Considering a 5 series, could use some suggestions.....

[Doyle4281]

Hello all, after barely getting through this horrible winter in my Honda Civic, I have decided that my next daily driver will need to be AWD. Currently, my "toy" is a Z4 M Coupe, so my positive experiences with BMW has lead me to consider a used AWD 5 series (E6x) or 3 series (E9x). In the current market, I don't think you can beat the value of either of these cars, as they trade hands in my area with around 80k miles for $14-15k. My question to those experienced is, which model 5 series would you recommend, what are the "desirables" to look out for, as far interior/exterior changes throughout production, mechanical changes, transmissions, engines, esc? Now, I understand gas mileage is not of primary concern to most enthusiasts, however this will be my highway commuter car for a 65 mile a day round trip. Common sense would assume that the 525xi would be the most fuel efficient, however after some research, the 530xi and 525xi appear to get the same gas mileage. Based on the use of a commuter car, which model/year should I be looking out for? Thanks all

[ss109]

Get an LCI version, post 2008.

[severecaraddict]

First, read this as its super informative:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=731460

Second: People have their own preference as to which model to buy. The LCI (2008-2010) or the pre-LCI (2004-2007). I'm happy with my '04 530i SMG that's quickly approaching 30k. Perhaps I won't be so happy with the hydraulic pump on the SMG fails. LOL The 535s have some notorious HPFP issues that should have been repaired via recall, and several members have experienced turbo failure. The 545s are notorious for oil leaks. I wish I could have afforded 550i 6spd manual; but it wasn't in the cards with low miles.

[Doyle4281]

Thank you for the input guys. I was informed that there was a facelift in 2008, however I did not know it was referred to as the LCI version. After some brief research from an excellent link on this version, it looks that I will be looking for an LCI version if I go with a 5 series over a 3 series. The exterior changes appear subtle, as well as the interior differences, however the more efficiency N53 engine sounds great. My main concern in choosing which model is fuel economy, as they all seem to be similarly equipped from model to model. Basically, my question is 525xi, 528xi, 530xi? Common sense would say 525xi for fuel economy, however the 530xi seems to get the same mpg? Thanks again

[meangreen94z]

2004-2005 was 525/530(M54) and 545(N62)
2006-2007 was 525/530(N52), 550(N62TU), and M5(S85)
2008-2010(LCI= Life cycle impulse) was 528(N52), 535(N54), 550(N62TU), and M5(S85).

2008 and on was a much more reliable car as far as electronics and the transmissions. The 528 will be the most reliable and fuel efficient. The N52 was rated at 215hp(525), 255hp(530), and 235hp(528). In reality the 528 and 530 are probably identical in performance, they dropped the power rating to better differentiate between the base and mid level models(300hp N54).

[Doyle4281]

Great info guys, I have learned a lot in just these few posts. A little off topic, but my other option is a 3 series, which I am very partial to the 2009+ models. Does that 3 series have the same N52 engine as the 5 series. Again, thanks a lot

[meangreen94z]

Yes. 2006 both engines were N52(325/330). 2007-2010 was N52(328) and N54(335). 2011 E90 was N52(328) and N55(335). 2011-2013 E92/93 was N52(328) N55(335) , AND N54(335is)

[Kyle B]

This may sound like it's coming from left field; if I were you and already had an MZ4, but needed an AWD car to rely on for a daily driver/snow car, I'd head straight into a Subaru. When it comes to daily drivers, reliability is king and you aren't going to get reliability like you may be used to (Honda) out of a used E90 or E60. They're great cars, but be prepared to be fixing things on a regular basis.

[Driftin E46]

Before you buy the car, I would do a quick check on the obc for mpg on your test drive. I bought a e61 and getting 16mpg mixed hwy city,if i'm nice to it. It's really annoying the hell out of me.

[beshannon]

First, read this as its super informative:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=731460



Thanks, this answered a lot of my questions that I had asked in my thread.

[Doyle4281]

This may sound like it's coming from left field; if I were you and already had an MZ4, but needed an AWD car to rely on for a daily driver/snow car, I'd head straight into a Subaru. When it comes to daily drivers, reliability is king and you aren't going to get reliability like you may be used to (Honda) out of a used E90 or E60. They're great cars, but be prepared to be fixing things on a regular basis.

I had thought about getting in to something more practical, such as an Imprezza, another Civic, perhaps even a nearly new Hyundai. However, being that the Z4M is a weekend car, I would be in my "daily driver" most of the time, where the luxuries of the BMW would be felt the most. Initially, my mindset was to get another fuel efficient car that would get me around, regardless of the luxury or style. MPG ratings seemed to dictate which cars I was looking at regardless of what I was actually interested in. This mindset turned me away from most of the European luxury cars, as they generally are not as fuel efficient as Japanese economy cars getting 35+ mpg highway. After doing some annual fuel cost calculations, I started wondering why I am basing my decision on a relatively insignificant cost difference. Assume my annual mileage is 12,500 miles, my fuel cost is $3.50 gallon (NJ), my Corolla gets 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway, and in my case 95% of my driving is highway. My annual fuel cost would about $1300. Now, consider a luxury car like the BMW 530xi. Assume the same commute, but 18 city/28 highway, $3.75 a gallon, and the annual fuel cost is $1675. A $31 a month difference in fuel cost, to me, this is not enough savings to sacrifice the luxury and styling. This is only fuel efficiency factor of the car, and as you mentioned the reliability and repair costs are another factor that is harder to calculate. What type of problems are you guys running into with these cars, anything serious?

[HeatherEklund]

Wow lots of great info guys! I have a similar question for you all.. Send advice please. I currently have an 04 745i, I love driving this car!! This car made me a fan of BMW! Sadly my car is dying( presumed purchased with masked engine damage) and I need a new car but have been steered away from the 7. I recently saw a very nice looking 2010 5 series. My biggest question is...Will I be happy with a 5 after falling for the size and power of my beautiful 745?

[beshannon]

Will I be happy with a 5 after falling for the size and power of my beautiful 745?

I do not know how anyone can tell you what you will be happy with.