Okay, so im this close to buying a BMW. its either gona be an 01' M5, and 02' 530i with the Msport package, or a 540i. leaning towards the M5 obviously, but what i want to know is this, BMW's seem to have a mixed reputation, same as with audis, some people swear by them and say they've had theirs forever with no problems, where do BMWs fit in for reliability as compared to something like a toyota, honda, chevy, ect. I figured this was the best place to ask because of the diversity of the cars that ya'll have owned. Thanks guys and gals! oke:
It all depends on who the previous owner was, and how they maintained the vehicle. You may be inheriting someone else' problem.
Here's your answer right here. If you look for a good car that was been maintained, you'll fall in love with it. Otherwise, your going to hate your local service advisor. Taking my car into BMW has sucked just about everytime, except for once when my car was still under warranty. But now everything is A-okay, and I drive it everyday.
The two years that you mentioned were very good years for BMW and that body style is my fav. before Bangle ruined them. Reliability? As a brand, they are very good. Yes, not like the Jap cars, but then again that's almost like comparing apples to oranges. I have seen, with my several years of selling them, more show up in the shop because they were too babied. Doesn't make sense but they are "sport cars" and they need to be driven like one. Good luck with your fantastic choices. Btw, I always liked the 540i with the sports pkg. better than an M5.
It also depends on specific BMW models, some have better track records than others. How the vehicle has been maintained (mechanically speaking) will play a large part in that car's long-term reliability. E39 5-Series is a great car, one of the best BMW's ever. If the specific car checks out okay, all you have to consider is whether you can afford any repairs that MAY occur. Unfortunately, some BMW's, just like any other German car, are lemons from the day they are born. If you do some really thorough web searching, you should be able to pull up common issues with the E39. Additionally, a mechanic's inspection of a specific car will help you identify possible future issues. Find a good one, make sure it checks out okay (specifically to that car and all the E39 5's), and then pull the trigger. Personally, I'd go for the 01 M5. :applause2:
I have a friend of mine that is a BMW tech. I was considering buying an M5 and he actually told me not to buy it. They have problems like any other vehicle, but the major weaknesses are really expensive. I know he mentioned the VANOS, 60k clutch changes, and oil consumption issues on earlier models '00s and early '01's. Cosmetically, the only issues that I'm aware of are the cluster pixel issue and the broken cupholders. He recommended to buy a 2003 540i with the sport package (with the M-parallel wheels). The 2nd choice was the 530i sport.
I don't see them as being that reliable, nothing more than any other car. I think they actual require more babying. And parts for them are ridiculously expensive.
It's got nothing to do with HOW MUCH they break down... it's how much damn money they cost WHEN they break down.
All 3 are great. Stay away from the 01 M5, get an 02-03. 01 Had engine problems. The 530 is a great car, reliable, T stats, Front control arm bushings and Cup holders are the majority of the problems. The 540 is pure awesome, I would get the 03 6spd it was the best, once again cup holders, front control arm bushing, t stats and radiators (if you do not keep up with coolant flushes). I worked for a few BMW dealers for many years and the E39 was mine and every techs fav BMW.
sal329 ... thanks for confirming what my buddy said. They are awesome cars, but with weaknesses like any other.
With BMW it is all about maintence. Their T stats usually go at 60k, expansion tanks are know for needing replacing. They are really great cars, I still would love a 530i sport, maybe one day if I get my transfer to our BMW store
