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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 11 of 41

#96 of 399 1998 BMW 528I by gerrysb

Sep 29, 2007 (10:29 am)

We're looking at purchasing a '98 528I with about 58K miles on it from the original owner. It's in almost excellent condition other than a major scuff on the lower fender. Always serviced at the dealer, no accidents, etc. with a clean carfax record. We're also looking at a '98 Volvo S90 also low mileage, 50K miles, excellent conditon. Does anyone know of any major issues on the 528I or the volvo. We just sold a '95 530I with 160K mi. We loved it. We're leaning toward the BMW but would like some input.

#97 of 399 Which is more important, age or mileage? by bucca4us

Nov 16, 2007 (11:08 am)

Hello,
  
I'm looking at older BMWs for sale. Which is the better option... an older car with less miles or a newer car with more.
  
'94 BMW 525i w/ 102,000 miles. $3900 Blue Book $6,045
  
   or
  
'98 BMW 528i w/ 175,000 miles. $4795 Blue Book $7925
  
Both vehicles are in very good condtion. Assuming I'm have no personal preference to either, which makes more sense from a financial and reliability standpoint? Which would be more inclined to need repairs in the near future?
  
Thanks,
Stephen

#98 of 399 Re: Which is more important, age or mileage? [bucca4us] by roadburner

Nov 16, 2007 (8:29 pm)

Replying to: bucca4us (Nov 16, 2007 11:08 am)
Assuming I'm have no personal preference to either, which makes more sense from a financial and reliability standpoint? Which would be more inclined to need repairs in the near future?
 
I'd lean toward the E39 528i, only because I think it's one of the finest large cars BMW has ever built. That said, I'd say to decide which one YOU prefer and then have it inspected by a good BMW tech. Once you know what may need repair you can make a much more informed decision.

#99 of 399 Lease trading and buying used by smithsonga

Nov 17, 2007 (5:37 pm)

Has anyone had success with LeaseTrader or the online lease companies like Fleetrates or LuxuryMotors etc?
 
Also, I had a used car salesman recommend a long term (like 7 year) on a used 5 series...and said in 3 years, you can trade in for a newer used car again and have equity built up. Do you really think using a 7 year loan, you would have equity after 3 years of payments? and not upside down? for example, I can get a 2007 550i for about 50k with 10k miles....how much value would it drop in 3 years, 30k more miles?

#100 of 399 Re: Which is more important, age or mileage? [roadburner] by beemerplt

Nov 18, 2007 (8:40 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Nov 16, 2007 8:29 pm)
I have to agree w/Roadburner, the e34's are very nice but BMW consistently evolves. So the e39 is a logical choice. I just totaled my 94 540 and am still looking for the right e39 to replace it. Don't worry about mileage to a degree, focus on maintenance. All BMW's are good for at least 200,000 miles when maintained.

#101 of 399 Re: Which is more important, age or mileage? [bucca4us] by coop9

Nov 29, 2007 (12:46 pm)

Replying to: bucca4us (Nov 16, 2007 11:08 am)
Mileage is definitely more important. I bought a 1997 528 last year that had 162,000 miles on it and since lst year, I have had to have the heads rebuilt (4000.00) replace the catalytic converter (1900.00) plus and about 2500.00 of other misc things. Before I bought the car, I had a pre-purchase inpection done at an import place and it checked out fine but, the next time I would take it to a BMW dealer for that inspection because, they know their cars best.
 
I do love to drive it because no other car can handle the road like a BMW and the brakes are off the hook. I also have a mercedes and between the two cars and putting premium gas in both, I may trade the BMW for something with lower maintenance cost. Having two high maintenance cars is not fun.

#102 of 399 2004 530i CPO or 2005 530i by pstse

Dec 30, 2007 (10:37 pm)

Hi,
I am looking at these two cars. Here're the stats
2004 530i CPO warrenty til' Sept 2010. It has 36K miles asking for 30K.
2005 530i warrenty til' Nov 2008. Not a CPO. It only has 20K miles asking for 32K.
 
Assume both cars have the same spec, what would you pick? Since ext warrenty last til Sept 2010, would I be better off picking up the 2004 CPO? Or go with the low mileages newer car (actually, I believe the 05 is only 2 month *newer* than the 04) since it has less wear and tear...
 
Thoughts?
P

#103 of 399 Re: 2004 530i CPO or 2005 530i [pstse] by 530ir1150r

Dec 31, 2007 (7:24 am)

Replying to: pstse (Dec 30, 2007 10:37 pm)
If everything else is equal, it is probably worth $2000 to get 16,000 miles. Other things to consider though are:
 
Check maintenance records on both cars; any BMW dealer should be able to access this information with the VIN #s;
 
Find out if either car or both were leased; probably both;
 
If both cars were leased and only maintained to "free" services; the CPO car makes more sense the closer you will be to 100,000 miles when the CPO warranty expires.
 
Chances are either car will be fine.

#104 of 399 Re: 2004 530i CPO or 2005 530i [530ir1150r] by pstse

Dec 31, 2007 (10:03 am)

Replying to: 530ir1150r (Dec 31, 2007 7:24 am)
Hi 530ir1150r,
Thanks for your input. Yes, both are lease returns. As to svc record, I tried checking with local dealer and they refuse to reveal the recording citing privacy issue (Sign!)
 
Do you have any ballpark figure on how much $$ should set aside annually on wear/pair for these types of cars?
 
TIA
P

#105 of 399 Re: 2004 530i CPO or 2005 530i [pstse] by 530ir1150r

Jan 01, 2008 (11:56 am)

Replying to: pstse (Dec 31, 2007 10:03 am)
Their refusal to reveal maintenance history tells me their is little if any history to reveal.
 
My personal experience with my 2002 530i SP, 5 speed and Premium Package is:
 
2002; $ 117.59
2003; $ 43.38
2004; $1819.35 (new tires and wheel repair)
2005: $1744.21 (new tires)
2006; $1609.38 (preventive radiator replacement)
2007: $3185.51 (brake problem, snow tires and wheels).
 
I think you can expect $1500-$2000 per year. Automatics probably will be more expensive over time. Also, remember that extended warranties and maintenance plans would only have saved me $1400, not counting deductibles.
 
I just had my oil changed at 105k and the dealer advises the belts need changed ($250) and the front brakes and rotors need replaced soon ($650).

Messages Page 11 of 41

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