Buying A 2000-2002 5 Series

[KevinH1990]

Hello All

I'm a new user and I apologize if this topic has been covered. I've searched, but haven't found the answers I'm looking for.

My wife and I are planning to buy a used 5-Series. We've both driven 3-Series cars and enjoyed the handling and quality of the car. We need a little more rear seat and trunk space though. We want a manual transmission, but beyond that we don't have too many inflexible requirements. I am hoping to find something with around 25k or less on it.

Here are my questions:

1. Is a 525 worth considering or should we start at the 528 and go up?
2. Which options/packages are worth looking for?
3. What experiences have others had with sellers - e.g. dealers vs. private sellers vs. outfits like CarMax?
4. Are there any model years and engine combinations that are particularly trouble prone?
5. How much should I plan on spending?
6. Are Edmunds and Kelly reliable price guides for BMW's?
7. Any other advice?

Thanks, and if this is covered in an FAQ or other reference, please point me in the right direction.

 

[CosmosBlack]

I think there are no 525's in the E39 models. I'd say if your budget allows, go for the 540i.
If you're planning to get one with about 25k miles on it, buying it from a dealer will get you certified preowned warranty, 6yrs-100k. But dealer prices are always a few thousand dollars higher. If you're willing to take the risk, buying from the internet or private seller will save you good money which you could put aside for repairs, IF the car needs any. If not, you keep the savings!

Good Luck!

 

[DRWWE]

Actually the E39 does come as a 525, as well as 530 and 540 (at least in 2002 models). We have both a 2002 325 and 2002 530. I love my 530 and could not imagine driving a car this size with the same engine as the 325. The 530 has great power and, if you read some of the consumer magazines, was one of the best cars they had ever tested. Go with either 530 or 540.

My car is only 2 years old but has had no problems at all. It is a joy to drive, especially on winding mountain roads.

Last time I checked the blue book value, it was above your listed range, so you might consider an older car. I haven't heard of any major problems with E39's, but as I suggested above, go with a bigger engine. These are not small cars and need power.

Good luck. You should love the 5.

[driving2]

 

[KevinH1990]

Thanks for the tips. When I said I was looking for one with less than 25k on it, I meant the mileage, not the price tag.

I'm still open to suggestions, but I guess I'll have to start looking and be patient.

 

[HornyHornet]

I recently purchased a 2003 530i for way less than dealer pricing. Search the net, you just might find what you're looking for and be surprised at the price. Check out this site www.danrichautogroup.com. Thats where I bought my car. I dont know what they have at this moment but they are very reasonable and will work with you to make the deal. I agree to stick with a 528i at least (1997-2000) and work your way up from there; a 530i or 540i. The 525i is just not enough to really get these 3500lbs beauts moving. Good luck. HH

 

[MrElussive]

Hello All

I'm a new user and I apologize if this topic has been covered. I've searched, but haven't found the answers I'm looking for.

My wife and I are planning to buy a used 5-Series. We've both driven 3-Series cars and enjoyed the handling and quality of the car. We need a little more rear seat and trunk space though. We want a manual transmission, but beyond that we don't have too many inflexible requirements. I am hoping to find something with around 25k or less on it.

Here are my questions:

1. Is a 525 worth considering or should we start at the 528 and go up?
2. Which options/packages are worth looking for?
3. What experiences have others had with sellers - e.g. dealers vs. private sellers vs. outfits like CarMax?
4. Are there any model years and engine combinations that are particularly trouble prone?
5. How much should I plan on spending?
6. Are Edmunds and Kelly reliable price guides for BMW's?
7. Any other advice?

Thanks, and if this is covered in an FAQ or other reference, please point me in the right direction.

First off, welcome to the forum. I'll address the answers to your questions accordingly:

1.) It is worth considering if you simply do not care for power at all. In my opinion, I would only get a 5-series with the V8 under the hood, but the key is to get the engine that suits your needs. Test drive a 525 and see if there is enough power for you and your wife's taste; if it suits you both just fine, that save some money and stick with looking into the 525. If you desire more, test-drive the next model up (528 or 530, depending on model year).

2.) The Premium Package is definitely a good value package. The Sport Package is great if you enjoy driving...it sounds like you do as you talked about how you appreciated the 3-series' handling characteristics so you should probably go with the Sport Package. But Sport Package or not, it's still a BMW, and it will still handle very well.

3.) The experience all depends on how much you're looking to pay. If you go to a BMW dealership (BMW CPO), you will pay more for the car, but they REALLY make sure their used cars are up and running in good condition. Plus you can purchase an extended warranty right from the dealership if you feel you need it. But if you look around for private sellers (such as on Autotrader.com), you should find some private sellers who took really good care of their car and are selling at a good price. The key is to look everywhere and keep your mind open.

4.) Not that I'm aware of. In my opinion, if an engine is well taken care of and always warmed up properly and everything, it should provide miles and miles of use.

5.) The amount you want to spend depends on your budget. Most people like to plan to spend a certain amount and that immediately limits them to a model (525, 530, or 540). The later the model year and the lower the mileage, the higher the price (obviously). If the car is well taken care of, expect to pay a higher price as well. Search eBay listings or Autotrader.com listings to get a general idea of what to pay for the specific models.

