Buying BMW E60 help!

willy_manily · #1 11-18-2008, 05:54 AM

Im buying a 2004 BMW E60 525i with 80,000km

car has 17" wheels ( Stock ), gps, parktronic front and back, xenons,

What are some things i should look out for in this car?

Im going to have a look this weekend, so well see how it goes

I think i will need to purchase a new steering wheel, as this one looks a little old.

Also, would this car have that steering system when you only turn the wheel a little to do full lock?

AzNMpower32 · #2 11-18-2008, 11:28 AM

To be honest, I would avoid the 2004 5er because it was the first year of a brand new model with a lot of new technology introduced. In general, 5er folks say that a 2005 or newer is a safer bet from a reliability standpoint. I think the biggest problem is the Steering Angle Sensor that can cause issues, but I'm no expert.

Active Steering is an option on the 5er, but is not a common option.

willy_manily · #3 11-18-2008, 06:44 PM

It comes with a two year warranty. If i do decide to purchase this car should i get it extended?

Also, the listing states that it included GPS, would that just be radio navigation?

AzNMpower32 · #4 11-18-2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willy_manily

It comes with a two year warranty. If i do decide to purchase this car should i get it extended?

Also, the listing states that it included GPS, would that just be radio navigation?

I think that vehicle has Business Navigation, which has a slightly smaller screen than the Professional Navigation version.

If are set on getting a 2004, I highly recommend an extended warranty, especially one that will the electrics.

LeMansX5 · #5 11-18-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

To be honest, I would avoid the 2004 5er because it was the first year of a brand new model with a lot of new technology introduced. In general, 5er folks say that a 2005 or newer is a safer bet from a reliability standpoint. I think the biggest problem is the Steering Angle Sensor that can cause issues, but I'm no expert.

Active Steering is an option on the 5er, but is not a common option.

willy_manily · #6 11-18-2008, 11:54 PM

So whats the difference with business navigation over professional navigation?

AzNMpower32 · #7 11-19-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willy_manily

So whats the difference with business navigation over professional navigation?

I can't be 100% sure, because in the US we have never gotten anything but Professional sat nav.

Aside from the screen sizes, I don't think there is much of a difference between the two. The interface may be slightly different, but then again when we had Business Nav in our 118i hatch, I didn't find it much different from Professional Nav. You still get Trip info (petrol stations, Car parks, etc...) and it should have voice instructions. Voice Commands are technically a separate option but I do not know about option bundles in Australia.