530 advice needed

[HuliganRS]

Gentlemen,

I'm looking into upgrading my 1999 Nissan Maxima to a 2001/2002 530.

I was wondering what packages were offered, which package offers Navigation and Zenon lights.

Which one is the better year to get?

Any help would be appreciated...

Thanks,

Rusty.

[4-Door Flunky]

Hi, Rusty, and welcome!
My knowledge and wallet is limited to the 5-series from the eighties, so I can't really help you.
What I can tell you is that once you've got a BMW you'll find out there's incredible support from the BMW Car Club of America, tons of driving events, including driving schools and vintage and autocross racing, as well as the fun of just driving your car to work every day!
I hope you find one you'll want to keep a long time.
Flunky

[1997528iv6190hp]

Hi,
you're looking to purchase a used/previously owned BMW. You do not have a choice as to which package to put on what car; all you can hope for is to find the one with the right accessories that you want and hope that the car wasn't driven too hard. What you should look for also is that the car was properly maintained, check service book. You can alway upgrade a little at a time; cold air intake, lowering springs and sports shocks, etc. I just changed the standard headlight bulbs to Philips silvervision for $39.00 vice $1500.00+ installation for xenon kit. They look great and provide superior lightning over standard halogen bulbs.

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by 1997528iv6190hp

Hi,
you're looking to purchase a used/previously owned BMW. You do not have a choice as to which package to put on what car; all you can hope for is to find the one with the right accessories that you want and hope that the car wasn't driven too hard. What you should look for also is that the car was properly maintained, check service book. You can alway upgrade a little at a time; cold air intake, lowering springs and sports shocks, etc. I just changed the standard headlight bulbs to Philips silvervision for $39.00 vice $1500.00+ installation for xenon kit. They look great and provide superior lightning over standard halogen bulbs.

Hi Rusty:

A couple of weeks ago, I too was looking to purchase a 02 or 03 BMW 530i. They are very nice cars, when I was looking to buy a pre owned 530i, I was looking for the following options:

a) Sport Package
b) Premium Package
c) Xenon headlights
d) Automatic Transmission

aa) BMW Certified 6 yr. 100,000 miles warranty

bb) Exterior Color: Titanium Silver or Gray.

After four weeks of searching all the BMW dealerships here in the Atlanta, GA area, I finally found the right year I wanted (2003), but it was the 525i., and it had 22,000 miles, but looked great like new, in fact in showroom condition, looked perfect, but when I test drove it, it seemed ok, but was lacking that BMW feel of power and handling I had heard about the BMW's having.

So I made the mistake and test drove the new 2004 530i, and all I can say is: WOW. I said "mistake" in the last sentence because there went my desire for the 2003 530i out the window. So I went to my bank, got my finances together and I did purchased the new 2004 for $8000.00 more that the preowned 03 for $42,0000.

Before I finalized the deal on the purchase of the new 2004 530i Bimmer with the new i drive system, I found a like new 2003 530i for $44,000.00 with only 8000 miles, and it did drive superb, but I had already been spoiled by test driving the 2004 530i!

It took about one hour to get over the styling change from the 2003 to the 2004, and today I have about 600 miles on it now, and it is one fine ride.

A word to the wise, if you want the older 01 or 02 5 series model, (which still looks great), do not test drive the 2004 530i, or you might change you mind like I did.

"Do your best. Now do it better." (BMW 2004) At first I used to laugh at their little saying on their 5 series dvd, but you know I must say BMW is right!

In conclusion: Have fun in searching for your BMW to purchase, I wish you the best, and if I can help feel free to email me.

Sincerely an 2003 525i shopper to now a "turn coat" 2004 530i owner,
Ep