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Sedans BMW 5-Series Buying a used 5 Series
339 messages, Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 4:29 PM
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Before asking my big question, I need to get this off my chest and just wondering: WHY DO MANY CAR MANUFACTURERS MAKE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CARS THAT SUCK, BREAK DOWN QUICKLY, AND BURN GAS RAPIDLY BUT THEY RARELY MAKE NICE STICK SHIFT CARS THAT GO FAST, LAST LONGER, AND ARE MORE FUEL EFFICIENT? I was looking at several cars available; a 1993 325is Stick Shift Coupe, a 1995 740i or a 1990 750iL witha v12 and low mileage, and a nice 1994 530i or 540i with an automatic. First, I was looking for a BMW with good condition and at a low price but runs great because soo I'm looking to strip the car and rebuild it with some high performance parts. As for my driving needs, I need a car which might have a manual transmission that would react better in a city environment as opposed to an automatic. Don't get me wrong, I can take an automatic as well, but it must shift nicely in stop and go traffic. Also, I need a car which has nice horsepower and get up and go, like a v8 or v12. But, since the car's being used in city driving, I need overall fuel efficiency in a car. Let's look at the 325is. It is stick shift, which I might like since I don't like automatics. But overall, what would be good for city and highway driving, as well as Motorsport driving? Auto or stick? Stick has 5 gears which can be selected rapidly at lower RPMs for increased acceleration where as autos have 4 and are slower at shifting with power reduction. The problem is this car has a inline 6 which might have nice power, but may have struggling against cars with 8s or 12s and it might not catch up to an M3. Also, the car is small and agile, which is great for cornering and grip and reduced weight for faster acceleration, but it is only a small 2 door car. And, it weighs just as much as a 5 series or a 7 series and is only limited to a 6. Next, the 1994 530i. It has a 3.0 V8 which is a peppy, fuel efficient v8, it is a 4 door sedan with a pretty roomy trunk, and is reminiscent of an M5. The downside is it is an automatic, it is a bit heavier than a 3 series which may reduce acceleration, grip, and cornering. Also, I don't know how good a mini-v8 performs it Motorsporting. A 540i stick shift is a M5 knock off, but is very rare, pretty high in price, and are more available in auto than it is in manual. Third car is a 1995 740i. Newer model car, but may cost more in parts and probably spend more in replacement parts than high performance upgrades. Heavier car, bigger car for even more reduced acceleration, grip, and cornering. And its an automatic. Lastly, a 1990 750iL. Again, v12 excellent for high speed, acceleration is no problem for a v12, extremely roomy interior and trunk, but it is an automatic and a v12 will cost astoundingly more than its 740 counterpart and may still need more parts even after repairs. I'm leaning towards the 530i since it has less drawbacks, but should I go for it since 530i stick shifts are rare? Or should I do a tranny swap out and end up with all advantages and no drawbacks? Or should I enjoy it as is?
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Replying to: joyrider147 (May 11, 2007 6:10 pm)  ). A car that's not too small, but good for city driving, stick shift, v8, and can race. That's a lot to ask. I'd forget about the 7-series - I think it's too big to drive in the city. I would think the 3 would suit your needs if you're single or just don't use the back seat much. Otherwise, a 5-er is the way to go. |
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Replying to: joyrider147 (May 11, 2007 6:10 pm) Bimmers= BMW Automobiles 2.I'm leaning towards the 530i since it has less drawbacks, but should I go for it since 530i stick shifts are rare? Read this before you look at any early M60 powered BMWs. 3. Or should I do a tranny swap out and end up with all advantages and no drawbacks? Converting a post-1990 BMW to a manual transmission is often MUCH more trouble than it is worth. It can be done, but it can be a very expensive and time consuming procedure. 4. I would strongly recommend that you attend several high performance driver schools-such as the ones offered by BMW CCA- BEFORE you modify your chosen Bimmer. I say this because 99% of BMW drivers are woefully unable to drive a stock-never mind modified-Bimmer at anywhere near its true potential. 5. If I wanted an inexpensive BMW that can be modified easily and somewhat cheaply, I'd find a nice E36 325i or 328i. There are tons of engine and suspension parts available. |
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Like a lot of people, I have considered a BMW for many years but have yet to buy one. I want my first purchasing experience to be a positive one. I am looking for a family friendly but sporty and upscale car for me. My wife has a van and we have 2 kids under age 3 (ie 2 car seats). My last 3 cars have been non-luxury Japanese cars - Outback wagon and 2 Accords. I am looking for something a little more sporty and have always admired BMWs. I am considering a used 2002 540i 6 MT wi 57000 miles. Its certified used from a dealer for asking price of $24900. What sort of issues should I look for when evaluating such a car? What sort of maintenance and service costs are typical for such a car? The dealer provided a carfax which indicates 2 owners. It also indicated a battery and catalytic converter being replaced in 2004. It was in a minor accident and the front bumper was repainted in 2005. Aside from the particulars of this car, is there anything in general that I should look out for on this kind of car? Is this the BMW to start with?
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Replying to: nowakj66 (Jul 13, 2007 11:11 pm) Things to look for: 1) Oil changes at least every 15,000 miles (using BMW LL-01 certified oil) 2) Brake fluid changed every two calendar years (using DOT 4 brake fluid) 3) Engine coolant changed every three to four calendar years 4) That "Service A" was performed at around the 30,000 mile mark 5) Inquire with the dealer what the cost will be for "Service B" (due in 3,000 miles) Other things to consider: - What kind of tires are on the car? I ask because the OEM summer performance rubber have long since worn out. - The brakes are probably going to be ready for replacement within the next 15,000 miles or so. They are a fairly easy DIY job and oddly enough less expensive to do than the ones on our Minivans (go figure), however, dealerships seem to like to charge top dollar for the job. Check around for pricing (hint: find a good independent BMW shop). - If you live where it snows, you will NEED a set of winter tires. You can either buy a complete set of wheels and rubber from TireRack for a little over $1,000, or you can poke around on the second hand market. Wheels from any E39 (the generation of 5-Series you are looking at) 540i or 530i SP will fit over your brakes. Good luck and keep us posted.  Best Regards, Shipo
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Replying to: shipo (Jul 14, 2007 6:35 am) I hope to see the car in person this afternoon.
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Replying to: nowakj66 (Jul 14, 2007 7:33 am) Best Regards, Shipo |
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Okay all - I test drove the 540i 6MT. Here is the good news - BMW certified warranty on all major systems till 10/2008 - not '07 like I thought -tires are new dunlops - paint looks good - car drove incredibly smoothly - tons of power - very relaxed and smooth but very powerful when you get on it - steering was amazing - driver seat is very comfy with lower leg extender for tall guys - back seat was big enough - next service is an oil change - interior was clean - last driver was non smoker, no kids or pets and serviced it well Now the bad - paint is good but not perfect - headliner had some stains by the drivers door - would need winter tires and rims ($1000) Dealer called to say they would sell for $23400. Thoughts?
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Replying to: nowakj66 (Jul 14, 2007 2:32 pm) Other than that, it sounds like a steal. Best Regards, Shipo
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Replying to: shipo (Jul 14, 2007 7:13 pm) I guess the real issue is do I want to trade a pristine, but relatively sedate, highly reliable 2 year old car plus $5000+ for an expensive to maintain. in good but not perfect condition 6 year old car with a lot of style and cachet? I am starting to think the 540i car might be a little too much for me. That motor under the hood seemed as big as a mini cooper and I am sure it would be expensive to work in that tight space. . . It's just a tough call. . . Just to be clear we are talking about going from a 2005 Accord Hybrid to the 2002 540i 6 MT.
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