Any BMW Owners Out There?

[trackstar]

I'm thinking about buying a BMW 535i but don't know a whole lot about the Beemers. Any advice? Are there any comparable BMW's that I should consider? To be honest, I don't know what the difference between the series are, so any info would be appreciated. Definitely want a 4 door though.

 

[Krustee]

I'm thinking about buying a BMW 535i but don't know a whole lot about the Beemers. Any advice? Are there any comparable BMW's that I should consider? To be honest, I don't know what the difference between the series are, so any info would be appreciated. Definitely want a 4 door though.

Hmmm, my first questions to you would be;
Why do you want a 535i?

What year do you want?

How much money do you wanna spend?

Are you a good mechanic?

Do you know a good German car mechanic?

If you answered "No" or "I don't know" to more than one of the above questions I would say -
Buy a Toyota!

 

[87112]

If you need the German experience go VW for 1/3 the price. Just make sure its one made in Wolfsburg, Germany not Mexico.

I would recommend the 2008.5 to present GTI that has the TSI motor not the FSI which is kind of a pain cause its a slight oil burner.

 

[trackstar]

What year do you want?

No older than 2006

How much money do you wanna spend?

Looking at no more than 50k

Are you a good mechanic?

Yes, but am so done doing shit myself

Do you know a good German car mechanic?

Yes, but are you saying that BMW's have frequent issues?

If you answered "No" or "I don't know" to more than one of the above questions I would say -
Buy a Toyota!

Looking for something a little more upscale. Not a fan of Toyota, nor Lexus

 

[Krustee]

Looking for something a little more upscale. Not a fan of Toyota, nor Lexus

As it turns out, Nissan's G37 is in many regards, better than the BMW, however, if it is pomp & swagger you are looking for then BMW or Benz is the way to go.

I happen to like Benz because I have a preference for the luxury oriented premium sedans, whereas BMW is more poised for the sport oriented sedans.

The 540i is a beast & will easily out run a Mustang.
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=12061&vf=18

The M5 is the factory performance model traditionally a 6 cylinder but as of 2006 became a V10.
http://www.cardotcom.com/cars/2006-m5-bmw.aspx

The Dinan 540 is even more impressive than the earlier model M5's:
http://www.jimmy540i.com/m5.htm

... but are you saying that BMW's have frequent issues?

Keep in mind that once the warranty expires you are looking at a thousand up to several thousands per year in maintenance & repair costs.

BMW's, Jags & Benz's are not for those on a budget so make sure you enter the relationship knowing what your getting yourself into.

If you can do with a little less bling (flash & pomp) try out the G37 & new Maxima they seem to be getting some very positive reviews lately.

And another thing both the Nissan's have a reputation for reliability -
something that remains elusive to BMW & the newer Benz's. (except for the latest S-class)

 

[wolverine]

Those maintenance issues are the main reasons why I've steered away from BMW and Audi. I thought those damn Krauts built reliable machines??

 

[Azcanuck]

What Krustee said.

Check out www.bimmerfest.com and poke around a bit in the 5-series forums. You may find all your answers in there. You can learn about all the different BMW series as well.
Before my current car, I bought a certified 2003 330i. Picked it up on a Saturday morning and returned it for my money back on Tuesday.

I like beemers but their reliability always makes me back off. But they handle like a dream. Take a look at a new BMW 335d (diesel). 34mpg city, 53mpg highway and goes like stink. Starts around $49K before the overpriced options.

AZC

 

[liveforthefunk]

Ive currently got an M6 and used to have an M5.

I actually have not had many problems with mine, but i didnt keep the M5 for very long and probably wont keep the M6 for very long either. They're great cars though.

Four door BMW's are as follows

3 series comes in 4 door and is a entry level BMW. Great for younger kids as their first or second car. Comparable to a Mercedes C-class

5 series is 4 door and is a mid level BMW unless you're getting the M series. M series is basically the same car but on roids. Comparable to a mercedes E0class

7 series is pretty much a top of the line BMW. Very luxurious and can be pretty quick if you get a higher model. Its about double the price of the 5 series you want, and is a killer on gas. It is comparable to a Mercedes S-class. My dad has a 7 series and a S class, and i would take the S class over the 7 series any day.

As for the 5 series, my only advice is, PLEASE get either a black or white one, no fruity blue. Also if you can, pay a little bit more and get the 18" M rims. Even though its only an inch difference from the standard 17 inch rims, it makes a huge difference in my opinion. Ugly rims can totally ruin a nice car for me.

Hope that helped somewhat

 

[Krustee]

Those maintenance issues are the main reasons why I've steered away from BMW and Audi. I thought those damn Krauts built reliable machines??

Thanks for reminding me - Audi

Here again, Audi makes great handling cars & their legendary quattro all wheel drive is no joke.

