Sign In Join 



Buying a used 5 Series

336 messages,  Last post on Nov 25, 2009 at 10:13 PM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

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


Messages Page 20 of 34
1
...
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
...
34
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#188 of 336
Re: Wagons anyone? [roadburner] by oldgoat2
Dec 04, 2008 (7:15 pm)
Reply

Replying to: roadburner (Dec 03, 2008 9:07 pm)

Agreed that you are playing the odds with Consumer Reports. I have actually had the same experience with other products over the years - - top rated and stilll had problems. While their ratings are not conclusive, a poor rating (in the case of used cars, based on input from owners) is not something I would ignore in the decision process. Appreciate the perspective.
#189 of 336
Re: Wagons anyone? [oldgoat2] by roadburner
Dec 04, 2008 (8:37 pm)
Reply

Replying to: oldgoat2 (Dec 04, 2008 7:15 pm)

I agree that the ratings-especially very poor ones-can be used as a rough guide, but the survey group is far from an actual cross section of owners.
#190 of 336
2000 528i Sports Wagon by Boaltie91
Dec 14, 2008 (1:07 pm)
Reply
We have been Volvo owners for many years but as our Volvo was totaled this past week (we walked away unhurt) we are looking at other wagons and saw what looks like a great deal on a 2000 528i Sports Wagon with 104,000. But we know nothing about BMW's. We know what questions to ask about Volvos - replacement of timing belt among others - but wonder what we should specifically be looking at for this model and year car. Any suggestions are very welcome.
#191 of 336
Re: 2000 528i Sports Wagon [Boaltie91] by roadburner
Dec 14, 2008 (3:41 pm)
Reply

Replying to: Boaltie91 (Dec 14, 2008 1:07 pm)

First off, I'd want to have the car inspected by a good BMW tech. I'd also want to see the service history. 5 Series of that vintage can last a long time if properly maintained, but they do not tolerate benign neglect. Brake fluid must be changed every two years and the coolant should be replaced every 3-4 years using only BMW coolant. I change the ATF and final drive oil every 50K miles, but BMW only calls for a ATF change every 100K. At 104K the car you are looking at should have the radiator and water pump replaced if they haven't been swapped out already. The serpentine belts and idler pulleys also need to be inspected. The front suspension may need a few bushing and/or tie rod ends within the next 20K. The engine should last at least 200K before requiring a rebuild and the tranny should go at last 150K- and probably much longer. Join the BMW Car Club and let local members help you find a good dealer and/or indie BMW tech. Most dealers and BMW shops offer up to a 20% BMW CCA discount on parts and or service. And you can always ask any other questions right here, of course.
#192 of 336
by gardis
Dec 15, 2008 (7:10 am)
Reply
Roadburner
What do you think of this deal: 2007 530i, 18K miles, car went into service APR08, warranty runs to Apr 2014. First they were asking $39,900, now drpped to $36,900.
I want to offer OTD $34,000, tops. Car is pristine looking, haven't test driven. I want to get a commitment from them first we're in the ballpark. One owner, traded the vehicle in for a 7 series. I like a good solid car, I keep them like 9 years, so I figure this car isn't going to cost me a dime until 2014 outside of purchase.
I hear the 5 series is a top rated model, is that correct? I'm torn over this or the Lexus RX, but Lexus doesn't make my heart beat like a BMW, currently driving a 96 328i with 105K miles. Also purchased in the CPO program, have had good results with it.
 
Any advice from a pro is appreciated!
Gardis in CT
#193 of 336
Re: [gardis] by roadburner
Dec 15, 2008 (10:28 am)
Reply

Replying to: gardis (Dec 15, 2008 7:10 am)

I'm hardly a pro, but I'l give it my best shot...
 
The price doesn't sound bad, but why not ask over at "Real-World Trade-In Values" over on the "Smart Shoppers" board? You might also go to the BMW USA site and do a CPO search for similar cars.
Note that the free service ends at 4 years/50000 miles. That said, my dealer charged less than $400 for the Inspection II(60000 mile) service. If you plan to keep the car I'd change the oil every 7500 miles and change transmission and final drive oil at 50000 miles. I don't know how long brakes last on the E60 5ers, but you will probably have to replace them at least once. Still, when all's said and done service costs should average $60-$70 per month over the 9-10 years you own the car.
#194 of 336
CPO Prices by duncan66
Dec 21, 2008 (4:32 pm)
Reply
Can anyone offer some guidance on prices paid for CPO v's prices originally listed by dealer. With new cars its seems a little easier to guage the market. For CPO's I was curious on any insights in negotiating with a dealer. I'm looking at a 5 series BMW sedan (say 525 or 528), probably 2007 year model with low mileage.
Thanks
#195 of 336
Re: CPO Prices [duncan66] by jayrider
Dec 22, 2008 (7:07 am)
Reply

Replying to: duncan66 (Dec 21, 2008 4:32 pm)

Check the prices on ebay, cars.com,autotrader etc. You can search for your model/year and check the lowest asking prices for cpo units. There are a few deals but you may have to travel to get them. Most used bmw postings are are way too high but if you look carefully you can find a few reasonable offerings. You might use that as leverage with a local dealer --- depends on how they read you and the market as to success. Found several bmw cpo 530i 's under 20k miles --low $30's.
#196 of 336
by gardis
Dec 30, 2008 (12:23 pm)
Reply
Guys,
has there been any technical issues with navigation? Im looking at a CPO 2007 530i (29K miles) that has nav, and all the packages (sports, premium, cold, and one more can't remember) car is beautiful asking $34,900 for it, with negotation some wiggle room. I just want to be sure I'm not looking for a problem with the navigation which I don't even care about, but the vehicle has it. Car is really loaded, would hate to pass it up.
   
Also another one 2007 530xi, 18K miles, warranty expires Apr 2014. Asking $36,900 dealer won't budge. That's another 2 grand, but warranty goes longer. Am torn, don't know what to do. I'm leaning toward the $34,900 one, has more. Dealer says his 530xi is competitive in price. I could care less about all wheel drive.
That extended warranty is tempting however.
   
Any advice?
#197 of 336
Re: [gardis] by jayrider
Dec 30, 2008 (12:47 pm)
Reply

Replying to: gardis (Dec 30, 2008 12:23 pm)

Why worry about possible navigation problems until the warranty runs out at which time if it acts up [very unlikely] you don't need to use it. Spend a few bucks on a garmin and keep the mb one turned off. The car will run just fine without it.
Gardis, if I was in your neighborhood I'd stop by tomorrow on new years eve and take you by the ear down to the dealer with an offer sign with $31,000 written on it and sit you in the sales managers office. Oh yeah, with tape over your mouth. I'd come back in an hour and drive you home, unless you got the car. What have you got to lose? If they don't come down on the price 1-2k I'd be real surprised -- maybe more as you walk out the door. All this assumes you have the cash or are pre-approved on a loan to afford the car in the first place.

Messages Page 20 of 34
1
...
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
...
34
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics

Today's Chats

Advertisement