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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 530 of 1274

#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

#5288 of 12737 Here the deal.Please advise is it a good deal to buy this car or new accord by billytong

Dec 30, 2002 (5:27 pm)

My friend lease a 2000 528ia with Premium package, 6 CD, moon roof, tiptronic, xenon light, 17" rim & 4-16"rim & winter tires will be expired in the end of Feb 2003. The transfer ownership from him to me it costs US$400 plus extended warranty US$1800. The estimated final mileage will be around 28750 miles. Is it worth to buy this car? residue value US$23,200+15% sales taxes in canada.
                           So the final amount that I have to pay is US$25,500+15% taxes. Remarks: Excellent conditions

#5289 of 12737 AutoShield Extended Warranty that's recommended by BMW Canada by billytong

Dec 30, 2002 (7:10 pm)

It's anyone know that company in Vancouver Canada? Can I trust this company offerrd by BMW Canada? Is it necessary to buy a extended Warranty for 2000-528ai?

#5290 of 12737 Long term BMW = Maintenance by joatmon

Dec 31, 2002 (6:35 am)

Here's my experience with BMW ownership. If you plan for preventive maintenance(PM), a BMW is a great, reliable car.
 
My wife wanted to trade her '80 Accord for a new one in '86. She didn't like the seating position of the '86 as well as in the '80. So, we bought an '86 528e. 192k later, it runs great. We would have gone through 2 or 3 Accords in that time. I believe the cost to be about the same either way we would have gone.
 
In a typical 4 year cycle, here's what we spend on PM; year 1- ~$500; year 2- ~$1000, year 3 - ~ $500, year 4 - ~$2000. This, of course, averages out to $83 a month. You can't buy must of a car for that.
 
BMW's are designed and built to last a long time if properly maintained.
 
In almost 17 years, this car has failed to go when asked only 3 times, once a blown thermostat, and twice, the battery died. The battery showed signs of failing both times, but I tried to squeeze a little extra time from them. My fault. So actually, without any warning, once in seventeed years. Oh, it went through the big maintence and got a new battery about a year ago, so I'm looking at 3 more year without little expense. Still get 28 MPG.
 
Good luck,
 
Jack

#5291 of 12737 Thanks, Jack by cdnpinhead

Dec 31, 2002 (6:53 am)

I'm still waiting for a message like yours from the Audi crowd. Apparently all of them lease, while only most of the BMW people do.
 
I also enjoy getting lots of mileage out of my vehicles and have been following the German boards to see who's got some real-world long-mileage experience.
 
I enjoy driving German cars, but am leery of the reliability.
 
Continued good luck with your car.

#5292 of 12737 Real World Long-term Mileage Experience by riez

Dec 31, 2002 (7:44 am)

cdnpinhead... You should read Roundel magazine (BMW CCA). Lots of letters, articles, and tech advice related to your concern. You might contact the nearest BMW CCA local chapters. If they are anything like my chapter, then there will be owners with 10-20 years of ownership with the same car. I see some at our local chapter's annual picnic and other events. The proud owners are more than happy to show their cars, share their experiences, talk about preventitive maintenance, repairs, mods, etc. Is always nice to see some early 1970s Bavaria or 2002 or a rare manual transmission 7 series from late 1970s or early 1980s.
 
But not sure what conclusions can be drawn. When you look at today's electrical and electronic systems, safety systems, complex amenities, etc. and then compare to a 30-year-old 2002 or Bavaria, you wonder if today's complex cars will age as gracefully. Much harder to DITY. Will all the parts still be available. So you better have a great local BMW dealer or independent garage that specializes in BMWs.

#5293 of 12737 Parts Availability by joatmon

Dec 31, 2002 (12:39 pm)

Allow me to comment on that. The shift mechanism on wife's '86 528e broke recently. I've repaired it in the past, but now the lockout mechanism is inoperable. I called BMW parts and was informed that there were 2 different ones in use in 86. One in stock; one had to be ordeded. One I needed wasn't in stock, but I'm amazed that they gave me an answer in less than a minute. It seems as though they pride themselves in keeping the older ones on the road.
 
The old '86 is in great shape and it often get love notes from the mechanics when in for service. I do fell that BMW service is worth the price.
 
Jack

#5294 of 12737 Thx, Riez/G****. . . by cdnpinhead

Dec 31, 2002 (3:26 pm)

for your comments. I completely agree that cars were easier to maintain and/or live with into the six-digit range prior to 1990 or thereabouts.
 
I've followed your experience with your 540 with considerable interest and hope that you continue to enjoy it. Where it sings is in its home -- try to get to Germany and drive the autobahns. They're crowded now, and getting worse, but there are still stretches that allow those of us who love to drive to truly enjoy.
 
I did it in an Audi. You'd probably prefer the BMW. I might have as well, but it wasn't available.
 
Happy New Year to you and the others on the board.

#5295 of 12737 540i6 by riez

Dec 31, 2002 (3:58 pm)

cdnpinhead... I've put about 19,000 miles on my '98 540i6 this calendar year. She has run like a trooper. Only a couple minor things (like burnt out headlights). She has about 71,500 miles. Blast to drive. Sufficiently roomy. Great fuel economy. No complaints here. (Other than wish my wife could drive a manual. Then we might have two.)

#5296 of 12737 AutoShield Extended Warranty that's recommended by BMW Canada by billytong

Jan 01, 2003 (8:59 am)

It's anyone know that company in Vancouver Canada? Can I trust this company offerrd by BMW Canada? Is it necessary to buy a extended Warranty for 2000-528ai?

Messages Page 530 of 1274

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