The official "Buying a 5er" thread

[cedanford]

I am expecting delivery of a new 2006 530i in mid April. There are several dealer packages they have offered and I am looking for some feedback as to whether they make since based on the cost and value added.

1. Wheel/tire warranty, 3 years= $735, 5= $829; covers performance run flats and aluminum wheel damage. Sounds like a must!
2. Signature finish- covers interior/exterior, Kevlar coating; protects seats, oxidation, bird poop, discoloration, etc. 5 year protection= $491
3. Door ding protection, repains dings and dents on vertical panels. $300
4. 6 year, 100,000 mile maintenance upgrade, stay with car if you sell = $2000
5. Window tint (metallic) $200

The tint is a must, but based on some postings there are specific films that are recommended.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

[sdorange]

Hi all,

Newbie here who would like to read all of the "Buying a 5er" threads, but can't seem to get there clicking on the links in Olek's post.

I've tried different browsers, but can't seem to figure it out. Any suggestions?

Thanks & best regards,
-- Scott

[Gunslinger]

FYI

None of the "e39" links work.
None of the "e39 528i " links work.
Only the last 4 "e39 540i" links work.

Also, my wife appreciates your efforts to frustrate my getting another car.

[525iT_Feen]

I've been updating and checking them regularly.
This is a new occurrence, and I am not sure what causes it.

Maybe a mod can chime in and explain what is going on, or, if the thread isn't serving a purpose anymore, just delete it.

-sdorange, sorry about the URL issues, I will see what I can do to fix the problem later, however this has happened before and I wasn't capable of retrieving the links...

-Gunslinger, if this thread caused you that much stress and frustration, then I don't know what to tell you. It was meant to try and help people researching potential 5er purchases by compiling a database of old thread in order to slow down the amount of new threads being made about the same topic each day. It isn't working, and hopefully will be fixed. Nevertheless, this is THE INTERNET, and there are plenty of other sources to go find information on.

You could always just make a thread. Many people still use that feature.

[e12Euro]

Could be just a temporary problem. I have noticed that sometimes links don't work one day, and the next they work just fine.

[Gunslinger]

Actually, my guess it that it happened after the server maintenance done 3/27. I just happened to notice these sections because I went to the thread for some advance research since I may be buying an e39.

[yosarian]

Would it be possible for someone to list the design generation and years they occurred?
I am potentially in the market for a 1996 - 2000 (I think)528i wagon and I have no idea which design it would fall under.

[yosarian]

according to this page:
http://www.bmwccbc.org/resources/resources.html

the E39 covers 1997- to present and is the 4th generation 5 series

[e12Euro]

Just for quick reference (model dates for 5 series Europe, sometimes a year lag for US).

e12 1972-81
e28 1981-87
e34 1988-95
e39 1996-2002
e60 2003-???

[eric77]

Thanks for all the links.


FYI, to make the links work, just type (or copy paste) http://bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t= into a browser window then enter the last 6 digits from the links.

[cleoent]

525 some of the links no longer work... specifically the first few in the e39 540 section.

[Jon528i]

The links for the 528 aren't working for me.
I'm looking at purchasing a '99 528i with 160,000 miles on it. It looks, runs and drives like it has 20K on it. It has been maintained extremely well and has had only syth oil since it was new. Should I be scared of the mileage for $10,000? Any insight?

[Ianbiz]

yea linky no worky i need some info on the 528

[arktissilberM3]

525 all the way!

[525iT_Feen]

This thread should be unparked.
I can't revive it anymore since the links to these threads are gone.
Sorry guys...it worked for a while.

[Gunslinger]

This thread should be unparked.
I can't revive it anymore since the links to these threads are gone.
Sorry guys...it worked for a while.

No, it's cool, we appreciate your efforts - I think the server migration did it in.

[525iT_Feen]

No, it's cool, we appreciate your efforts - I think the server migration did it in.

Thanks, yea I agree, many of those threads were ancient. It was only a matter of time.

[joecoolinatl]

so im thinking of making the jump from e30 to e34, found a 95 540i yesterday, test drove it today.
i like it alotttttt
granted it was an auto, but for the price i could live with that, its for sale for 5900,
its black/tan. needs a few small things, like the front driverside foglight is out, the hoodshocks need to be replaced, the back pass side door needs a new ashtray but i dont smoke anyway so who cares right
it has 187K miles.

anything particular for a 540i i should be looking for or looking at more closely?
thanks
joe

[SleepRM3]

This method works!

I see why most of the links have been disabled. Most are junk, except for

http://bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=266279

The last four links which work have some value.

FYI, to make the links work, just type (or copy paste) http://bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t= into a browser window then enter the last 6 digits from the links.

[525iT_Feen]

This thread should have been unparked and allowed to die a long time ago...

It worked for a while though.

[mwadib]

Need advice on buying 528i with 80000 miles on it (around $15K). Car has had 2 owners and current owner has limited maintenance records available. I love the car but am used to Subarus that need virtually no maintenance.

Are these cars bullet proof - or can one expect to pay high maintenance costs on a yearly basis? Have read some posters with no problems and others with many problems.

Any advice is welcomed as I am making final decision soon (posted 8/28/05).

[vnv01]

Need advice on buying 528i with 80000 miles on it (around $15K). Car has had 2 owners and current owner has limited maintenance records available. I love the car but am used to Subarus that need virtually no maintenance.

Are these cars bullet proof - or can one expect to pay high maintenance costs on a yearly basis? Have read some posters with no problems and others with many problems.

Any advice is welcomed as I am making final decision soon (posted 8/28/05).

I'd like similar info on the early e28's.. I'm looking at an 82 528e and have no linkable resources on modifications, upkeep, and buying advice..

Please revive some of the old e28 links please!

[kris1]

hi all,

i just purchased a 2000 bmw 528i. it has 65000 miles. the rome keyless entry is not working. the LED on the remote is working. so the battery is fine. Is there a deactivate/activate switch which needs to be turned off/on in the car's reciever? or do i have to reprogram the remote key. ? i dont want to take it to a dealer. any help on this will be great.

THanks

[navdhanju]

Url not found on the 530 vs the RL

[jnusser]

The E39 Links all pop up w/ 404 errors

Do they need to be updated?