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Buying a used 5 Series

399 messages,  Last post on Feb 05, 2013 at 12:39 PM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Car Buying, Sedan

Messages Page 14 of 41

#124 of 399 Re: 1995 BMW 525i Question [stephenabelson] by roadburner

Jan 29, 2008 (12:48 pm)

Replying to: stephenabelson (Jan 29, 2008 12:21 pm)
The E34 5 Series are well regarded in the BMW community. The 2.5 six cylinder is long lived and problem free, aside from a need for a water pump at 60000 mile intervals. I would definitely have the car inspected by a qualified BMW tech. I'd also want to see the service history. Has the oil been changed every 7000 miles or so? Has the coolant been changed ever three years-using only BMW coolant? has the brake fluid been changed ever two years using a DOT 4 fluid? How about the final drive and transmission? Assuming the car checks out, I'd think you could easily get 10 years and or another 150000 miles out of it. As for price, I would think $6000-$8000 is the price range, depending on location, condition, and color. You might want to read up on the E34 here, here, and here.
There is also a comprehensive service manual available from Bentley if you want to tackle some projects yourself- it's an easy car to work on.

#125 of 399 2001 BMW 525 by eastburg5

Feb 17, 2008 (6:12 pm)

Hi All,
 
I'm considering purchase of a 2001 525 with only 17,000 miles which is selling for $20,000. Its being sold by a reputable non-BMW dealer. The CARFAX report identifies it as a one-owner vehicle which has had regular maintenance. Its owner apparently lived in Washington DC and drove the car infrequently. I had several questions which I thought you might be able to help me with:
 
1. Are there mechanical or body discrepancies that I should be on the lookout for in purchasing a vehicle such as this which has been driven infrequently?
2. I've seen the EPA mileage estimates (19/27), but I was wondering what kind of mileage I could actually expect with relatively conservative city/highway driving?
3. Is it OK to use regular unleaded rather than the recommended premium fuel? I've heard that for high compression engines you can place an additive in the fuel that has the same effect as higher octane grades.
4. Are there any significant maintenance or reliability problems with this model?
5. Are there any problems with using certain aftermarket parts rather than BMW parts?
 
Thank you for this forum....its been very informative.
 
Steve

#126 of 399 Re: 2001 BMW 525 [eastburg5] by shipo

Feb 17, 2008 (6:44 pm)

Replying to: eastburg5 (Feb 17, 2008 6:12 pm)
1. Are there mechanical or body discrepancies that I should be on the lookout for in purchasing a vehicle such as this which has been driven infrequently?
 
Yes, there are issues with engine oil (one year), brake fluid (two years), and coolant (four years, errr, I think) that are age and not mileage sensitive. You should be asking for a full service record for the car.
 
2. I've seen the EPA mileage estimates (19/27), but I was wondering what kind of mileage I could actually expect with relatively conservative city/highway driving?
 
With my 2002 530i 5-Speed I was able to handily beat the EPA mileage estimates for both city and highway, in fact, I was able to routinely get over 30 mpg on the highway.
 
3. Is it OK to use regular unleaded rather than the recommended premium fuel? I've heard that for high compression engines you can place an additive in the fuel that has the same effect as higher octane grades.
 
Is it okay? Yes and no. If you want to run Regular gasoline, you should be looking at a Honda, Toyota, Lincoln, Chrysler or Cadillac. FWIW, while the engine will run on Regular fuel, your fuel economy will drop to such an extent that your fuel cost per mile will actually be higher than if you just ran Premium in the first place. FWIW #2, BMW does NOT recommend using ANY fuel additives.
 
4. Are there any significant maintenance or reliability problems with this model?
 
No, not really.
 
5. Are there any problems with using certain aftermarket parts rather than BMW parts?
 
Parts? What kind of parts?
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#127 of 399 02-03 540s by alko1

Mar 01, 2008 (2:02 am)

I'm shopping around for a low mileage (<40k) '02/'03 540 Steptronic with Sport Pkg. I love the looks of the M Sport Pkg which was available only on '03s but they're few to be found. Is there a difference between the two packages besides exteriors? One ad I saw made reference to gearing and/or differential ratios being different (like the M5). Also what effect does this have on MPG?

