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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 265 of 274

#2634 of 2734 Re: buying a used 1999 car [krajala] by auaq

Jul 21, 2011 (11:26 am)

Replying to: krajala (Jul 21, 2011 3:58 am)
I bought mine back in April 2011 which is a 2003 530i (automatic) and with 111,000mi. I have now done about 118,000+ mi already and this machine still drives wonderfully. Couple of things that I have worked on it is replaced spark plugs, rear brake pads+rotors, air filter, and alternator (the battery light came on) all by myself. Since then, I am absolutely happy and satisfied with this car as it is my first ever BMW.
 
The BMW E39 series are known to be actually quite reliable supposedly as long as you take good care of it. The maintenance costs can be high but tolerable. As everyone has said in the forum that if you can afford the expenses and if you know a very good mechanic with BMW experience then you should be alright. These machines are wonderful to drive. I have been taking very good care of my car since I have the experience of a mechanic.
 
The price that you mentioned is absolutely bargain (although other's opinions may differ, not at least in my view). I am doing the monthly payments but the total cost of my car is actually $11k. Did you take it for a thorough test drive (city/highway driving)? Because that would be the first thing to do, check the exterior/interior lightings, check every buttons and switches, and how good are the brakes and the tyres? Check for any fluid leaks in the engine compartment. It is widely known with these engines that water leaks presumably from the ends of the hoses. I am probably asking too much for you to perform these tasks but If you are willing to purchase it then you should do it, as how I did it with mine.
 
I wish the best for your car purchase (and be it a BMW!)

#2635 of 2734 Re: buying a used 1999 car [auaq] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jul 21, 2011 (7:46 pm)

Replying to: auaq (Jul 21, 2011 11:26 am)
Not quite understanding your point of view here. If your 2003 cost $11,000, and her 1999 is for sale for $9,000, how is that a bargain for her?

#2636 of 2734 Re: buying a used 1999 car [Mr_Shiftright] by auaq

Jul 21, 2011 (8:53 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 21, 2011 7:46 pm)
The lower mileage I found the price were more than ten grand. The higher mileage I found the price were in the range of seven grand to nine grand regardless of the year and the model of the 5 series.
 
That 1999 BMW with only 57k mi and only for 9 grand is very surprising and much more cheaper than any BMW I have seen. I suppose this is my reason.

#2637 of 2734 Re: buying a used 1999 car [auaq] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jul 22, 2011 (7:12 am)

Replying to: auaq (Jul 21, 2011 8:53 pm)
Well okay, fair enough..... I guess it's a question of what one thinks the low miles are worth. I found a couple of clean '99s for around $7000 with about 70,000--75,000 miles, so it's a matter of whether or not a used car is worth $1 for each low mile it has.
 
I think $9000 is full dealer retail for the car and while no harm in paying that, I think it is overpriced by about $1000. I would certainly negotiate it, as well as have it thoroughly checked out prior to purchase.
 
Low miles is not always a good thing. Also years are years...cars age not only by miles but by time. And once you start using the car at the "normal" 12,000 miles a year, the premium you paid for low miles is instantly lost in depreciation.
 
So I'd base my offer on what the car *needs*, not just on assuming that because the miles are low, the car is perfect.

#2638 of 2734 Re: buying a used 1999 car [Mr_Shiftright] by busiris

Jul 22, 2011 (8:42 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 22, 2011 7:12 am)
I agree with your assessment. Plastic and rubber deteriorate pretty much at the same rate, whether the car is in motion or just sitting at the curb.
 
Personally, I would never pay a premium for a preowned vehicle unless I had direct information warranting the premium, such as always garaged, expertly maintained, etc.
 
Years ago, I found a 1959 Chevrolet Belair that matched those parameters. This was in 1984 and the owner was a neighbor of my parents. The car had 13,000 miles and looked as it was driven straight from the showroom. I wish I still had that car today.
 
Even then, I paid somewhere between loan valuation and retail.
 
There's just too many cars available for one to pay a premium price, unless there's something really rare or unique to the specific car.

#2639 of 2734 Re: buying a used 1999 car [busiris] by james27

Jul 22, 2011 (11:43 am)

Replying to: busiris (Jul 22, 2011 8:42 am)
There are some things that nobody really knows how well they age. I had a Saab a long time ago, and the manual said to replace all of the airbags and seat belt actuators (they had an explosive charge to tighten them in an accident) after 10-years. Now, would they have worked? Probably, but maybe not a good idea to find out they were no longer operational. As mentioned, rubber and plastic components can do some strange things as they age, depending on the weather, UV exposure, fatigue. While an older car can work fine, it can also be a constant money drain. Then, you always have the uncertainty of what is going to go next.

#2640 of 2734 High Pressure Fuel Pump: Issue resolved??? by sb55

Jul 23, 2011 (6:15 pm)

Hello,
I am looking at a 2008 535xit with 6 speed manual. Is the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) issue resolved now? This car was a BMW lemon law buyback (for the HPFP), but is still under the original warranty. Am I crazy to consider it? Has there been a "permanent" fix?

#2641 of 2734 Cabin Filter by grios1

Jul 25, 2011 (11:25 am)

Hello,
 
I have a 2009 535i. While changing out the both cabin filters, I noticed that inside the compartment is what appears to be another filter. There is one on each side. It looks like it can only be accessed from under the dash board but I did not remove anything to find out. Can anyone advise if in fact is a filter and how can it be changed.
 
Thanks

#2642 of 2734 press request by kirstie_h HOST

Aug 09, 2011 (11:17 am)

If you own a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class but thinking about an Audi A6 for your next car, email predmunds.com with your daytime contact information no later than Friday, August 12, 2011 to be interviewed by a reporter on the subject.

#2643 of 2734 2004 545 over heating by kendall8

Aug 24, 2011 (10:26 am)

My 2004 545 w/ 99k. Keeps on over heating, any sugestions. It is using a lot of radiator fulid

Messages Page 265 of 274

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