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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 612 of 1275

#6105 of 12737 Another take... by shipo

Apr 04, 2003 (9:01 am)

In the past I have been critisized about my stance regarding my reactions to the look of the E60. Someone even went so far as to say, "Shipo, just face it, you don't like change." Grrrrr, given that as a systems designer I have been creating new things and implimenting "Change" for over 25 years, "Change" is not the issue. In addition, back when I was doing a project at MB-USA in the winter of 1995/1996, the folks down the street at BMW-USA brought over one of the early production E39s (a 528i) which we sat side-by-side with one of our early prototype W210 E-Classes. I have to say, I loved both cars, but the E39 simply took my breath away, I had to have one.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#6106 of 12737 shipo by jb_shin

Apr 04, 2003 (9:15 am)

E39 simply took my breath away
 
When we test drove the w210 (last gen E class) and the 530, separated by a week, my wife had the same reaction. Both times I parked the cars in our garage and had her come down to see them. With the E, she said, "nice" and drove it, and said, "nice". With the 530, "this is it!" were her first words even before she sat down in the car. Guess what's sitting in our garage.

#6107 of 12737 Re: Just read the news re 2004 5series on bmwusa.com by peccles

Apr 04, 2003 (10:18 am)

I was a little bit surprised that the valvetronic
technology from the 4.4L V-8 didn't get on the
2.5L and 3.0L for the '04 series. That
would have added about 10% more HP not sure if
torque is increased also plus better fuel
economy. Maybe they are waiting for the E90
for the '05/'06 MY. Would be nice if they
introduced the direct fuel injection technology
from the 6.0L V-12 at the same time. I would
figure that coupled with valvetronic would yield
about a 260HP 3.0L and 210HP 2.5L.

#6108 of 12737 The Last of the Mohegans (E39) by nyccarguy

Apr 04, 2003 (5:05 pm)

Personall if I were in the market for one of these I would go ahead and order an E39 while I still could. The look is timeless, the road manners are impeccable (sorry to sound like a marketing dweeb), and the reliability factor of a car that's been in production since 1996 (MY '97) has got to be near flawless. You could always lease and wait for the bugs to be worked out of the new E60 or buy an unbangalized BMW (I happen to like the 7 series & Z4).
 
To the guy stationed in Germany thinking of getting one of ther last E39 M5s, if you've got the cash then go for it. The E60 V10 powered M5 is still a year and a half away and you could be driving an amazing car for all that time.
 
Someone made a remark about the new engines not producing enough power and that they'd sacrifice active steering for more horses, have you cheecked out Mercedes? BMWs horsepower numbers are long rumored to have been understated and they always select proper gearing for great acceleration. You can't judge these cars by numbers alone.

#6109 of 12737 My take on the new 5-series by lazura

Apr 05, 2003 (12:08 pm)

I used to own an E39 (which I loved) and was looking forward to possibly purchasing a new 5-series (E60), but I have to say that I'm disappointed with what I have seen so far. The exterior styling looks like it's not quite finished yet. Also, the exterior seems to borrow (or steal) design aspects from other vehicles. Here are my qualms...
 
1) The sides of the E60 look almost exactly like the new Camry, especially the line under the doors up to the C-pillar (a 'swoosh' look).
2) The front and rear lights look like the ones on the new Lexus ES300.
3) The back end looks more like a prototype than a finished design. And those very low turn signal lights on the back bumper are going to be very expensive to replace when someone barely taps the back end.
4) The old cockpit-like interior of the E39 is much more user-friendly than the new E60 interior. Plus, it looks like BMW has still not changed that cheap looking beige leather to a more pleasing hue.
5)Despite a supposed compete re-design, BMW made a mistake by keeping their old 6 cylinder engines in the 525 and 530 models. With even Nissan offering 250 HP in their entry-level six cylinders, BMW missed the boat by not upgrading these engines to be more competitive. And even though the 8-cylinder to be offered should be outstanding, BMW will probably follow their usual steep price premium for 8 cylinders by charging another $15,000.
 
In summary, unless the E60 looks drastically different in person, I'm going to hold out for a good deal on a used E39 540 or M5.

#6110 of 12737 Dusty Interior? by 2ndmb

Apr 05, 2003 (7:39 pm)

I've had my 540i for about a month now and noticed quite a bit of dust on the console each day. Do you think the micro filter needs changing or I'm just nuts? Wait a minute, don't answer the 2nd question.

#6111 of 12737 Cool Commerical by jb_shin

Apr 05, 2003 (10:44 pm)

Not a BMW commercial, but I think there is a BMW part in there somewhere.
 
http://www.nebbin.cjb.net/files/cog.html

#6112 of 12737 Need fast help 530 Prem, or prem + sport by bpblack1

Apr 07, 2003 (11:09 am)

Thought I would want loaded with both but have heard a lot about poor handling in snow and rain (hydroplaning). I live in NYC area and was looking for some assitance here. How is the handling for the 9 mos w/o snow on dry and wet. How bad on bumpy roads and finally does the sport look that much better. I don't want deep dish (punk) tires, just great handling, comfortable seats and a good look. How well does it handle w/o the sport?
 
thanks in advance

#6113 of 12737 sport package by bimmer12

Apr 07, 2003 (12:19 pm)

You will find many threads in the 5-series forum about the sport pkg and you can scroll back to find many of them. First, the sport pkg wheels are elegant and not 'punk'. But be prepared to purchase a set of winter tires/wheels to combat the elements in the northeast. The overall ride is stiffer but I would not characterize it as an uncomfortable stiff. Handling is noticeably improved over an already well-handling non-spt pkg car. I appreciate the sport seats and the steering wheel the most in addition to the wheels and handling

#6114 of 12737 bpblack1: Here's my take.. by srfast

Apr 07, 2003 (12:56 pm)

I live in NYC and own a 2003 530i (see link). The SP is getting a bad rap - the ride is stiffer than the non SP 530i, but not uncomfortable by any means. The non SP handles well, but since I am accustomed to "great" handling vehicles, the SP was a not brainer. If you want a great handling sedan, buy a 530i+PP, but if you want outstanding handling and the extra M Sport goodies, buy a 530i wit PP & SP.
 
Hope this helps...JL
 
http://www.cardomain.com/id/nyc530i

Messages Page 612 of 1275

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