A G8 for under $10K? Which parts is it missing?
Used BMW 5-series with small engines
- Thread starter Vikas
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Yeah I forgot he said under $10k. G8s are all late-model and there was a short production run. I'm not sure what kind of condition 5k-10K would get in a premium full-sized sedan with the price of used cars now. It might be better to pay more upfront and get newer, lower milage and better condition.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
I am thinking about something which will cost me between 5-10K. Surprisingly, I do not see too many 528 or 525 on the road at all. If I end up with a BMW, it will have snow tires for winter that is for sure. I even run snows on my Maxima.
I was not aware that 2.5, 2.8 and 3.0 share the same block. That means only reason I will choose 2.5 would be for its cheap price.
In this price range, I would be normally picking up a used Honda/Toyota but I am thinking I should take the plunge and try a BMW. They all would have close to or just over 100K. Would a 5-series give significantly more trouble over Honda/Toyota between its 100-200K run? Are they structurally better built (i.e. do not rust)? Any specific parts which tend to go at this mileage on a 5-series (e.g. cooling system issues, fuel pump issue, electrical gremlins?)
- Vikas
For comparison I got my '99 528i as a replacement to a '95 Maxima. Engine power is very similar - the two nicest 6's I've ever owned. The BMW is an auto (try finding a MT touring) and the Nissan was a 5 spd, so the that combined with differences in weight made the Maxima noticeably quicker and more fun. In fact, the first impression I had of the BMW was that it felt solid and heavy. That solid feel is still there and one reason why I continue to make it my daily driver.
Reliability, well the Maxima was almost bullet proof (1 O2 sensor and 1 wheel bearing were the only problems in 9 years of ownership) whereas the BMW is more prone to failures. The good thing is that the BMW is surprisingly easy to work on.
I am thinking about something which will cost me between 5-10K. Surprisingly, I do not see too many 528 or 525 on the road at all. If I end up with a BMW, it will have snow tires for winter that is for sure. I even run snows on my Maxima.
I was not aware that 2.5, 2.8 and 3.0 share the same block. That means only reason I will choose 2.5 would be for its cheap price.
In this price range, I would be normally picking up a used Honda/Toyota but I am thinking I should take the plunge and try a BMW. They all would have close to or just over 100K. Would a 5-series give significantly more trouble over Honda/Toyota between its 100-200K run? Are they structurally better built (i.e. do not rust)? Any specific parts which tend to go at this mileage on a 5-series (e.g. cooling system issues, fuel pump issue, electrical gremlins?)
- Vikas
For comparison I got my '99 528i as a replacement to a '95 Maxima. Engine power is very similar - the two nicest 6's I've ever owned. The BMW is an auto (try finding a MT touring) and the Nissan was a 5 spd, so the that combined with differences in weight made the Maxima noticeably quicker and more fun. In fact, the first impression I had of the BMW was that it felt solid and heavy. That solid feel is still there and one reason why I continue to make it my daily driver.
Reliability, well the Maxima was almost bullet proof (1 O2 sensor and 1 wheel bearing were the only problems in 9 years of ownership) whereas the BMW is more prone to failures. The good thing is that the BMW is surprisingly easy to work on.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Oh and since you live in snow country get an AWD version, they go like stink in the white stuff with good tires.
Mine is RWD and with proper winter tires I've never had any problems during Chicago winters.
I've heard from many people that the AWD BMWs don't offer the same handling/driving dynamics as the RWD ones. Whether that's really true or not, I can't say as I've never driven an AWD BMW.
Correct. Different suspension setups.
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Oh and since you live in snow country get an AWD version, they go like stink in the white stuff with good tires.
Mine is RWD and with proper winter tires I've never had any problems during Chicago winters.
I've heard from many people that the AWD BMWs don't offer the same handling/driving dynamics as the RWD ones. Whether that's really true or not, I can't say as I've never driven an AWD BMW.
Correct. Different suspension setups.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Yeah, the reliability of all these I6 engines mentioned above should be about the same. In general these I6 engines were more reliable and somewhat cheaper to maintain than the V8 engines of the same era (ie. the M62 engines in E39). The V8 ones were also slightly more prone to cooling system failures due to less space under the hood and overall higher temperatures under there. But even the I6 ones often suffer from cooling issues relatively early on.
Quattro Pete pretty much nailed it. The I6 is somewhat more reliable, costs less to maintain and gets better fuel economy. I have a 2000 528i 5MT with the M sport package. It brakes, rides and handles beautifully. Gets decent mileage too. It's not a rocket but it has good enough performance. I push it pretty hard at times but I think BMW built it to take it. I've had mine for 7 or 8 years and I'm happy with it.
It's decent in winter with 4 wheel snow tires. It stops when it runs out of clearance.
I change the oil (I use GC) at half the recommended interval to better protect the top end.
The E39 was considered by many to be better than its replacement. If I were buying another one, I'd probably look for a 2001 530i. Reports are the 3.0 got a bit better mileage and had better power too. Some 3.0's burned a little oil though - ask!
Ecotourist
Yeah, the reliability of all these I6 engines mentioned above should be about the same. In general these I6 engines were more reliable and somewhat cheaper to maintain than the V8 engines of the same era (ie. the M62 engines in E39). The V8 ones were also slightly more prone to cooling system failures due to less space under the hood and overall higher temperatures under there. But even the I6 ones often suffer from cooling issues relatively early on.
Quattro Pete pretty much nailed it. The I6 is somewhat more reliable, costs less to maintain and gets better fuel economy. I have a 2000 528i 5MT with the M sport package. It brakes, rides and handles beautifully. Gets decent mileage too. It's not a rocket but it has good enough performance. I push it pretty hard at times but I think BMW built it to take it. I've had mine for 7 or 8 years and I'm happy with it.
It's decent in winter with 4 wheel snow tires. It stops when it runs out of clearance.
I change the oil (I use GC) at half the recommended interval to better protect the top end.
The E39 was considered by many to be better than its replacement. If I were buying another one, I'd probably look for a 2001 530i. Reports are the 3.0 got a bit better mileage and had better power too. Some 3.0's burned a little oil though - ask!
Ecotourist
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