#128 of 399 Re: 02-03 540s [alko1] by roadburner

Mar 01, 2008 (8:51 am)

Replying to: alko1 (Mar 01, 2008 2:02 am)
Is there a difference between the two packages besides exteriors?
 
No. IIRC, all 540i Sports get a 3.15 final drive as well as a 155 mph limiter(non Sports get a 2.81 ratio and a 128 mph top). As far as M Sport packages go, there's no such thing when it comes to US spec cars- there are only Sport Packages. BMW has a penchant for adding a few additional ///M touches to Sport Pkg. cars towards the end of their model run, as in the case of the E36/5, the E36 328is Sport, the E39 540i Sport, and the E46 ZHP. People sometimes call them M Sports because there are similar packages offered across the pond, but-aside from a few E36/5 and E34 cars built by BMW Individual in the 90's-BMW NA has simply called them Sport Packages.
 
Also what effect does this have on MPG?
 
Who cares? I'll trade mpg for added thrust all day long.
 
And one more thing...
Buy a six speed manual.

#129 of 399 2001 BWM 530 extended warranty question by edbarry12

Mar 01, 2008 (10:14 am)

I have been reading some of the posts in this forum this morning, and there seem to be some very knowledgeable folks who answer these questions, so am hoping to get some help on a couple of questions.
  
My father is the original owner of a 2001 BMW 530 with just under 40,000 miles. He is going to sell it, and I'm interested in buying it. He has purchased 1 year warranties twice now from BMW, which have since expired, and he's been told by BMW that he cannot purchase another.
  
If I purchase this car I will do so only if I can also purchase an extended warranty. I called my local BMW dealer to see if I could purchase a warranty from them, and they said I could only purchase it if the car had originally been purchased from them. That is not the case, so I believe I need to get a 3rd party warranty.
  
I've done some reading on purchasing extended warranties that cover both wear and tear, as well as mechanical breakdowns. Does anyone have any advice on reputable companies that I can get a quote from? Any advice on the length of the warranty I should get? Can I even get coverage for this type of vehicle and, if I can, is it even worth it (ie will I get nickle and dimed in the fine print and not qualify for repairs)?
  
Any advice or experience is most welcome.
  
Thanks!

#131 of 399 Re: 2001 BWM 530 extended warranty question [edbarry12] by roadburner

Mar 01, 2008 (11:02 am)

Replying to: edbarry12 (Mar 01, 2008 10:14 am)
Any advice or experience is most welcome.
 
The following suggestions are based on my experience running a 1997 528iA from 2001 to 2005:
 
1. Forget any non-BMW NA warranty. They are glorified insurance policies. The House almost always wins.
2. Set aside $80-$90 a month for service/repairs
3. Find a good independent BMW tech, which will cut service costs 30%-40%.
4. Join the BMW Car Club. Receive up to a 20% discount on parts and/or labor.
5. Enjoy owning and driving a world class sports sedan.
6. (Optional) Buy the E39 Bentley Service Manual and learn to perform simple maintenance and repairs-oil change, brake pads, plugs, etc.-yourself. And save even more money.

#132 of 399 2006 525xi by kraut_rock

Mar 02, 2008 (5:15 pm)

I am considering buying a pre owned 2006 BMW 525xi and would love to have some comments/observations, good or bad from current or past owners of this model. I have admired BMW's from a far for years; this will be my first so any advice from BMW pros will be appreciated
Thanks!

#133 of 399 Wanting to buy a 540 by awhughes1

Mar 04, 2008 (9:15 am)

I have a few general questions regarding the 540:
 
1. What years to avoid based on major engine problems? I have heard about engine failures, cylinder heads problems, oil leaks etc.
 
2. What years are best to purchase in the under $15,000 range with under 100k miles?
 
3. What is the typical routine maintinance cost of ownership for a 540 that is in good condition and has been maintained?
 
4. How many miles do 540's last for under normal driving conditions and proper maintinance?
 
5. Is the 530 a more reliable car?

Messages Page 14 of 41

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