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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

    
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Messages Page 227 of 274

#2258 of 2734 by gardis

Jan 13, 2009 (7:23 pm)

Guys,
My 1996 328i had the original battery in it until 2007 when I had to replace it. That's a pretty good life for a battery woudln't you say. Cost me $300 at the dealer, I know you think I'm NUTS, but peace of mind, I told you, I'm willing to pay for it.
 
One thing that doesn't work anymore, though, is the moonroof. About two years ago, it would not close. So I took it to the dealer and they told me major job and major money to fix it. Needed a new carriage or something like that, around $1300. I said just shut it and disable the switch. To this day, it doesn't work.
 
That's what I notice about these BMW.s'. The engine is just as full of pep and vim and vigor as it was when I bought it CPO in 1999. It's incredible. That engine has never failed me. But the peripheral stuff goes on the vehicle. The brake light because the housing has something wrong. The ABS light coming on. The moonroof. Power window this week. But the car is 12 years old, so I cannot get upset about it. Let's face it. But I cannot envision myself driving a Lexus, or anything but a BMW. Nothing excites me like a BMW. I get choked up thinking about trading it in, but I know that eventually I have to. It's 12 years old, going on 13.
LOL. You must think I'm nuts.

#2259 of 2734 Re: [gardis] by jayrider

Jan 14, 2009 (8:36 am)

Replying to: gardis (Jan 13, 2009 7:23 pm)
Go drive an 08 certified cadillac cts --- awsome sedan great warranty-- rwd rates right up there with 2006 cpo bmw for 20k less. No disrespect to bmw -- just a thought in tough economic times.

#2260 of 2734 Re: [jayrider] by shipo

Jan 14, 2009 (9:11 am)

Replying to: jayrider (Jan 14, 2009 8:36 am)
I have to disagree, I've driven two and the CTS is no where near any 3-Series ever built in terms of overall driving pleasure. If money is tight and a 3-Series is out of reach, then an Infinity G is probably the only real RWD alternative, IMHO.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

#2261 of 2734 Re: [shipo] by jayrider

Jan 14, 2009 (10:17 am)

Replying to: shipo (Jan 14, 2009 9:11 am)
I was referring to the 5 series. Your views are consistent with many car enthusiasts. There are others who would give the cts excellent reviews and for value -- a low mileage certified 08 cts can be had for the low to mid $20's and a comparable 5 series would be 20k more -- a test drive might be worthwhile. To each his own --- If money is no object --- the bmw would be an easy choice. The infinity you mentioned sounds great as well. Won't be in the market for 2.5 years but will definitely test drive a bmw -- you never know.

#2262 of 2734 by gardis

Jan 14, 2009 (12:17 pm)

Jayrider,
All due respect to you, you sound like a knowledgeable person, but I looked at the CTS just by chance in Greenwich CT, the price of new is mid $40's to upper $40's.
A certified cannot possibly be in the mid $20's, that would place it along with the Audi 4 pre owned models. The CTS is an expensive vehicle. It looks spectacular, btw, but Caddy unfortunately has a reputation of being a vehicle for older people. Cannot remotely compare to the sportiness of a BMW 5 series. Though I loved the look of it, I have to admit.

#2263 of 2734 Re: [gardis] by jayrider

Jan 14, 2009 (1:20 pm)

Replying to: gardis (Jan 14, 2009 12:17 pm)
Check out cars.com. Get to 08's certified and there are cts's certified in the low to mid 20's. But if it's not you , it's not you. Just a thought.

#2264 of 2734 Re: [gardis] by jayrider

Jan 14, 2009 (3:00 pm)

Replying to: gardis (Jan 14, 2009 12:17 pm)
A euro import I did drive was a saab 9-3 which was impressive and new 08's can be bought for mid-20's -- no more for me on this subject good luck.

#2265 of 2734 Re: [gardis] by andys120

Jan 14, 2009 (5:30 pm)

Replying to: gardis (Jan 13, 2009 7:23 pm)
Nothing excites me like a BMW. I get choked up thinking about trading it in, but I know that eventually I have to. It's 12 years old, going on 13.
LOL. You must think I'm nuts.
 
I don't think you're nuts for loving your old Bimmer, I'm keeping a 9 y/o 528iA and I love it too. I do think you're nuts to pay the stealer prices to keep it on the road. You could probably get that moonroof fixed at half what the dealer wants if you went to any competent auto body shop.
 
Like Roadburner and Shipo I've had excellent luck and enjoyed decent repair costs by going to an independent local BMW specialist not currently affiliated w a dealer.

#2266 of 2734 Re: [andys120] by roadburner

Jan 15, 2009 (7:27 am)

Replying to: andys120 (Jan 14, 2009 5:30 pm)
One BIG advantage of the CTS is that Caddy dealers can usually install faux convertible tops, landau bars, and 22" wheels while you wait.
Snazzy!

#2267 of 2734 by gardis

Jan 18, 2009 (3:40 pm)

Hello Guys,
Have a question for you.
I'm looking at a beautiful 2007 530i, black/black, sports, premium, cold pkgs, premium sound, climate, and Nav. They're asking 34900 with 28K miles on it.
 
My question is: the vehicle had after -market tinting to the windows that makes the vehicle look like a pimpmobile, what with all the black. The dealer told me that the tinting could be removed no problem, and made it sound like they would do it no cost to me.
 
My question is does anyone know if the tinting process can be reversed with no noticeable effect on the windows? What is it that actually tints those windows? I wouldn't want to destroy the windows or the glass by removing the tinting.
 
Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks.

Messages Page 227 of 274

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