Ask the Car People.SM


BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair

2734 messages,  Last post on Mar 25, 2013 at 4:00 PM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Electrical, Engine, Sedan, Wagon

    
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153

Messages Page 108 of 274

#1067 of 2734 New Car Buyer - Help soon by carfan3

Feb 20, 2005 (2:53 pm)

Hey everyone. I am in the market for a new car. My choices are Nissan Armada, Inifiniti QX56, and BMW 545i. All cars loaded. I am leaning towards the Armada and QX. I got one dealer to get the price of the 2005 QX down to $50997 (LOADED). I test drove the 545i yesterday, and it was beautiful. I did not want to get out of the car. Problem is, the 545i is very expensive to purchase (more than $60,000, not including taxes, tags,...etc). Lease is not an option for me, only purchase. I am not basing the car on gas prices, or family. Just looks, comfort, ride, quality and hapinness. This will be my first, new car. and i want it to be perfect. i have a lumina 1990=hate it, KIA Sportage 1997=hate it, and Nissan Sentra=like it but not mine, family member's. I want to purchase the car in less than a month. But reading all these problems about the Armada and QX is depressing me, and pulling me out of the market for purchasing any car. I didn't see much complaints on the BMW, but it is VERY PRICEY. Help me out my people. what should i do? the Infiniti dealer sold me the car and the price (but i didn't buy it yet), while the Armada dealer sold me the price, but not the car. The BMW dealer said: "we don't have much discounts and rebates to give". I think it is ridiculous, even for a high class car like this. I was going after a Benz, but stopped that desicion as i will need to sell everything to get that. Ok, PLEASE HELP. Are the 2005 Armada and QX56 better than the 2004? and Should i go with these cars now, or wait till the brake problem is fixed in March (if that is the correct month when the solution will come out)? If i end up waiting, and june comes along, than i will wait till January 2006 to buy a car since new year models come out in September.
HELP SOON PLEASE.

#1068 of 2734 Re: New Car Buyer - Help soon [carfan3] by kyfdx HOST

Feb 21, 2005 (9:19 am)

Replying to: carfan3 (Feb 20, 2005 2:53 pm)
Why not look at 530i? The price should be thousands less than a 545i, and the car will still be much faster than either of those gargantuan SUVs that you are looking at..

#1069 of 2734 carfan3 by div2

Feb 21, 2005 (9:21 pm)

Or how about an X3 3.0? I simply dont see the allure of a ponderous boat like the Armada, but to each his own...

#1070 of 2734 Re: New Car Buyer - Help soon [carfan3] by jas

Feb 23, 2005 (12:04 pm)

Replying to: carfan3 (Feb 20, 2005 2:53 pm)
Seems like you are comparing apples and oranges. I think you first have to decide if you want a SUV or luxury sport sedan.
 
I can't answer about the Armada or QX56, but I can give you my 2-cents worth on a 545i. Although for big SUV's I am partial to the Denali's - no problems and very impressed with the power and options.
 
I purchased a 545i-6 speed at the end of the 2004 model year. No rebates and the best discount you can probably get is 4% above invoice. This is my first BMW and have wanted one for a long, long time. The tag line "ultimate driving machine" is absolutely correct. Although you can possibly get better reliability with a Lexus, you will not find a better driving machine. I am thoroughly impressed everyday I get into it to drive - my 40 mile commute is no longer an inconvenience but a pleasure. I have not had to take it into the dealer with any problems in the first 8k miles and I am hoping that continues.
 
If cost is a concern, as pointed out, the 530 may be a consideration. The new 530 has boosted the HP to 255 (from 225) and equipping it with the sport package and same options as a 545 will save you about 8k. If the larger wheel size of the 545i is important, these rims/tires can always be purchased from BMW, but will run you around 3k.

#1071 of 2734 Re: New Car Buyer - Help soon [jas] by cassidym

Feb 24, 2005 (5:53 am)

Replying to: jas (Feb 23, 2005 12:04 pm)
jas is absolutely right. I bought a 2005 545 Six-speed with everything but the audio upgrade and the goofy electric shade in the rear window. I took European Delivery (saved $5K) and picked up the car in early October.
 
I knew I was getting a good car but I didn't realize it would be THIS good! Like jas says, my commute is now a pleasure. And I just took it on its first long trip (360 miles; DC to New England) and what a true pleasure. it was like sitting on your living room couch. The car is so smooth, quiet and responsive that even the parking lot laughingly known as the Jersey Turnpike was a pleasure. I made the best time ever. In fact, had I not had to stop for a little chat with the New Jersey State Police, I would have made even better time.
 
I cannot praise the driving quality of this car enough. Nothing I have ever driven even comes close. The car feels solid and is extremely responsive.
 
The biggest problem is keeping it at the proper speed. The damn thing is so solid and smooth that the normal sensation of speed is barely detectable (see NJ State Police above).
 
Cornering is a joy as is acceleration. And I got 26 MPG. Were I to have had a lighter foot, it no doubt would have been better.
 
Also, not a single problem has cropped up. Nothing, zero, zip, nada.
 
And, is spite of its rear wheel drive, it is very well behaved in the snow (I did put snow tires on it at the advice of this very friendly forum).
 
You want super reliability, great ergonomics and a useable cup holder, get a Lexus. You want a car that gives you an electric thrill every time you turn the key and that even makes driving the Northeast corridor fun, get a 545.

#1072 of 2734 Re: New Car Buyer - Help soon [cassidym] by jas

Feb 24, 2005 (11:10 am)

Replying to: cassidym (Feb 24, 2005 5:53 am)
You hit the nail on the head!
 
One problem, actually not really a problem, but it is still bugging me: My MPG calc is not accurate - typically off by 4-5 mpg. Have you every checked yours (miles and gallons filled versus the computer)?
 
For my weekly driving it is actually 21 mpg and the computer says 26 mpg. A highway trip is around 24 mpg and the computer says 30 mpg (like you, I have a hard time holding the speed, although I am really not trying very hard and I do take full advantage of the 325HP).
 
If you ever have the opportunity, check it manually and let me know.

#1073 of 2734 Re: New Car Buyer - Help soon [jas] by cassidym

Feb 24, 2005 (1:09 pm)

Replying to: jas (Feb 24, 2005 11:10 am)
Have never checked the MPG manually. I average 18 to 19 in normal driving (largely stop and go). First full freeway trip got me 28 MPG but, as I noted above, the 700 mile round trip was 25MPG.
 
I'll run a manual check and let you know.

#1074 of 2734 Re: New Car Buyer - Help soon [cassidym] by jas

Feb 24, 2005 (3:14 pm)

Replying to: cassidym (Feb 24, 2005 1:09 pm)
cassidym - Thanks!

#1076 of 2734 Re: New Car Buyer - Help soon [cassidym] by cmybimmergo

Feb 24, 2005 (10:55 pm)

Replying to: cassidym (Feb 24, 2005 5:53 am)
"I got 26 MPG. Were I to have had a lighter foot, it no doubt would have been better."
 
I doubt it. These cars are engineered to be most efficient at speeds well above 55. The week I had mostly (non-rush hour) Beltway miles, I got my best mileage. Usually I drive backroads, which gets me 22-23 mpg.

Messages Page 108 of 274

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement