5 Series

[joy]

I am planning on purchasing a 5 series in the next few weeks.
Does anyone have any suggestions as far as what model I should get with or without the sport package?
Also, is it better to get a pre-owned 540 or a new 525 or 530?

[DuaneD]

I to am looking to buy a 5 Series in the next few weeks or months. I am new to BMWs and am trying to learn what will be best for me. A recent post suggested the 540 is the best of the 5 series. However a local mechanic said to avoid the V-8, as they are much more expensive to fix and/or maintain. Is this true?

[csieminski]

The 540i has always been one of my favorite cars, and personally I'd rather get a pre-owned 540i (especially a 6-speed) than a new 525 or 530. I know there were a lot of problems with the 4.0L V8 when it was introduced in the 740 in 1993 and 540 in 1994, mostly in the southeastern US regarding the Nikasil in the cylinder walls (I think that was the problem). Most of those engines were rebuilt. In 1996 BMW replaced the 4.0 with a 4.4L V8, and the issues were mostly cleared up. If you're concered about reliability though, get a 6-cylinder (i.e. 525i, 530i, or pre-owned 528i). There's really no NEED (besides an emotional one) for the V8. Just look how many 528's there are versus 540's. Here in central Maryland, the ratio is probably 10:1. Yes, exclusivity IS another reason to get the 540i!

[brigun]

I would stick to the 2.8 engine sometimes I whine about it but for the most part as a mechanic I like it.Reason's why are ease of maintenance
and reliability,inline 6 has a good rep,at 192 HP it's a little,and I mean little weak but that doable with performace upgrades.Bear in mind the economy for the 2.8 is 30MPG average with sport mode on tiptronic and some skill's you can enjoy the powerplant on your favorite back road.I think the at must be great but I've read a lot of negative post's about it.I will in my garage jerk the engine at 90K at haul it through the window of my dealer if i had to got through that cylinder nonsense...

[brigun]

I read my post about the 2.8 (slant)6 vs the 4.0 4.4 engines.Now I don't have intimate knowledge of the 540 but you do sometimes as a 528 pilot see 540 pass by and wish it was you but,I still hold firm to the 2.8 inline it's a proven powerplant.I just did some tune-up on mine and It's a really nice engine to work on, and the performance upgrades are out there.It's hard to say, I bought a BMW because as a Jet Mechanic I'm picky and I wanted a german auto and I found the 528,I look at anything mechanical and compare it to the 30 million dollar jet's I work on and after doing my maintenence routine saturday, you'll be pleased just to own a BMW let alone having to decide on which engine to get.I had to change a tire (it had a screw in it),they even put a lot of thought into the jack and spare setup,I have to say I was impressed.That's my point.....
the Americian manu's ain't gettin' it,I doubt they ever will......

[ctoro]

I was also on the market for a used 540 Auto. or 6 SPD, did not matter. Then I saw a nice looking Blue/Gray 528 5 SPD and was impressed with the performance. After driving numerous Auto. 528s I thought I had to have the V8, but this 6Cyl. 5Spd changed my mind almost instantly. I got in it and gunned it (as I usually do on test drives) and the six banger climbed to 80 MPH in a jiffy, the automatic transmission does not do the 528 justice. Do yourself a service and test drive a 5Spd./528 and see if that 8 Cyl. is really needed (15 MPG City). Just one thing, you have to go with the Sport Package, it looks so much better and it has the stance of the 540.

[jeri]

Originally Posted by DuaneD

I to am looking to buy a 5 Series in the next few weeks or months. I am new to BMWs and am trying to learn what will be best for me. A recent post suggested the 540 is the best of the 5 series. However a local mechanic said to avoid the V-8, as they are much more expensive to fix and/or maintain. Is this true?

Depends on whether you are buying a manual or automatic. I wouldn't own a automatic with a V-6, only V-8. Also, if you're planning on buying a BMW then you had better get use to ALL maintinance being expensive!

[brigun]

Originally Posted by jeri

Depends on whether you are buying a manual or automatic. I wouldn't own a automatic with a V-6, only V-8. Also, if you're planning on buying a BMW then you had better get use to ALL maintinance being expensive!

That why I invested in reset tool,manual's, etc,because they quote
here in jersey $90 just for oil change.It motivate's me to go over
to part's department and get 7 qts of oil,and a 6 dollar filter and do it myself.By the way my wife took my car in to dealer and that $90 buck's
grew to $400,needless to say she was NOT impressed with BMW.If your
mildly handy you can find cheap part's online and the DIY section in
BMW tips and trick's are a valueable asset AND you get to learn more
about the car.

[C_Dogg]

Originally Posted by joy

I am planning on purchasing a 5 series in the next few weeks.
Does anyone have any suggestions as far as what model I should get with or without the sport package?
Also, is it better to get a pre-owned 540 or a new 525 or 530?

Well Joy, I'm in the same boat, looking for a 5 series used (2002 or there about) I'm not even looking at a 540 just because of the additional cost of maintenance. I currently own a 330 and love it. It has more than enough power, even with a step trans. With a stick it would be awsome. As for the sport package, I personally would pass. I have it now, and the seats are a supreme pain in the a$$! The bolsters show wear easily, and you have to learn how to get in and out without getting a bolster in the back!!! The ride is a bit harder due to the suspension, but it does reward you with excellent handling, (if that is important to you). So... my choice would be a 530 manual trans without a sport pack. But I would opt for the rest of the goodies!
Good hunting.