BMW 5-Series Sedans

Replying to: shipo (Jun 02, 2006 12:41 pm)

A sales tax and a use/property tax?
 
True in Virginia. And local property assessments have just skyrocketed. The assessed value of my house doubled (HUH?? The only thing it's done in the last year is developed more places that need painting!) meaning my property tax is doubled also without TPTB ever having to lift a finger to raise the rates.
 
Um, which means I can't buy new 5-Series either. (<-- on topic )

Replies to this message:
• shipo (Jun 02, 2006 1:43 pm)

Replying to: pat (Jun 02, 2006 1:32 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Jun 01, 2006 8:36 pm)

nearly a year and 30,000 miles later I find myself REALLY missing my 5er,
 
Is this where I get to say I told you? (Sorry; I couldn't resist.)
 
I cannot imagine that I know more than you about any car-related subject (and a whole lot of non-car-related ones as well), but you asked, so here's my two cents:
 
My understanding is that 70,000 miles seems to be the magic number, after which everything starts to go (at least, the likelihood skyrockets)...but if you go for higher miles with a good maintenance history, most problems will have been replaced already. By 100,000 miles, if you hang on that long, you essentially have a new car. And that new car will take you a good 300 grand...provided it gets the proper tender loving care.
 
So, if you don't find something with low miles--and at that age too low could mean maybe not enough or the wrong kind of driving--then you might want to consider a "higher mileage" one--although there are those who will argue that 100,000 miles on a bimmer is just getting started (and the way I'm piling miles on mine, I sure hope so).
 
If you do go with an older one, beware the double vanos, which is a chronic and considerable headache.
 
The other crucial consideration is the extended warranty. There are two sides to that argument, too, but when my indie heard what I paid for mine, he said I'll come out ahead.
 
YMMV
 
PS--Check your inbox.

Replies to this message:
• shipo (Jun 03, 2006 10:17 am)
  • cmybimmergo (Jun 03, 2006 11:31 am)

Replying to: shipo (Jun 01, 2006 8:36 pm)

Hi Shipo!
I can offer you this...
You can take a spin in my 530 with 5 speed, SP, PP and sport seats when you visit CA if you clean my wheels like you did on your beloved 2002 5er.

Replies to this message:
• shipo (Jun 03, 2006 10:52 am)
  • cmr530i (Jun 04, 2006 10:12 pm)
    • markcincinnati (Jun 05, 2006 4:15 am) and 2 more...
    • shipo (Jun 05, 2006 4:50 am) and 1 more...
    • srfast (Jun 05, 2006 9:36 am) and 1 more...

Replying to: cmybimmergo (Jun 02, 2006 7:09 pm)

"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 with the business finally launched (although not in the black yet) coupled with my ever-extending consulting contract, the immediate financial pressure is off.
 
Regarding the maintenance issues, I cannot say that I've ever noticed a trend for any serious problems on 1999 and 2000 vintage cars anywhere south of 150,000 miles, errr, except for some automatic models (525i). Either way, I'm more than capable of doing pumps, motors, alternators, brakes, clutches, some suspension components, sensors and oil changes myself, so as long as the engine and transmission are good to go, so am I. And for the items that I don't have the time or expertise for, I have a very good indy BMW specialist the next town over that is very active in the local BMW racing scene, and reasonably priced to boot.
 
From a purely financial perspective, buying any car is a dumb move given how inexpensive the DGC is to drive. That having been said, buying a sweet 2000 528i (as opposed to a Civic, Golf, Corolla or something else new for approximately the same dollars) will probably cost more per mile than the appliance cars from a maintenance perspective. Of course, given that I'd be starting with a car that was already partially depreciated, at least some of that extra maintenance will be offset by virtue of the fact that the BMW will most likely hold its relative value better.
 
From a driving perspective, I'd much, MUCH, MUCH rather spend my hours in a 528i than any appliance car currently on the market. As such, it comes down to this:
1) Keep the DGC until it hits about 250,000 miles (about three more years), or
2) Buy a 528i (keeping the DGC as well) with say 80,000 on the clock and then driving it into the ground (probably four to five years at the same annual mileage rate)
 
I'll keep you posted.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

Replies to this message:
• cmybimmergo (Jun 03, 2006 11:31 am)

Replying to: cmr530i (Jun 02, 2006 7:46 pm)

Hey CMR,
 
Oooooh, tempting offer. I have to admit, it took some elbow grease to bring those wheels back up to showroom condition, fortunately I replaced the brake pads with a set of PBR/Axxis pads and the wheels stayed clean from brake dust for the last year that I had the car.
 
Funny thought... The lucky individual that got my car had probably an easy 25,000 miles of pad life left on the PBR/Axxis pads when they bought it. When those PBRs are done the (then) new owner will probably have OEM pads put back on, and if they do, they're in for a very rude surprise.
 
I can just imagine the conversation with his dealership...
 
Owner: "Hey guys, ever since you put new brakes on my 530i, I've noticed lots of brake dust, especially on the front wheels."
 
Dealer: "Lots of dust? Yup, that's totally normal."
 
Owner: "Totally normal?!? What are you, NUTS?!? I know better than that, my car's wheels stayed clean for weeks on end before YOU did the brakes and now I cannot drive to the corner store and back without turning my wheels black. What did you do, use really cheap brake pads and then charge me for BMW pads or something?"
 
I kinda pity the dealer on this one.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

Replies to this message:
• cmr530i (Jun 04, 2006 10:12 pm)
  • markcincinnati (Jun 05, 2006 4:15 am)
    • cmr530i (Jun 05, 2006 9:21 pm) and 1 more...
  • shipo (Jun 05, 2006 4:50 am)
    • cmr530i (Jun 05, 2006 9:26 pm)
  • srfast (Jun 05, 2006 9:36 am)
    • cmr530i (Jun 05, 2006 9:28 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Jun 03, 2006 10:17 am)

if I remember correctly I agreed with you at the time. That having been said...affording my 530i was no longer a practical option.
 
But I told you to ditch the wife, and you refused.
 
Anyway, as is usually the case in situations such as these, I believe you have answered your own question.
 
Can't wait to see what you find...