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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 686 of 1275

#6842 of 12737 fielding_yost by habitat1

Jun 29, 2003 (4:35 am)

I can't help you with your specific problem, but I suggest you have a beer or whatever you do to calm down. The electronic diagnositic systems in almost all of today's cars can be sensitive. I have a 1995 Nissan Maxima in which the "check engine" light has come on three times and the "airbag" light has come on twice, never due to an actual problem.
 
My 2002 Honda S2000 had a "service soon" light come on early in it's career. And a friend who has a nearly brand new Honda Accord has both the "check engine" light and "maintenance required" lights come on within the first 1,000 miles. Again, no actual problems.
 
I'm not making "light" of your problem, literally or figuratively. But in spite of the annoyance, this isn't a reason I would second guess a BMW 5-series. I could list a lot of "real problems" one of my business associates has had with an A6 2.7, if it will make you feel better.
 
Oh, and there is nothing that "sucks" about the 2.5 liter 525i. Period.

#6843 of 12737 Pirelli P6 tires - Riez by carshopper46

Jun 29, 2003 (5:28 am)

I read about the P6 problems from reviews posted at Tire Rack and 1010tires.com. These complaints were fairly numerous.
 I would not be buying new ones but instead having the dealer switch them before I take the car. Any switching would have to be with other OEM tires- the Continentals are on a lot of cars on the lot and there may be some Michelin Pilots. I think the Contin. are all Contitours but I will see. Thanks for your input.
 You didn't say if you had experience with the P6's yourself?

#6844 of 12737 Tires by riez

Jun 29, 2003 (6:43 am)

carshopper46... Don't have any experience with the P6s. I replaced my wife's 323ia's original set of ContiTouringContacts at about 35,000 miles with another set of same. Like them as an inexpensive all-season tire that has some limited handling capabilities. Even put a set of ContiTouringContacts on my FWD work car.
 
I also just put a new set of ContiSportContact2s on my 540i6. Really like 'em so far. But they only have about 3,000 miles so far.
 
If you like Continentals and want all-season tires, you might consider their high performance ContiExtremeContact all seasons.

#6845 of 12737 Emissions-related Warning Lights by riez

Jun 29, 2003 (6:49 am)

fielding_yost... Habitat1 is correct. Wouldn't worry too much (yet). Seems like every car I've had since OBDII standard was implemented in 1996 has periodically had emissions-related Check Engine light come on. My work car did it to me the other day. A day after I fuelled up. And I followed all the right procedures when fueling. I took parked, took cap off, put cap back on, and then drove off. Light went off next day.
 
I'm guessin' the manufacturers have to set the systems to be overly sensitive to keep their lawyers happy and the EPA off their backs.

#6846 of 12737 by kdshapiro

Jun 29, 2003 (8:13 am)

riez is on-target with his comments. I had a Nissan Maxima, the bane of my existence with that car was taking it to the dealer to have the check engine light unlit. My friend had a Honda where that light used to come on regularly. To fix it, the service mechanic actually unscrewed the light bulb.
 
This is not unique to BMWs although it is a bit of a pain to deal with.

#6847 of 12737 More Previews Rolling In by riez

Jun 29, 2003 (6:24 pm)

Latest issues of all the major auto mags previewing the new 5 Series. C&D's 2-pages. R&T one page. Seems like everyone is a bit nervous about active front steering (AFS).
 
I just can't get over the interior styling. Too pretty. Too dignified. Too luxury oriented. Almost effiminate. And I don't want iDrive. Hate the dash gauge layout. Hope there is a nice CPO '03 540i6 ready for me in '05!

#6848 of 12737 Riez by shipo

Jun 29, 2003 (8:06 pm)

You'll have to beat me to it.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#6849 of 12737 plain bimmer's gremlin - may be engine sensor by cbgb1975

Jun 29, 2003 (8:29 pm)

The check engine light was on my 530 for 6 out of 7 days, so I had the dealer look at it though the car did not feel any different to me. The diagnostic test showed an engine sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The sensor had something to do with engine "knock" and the car's computer did adjust engine timing to prevent any harm. No additional problem since this was replaced. My advice is to take it in again and have them run a diagnostic test, and not assume this has anything to do with fuel cap. You can wait a few days, but if the light stays on,check it out.

#6850 of 12737 First BMW by 1stbmw540

Jun 29, 2003 (10:03 pm)

I am new to the forum and would like to ask a question, but first let me tell you all what I purchased. Through the Military BMW program I purchased a Slate Green 540 Steptronic with the Sports Package, Cold WX, Cass Player, and Trunk Mounted 6disc changer back in Feb and picked it up at my local dealer last week. For those of you able to pick one up through that program, it is a great deal without having to deal with dealer tactics. Saved about $6k below MSRP. I did ask the dealer some questions for all to benefit while I was there. He would be willing to deal (4k rebate) on remaining 525-530's (few have the SP on them). Only one 540 with SP left and no way he was dealing on that one. Possibly 1-2K off MSRP. That's pretty much the story throughout the St Louis area.
My car is everything I wanted it to be and then some.
I have been reading all your letters the past few months while waiting for the car and they have been of great help. Let me give you some feedback. Decided to buy one in Jan after seeing some advanced shots of the 2004. Did not like it then and don't now. I also would not buy a first year model. The report from Consumer Reports also pushed me to act on the 2003. Gas mile: 18 in the city, 25 highway. Cup holders: who cares, only drink water in it anyway. If I drink coffee in it, my mugs are too big for any cup holder unless I'm driving a Hummer. Color (Slate Green): nothing but positive comments from all, turns heads. Saw it in a showroom prior to order and loved the color. The sound of the motor is a favorite. The local dealer did try to sell me a $500 tire warrantee. Said the warrantee that comes with the car didn't cover tire repairs if I suffer a blow out. In fact, he practically had the order form filled out and was waiting for my check. Obviously, anyone who has bought a tire warrantee before knows the cost is about $15 per tire. It was a nice try. No other problems yet. I'll keep you all posted.
 
Now my question: has anyone put mud flaps on their car? These wheels are great but do kick up alot of road debris. My 94 Maxima came with them and have saved the body much wear and tear over the years. They also look very stylish. The flaps in the Accessories catalog look nice and are inexpensive.
Thanks again for the good reading over the past few months.

#6851 of 12737 Yes, a new 530 for me by carshopper46

Jun 30, 2003 (4:24 am)

I am also a bit leery about the next generation 5. I bought the 97 528 when it first came out in June '96. While a little edgy about a new model, I wasn't too concerned. But this new one has a lot more new technology and "gimmicktry" and there are going to be bugs that need to be worked out. Even my salesman agreed with me and he would have made more money if I bought the new 5 in a couple of months.
 
When given the opportunity to buy a new 530 at$3,500 below invoice, I happily took it. Now I can watch, wait and see what develops. If the new 5 works out, I can buy then and have a low mileage, low cost 530 to sell to someone who can't stand the new style.

Messages Page 686 of 1275

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