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Re: buying a used 1999 car [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: auaq on Jul 21, 2011 8:53:09 PM
The lower mileage I found the price were more than ten grand. The higher mileage I found the price were in the range of seven grand to nine grand regardless of the year and the model of the 5 series. That 1999 BMW with only 57k mi and only for 9 grand is very surprising and much more cheaper than any BMW I have seen. I suppose this is my reason. ... Read More
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Re: buying a used 1999 car [krajala]
Written by: auaq on Jul 21, 2011 11:26:59 AM
I bought mine back in April 2011 which is a 2003 530i (automatic) and with 111,000mi. I have now done about 118,000+ mi already and this machine still drives wonderfully. Couple of things that I have worked on it is replaced spark plugs, rear brake pads+rotors, air filter, and alternator (the battery light came on) all by myself. Since then, I am absolutely happy and satisfied with this car as it ... Read More
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Re: buying a used 1999 car [krajala]
Written by: mhutchinson on Jul 21, 2011 5:27:15 AM
I own my second 5 series (2003). My first was a 1998. Both are pretty reliable and great driving machines. If you can perform the repairs, you might find the costs tollerable. If not... Issues: 1998: computer display losses clarity (some LED dots quit lighting up) but still readable). Both of my cars experienced this problem. AC compressor failed at 120k - expensive part and labor is at a premium at ... Read More
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buying a used 1999 car
Written by: krajala on Jul 21, 2011 3:58:44 AM
I am interested in buying a 1999 BMW 5 Series 528IA 4dr Sdn with about 57K miles on it. Is this a good buy? I have never owned a BMW and I am not sure if they are good reliable cars, how they handle in the snow, rain, and ice, how costly they are to repair and what I can expect possibly in repairs in the future. It is in great ... Read More
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Re: Is there a difference? [zgreatlife]
Written by: markcincinnati on Jan 13, 2007 7:11:05 PM
WOW. I had the following (not a complete list): 1995 S6 1997 A8 1999 A6 2.8 2000 A6 4.2 comfort 2001 A6 4.2 sport 2003 allroad 2.7T 2005 A6 3.2 with 18" wheels and 245 x 40 x 18" tires At the same time, my wife had multiple A4's, three TT's and one BMW X3 3.0. The A6 is the quietest of the bunch (including the A8), it also is both ... Read More
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More is better. . .
Written by: markcincinnati on Nov 30, 2006 12:41:39 PM
. . .there are certainly times when I have felt my 255HP A6 3.2 needs more power. I just can't remember them. I think the power is adequate. It goes faster than the vast majority of cars on the road and it gets to speed more quickly than most too. I had three Audi V8 equipped cars and six Audi turbo cars, one of them a V6, two 5 cylinder versions ... Read More
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Re: . [sidv]
Written by: markcincinnati on Dec 3, 2006 8:04:13 PM
I am often wrong, but never uncertain: I am certain, at this point, that SAABs are not in the LPS pack, regardless of their status as living OR dead or nearly dead or not. I assume your passion is genuine -- perhaps this is just not the forum to express it. Lord knows I have been a champion of the Audi brand which, until recently was either in jeopardy of losing ... Read More
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2000 Lincoln LS [cdnpinhead]
Written by: sfcharlie on Oct 14, 2006 6:52:37 PM
"I'm driving a Lincoln LS with a manual. Oh, wow! The Lincoln that came out in 1999 as a 2000 year model and became Motor Trend's 2000 Car of the Year? That was a great American automobile moment! American car version of "Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee." Relatively light for an LPS, at just under 3700 lb, good power with V6 or V8, and something like BMW's 50/50 ... Read More
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Re: July LPS Sales... [markcincinnati]
Written by: shipo on Aug 2, 2006 11:23:23 AM
Your post reminds me of a very similar conversation that I had with Boxster owner. He and I were working for the same company in Westchester County, NY at the time and spotted each other while crossing over from Rockland County on the Tappan Zee Bridge (which as some of you might know has a toll booth at its eastern terminus). When Mr. Boxster and I cleared the booth we each ... Read More
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Two questions
Written by: sfcharlie on Jul 26, 2006 1:32:55 PM
