First BMW

Hoot · Apr 28, 2006

Hello All!

I just joined the site, and what a fantastic site this is!

Here is the situation. Sadly, the wife has decided it is time for me to get rid of my truck (#2 kiddo on the way, and engine knocking has set in

) and get a "family friendly vehicle". I have always loved BMWs and I am thinking that since she decided to get rid of my truck, well, I should (should being the keyword..lol)get to decide what I get.

The issue I have, is that I know next to nothing about BMWs, except that they look incredibly sexy, drive fantastic (drove my X's Z3 Roadster for a summer), and that I want one! I would like to know more about them, any information that every BMW owner should know, what I should expect out of this vehicle, and also, long term, how does this car age? Any issues? I would love any recommendations, input, dealers (i am willing to look at shipping a car to me),features to look for, models, ect. that anyone can share!

I basically need a "family friendly" car, automatic (wife refuses to learn), 4 door, somewhat gas efficient, semi-sporty, and always, budget friendly (used$8-$18k range). From what small research i have done, looks like the 325 or the 528 seems to be the best fit. The 740 looks fantastic and roomy, but i think that it might be out of our price range (unless i go older models, which i really don't want to). Any recommendations?

Thanks again for having such a great site, and I just can't wait to get my first BMW!

- Nick

selavia · Apr 28, 2006

Hi! First of, Welcome to the board!

I think your choices between a e46 325 and a e39 528 is probably what will be best given your situation. Some things to consider:

BMW automatics, as far as any board will evince, are NOT as durable and long lasting as the manuals, so if you buy a higher mileage automatic, you may be looking at replacing a tranny. Automatics seems to give way 100-200k. I would try and convince the wifus to learn how to drive a manual.

The 325 would be sportier and lighter than the 528. But with two kids, you may like the additional space of the 528. It still is a very sporty car, but the 3 series corners better (IMO). It would be a tough choice for me between those two; I love the style of both. You'd probably get better gas mileage with the 3 just because of weight (but once again, I'm not 100% sure on that one).
Also, if you're used to driving a truck, you may find the 325 to be too small. The e39 feels so nice and comfortable to drive. There's one in my family and absolutely relish getting behind the wheel of it. It's a spacious and very comfortable car. I think it is much more comfortable than the 3 series, but also I'm 6'2" and 250lbs.

Either choice would be great. I hope that helped, not really sure if you're looking for any thing more than advice.

Good Luck & again, WELCOME!

Sean

Hoot · Apr 28, 2006

Hey Sean,

Thanks for the input, nothing better than hearing it from the drivers!

I think the 528 will probably be it, but I think i really need to test drive them both with the wife and kid. (Guess that means i can't go over 100...

) I guess I am also looking to find out what I can expect out of the car? With proper maintenance, how many miles can i expect safely? Any known issues any if of the models? Is the car kid friendly? What accessory options are out there (any sites anyone can recommend?). The tranny thing I don't really like, so, she might not have a choice but to learn!

Also, I guess I might add what the actual uses for this car mainly will be. This car will be 95% mine (atleast until my wife really realizes how nice BMWs are) to drive to work, pick up kids from the sitter after work, then head home, and any other misc errand to run (which hopefully there will be lots!). So, if you were me, what would you do?

Any additional info would be great. The wife and I are going to go look at some vehicles tonight. Might see if i can take some pics!

Thanks,
- Nick

Big Daddy · Apr 28, 2006

Welcome to the board! Either car is a good car and most BMW's if maintained properly will easily make the 200 - 300k mark. Sean is correct about the automatics though, 200k is not likely unless you luck out! My first BMW had 260k on her when I sold the car and last I heard she was puching past the 300k mark! I have owned two Z's, a 733, 750il, a 320 and a 318is. Wonderful cars! As far as kid friendly, not sure what you mean. If you get leather interior it is fairly durable, just treat it occassionaly.

selavia · Apr 29, 2006

Nick,

With #2 on the way, I probably would focus my search to the 528. I had to put a child seat in my 318is (2 door and e36, not e46) once and it was a tobacle. It was not easy. Moreover, if it's going to be a shuttle car, then you're probably going to want more luxury than sport. I mean, like you said, you can't go 100 or take turns too quickly with the kids in the car anyway, so why sacrifice the space and comfort if you cannot enjoy the trade off? I'd really look for a 5 speed, that may be a little hard to find, but it would be well worth the search.
A 528 with a sport package or winter package would be nice. The 528 I've driven has a winter package and the seat warmers are great. The 1997s, from what I hear, have the most problems, but the 528 my parents have is a 1997 and there hasn't been any issue with it, so take that with a grain of salt. If you could find a 1999 with a 5spd in your price range, that would probably be the best.

Anyway, enjoy the hunt!
Sean

Hoot · May 1, 2006

Hey Guys,

Ran into an issue this weekend while looking at cars. What is the difference between the 525, 528, and the 530s? My luck ofcourse, the dealship had several BMW 5-series, and it was a mixed bag and ofcourse, the rep had NO clue what so ever. Can someone fill me in on this?

