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Buying a used 5 Series

179 messages,  Last post on Aug 28, 2008 at 1:25 PM

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#131 of 179 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 179 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 179 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 179 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? Replies to this message: shipo (Mar 07, 2008 5:48 am) 530ir1150r (Mar 07, 2008 8:17 pm) roadburner (Mar 07, 2008 6:09 am) ny540i6 (Mar 07, 2008 8:39 am) roadburner (Mar 07, 2008 9:18 am)
#135 of 179 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 Replies to this message: 530ir1150r (Mar 07, 2008 8:17 pm)
#136 of 179 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. Replies to this message: ny540i6 (Mar 07, 2008 8:39 am) roadburner (Mar 07, 2008 9:18 am)
#137 of 179 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. Replies to this message: roadburner (Mar 07, 2008 9:18 am)
#138 of 179 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.
#139 of 179 Re: 02-03 540s [shipo] by 530ir1150r Mar 07, 2008 (8:17 pm)
Replying to: shipo (Mar 07, 2008 5:48 am) My 2002 530i, Sport Package, has comfort seats, which may look like standard seats in a photo.
#140 of 179 Sh by harry67 Mar 08, 2008 (4:15 am)
I am considering buying a 2003 340i with 51,000 miles in the Central NJ area. What should I consider when to purchase this car? Warranty? Is this a good price? Potential maintenance? Other considerations? Thanks

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