There might be two basic questions one could ask a guy about his car: “What does that car do?” and “What does that car do for you?” A 1999 Passat was my first German sedan. Even at $24,000 it gave me a taste of German engines and German suspensions/steering/handling. What it did was its modest version of cornering on rails. What it did for me was get me excited about driving ... Read More
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Re: Sudden Acceleration [james27]
Written by: markcincinnati on Jul 24, 2006 1:42:11 PM
I have had several Audi 2.8 equipped cars none of them were allowed to run on anything less than Premium. The fact that the computer attempted to save the engine from internal damage via retardging the spark may well have been the case -- but even my 1982 Audi 100S with the 2.8 V6 REQUIRED 91 octane. The 1999 A6 w the 200HP 2.8L V6 also required Premium. The compensation offered ... Read More
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Re: [markcincinnati] Audi image [sfcharlie] [quemfala]
Written by: sfcharlie on Jun 12, 2006 10:03:11 AM
Mark ... I agree ... they were successful with me ... prior to the 2004 325i, I had a 1999 Passat. I think it was the first car I had with leather seats ... I easily slipped into "all BMWs are luxury cars" ... it took almost a year for me to let it into "my thick skull" (as my father would have said) that this was an updated version of ... Read More
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Re: Mark - Brakes A8 [rayainsw]
Written by: markcincinnati on Jun 8, 2006 12:26:56 PM
The A8 was not plagued with brake rotor issues that would merit much discussion. Two A6 4.2's (a 2000 and a 2001) however, went through 9 (NINE) sets of rotors during my ownership experience with them. The dealer and AUDI worked with me -- I was never without transportation and I can and will admit to levels of ebbing and flowing frustration over this situation. During this period of time, I ... Read More
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Re: Kissing frogs... [cmybimmergo]
Written by: shipo on Jun 3, 2006 11:17:01 AM
"Is this where I get to say I told you?" Yup. Although if I remember correctly I agreed with you at the time. That having been said, given the new business launch (which entailed outlays of hard cash in excess of the cost of two brand new M5s) and the resultant financial conditions that my business partner and I were in, affording my 530i was no longer a practical option. Now ... Read More
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Kissing frogs...
Written by: shipo on Jun 1, 2006 9:36:45 PM
"Hi, my name is Shipo, I've now been 15 months without a single ride in a 5-Series." The folks gathered around the table enthusiastically shout, "Hi Shipo!" And then I start to bare my soul... As some of you might know, my business partner and I are in the midst of launching a new business and as such, the whole "New car" thing for both of us got tossed. So, with ... Read More
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Re: BMW 5 Series - what year to buy? [jcd14]
Written by: shipo on May 15, 2006 11:52:37 AM
The 525i and 530i models didn't debut until 2001, in 2000 the only 6-Cylinder model was the 528i (and 1997-1999). Having driven each of the six cylinder models (all with a 5-Speed manual), I would personally rank them in order of engine size, the larger the engine, the more desirable. Said another way, each of the three models has the following characteristics: 530i -- Most powerful engine with decent low end ... Read More
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Re: 2002 E39 530i second manual transmission failure [jhammell]
Written by: div2 on Jan 1, 2006 5:23:34 PM
I'm just looking at all the possibilities. One thing I do know for certain is that it is extremely unusual for a BMW MT to fail; they will usually last for an extremely long time. Here's a quote from an E36 Racing list I'm on: We ran the 180,000 mile transmission that came with our car from 1999, when we built it into a race car until the middle of this ... Read More
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Re: Sounds Like BMW Might Not Be For You [riez #9083]
Written by: kleemitt on Jun 18, 2004 1:58:38 PM
riez, thank you for your advice! Maybe I should take more time to think about buying a used BMW. I did run a CARFAX report and it shows the vehicle has been serviced pretty regularly. And, thank you for your tip on going to an independent repair shop rather than dealership. Now, what is BMW CCA??? I don't think I can afford a CPO. 1999 or 2000 CPOs usually cost over ... Read More
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Re: 1999 528i [kleemitt #9081]
Written by: kyfdx on Jun 18, 2004 9:18:05 AM
