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How does the E39 BMW 5 series do in the winter/snow?

17 messages,  Last post on Jan 30, 2008 at 8:10 PM

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#10 of 17 Re: How does the E39 BMW 5 series do in the winter/snow? [stephenabelson] by 530ir1150r Jan 27, 2008 (5:30 pm)
Replying to: stephenabelson (Jan 27, 2008 12:43 pm) Maintenance the last 2 years has been $1500-$2000 a year. I put on at least 25k miles a year. The car has never been in the shop and has over 108k miles. Three or four oil changes ($300), a set of tires ($700) and $500-$1000 for everything else. Maybe a better way to estimate yearly maintenance expenses for an unknown E39 is 10 cents per mile. Replies to this message: stephenabelson (Jan 27, 2008 5:42 pm) 530ir1150r (Jan 28, 2008 8:27 am) roadburner (Jan 28, 2008 10:25 am)
#11 of 17 Re: How does the E39 BMW 5 series do in the winter/snow? [530ir1150r] by stephenabelson Jan 27, 2008 (5:42 pm)
Replying to: 530ir1150r (Jan 27, 2008 5:30 pm) okay, that makes sense. when you say 500-1000 for everything else, what are you referring to specifically? how long do you plan on keeping your bmw? have you owned other bmw's prior to this one? Replies to this message: 530ir1150r (Jan 28, 2008 8:27 am) roadburner (Jan 28, 2008 10:25 am)
#12 of 17 Re: How does the E39 BMW 5 series do in the winter/snow? [stephenabelson] by 530ir1150r Jan 28, 2008 (8:27 am)
Replying to: stephenabelson (Jan 27, 2008 5:42 pm) Since I do not like anything BMW makes today, maybe quite awhile, at least 5 more years. I change oil every 7500 miles, brake fluid every other year, power steering fluid every 3 years and coolant every 4 years. Transmission and differential fluids were changed this year as well as buying snow tires and a set of wheels for the snow tires. I think everything else is by BMW's schedule. My main point initially was that maintenance costs need to be factored into buying any used car, and maybe more so with BMWs since so many are initially leased.
#13 of 17 Re: How does the E39 BMW 5 series do in the winter/snow? [stephenabelson] by roadburner Jan 28, 2008 (10:25 am)
Replying to: stephenabelson (Jan 27, 2008 5:42 pm) 530ir said it all. I've owned and wrenched on BMWs since 1983(eight in all, I currently have two). Find a good independent shop and/or a dealer that offers BMW Club discounts and you'll find maintenance costs aren't all that bad(my dealer only charged $200 to change the ATF and transfer case oil on my wife's X3). Costs will be even less if you are willing to do the really simple work yourself, such as oil changes. For what it's worth, I have a Mazdaspeed3 that I use as my commuter sled. Just as I do with my BMWs, I follow Mazda's service requirements to the letter. It turns out that it's little -if any- cheaper to run than my E36 3 Series...
#14 of 17 Re: How does the E39 BMW 5 series do in the winter/snow? [530ir1150r] by stephenabelson Jan 30, 2008 (1:14 pm)
Replying to: 530ir1150r (Jan 27, 2008 10:19 am) what is the difference (or is there any) between snow tires and all weather tires? which is better in a wintery place? can you use the tire all year round? Replies to this message: roadburner (Jan 30, 2008 4:31 pm)
#15 of 17 Re: How does the E39 BMW 5 series do in the winter/snow? [stephenabelson] by roadburner Jan 30, 2008 (4:31 pm)
Replying to: stephenabelson (Jan 30, 2008 1:14 pm) what is the difference (or is there any) between snow tires and all weather tires?   Winter tires carry a Severe Service emblem- AKA the "Snowflake on the Mountain" symbol. Unlike all-season tires, winter tires are designed to maximize grip in icy and snowy conditions- at the expense of warm weather performance and sustained high speed capability. All-seasons -with very few exceptions- trade ultimate winter ability for decent summer performance.   which is better in a wintery place?   Winter tires, without question.   can you use the tire all year round?   In most cases, no. However, Nokian offers two all-season passenger car tires which carry the severe service emblem- the WR and the WRG2. I would still prefer to have a set of winter and summer tires, but the WR and WRG2 are reasonable alternatives.
#16 of 17 540i with winter tire is awesome in snow by jamesg Jan 30, 2008 (6:03 pm)
i don't have any traction issues with my 540 with dunlop winter sports tires in upstate NY, and we use it for skiing. clearance is the only challenge on side streets before the plow shows up. snow traction with the summer tires is another story...and not recommended.
#17 of 17 snow tires... absolutely if you are in snow country by ricksvolvo Jan 30, 2008 (8:10 pm)
I have a 2002 540, bought via ebay out of wisconsin this summer. I live in Alberta where today the temp is -33 degrees c. Lots of snow and icy road conditions. This winter I put on Hakkepelitta snow tires which run 1100.00 up here. This car handles all snow conditions well with these tires.The DSC controls the rear end, braking and steering are well managed.  My 1994 530 had Goodyear Ultra grip Ice tires, and did well with those. When I tried all season tires it acted like a curling rock. Overall operating costs for the 94 530 were about 15 cents per km, I would budget the same for the new car. I have Michelin x Ice on my volvo, so i am a winter tire fan. Recommend it for any vehicle in snow/ice country As for maintenance costs on a BMW... it is a bmw and the driving experience is very different from most other vehicles. Drive what you like and think you can afford.

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