6.) I can't speak for Edmunds.com, but I can tell you that Kelly Blue Book (KBB) is definitely a reliable source for pricing, just a tad optimistic. KBB is usually very accurate, but it also depends on the supply & demand of each particular used car. Again, use KBB, eBay, Autotrader, etc. to get an expectation of what to pay for the particular 5-series model you are interested in.

7.) I strongly suggest you look for a 2001 and later model year. 2001 is when they had the 525, 530, and 540 models and they gave the 5-series a "face lift" in this model year (angel eyes, nicer tail lights, new wheels, and some other minor changes).

Hope this helps.

 

[tool fan]

Save and buy the 2004 530i........I LOVEMINE and would not "trade down" to an older model year anything aside from a 2001 M5. Looks might be a bit "awkward" at first but it will grow on you and the performance definately exceeds the 2003 and older models....not opinion...FACT. Read up and compare figures and I used to own a 1998-99 528i German Spec and my 2004 is WAY better. That IS opinion based on experience. and WELCOME to the board.

 

[KevinH1990]

Mr. Elusive

Thanks for the very comprehensive answer. I definitely enjoy driving and the feel of a well-made car. However, I've always felt the overall balance and feel of the car is more important than power. Still, an underpowered car won't feel balanced so I'll keep that in mind while looking at 525's.

My wife will be the primary driver of the car, but it will be the one we take on family trips so I'll get some time behind the wheel too. I need to do some research on the sport vs premium package. I like the sound of the sport package. I assume that it is larger diameter wheels and a more performance-oriented suspension.

Tool Fan

I realize that when you are looking at BMW's that price shouldn't be important, but it is. I think I will take a stroll into the new car show room though. I've heard so many opinions about i-Drive that I feel I need to see it for myself.

Is it considered poor form to post questions about specific deals offered? For example, could I ask something like: A local dealer is offering me a 2001 528 for $XX,XXX. Is this a good deal?

Thanks again.

 

[tool fan]

Mr. Elusive

Thanks for the very comprehensive answer. I definitely enjoy driving and the feel of a well-made car. However, I've always felt the overall balance and feel of the car is more important than power. Still, an underpowered car won't feel balanced so I'll keep that in mind while looking at 525's.

My wife will be the primary driver of the car, but it will be the one we take on family trips so I'll get some time behind the wheel too. I need to do some research on the sport vs premium package. I like the sound of the sport package. I assume that it is larger diameter wheels and a more performance-oriented suspension.

Tool Fan

I realize that when you are looking at BMW's that price shouldn't be important, but it is. I think I will take a stroll into the new car show room though. I've heard so many opinions about i-Drive that I feel I need to see it for myself.

Is it considered poor form to post questions about specific deals offered? For example, could I ask something like: A local dealer is offering me a 2001 528 for $XX,XXX. Is this a good deal?

Thanks again.

Please do ask...I don't believe anyone here would consider it "poor form". Everyone here is VERY helpful and VERY knowledgable about BMW and what the prices should be. My iDrive had issues for the first 3 months, but upgraded software has fixed those issues. I love the iDrive...it is SOOOO simple that driving a diffent car without it will take some getting used to.

 

[MrElussive]

Mr. Elusive

Thanks for the very comprehensive answer. I definitely enjoy driving and the feel of a well-made car. However, I've always felt the overall balance and feel of the car is more important than power. Still, an underpowered car won't feel balanced so I'll keep that in mind while looking at 525's.

My wife will be the primary driver of the car, but it will be the one we take on family trips so I'll get some time behind the wheel too. I need to do some research on the sport vs premium package. I like the sound of the sport package. I assume that it is larger diameter wheels and a more performance-oriented suspension.

The Sport Package does have more aggressive and larger wheels, along with stiffer suspension settings. This does make for a more firm ride, but from my experience I still find it very compliant for everyday use. It definitely is an appealing package but if you don't see you and/or your wife taking turns fast, then a non-Sport Package model will still provide really solid handling and a smoother ride. What I'm trying to say is that either way, you simply can't go wrong.
As tool fan said, definitely keep the questions coming, as well as questions regarding specific prices. We're all willing to help each other out, especially since a car is a decision you have to live with for several years.

 

[KevinH1990]

Thanks,
at
I'm planning to drop by a dealer tomorrow. It isn't a BMW dealer, but he specializes in 2-3 year old European cars. Most of the inventory is BMW, Mercedes or Porsche. They also sell new Porsches.

I looked at one 5-series there about 2 weeks ago. It looks like most of his BMW's are 2-3 years old with around 30k miles. I assume he buys them at auction, probably when they are coming off lease. He only had two 5-series with manuals, but he said he would work with me. I guess if he knows I'm serious he can start looking for at the auctions. He said he would start getting 2002's around January. I'm looking to buy in time for my wife's birthday in May, so I probably won't get really serious until after Christmas.

I need to have my wife drive a few. She's 5'2" and I'm over 6', so one size doesn't always fit all. It seemed to me that the driving position in the 3-series was just about identical to the 5, but I better verify fit before I go too much farther.

I'll probably start running some price/mileage/package combinations past you in the near future.

Thanks again.