You might check with Terry on the Smart Shopper board.. In: Real world trade in values. He can give you an idea of what the car might be worth. I don't really follow 5-series that close. Someone else on this board may have an idea. If you are really want a BMW, I would look at '99 and '00 323i. I think you might be able to find one of those ... Read More
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Re: 1999 528i [kyfdx #9080]
Written by: kleemitt on Jun 18, 2004 8:29:59 AM
Thank you so much for a quick reply. I will offer a drive-out price of $17,500 CASH... would that be a good deal? The reason why I'm interested in BMW after years with trouble-free Hondas and Acuras is that.. simply I want to drive a Beemer. Speaking of maintenance costs, how much do I need to expect to spend yearly? And, the oil changes really need to be done at dealership? ... Read More
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1999 528i
Written by: kleemitt on Jun 18, 2004 8:17:21 AM
I am thinking about buying a 1999 528i with 70K miles on it. I am visiting the dealership for a test drive tomorrow morning. This is not a CPO, but it's cheaper than a CPO. I will take it to a machenic for an inspection. But, what I am worried about is its repair costs down the road. I've only owned Hondas and Acuras and they are so reliable that I ... Read More
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mbukukanyau
Written by: habitat1 on Oct 20, 2003 1:05:46 AM
Save your breath. A modified Neon or Civic could probably beat any stock BMW or GM "at the track". I suspect that most BMW owners and posters here have a slightly broader perspective on what constitutes engineering excellence and performance. "Cadillac is not the car it used to be in the 70's to 1999." Is that so? Personally, I don't believe that. But, even if you are gullible enough to, try ... Read More
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GM Junk
Written by: mbukukanyau on Oct 19, 2003 11:00:25 PM
Cadillac is not the car it used to be in the 70's to 1999. I think when a CTS-V moons you on the track, you will appriciate that you are playing with the big boys Did you know that BMW’s 5-speeder is GM-sourced? GM has changed much. Especially Cadillac and soon Buick.
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riez, et al
Written by: habitat1 on Oct 18, 2003 6:09:31 PM
That trade in on a 540i 6-speed is an eye opener. I know you bought it used, so you didn't do poorly, but my guess is that the 540i 6-speed was about $50,000 new in 1998. A trade in of $18,000 is a $32,000 5-6 year depreciation hit. By comparison, I almost bought a 1998 E300 Turbodiesel new in late 1997 for $42,200 (still have the purchase papers). Based upon what ... Read More
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sdg380
Written by: habitat1 on Oct 15, 2003 6:36:39 PM
Actually, the E320 CDI I might consider waiting for won't be out until next spring. I don't know the exact specs, but I've been told by a reliable source that it is capable of 0-60 in the 6.5 range (comparable to a 530i manual transmission) and is rated 5+/- mpg higher than the former 1998/1999 E300 Turbodiesel. I believe it will employ Mercedes new 7-speed automatic. I'm not a big fan ... Read More
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pen101
Written by: kdshapiro on Jul 16, 2003 12:59:21 PM
I drive a 3 and am not worried at all. I have never heard of an issue with side-impacts with BMWs. I know people who have gotten into very bad car crashes and walked away, little or not intrusion from the engine and such. As the E46 was released in 1999, this design is also fairly old. We can hope BMW has done their homeword and beefed up the crashworthiness of ... Read More
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Oil
Written by: shipo on Jul 9, 2003 6:13:26 AM
Hmmm, I just checked the ACEA web site, and discovered the following: ACEA A3: Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use in high performance gasoline engines and/or for extended drain intervals where specified by the engine manufacturer, and/or for year-round use of low-viscosity oils, and/or for severe operating conditions as defined by the engine manufacturer. ACEA B3: Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use in high performance car and light van diesel engines ... Read More
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ndegroat
Written by: bmwguru on Jul 8, 2003 6:44:58 PM
BMW uses a 15w40 mineral based oil and a 5w30 synthetic, both produced by Castrol for BMW. If your car is a 1999 or later I strongly suggest synthetic, because engine tolerances changed in that model year. Castrol Syn-Tech 5w30 is the same as the BMW synthetic, so it is a good choice.
