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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 16 of 41

#147 of 399 Re: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/car/614642413.html [roadburner] by mrfinagle

Mar 25, 2008 (4:23 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Mar 23, 2008 6:24 pm)
Thanks for the clear and useful response Roadrunner. I checked the trade in pages. Someone quoted $14k last Nov to trade-in a 530i w/2k less mi and prem./nav extras. Last Feb someone said $14.3. That's what the seller was asking for at first, but I bargained him down a G. I haven't been given a full service history so far. I got the receipt for the "$5000" service which was $2000 (I guess that bothers me the most that he lied in the ad and said it was jsut serviced at the bmw dealership for $5000). The work included oil pan gasket R&R, replacing the radiator, hoses, water pump, coolant. I learned a lot from calling the shop owner that did the service, (like where the seller got the $5000 number...it was quoted as what the dealer would charge by the mechanic). He said it was a sound car, a single owner (description fit the seller). I googled his shop and it looks legit. I also checked Carfax and it was serviced at least once a yr, had a single owner, no accidents, mileage checks out, that's all I can tell. My mechanic is not a BMW expert but he put it on a lift, test drove it, and brought it to a friend up the street that does high end cars. He said the engine was in good shape, but noticed some power steering weeping and that said the steering mechanism would have to be replaced in 2-3 yrs but not just now. They gave me a part price around $1100 (rack w/something-tronic), which I tried to use as a bargaining chip to lower the price but the seller wouldn't budge from $13.3. I will check the windows and look into the ATF/drive oil change (wondering if that's expensive). ">Let me know if you think anything is a deal stopper or if anything else comes to mind! Much appreciated!

#148 of 399 Re: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/car/614642413.html [mrfinagle] by roadburner

Mar 25, 2008 (7:09 pm)

Replying to: mrfinagle (Mar 25, 2008 4:23 pm)
noticed some power steering weeping and that said the steering mechanism would have to be replaced in 2-3 yrs but not just now.
 
Maybe, maybe not. BMWs are notorious for having power steering hoses that leak or seep. Often a low pressure hose can be fixed by removing the crimped-on clamp and replacing it with a good screw clamp. If it does turn out that you do need a steering rack, there are several shops that sell rebuilt racks for less than the factory units(another reason to join BMW CCA).
 
ATF/drive oil change (wondering if that's expensive)
 
Not really; my local dealer changed the ATF and transfer case fluid on my wife's X3 for $208. In your case I'd say that $400 would be the most it would cost to service both the AT and the final drive. That said, I'd strongly advise that you use a good dealer or BMW independent shop for the transmission service, as the procedure is fairly involved- as can be seen here.

#149 of 399 Re: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/car/614642413.html [roadburner] by mrfinagle

Mar 26, 2008 (8:13 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Mar 25, 2008 7:09 pm)
Thx roadburner! So many more questions come to mind but I'll join BMW CCA to ID shops, etc and look to forums first beforehand. Wish I could buy you lunch for the help!

#150 of 399 Re: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/car/614642413.html [mrfinagle] by roadburner

Mar 26, 2008 (8:32 am)

Replying to: mrfinagle (Mar 26, 2008 8:13 am)
Thx roadburner! So many more questions come to mind but I'll join BMW CCA to ID shops, etc and look to forums first beforehand. Wish I could buy you lunch for the help!
 
No problem; ask away! And you can always shoot me a PM at roadburnercarspace.com...

#151 of 399 Buying Used 530i - 200,000 miles by fieldofdreams

Apr 04, 2008 (4:00 pm)

At 200,000 miles I have a chance to purchase a 1994 BMW 530i. Anything I should look for when test driving this car? I tend to read alot of transmission comments when it comes to 530i's. The car looks clean and well taken care of, but at 200,000 I would think something has to be waiting to happen or I may be wrong?
 
I look forward to any replies.

#152 of 399 Re: Buying Used 530i - 200,000 miles [fieldofdreams] by roadburner

Apr 04, 2008 (6:13 pm)

Replying to: fieldofdreams (Apr 04, 2008 4:00 pm)
The car looks clean and well taken care of, but at 200,000 I would think something has to be waiting to happen or I may be wrong?
 
If the car checks out fine AND you have average or better DIY mechanic skills and tools then I would say go for it. If you will have to pay for all maintenance and repairs it could be very expensive to own. DO NOT even THINK about buying the car without having it inspected by a tech who knows BMWs. It might be a decent enough deal, but you need to have all the data in front of you before you can make an informed decision.

#153 of 399 a CPO 525xi (2006 and later model) or a brandnew 328xi? by rl328

Apr 16, 2008 (12:13 pm)

Any thoughts? Thanks.

#154 of 399 Re: a CPO 525xi (2006 and later model) or a brandnew 328xi? [rl328] by roadburner

Apr 16, 2008 (8:33 pm)

Replying to: rl328 (Apr 16, 2008 12:13 pm)
I ALWAYS prefer the smaller and lighter car(with RWD). You may not. You really can't go wrong with either car, so take each one on an extended test drive and pick the one YOU like.

#155 of 399 Buying a 530is with SMG by gb2008

Apr 28, 2008 (10:08 am)

Hi , I have a couple question that I would like your help with.
  
I have neevr driven a Manualdo you thinkthis would be a issue?
  
Also I have heard that the drive mode on the SMG is not that good is that true?
  
While I am driving in the Stick mode do I have to change the stick myself or does the car do it automatically?
Would appricate your help

#156 of 399 Re: Buying a 530is with SMG [gb2008] by lovemyclk

Apr 28, 2008 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: gb2008 (Apr 28, 2008 10:08 am)
The SMG transmission is not available on any US-spec 5-Series cars other than the M5.

Messages Page 16 of 41

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