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Sedans BMW 5-Series 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
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Replying to: nowakj66 (Jul 15, 2007 7:31 am) Another option to consider would be a 2002 or 2003 530i 5-Speed. It'll still give you lots of performance (especially compared to the Accord), considerably better mileage than the 540i and generally lower maintenance costs. On my 530i 5-Speed (a 2002 with the Sport Package, Premium Package, Premium Audio and Xenon headlights) I was able to consistently get just over 30 mpg at speeds between 70 and 75, and about 23 in combined driving. There are a couple of other advantages that the 530i has over that generation of the 540i 6-Speed. - The 530i has even more responsive steering (Rack & Pinion) than the already good steering of the 540i (Recirculating Ball) - The 530i SP has the same size tires front and back which allows for tire rotations (which will extend the life of the tires) as opposed to the staggered setup of the 540i 6-Speed. - The 5-Speed 530i SP is generally more plentiful when compared to the 540i 6-Speed (which includes the SP suspension setup), so you should be more easily able to find the color and option combination that suites you. As for deciding between your Accord and the 5er, well, I'm biased to say the least so I'm probably a very bad person to ask for an opinion.  FWIW, I am not a fan of Hybrids for many reasons so of course I'd suggest you go for a 5er.  Best Regards, Shipo
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trading to a 5 series, wagon. 530XiT. my choice is easy, it is too expensive, so I am staying put until i can afford one. |
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Replying to: shipo (Jul 15, 2007 8:15 am) What *is* the best way to score a certified 5 series with one owner? Is there any any chance an '02 or '03 will come this way? Most one owner 5 series seem to be leases. SO am I too late for a one owner '03 (ie they have all come off lease already?) Is '04 more likely? If I see a car from a private seller or car max, is there any way to get the car certified at a BMW dealer for the extended warranty? Again, thanks in advance for the tips.
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Replying to: nowakj66 (Jul 16, 2007 4:51 pm) Keep us posted. Best Regards, Shipo |
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Replying to: nowakj66 (Jul 16, 2007 4:51 pm) Two other things; avoid lease cars, they have not been maintained any better than the schedule of "free" service, and you do not need certified cars or definitely you do not need to purchase extended warranties or maintenance plans. I have a 2002 530i SP 5 speed with 93000 miles. My costs that would have been covered by either extended plans are $1402. My understanding of extended warranties and maintenance plans are they will cost approximately $3500. CPO costs are as negotiable as the car, it is in the price, but you will pay between $1000 and $1500 more for a CPO. A BMW Dealer will not lose money with a CPO package, but they may break even since you will likely come back to the dealer for service, covered and non covered. Extended plans have profit and commission included. If they cost $3500, there is probably $1750 of profit and commission. That leaves $1750 of coverage; CPOs cost $1500 more and my costs have been $1402 and I am passed the last scheduled service. That should give you a good idea of what an average BMW will cost to maintain by the schedule. Also, keep in mind that with tires my total cost of service and maintenance is $7173. I roughly follow the service schedule recommended by Mike Miller, BMWCCA tech editor, and have also bought a replacement wheel and had a bent wheel repaired. I hope this helps your decision process. I highly recommend a 530i.
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Replying to: 530ir1150r (Jul 17, 2007 5:20 am) I can see the $1402 in service costs but how did it get to $7373 with tires?
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Replying to: nowakj66 (Jul 18, 2007 6:52 am) Recurring, mostly tires; $3019.07. Damage, wheel repair and replacement wheel; $621.00 Unscheduled, Mostly preventive radiator replacement and brake and master cylinder issues; $1393.06. Annual costs the last 4 years including 2007 so far has run $1500 to $1800. The $1402 is what an extended warranty, maintenance plan or CPO would have covered and is in the $7173.
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Replying to: 530ir1150r (Jul 19, 2007 1:51 pm) Thanks.
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Replying to: cmr530i (Jul 19, 2007 2:28 pm)
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Replying to: 530ir1150r (Jul 20, 2007 1:20 pm) The radiator in my wife's 1997 528i was replaced at  8 years and 125K miles, it cracked when it was removed in order to replace the water pump. Who knows how long it would have lasted if it had been left alone? FWIW, the radiator in my Club Sport is still going strong at 12 years and 110K miles.
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