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1999 540i or 2003 Acura TL or Infiniti G35?
Written by: rdmccart on Jul 5, 2003 8:23:15 PM
I want to spend around $30K for a new (or used) vehicle. I love how the 540 rides & handles and I found a used 1999 with 36,000 miles in good condition for $28,500, which I think is a pretty good deal. But, it is not at a BMW dealer so I am concerned about the lack of warranty (not BMW certified) and potential maintenance costs. Can anyone comment on 1999 ... Read More
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Choices & Go CPO
Written by: riez on Jul 5, 2003 12:59:33 PM
rdmccart... Are you looking for an automatic transmission? I'd strongly recommend BMW manuals with Sport Pkg. Maximum fun to drive factor. If you are looking at FWD TL and RWD G35, you should also consider a new or used 3 Series. I would NOT get a non-CPO 1999 540i. Check out BMW NA's CPO locator. You should be able to find a ton of CPO 3 and 5 Series cars within ... Read More
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1999 540i or 2003 Acura TL or Infiniti G35?
Written by: rdmccart on Jul 5, 2003 11:39:39 AM
I want to spend around $30K for a new (or used) vehicle. I love how the 540 rides & handles and I found a used 1999 with 36,000 miles in good condition for $28,500, which I think is a pretty good deal. But, it is not at a BMW dealer so I am concerned about the lack of warranty (not BMW certified) and potential maintenance costs. Can anyone comment on 1999 ... Read More
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BMW Life expectancy
Written by: dodger2233 on Jun 15, 2003 9:28:34 AM
Riez.....thanks for your reply. To clairify, I do take care of the maintenance diligently. Your information was very helpful. I have owned a 5 and a 7 series (1999) but sold them both before warranty ran out. I was wanting to get one and drive for a long time, but after your post, I may need to rethink that. I love the cars, but for a drivermobile, I probably should go ... Read More
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fjk57702
Written by: shipo on May 12, 2003 7:52:03 PM
I am sure that what you did was to select defrost, which most likely "turned the compressor on". No, I turned on the A/C. In fact, given that the "Defroster" on both my 1999 328i and my 2002 530i was/is so aggressive, I have only used that mode a few times in the last four years. I find it much more comfortable to simply direct the airflow toward the glass (a ... Read More
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Rhodes3 & MSeals
Written by: shipo on Apr 18, 2003 7:43:30 AM
Rhodes3, I ordered my first BMW (1999 328i) around Thanksgiving time 1998 with a projected delivery date of early February 1999 (the lease on my 1995 Passat GLX was ending in late February 1999). Imagine my surprise when my dealer called me on Monday 4-Jan-1999 and said, "Your car is ready, when do you want to pick it up?" Duuuhhhh?!? MSeals, ;-) Where in the Detroit area are you from. I ... Read More
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need4speed1
Written by: shipo on Apr 2, 2003 12:04:20 PM
I can answer some of your questions: If I am not mistaken, there was a "Sport/Premium Package" available for the 530i in 2001 (for at least part of the model year), and that package did NOT have the sport seats, which were an extra charge option. I have a 2002 530i 5-Speed, PP, SP, Xenon and Premium Audio, and the seats do in fact have an adjustable thigh support. Regarding the ... Read More
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SP vs. non SP...
Written by: shipo on Mar 19, 2003 6:49:18 AM
My previous BMW (1999 328i) did not have the SP, my current car is a 2002 530i w/SP, and there is absolutely no comparison. Handling is enhanced in virtually all phases of driving from zero to governor max (128 mph), and my car has seen considerable time north of 100 (I did ED and was able to spend enough time to enjoy my car over there after the break in period). ... Read More
