Opinion on this BMW

[89911]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230095638266


This is being sold close enough to me that I can possibly make a deal on it. I know those that hate the new design, but I have seen this car in person and actually like it. Solid car to drive also. Opinions welcome. It comes with a 7year/100k warranty because it is certified. Also interest on the loan is 4.9%. Only thing I don't like is the saddle interior, but a black on black car can be miserable in the summer.

[wludavid]

I've never driven one, but honestly the design has grown on me. Except for the hideous trunk. But at least the chrome around the kidney grills isn't on the hood like smudged lipstick (or a milk mustache, pick your own unflattering metaphor for the 3er sedan look).

With a warranty, that'd be a nice car. The quality went down for the e60, according to CR. And the extended interval "free" maintenance and "lifetime" tranny and diff fluid has increased the failure rates of those, also.

OTOH, with only 35k miles, you might be able to rescue it from that fate by doing the proper maintenance.

I have a dark car with a beige leather interior. Definitely helps in the summer.

[Big Ed]

Nice car. I'd like mine with a stick.

[89911]

I've gone back and forth on the stick. I've got the 911 for shifting. The automatic is a 6 speed tiptronic.

[JeffO]

I am picking up a 2004 530i with the sport pkg on Friday. BMW finance is offering 5 year for 3.9 % and 4 year for 2.9 %. That is real cheap money. Also bmw is paying first and second months payments. Mine has 22000 miles, grey titanium ext with gray int. I have the that tranny in my 330xi and it is fun, only a bit of lag between shifts when done manualy. Drive it and you will buy it.

[89911]

Originally posted by JeffO
I am picking up a 2004 530i with the sport pkg on Friday. BMW finance is offering 5 year for 3.9 % and 4 year for 2.9 %. That is real cheap money. Also bmw is paying first and second months payments. Mine has 22000 miles, grey titanium ext with gray int. I have the that tranny in my 330xi and it is fun, only a bit of lag between shifts when done manualy. Drive it and you will buy it.

Yes, I did drive it and it was so tight, it felt like a 2 door coupe. The incentives and pricing on the 2004's are very good. With all the incentives and warranties, it's hard to beat.

[Noah930]

With the CPO warranty, I think the car's a solid buy. Anything that goes wrong should be covered by the factory. Routine services are included, too, right? If you're only planning on keeping the car for a few years (you've got 4 years and 65K miles left on the warranty), it's an easy decision, if you like the car. Don't want to say anything too negative, so I'll just leave it at: I don't like the styling at all.

[azasadny]

Stoddard's has a very good reputation... if that helps...

[RobertsStole2nd]

Originally posted by JeffO
I am picking up a 2004 530i with the sport pkg on Friday. BMW finance is offering 5 year for 3.9 % and 4 year for 2.9 %. That is real cheap money. Also bmw is paying first and second months payments. Mine has 22000 miles, grey titanium ext with gray int. I have the that tranny in my 330xi and it is fun, only a bit of lag between shifts when done manualy. Drive it and you will buy it.

Jeff - I have my eye on a 2004 330i Performance Package at Newport (RI) BMW. Do you happen to know if the financing rates are available nationally? I can't seem to find mention of the rates you're talking about anywhere...

Todd

[JeffO]

Todd; The finance rates are from BMW financial so it should be nationwide. Small world, I am going to Newport this Saturday for my moms funeral. May have to delay the service because of the storm. And that roberts stealing 2nd sucked big time!

[89911]

Originally posted by RobertsStole2nd
Jeff - I have my eye on a 2004 330i Performance Package at Newport (RI) BMW. Do you happen to know if the financing rates are available nationally? I can't seem to find mention of the rates you're talking about anywhere...

Todd

The rates should apply. Check out this page about details:

http://www.hendrickbmw.com/landing/landing1.jsp

[89911]

Originally posted by azasadny
Stoddard's has a very good reputation... if that helps...

Yes they do. But I just found out the car is warranted from BMW but they do not offer the finacing.

[the]

Originally posted by JeffO
Todd; The finance rates are from BMW financial so it should be nationwide. Small world, I am going to Newport this Saturday for my moms funeral. May have to delay the service because of the storm. And that roberts stealing 2nd sucked big time!

That post was oddly in the style of Albert Camus.

[trj911]

I like the car. Good color combination and the 545 has a lot of power. I've been driving BMW's for 22 years and I would buy each one of them again. But, I must admit, I like one I'm currently driving best.

[Dueller]

Pretty car...just get ready to stroke some checks for fuel. That big 8 can suck some fuel. Off lease I presume? There's a ton of them on the market...Think you can get into it for around $35K? The market is soft on pre-owned luxury cars, to wit: Buddy just bought a 2001 528, Msport (not M5) pristine, 58K, warranty for $13K.

[JeffO]

May I ask. who is A. Camus?

[Dueller]

Originally posted by the
That post was oddly in the style of Albert Camus.

Or perhaps Nietchze?

[wludavid]

Originally posted by Dueller
Pretty car...just get ready to stroke some checks for fuel. That big 8 can suck some fuel. Off lease I presume? There's a ton of them on the market...Think you can get into it for around $35K? The market is soft on pre-owned luxury cars, to wit: Buddy just bought a 2001 528, Msport (not M5) pristine, 58K, warranty for $13K.

13k?! Crap. That means my '97 528i with 110k miles isn't worth hardly anything at all. Oh well, I don't plan on selling anyway.

If I were buying an e60, I'd get a '06 530i. It has the sweet new N54 engine that's much more fuel efficient and powerful than the previous Sixes. Plus, it only weighs about 100 lbs more than the e90 (3-series) sedan.