buying an 5 series need some advice

[AzNMpower32]

Put it this way, a late model (2001-2003) E39 540i is usually around $30k given an average number of miles. E39 525i and 530i (late model) are running in the mid 20s. BMWs hold their value extremely well. Therefore an E60 under $30k isn't easy.

[CGSTL]

I owned a 2002 540i from '02 to '05, until I traded it for my X5. I loved the 540! I had a black on black non-sport. It rode very comfortably and had great power.

2003 was the last year of the E39 body style. I would try to find a low mileage 2003 540i and try to get it CPO'd for the 100,000 mile warranty. That would be a great 30K car!

Good Luck!

[Quicksilver]

We have an 06 530i. The CEO drives it 90% of the time. It just got back from the dealer after having been re-programed, but it's going back because the Navi screen has gone blank for the second time. Other than that i have to admit i really enjoy driving it. My visit to the e60 site has helped a great deal also. In fact after I got some valuable info from Sanguru it was there that I learned some inportant information that save me quite a bit of money I might have had to pay regarding our iPod interface. Not saying the kind folks around here won't give you some great advice but nothing like having additional resources. Have fun Who knows maybe you will find someone willing to part with their ride at a price you can live with.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showforum=2

[NOVAX5]

thanks for inputs guys, i have been on cars.com for at least 2 weeks now and i believe there are whole bunch of 04+ E60 around $30k with under 50k miles. right now i just keep my eyes and ears open for suggestions, problems and things i have never known about the E60. i appreciate your inputs that makes my purchase a little more confident.

[Wagner]

Could you post links to all these cars because, I would seriously be worried about a 'bunch' of E60's under 30k.

[NOVAX5]

These are just examples, i also found some of them in 2005 and E60 530i

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

[NOVAX5]

This is the one i am looking at right now, low miles newer model 2005 and in my area too. what do you guys think?

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

[Wagner]

As was said a 2004 525 (the bottom line of the E60) could be the only real contender for $30k, and most seemed non CPO'd and had only remainder of factory warranties.

Personally, I would save up some more money and buy a CPO directly from a BMW dealer.

[BMWFan]

Originally Posted by NOVAX5

what i can do
$30K or less

what i expect
04 or newer
black
low miles

whats are your inputs on this one?
please give me some before i go shopping.

I have a 2004 525i and have had zero problems in 33,000 miles. You should be able to find a nice 2004 for around $30,000, just be sure to get a later model. The ones built after 03/04, are able to be updated easier. For example, the bluetooth function can be turned on by just a software update. Earlier built 2004's required the TCU to be replaced for bluetooth. I also think that some of the problems posted with 2004's occurred in earlier built models.

Also, I do not have navigation. Many of the problems of the 2004's seem to involve the CCC, which is the computer that the car has with navigation. Most of the problems, though, seem to have been fixed with software upgrades. In following the problems of 2004 models, I have seen very few that involve the mechanical systems. Most seem to be software or sensors related.

Good luck on whatever you decide on. I would definitely try to get a CPO car from the dealer though.

[Aimster]

Try carmax.com for your search

sometimes... rarely they have better deals