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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 942 of 1275

#9402 of 12737 Re: 1997 525 with 163k... good buy??? [quint1] by kyfdx HOST

Sep 22, 2004 (7:08 am)

Replying to: quint1 (Sep 21, 2004 6:10 pm)
One point... Even if you buy it for the same price, you won't own that BMW for the price of a '99 Accord.
 
At 168K miles, even if the parts weren't more expensive (and they are), the extra maintenance and repair of a car with 168K miles, will eat you alive..
 
You'd be better off spending $8K more for a '97 or '98 with low miles, in the long run.
 
regards,
kyfdx

#9403 of 12737 Re: 04 545i 6 sp MT vs 05 545i 6 sp MT [rnair] by kyfdx HOST

Sep 22, 2004 (7:22 am)

Replying to: rnair (Sep 22, 2004 6:59 am)
I can't say for sure... but I think they are wrong about the '04.. I think all the way until the end of the model year, the sport package was standard on the six speed model..
 
For '05, there is no separate six-speed model. The automatic is standard now, and the six-speed appears to be a no-cost option.. So, the sport package is an additional option on top of that.. However, the sport package is a required option with the 6-speed manual. The total MSRP with six-speed and sport pkg appears to have gone up about $800 over last year.
 
So, the price is not that much different, just a different way in arriving at it.
 
regards,
kyfdx

#9404 of 12737 Re: [boomsama] by rich545

Sep 22, 2004 (7:58 am)

Replying to: boomsama (Sep 21, 2004 10:39 pm)
I own a '04 545. What went into my purchase decision? Same things that go into any car purchase decision really. I liked the way the car looked (though I didn't when they were initially launched), needed a bigger car than the 330xi I had at the time, I LOVED the way the car drove (I don't know how the 530 compares, but I've heard others complementing) and I was able ti work out a good deal for it (though IMO when buying cars this expensive the word "deal" takes on a new meaning). Also my 330xi was manual and because of the congestion around Chicago I felt that I'd be happier with an automatic (I know, what a horrible thing to say!). So far I'm very happy with it. I haven't had any problems (besides for two recalls), and it's just a blast to drive. Plus the trunk in it is huge (which is good because I didn't get the split folding rear seats because I took a car that was on the lot rather than ordering one). In fact, there really isn't anything about the car that bothers me. I got Silver Grey Metallic which I think is a great color for the car (plus it doesn't show dirt as quickly). Good luck with your purchase!

#9405 of 12737 quint1 by div2

Sep 22, 2004 (9:17 am)

I'm not as pessimistic as kyfdx, but 168K IS a lot of miles. I would not even consider buying the car unless
1. It has a full service history
and
2. It has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified BMW technician.
It sounds like it might be a good car for someone who has the ability to DIY a lot of the maintenance and repairs. If you have to take it to the shop for every little glitch then it's certainly not the car for you...

#9406 of 12737 Re: quint1 [div2] by quint1

Sep 22, 2004 (6:56 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Sep 22, 2004 9:17 am)
I think you are right -- I don't want to get sucked into a money pit. Found a 97 528i with 114k on it for $8,999 -- that's probably going to be a better deal for me. I am looking at it this week!

#9407 of 12737 quint1 by div2

Sep 22, 2004 (8:40 pm)

My wife's work sled is a 1997 528iA with 108k on the clock. In the past couple of years the only non-scheduled maintenance has consisted of a windshield washer pump($31), the fuel filler door hinge($12), and a couple of tail lamp bulbs($4). I wish that BMWs weren't so darned expensive to maintain-those repairs are killing me... :0

#9408 of 12737 Re: [rich545] by boomsama

Sep 22, 2004 (8:49 pm)

Replying to: rich545 (Sep 22, 2004 7:58 am)
Thanks for the reply rich545. Just another thing, is the iDrive easy to use? If you've tried the toyota/lexus versions of the sat nav would you rather that than iDrive? Or is the iDrive fine to use.
 
Would you possibly have any photos of your 545i for me to see? Thanks.
 
The only dilemma is just that it seems a bit expensive, so I'll be waiting for the GS and the A6 to see what deals they come out with.

#9409 of 12737 Re: Also, '97 was first model year ... by cyoung

Sep 23, 2004 (4:08 am)

Replying to: quint1 (Sep 22, 2004 6:56 pm)
for the E39. I never owned a BMW prior to getting a '99 528iT recently, but it has been eye-opening in the sense that I never realized the complexity of the electronic systems on this car. The ASC/ABS controller, for example, is used for far more than you might think. The ASC controller can make the transmission slip, for example, either on purpose or due to a fault. Even the outside temperature sensor is used by the A/C system. So, while the I6 engine and drivetrain are relatively reliable, there are certainly lots of other things that can go wrong. So, when people advise you to get a full service history (and that means a decoded service history that shows what was actually done to the car), they are not kidding.
 
That said, these are wonderful cars - just make sure you find the "Ultimate Driving Machine" rather than the "Ultimate Money Pit"!

#9410 of 12737 Quint1, Boomsama by designman

Sep 23, 2004 (5:45 am)

Quint1… If you are shopping high-mileage cars see if you can find out about the previous owners driving habits and itinerary. A car with high mileage and mostly highway driving is not nearly as worn as one that has been driven in local traffic.
 
Boomsama… As long as you are not yet sold on the 5, are looking for bargains and are cross-shopping the GS you may want to consider the 04 RL—bargain city and reliable. As far as iDrive, it's easy to use. However people take to it differently. Spend some time with it in dry dock and decide for yourself. Finally most people buy BMWs because of the ride quality. If you cannot differentiate it in this area from the cars you are cross-shopping then stay away from it. There are luxury sedans and there are sport sedans and never the twain shall meet. There are plenty of luxury buyers who do not like the stiffer BMW ride. However this ride is the number one priority for people who are passionate about BMWs. Personally, I can't see a decision between these cars coming down to luxury features, especially since the dust has yet to settle on the added "technology" in these new cars. BMWs are nothing without their driving dynamics. If you can appreciate this, then they are bargains.

#9411 of 12737 by boomsama

Sep 23, 2004 (7:26 am)

The thing is, should I wait for the new 3.0 engine to be put in the 530i?
 
Also, could anyone please supply me with some links to some reviews of the 530i? Thanks.

Messages Page 942 of 1275

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