mirousse

Winter is realy winter up here in Canada. No one with a healty mind would drive a 928 on salty-dirty-icy roads during the December-March period...April at best.

This being said, my 928 MISSES ME A LOT! and I need something fancier than my current Toyota Yaris (although it's a perfect commuter!) Thus I'm considering a BMW 530i 2000-2003 as a backup car for the summer and when the 928 is stored during winter time.

Does anybody have any experience on this BMW 5 model? I'm moslty looking for mechanical issues or critical things to look at when shopping. I don't really care about the repair shop costs since I take care of it all myself.

Thanks.

Michel
1989 928 S4 ROW
Diamond Blue Metallic
Burgundy interior
Montreal, Canada

Mongo

I know many owners that have had nothing but praise for E39s. E34s are great also and it depends on how old or new you want to go. I picked up a winter car also recently as my 928 was collecting rain under a car cover

utjmac

I had a 2004 530i for a bit and LOVED IT. The only thing I didn't like was the parts and maintenance costs. Anything goes wrong and it's $$$ and almost all dealership only if you get near the computer.

The only experience I have with the prior body style had been shoddy reliability, but that was with a 540 that was driver HARD.

If you get one, make sure you get the sport package on it, that's one thing that makes them fun and handle like the feel of a much smaller car.

Harvey Yancey

I have a 2005 530i and love it ... awesome car.

Richter12x2

I have a 2002 e39 540i, and the only big issues I've noticed are the pixels on the radio display - the dash pixels go out too, apparently, but this one was replaced recently. I solved it by upgrading to navigation, but that was pretty expensive as well. The biggest complaint is that the way the dash is cut, you won't fit an aftermarket radio or navigation into it without major modifications.

After that, it's a lot of fun with the traction control off. Note that it is RWD, so the traction control will keep things from going crazy in the snow and ice, but it won't help you get where you're going too much better. When we had snow and ice here on Christmas, I would lightly apply the throttle and just watch the orange light blink for a while before the car finally started to go. If I was looking for a real winter car in a place with real winters, I'd probably try to find a 3 series IX.

And yes, the radiators are supposed to be prone to going out.

Also, cupholders.

curt_928

Michel is that a pic of the Willsboro Bay marina?

Z928328

BMW owner over here too. I drive an E36 328i sedan. It's a good & reliable vehicle.

Z

Ispeed

'95 540i/6 here, great car and would recommend. I can't vouch for the e39, but have heard good things.

Richter12x2

Pretty sure the change was '97 or '98.

erljive

They gotta be better than an Audi! I got rid of my 03 A4 Quattro last spring because halfway thru the winter it was in the shop every week. At 70,000 mi. it fell apart. Dealer treated my credit card like a drunken sailor. Worst car & experience I've had. Replaced it with a Cadillac DTS and never regretted one minute of that. I looked at a few BMW's and love the 5 series, but as a 3rd car it was too much money and have heard lots of service complaints from friends about the dealer. You can really rack the miles up on them without much trouble, so I'm told but when they break it's expensive.

mirousse

It's at Lighthouse point, Rouses Point, NY. A 1/2 hour drive to Willsboro or a full day sailing! You're a pretty good observer!

smudaaar

I had a 2003 530I....some of the big things to look for....make sure the digital display is working 100%, check ball joints, the trans is sealed so no worrys and the engine is built like a tank. Look for a lower mile car and you will be happy!

mirousse

Thank you all for your inputs... I greatly appreciate it.

Michel.

underdog928

My daily is a 2005 530i and I love it! 100,000 miles and no problems. My wife's 325i has 170,000 and looks and runs like it's brand new.

If you are going to do your own maintenance work, they are easier to work on than the 928 (of course most cars are). Also, the parts are much cheaper than the 928.

I buy most of my stuff from Bavarian Auto (www.bavauto.com).

Also there is a pretty active online community at www.bimmerfest.com/forums/.