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Buying a used 5 Series

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

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

Messages Page 14 of 40

#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?

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

Mar 07, 2008 (2:18 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Mar 01, 2008 8:51 am)
Thanks for the reply. It's just a matter of sorting through the listings on Autotrader and sometimes the photos don't match the descriptions. For example I saw one 2003 540 advertised w/ Sport Pkg which had the 3-spoke steering wheel and correct wheels, but had standard seating - not the sport seats. (I look for the thigh extenders in the photos to confirm) How was this possible?
 
Also how can I tell from a photo if the sound system is Premium Sound?

#135 of 399 Re: 02-03 540s [alko1] by shipo

Mar 07, 2008 (5:48 am)

Replying to: alko1 (Mar 07, 2008 2:18 am)
The only year that the 530i was available with the standard seats and the sport package was 2001. In that year you had to order the Sport Package as well as the "M" Seating Package to get the full enchilada. For the 2002 and 2003 model years, the Sport Package included all of the bits.
 
Hope this helps.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

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

Mar 07, 2008 (6:09 am)

Replying to: alko1 (Mar 07, 2008 2:18 am)
Also how can I tell from a photo if the sound system is Premium Sound?
 
Have you listened to the "Premium Sound" system? To my ears it doesn't sound all that great. Bavarian Soundwerks sells a speaker upgrade package for the E39 that is an easy afternoon DIY project. For $450 that is the route I would take.

#137 of 399 Re: 02-03 540s [roadburner] by ny540i6

Mar 07, 2008 (8:39 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Mar 07, 2008 6:09 am)
Have you listened to the "Premium Sound" system? To my ears it doesn't sound all that great. Bavarian Soundwerks sells a speaker upgrade package for the E39 that is an easy afternoon DIY project. For $450 that is the route I would take.
 
My E39 has the premium sound. The best thing about it is that the EQ settings are pretty extensive, and allow some decent customization. Most people don't adjust anything there. I also upgraded the speakers using one of Bav Soundwerk's kits, and now it sounds even better.

#138 of 399 Re: 02-03 540s [ny540i6] by roadburner

Mar 07, 2008 (9:18 am)

Replying to: ny540i6 (Mar 07, 2008 8:39 am)
My E39 has the premium sound. The best thing about it is that the EQ settings are pretty extensive, and allow some decent customization.
 
My wife's E39 had the DSP as well, I finally found a guy on BMWTips.com who had spent some time with a Rat Shack spl meter and a calibration CD. I set the equalizer to his recommendations and the result was a much better sound. Still not that great though. In all honesty, I thought the premium system in my E36/7 sounded much better- though I am planning to fit it with the BSW midranges and tweeters.

Messages Page 14 of 40

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