Thanks,

Nick (aka n00b

)

adrean8j · May 1, 2006

Hoot said:

Ok here goes:

(2000-present)525i: 2.5Liter Inline-Six Cylinder Engine - 184hp 175ft/lbs Torque
(1997-1999)528i: 2.8Liter Inline-Six Cylinder Engine - 192hp 206ft/lbs Torque
(2000-present)530i: 3.0Liter Inline-Six Cylinder Engine - 225hp 214ft/lbs Torque

For more in depth info check here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/JF-Tech/BMW_Designation_faq.htm

I currently have a 523i (stock it is 170hp 181ft/lbs Torque, it is closer to 210hp 205ft/lbs Torque now)

Hoot · May 1, 2006

OK, that helps a ton, especially the link. Last question. Is the only difference the engine size? No body difference? (Not smaller, or less room, or anything else?)

adrean8j · May 1, 2006

Nope the body was virtually exactly the same from 1996-2003. There were minor cosmetic differences with Moldings, headlight cleaners, type of cell phone, radios, park distance control, etc, etc...but the dismensions are the same thru all of those model years. I would personally suggest going with an 525i or 530i (M54 engine vs. the M52tu engine) because of some little gremlins in the 528i that may or may not come to surface (cold start issues with the double VANOS - it handles the timing of the cams to put it in laymans terms). They seemed to have fixed those issues with the 2000-2001 to present models. My car has 153,000km on it and still runs like a champ(but i take it to get fixed as soon as i see anything at all even remotely wrong with it! LOL)

Hoot · May 1, 2006

525/530 it is! Also, I tried finding this online, without much luck, but know the MPG diffence between the 2.5L or the 3.0L engine? Also, what are the performance perks for the 3.0 vs the 2.5?

Thanks,

Nick

adrean8j · May 1, 2006

Hoot said:

Go to edmunds.com and look up the year and model BMW you want to see and it will give you all of the specifications: http://www.edmunds.com/used/2001/bmw/5series/100000543/specs.html

Hoot · May 1, 2006

Going to look at some more cars tonight. One thing i ran across looking online. The cars model is 530i, but on the vin, one says 530iA. Are all of the 530i like that? Or is the A something special?

frolf · May 1, 2006

A just means Automatic

Hoot · May 2, 2006

Just a little update, having a problem finding a 530 that meets the requirements we are looking for (miles, condition, ect) or finding one in the budget. I think it is more due to our location (Wichita) than anything. I also refuse to sit in a dealership for 2-3 hours just talking about price. I am finding multiple cars on ebay that would work great for us. Anyone ever bought a car on ebay?

Thanks,

Nick

selavia · May 2, 2006

3 cars. 2 BMWs. 1 Toyota.

(Almost two years ago) 1997 528iA; $8,500; 80,xxx; never wreck, etc.; was a trade-in.
(Almost three years ago) 1995 318is; $5,000; 101,xxx; never wreck, etc; was a trade-in.

Everytime I/we bought a car from ebay, I had extensive convos over the phone with the seller before going and looking at it. I dealt with new car dealers for both BMWs and both willing put the car up on the lift and let me look at anything, and on the 528 the valve cover gasket was leaking, that was the only problem.
I go to ebay first now. lol. My brother got a good deal there too. I think the key is to talk to the guy and then go inspect it (or have a mechanice inspect it). Also ask on the phone if they have the mantainence books with proper mantainence, if they say no, stay away, no matter how good a deal it is.

Good luck, if you want any other advice with buying a car from ebay let me know, I love researching cars on ebay looking for deals (when I have time).
Sean

Hoot · May 10, 2006

Quick little question. Slightly broad, I apologize, but what maintenance (other than standard oil, tires, ect) should I make sure is done at, lets day the 40k-60k milage range? Are there any biggies that should have been done by then?

Thanks,

Nick

adrean8j · May 10, 2006

Hoot said:

At that range nothing too big at all. Just make sure the scheduled maintenance has been done and annotated and you should be good.

Hoot · May 10, 2006

Anything I should be ready to do down the road when picking up a car at that range? Lets say 100k range?

adrean8j · May 10, 2006

EHH....The shocks and springs will need to be replaced eventually...maybe the bushings also but nothing major should happen....

Hoot · Jun 7, 2006

Hey Guys....
Haven't been able to stop by and post anything, but now I am.

I finally made it down to the ONLY BMW dealership in Wichita and I can tell you I shall never return there. I guess basically because I pull up in my wife's Suzuki XL-7, that means I must not be able to afford a BMW. Right of the bat, the guy was rude, a jerk, and basically wanted proof that I wasn't just waisting his time. Got so bad, I finally had to ask for the Manager, and then showed him my black $15k money order that was going to be my down payment that was never going to be his now.

Left a very bad taste in my mouth about that dealership and BMWs at the time. I know, shouldn't reflect on BMW, but can't help that it did. I almost ended up purchasing a S-Type Jag, but something was wrong with the suspension, so I didn't.

Now, after a week or two with some cool down, I am back to revisting the BMWs. I have a lead on a car through a friend, and I wanted to run it by you guys. (Haven't seen it yet, hopefully will this weekend)

$7500- 1998 528i - 117k - heated seats & steering wheel, leather, Some sort of Metallic Purple Color (any info on the color would be great) - New brakes & Tires, rear driver's window doesn't function (if i remember right, needs a cylinder replaced), and there is a hairline rack in the front. My boss looked at it, and said it was clean and sharp. Good deal? Info? Anything I should be looking to see if needs replacing or should have been replaced?

Thanks,

Hoot

First BMW

2

2

2

Senior Member

2

2

1000 Post Club

2

1000 Post Club

2

1000 Post Club

2

2

2

2

2

1000 Post Club

2

1000 Post Club

2