I wouldn't buy one just because of the dealer mandated service intervals. When I had my 2003 BMW X5 4.4i nearly new they paid for all of the servicing and repairs. Oil change intervals were once a year and 15,000 miles. Even with the oil BMW used it looked disgusting at 15,000 miles.

Once I was off warranty I used the same oil and cut the intervals in half. Had massive amounts of problems and eventually dumped it at 75,000 miles.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

I don't really have room to talk though. I just bought a Jaguar XJR.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

Hattie - you know you aren't supposed to be posting pornography like that.

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Jim

Yeah, the x5's, especially the 4.4's, arent known for their reliability. When we were looking for an SUV for my wife we considered those, and after only an hour of research dismissed the idea entirely. Oddly enough, the 3.0's actually demand more money used than the 4.4's, we would have picked up 3.0 but they were out of our price range. Bought the highlander instead.

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

BMW seems to be the new stereotypical "Jaguar," in terms of costs associated with ownership, in reading this thread.

They are excellent driving machines. Pretty much unmatched by their competitors....

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I think that depends on the model. About a year ago, I took a chance and bought a 1999 BMW 528i, which is known to BMW people as an E39 generation. I gather that the E39 has a good reputation for reliability and longevity. The newer 500 series (starting in 2004, I think) are more high-tech than is the E39 and therefore scarier to me as they age.

The previous owner of my car was meticulous in his maintenance, but he relied on the dealer for oil changes, which probably means 15,000 intervals. That's a risk I am taking. I have taken to changing the oil every 5,000 miles using BMW synthetic, which I believe is made by Castrol. I am hoping to go well past 200,000. It's a beautiful car.

I would agree with that.

I also have been reading about them being parked most of the year since they cannot be afforded to be a primary driver because of their driving costs. One guy can't afford the fuel alone - before they breakdown. So, they are pacmans on eating money for sure.

I have a friend who has had an E39 528i 5-speed for several years. It's not been trouble free -- she had to replace the head gasket last year. But considering the miles on the clock, about 160K, it's a repair that the owner should be prepared for.

Of course, there's no telling what kind of service the cooling system had before she bought the car. Cooling is BMW's weak spot, without a doubt.

Too bad you didn't have an oil change on your own dime between the dealer's changes. Maybe it wouldn't have helped, but I agree, 15K is not a prudent interval. Half that would be a bit of overkill with an 8-quart sump but not out of line. I usually go 10K with my '95 540i using Delvac 1, 90% highway miles.

The BMWCCA magazine has a technical column in which the corporate service schedule is regularly condemned. The author advises to double up on pretty much every fluid change BMW pays for under warranty.

Pics!

Went on a test drive in a 2011 535i with X-Drive on Saturday (was just a passenger). Nice car dynamically, but they've dumbed-down the interior a bit compared to previous generations.

Must not have driven one with the iDrive and 18 way seat adjust lol!


I spend 20 minutes dialing in that seat before I could drive it!

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I'm trying to get my Mom into one of those. She's doesn't like the price tag, but maybe a test drive this spring will change her mind.

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'07 Yukon 2500
'13 Subaru Outback 3.6R
'13 Orbea Carpe 9-speed

Currently Benzless
Formerly: 300TD, S600, E55, 560SEL

---= The forest breathes, listen.
-Native American elder

The 535 is probably a decent car, but I really hate the ricey looks.