-528ia or new 2003 honda accord V6 coupe. The price is almost the same. The only different is the 100%new and 28K used. I'm not very rich to buy a expensive car. My only concern is the average maintance costs between honda & BMW. My friend told me BMW need to fix a lot of problems when it's getting older. Is anyone can give me a good advice.

#5282 of 12737 billytong by div2

Dec 30, 2002 (8:47 am)

The fact that you are even considering an Accord tells me that you will be much happier behind the wheel of the Honda. The 5er probably will cost more to run than the asian transportation appliance(though not as much as you might think). In exchange for higher operating costs the BMW will provide an unmatched fusion of performance, handling, and comfort. You don't sound willing to accept that trade off, so I strongly suggest that you pop for the Honda; it isn't a bad car mind you, but it simply isn't in the same league as the E39. Not now. Not ever.

#5283 of 12737 billytong by dabimmer

Dec 30, 2002 (9:16 am)

I would suggest buying the newest car you can afford.
I think you would be better served by the 2003
Honda Accord V6 for about the same price as the 98
Bimmer.I have had mine for two years now and have
had no maintainance issues with it, not one!! I had
a 91 Accord we sold with 75,000 mi. a year ago and
never had any problems with it at all.It was a very
reliable car for 10 years and did everything it was
supposed to do on the road albeit not an exciting car
to drive like the bimmer. I am totally spoiled by this
car and I don't think I could ever own anything else.

#5284 of 12737 Why Not Consider 3 Series Coupe? by riez

Dec 30, 2002 (9:21 am)

billytong... If the comparison is to a loaded V6 Accord COUPE, why not consider a 3 Series COUPE? Comparing coupe to sedan seems odd. New or late model CPO? You should check out BMW NA's CPO locator. Bet you can find some nice 2001 3 Series. With CPO you get the remainder of bumper-to-bumper warranty and free maintenance plus the extra 2 yr/50K CPO warranty. Great way to buy a nice late model used car. And you can get some nice financing deals from BMW Financial.

#5285 of 12737 Check Engine Light by rtboon

Dec 30, 2002 (3:12 pm)

What are the most common reasons for this light to come on? Just lit up on my 97 528i and still runs fine.
 
Thanks
Bob
 
97 528i
99 328i

#5286 of 12737 rtboon by div2

Dec 30, 2002 (3:47 pm)

The easiest thing to check is a loose or missing gas filler cap. Absent that you will need to use a code reader such as the Peake unit. I have one, and it's a steal at $150.

#5287 of 12737 Billytong by mseals

Dec 30, 2002 (4:25 pm)

From what I have seen, both cars are reliable. That being said, the Accord is a new model so it is hard to tell what little bugs might come up. I just sold my 2000 Civic Si and bought a 1998 528i 5sp. I haven't had it long, but I can tell you the maintenance things is a little off. Maybe people over look it but most cars have scheduled maintenance, it is just that people don't get it done. The Civic had what is comparable to the schedule 1 and schedule 2 of the BMW. The first one was $220 and the second one is like $440. Consider that I have read that the 528 schedule 1 can be done ofr $189 from an independent European mechanic shop and the schedule 2 can be done for $500. So lets compare:
 
BMW Honda
$189 $220 schedule 1
$500 $440 schedule 2
$689 $660 total
 
These are over about a 60-80k miles period there, not including oil changes which are much further apart for BMW so they break about even, the BMW should cost only $29 more. That being said, there is more likely hood that something might go bad on the BMW, mind you slightly. There are so many things to also consider, the Accord will get better gas mileage and will be faster. Wow, that is a lot to think about, but overall, it will all boil down to what you want in a car. Sport Coupe, or Sport Sedan. I don't think maintenance will be much differnt. Now mind you , those Honda prices could be a little or a little less at the dealership or a mechanics. Parts for the Honda are not much cheaper, if they are cheaper at all. The only thing that I have seen that cost more are body parts, and that should be covered by your insurance

Messages Page 529 of 1274

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