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Buying a used 5 Series

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

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

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#5 of 336 1989 535i driveshaft new or remanufactored ? by fos41 May 18, 2006 (3:16 pm)
i have an older 535 i and was wondering if anyone has ever used a reman. drive shaft/ i know new shaft will workout fine. the price difference of or a reman. shaft is more attractive ,but have had problems with some products that are reman. anyone have any feed back on this thanks donnie
#6 of 336 95 525i steering problem by 525lover Jun 04, 2006 (9:59 am)
I recently bought a 95 525i and for the first 2 months it drove well.within the last month and a half though,whenever i turn to the right at speeds of 20-25mph there is really bad vibration.could this be ball joint failure or something else? Replies to this message: div2 (Jun 04, 2006 3:44 pm)
#7 of 336 Re: 95 525i steering problem [525lover] by div2 Jun 04, 2006 (3:44 pm)
Replying to: 525lover (Jun 04, 2006 9:59 am) I'd look at the ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends.
#8 of 336 Vintage 5 Series Purchase Options by djjay Jun 08, 2006 (7:17 pm)
I am looking at 3 different older 5 Series cars to purchase and would like some wisdom to narrow it down (& negotiating info). Mileage is approx. & price is asking.   1988 535iT, $3,500, 80k on new eng/trans 1990 535i, $2,500, 207k 1991 525i, $4,500, 120k plus   The 88 & 91 both come from an auto shop specializing in BMW repairs/restoration and so will be thoroughly tuned in and out with a 6 month warranty.   On the other hand, the 90 is a cash as is sale. The only problems I've noticed in a brief inspection are power lock issues (looks like the trunk lock was broken into at some point causing a lock/unlock action or just staying locked, the rear pass lock isn't activated by power it seems) and the cabin heat/cool fan doesn't engage. One more thing, when I opened the coolant resvoir it looked like there was some "glitter" in the fluid, is this anything to be concerned over?   Any wisdom is greatly appreciated. Having owned old 5 Series' (86, 87, & 88 525e) I know they are dependable joys to drive so just want to get a car to last 3 to 5 years with little maintenance at a good price.   Thanks.
#9 of 336 528i by bigbiz1 Aug 15, 2006 (6:39 pm)
I am thinking of purchasing 1996-1999 528. I have no previous experience with these cars so I am wondering if anyone who owns one can give me some info.....reliability, problems, etc. Thanks Frank G NJ Replies to this message: manybmws (Sep 04, 2006 5:12 pm) bigbiz1 (Sep 06, 2006 7:09 pm) manybmws (Sep 15, 2006 10:21 am) pearl (Sep 20, 2006 4:51 pm)
#10 of 336 Re: 528i [bigbiz1] by manybmws Sep 04, 2006 (5:12 pm)
Replying to: bigbiz1 (Aug 15, 2006 6:39 pm) I owned a '99 for 4 years and 72K miles. Only out-of-pocket expenses were front brakes at 60K miles for $750. Replies to this message: bigbiz1 (Sep 06, 2006 7:09 pm) manybmws (Sep 15, 2006 10:21 am)
#11 of 336 Re: 528i [manybmws] by bigbiz1 Sep 06, 2006 (7:09 pm)
Replying to: manybmws (Sep 04, 2006 5:12 pm) Thanks........just looking at finances as I heard these cars can be quite expensive Frank Replies to this message: manybmws (Sep 15, 2006 10:21 am)
#12 of 336 Re: 528i [bigbiz1] by manybmws Sep 15, 2006 (10:21 am)
Replying to: bigbiz1 (Sep 06, 2006 7:09 pm) Get a car that has reasonable or is under mileage for its age - but more importantly has been nurtured by a "car guy"
#13 of 336 Re: 528i [bigbiz1] by pearl Sep 20, 2006 (4:51 pm)
Replying to: bigbiz1 (Aug 15, 2006 6:39 pm) I have one of the first E39s (528)delivered in the U.S. (June 96 as a 1997 model). The car has premium pkg and manual transmission and has just crossed 150K miles. I get about 24mpg in town and nearly 30 in highway cruising and the car has never burned a drop of oil. Other than "normal" replacement items (belts, hoses, brake pads, coolant, oil, filters, tune-up items, etc), the only trouble I have had with the car is a leaking power steering hose/fittings, a broken fan-belt tensioner, a leaking transmission seal, and a bad front strut (replaced both front struts). The clutch is a little weak at this stage and my remote key fob won't lock the doors any more (but will open them). I have taken good care of this car and would say this is the best car I have ever owned. In early 06 I had the new car bug and drove many LPS models (GS, RL, M, new E60, STS, etc) but did not find any of them that made me want to trade my E39 - for example, none were as quiet as mine and only the E60 handled as well. No doubt others have had similar experiences with this model BMW as me, and no doubt others have had worse. I think you need to see if you can get the history on the cars you are looking at, but overall, I have loved my car and wish you success if you buy one.
#14 of 336 Question About The Wisdom Of Buying A Brand New 1998 528I by gkg680 Sep 29, 2006 (3:37 pm)
If anyone would care to share their thoughts with me, I'd be grateful. I have an opportunity to buy a 1998 528i with 2200 miles on it. It's showroom new, been sitting for years in a heated, secure garage. Recently, all the fluids were replaced, I'm not sure about the hoses and belts, and the battery needs a charge, but it's new also.     Blue Book trade-in value is $13,000, private party trade value is $15K, and dealership retail is $17,000.     It's out of warranty, of course, but it's literally a new car, and I've known the owner long before she bought it new in 1998.     Does anyone have any thoughts as to what might be a fair offer for such a car? Even though it's out of warranty, it seems like a great opportunity, however, I've never owned a BMW and have heard countless horror stories about the cost of maintenance and repairs.     If anyone wanted to go to the trouble of sharing helpful comments, I'd welcome them. Sincere thanks. Replies to this message: div2 (Sep 29, 2006 7:02 pm)

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