I got a chance to drive the Audi Quattro in 1985 & it was simply impressive.

I always preferred the Benz engines though. (better engineering & craftsmanship)

Amazing handling but you will pay for it in maintenance.

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[Jodie]

3 series comes in 4 door and is a entry level BMW. Great for younger kids as their first or second car.

Geez, all my parents would let me drive was the crappy old '93 Plymouth Voyager minivan.

Times, they are a changin'...

 

[Pantherdash]

Well, I don't know what Krustee and the others are talking about because my bimmer runs like a dream. It's a 3 series and I haven't had to do ANY work on it except for an oil change in well over a year, and before that was more than a year before. VERY reliable car IMHO. Just make sure you get one with a manual transmission.

Panther

 

[trackstar]

Thanks for the info guys. The other two I was looking at were both 2006 Mercedes ) S500 and E350. Gonna take 'em for a test drive this week and see how they are. BTW, Black or "Maybe" white is the only way to go, I completely agree!

 

[Krustee]

Thanks for the info guys. The other two I was looking at were both 2006 Mercedes ) S500 and E350. Gonna take 'em for a test drive this week and see how they are. BTW, Black or "Maybe" white is the only way to go, I completely agree!

Don't waste your time with the 2006 S-class!

Mercedes spent 5 years developing a much superior replacement for 2007.

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I drive the S-class & truly... NOTHING compares to it.

As for colour I prefer lighter shades that hide the dust.

Had black once - a beautiful deep black ...

Like I said, I had it once...
but never again!

 

[ivy51]

I had a 535i, I loved it no major problems at all few minor problems with the power seats. Once that lease was up I got an m5; its a lot of fun, but it had major transmission problems, bmw kept it for 3 months before it was properly fixed. There great cars in my experience but I lease cars I don't want to buy them, so major problems are never really a worry for me.

 

[trackstar]

Don't waste your time with the 2006 S-class!

Mercedes spent 5 years developing a much superior replacement for 2007.

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I drive the S-class & truly... NOTHING compares to it.

Scary technology on that sucker!

 

[Harmony-bc]

Don't waste your time with the 2006 S-class!

Mercedes spent 5 years developing a much superior replacement for 2007.

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I drive the S-class & truly... NOTHING compares to it.

As for colour I prefer lighter shades that hide the dust.

Had black once - a beautiful deep black ...

Like I said, I had it once...
but never again!

omg, That looks like so much fun to drive. I will be having fantasies of that car while I sleep tonight, nice little sad dreams of the car I'll never own,

 

[Pantherdash]

Don't waste your time with the 2006 S-class!

Mercedes spent 5 years developing a much superior replacement for 2007.

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I drive the S-class & truly... NOTHING compares to it.

As for colour I prefer lighter shades that hide the dust.

Had black once - a beautiful deep black ...

Like I said, I had it once...
but never again!

The only concern about driving such a luxurious car is the fact that you're doing everything BUT DRIVING the damn thing!! Wake up people!!!!!

How the fawk can you pay attention to the road with all those yuppie contraptions?!?! Massage while you're driving? FUCK OFF Krustee!!!

Krustee is definitely a Mercedes rep, better yet the one who tried to sell the $6500 solution to the $119 sunroof problem, as caught on camera a year ago at Broadway and Hemlock!

I'm going to start a thread that reads, "Who else thinks Krustee is a Mercedes dealer?"

Hey, Mr. O, it's better than being called a CRACK dealer!

BMW kicks Mercedes' ass!

Panther

 

[oppai]

Agree with above. Although I love some of the Mercedes (AMG line-up) I would much prefer to own/drive a Beemer. Free servicing, very nice cars to drive and maintain. Although they aren't as reliable as Japanese cars (in general) I would definitely take BMW over Merc.

For the OP, go test drive the cars or sit in and look at them. A 3 series may offer enough space for what you want and is a smaller more economical vehicle. I think the new 135 is hot. Love the new M3, like the wagons, love the 5 series. 7 series, maybe if you are 60+ and don't drive much. Not an SUV fan at all so can't recommend those. You really can't go wrong in BMW's whole line-up though.

 

[Fillup]

If you can do with a little less bling (flash & pomp) try out the G37 & new Maxima they seem to be getting some very positive reviews lately.

My current and previous rides. Actually it's the 08 G35S with a manual tranny. I bought the sedan, it's actually faster then the 37 coupe according to R and T. If you drive one you will know what fun it is. Now if you need something the size of a 5 series this may be a problem.

The new Maxima looks very nice and will be a great car everything the 5 series has but rear wheel drive and cache. Strap some WS60s on that bad boy and fly past every vehicle in the snow. Plus you would save some hard earned cash to use on the SPs.

 

[visiting]

WTF nobody is driving Lada's and Yugo's anymore?

Sorry there fillup....