2000-2001 5 Series Issues

"DS" <no_spam_
The current 5-series is probably one of the top 2 or 3 cars made, but
that's only in terms of it's size, performance, ride, etc. It's only rated
"average"
as far as maintenance goes. Many of the people complaining expect Toyota-
like (or Lexus) "buy and forget it" maintainability are disappointed.

There have been instances of the Xenon headlight capsules failing - that's
$500
to replace if out of warranty. BMW's are notorious (not nearly as bad as
20-year ago Lucas!) for electrical problems. Brake pads and rotors need
to be changed a lot because they're basically designed for performance
rather than wear - a dealer charges about $1200 for a complete brake
job that costs less than $500 parts. But the engine and drivetrain rarely
break,
and they last forever.

Floyd

You could do a search on this group and see what problems have come up
here. Not necessarily an accurate cross section, but real owners. There's
also a dedicated E39 e-mail group.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bmwe39

Also, FWIW, why would a warranty be a 'must'? If everyone saved money by
buying one, the company supplying it would soon go out of business.

At 70,000 miles I've only had two out of warranty problems with my 528,
both a DIY fix for under 100 gbp the pair. The heater blower motor speed
control resistor pack is a common one, but appears to have been fixed by
the latest replacement. I also had a crank position sensor problem.

The stop light bulbs do appear to have a short life on autos where people
keep the car stationary for long periods using the footbrake, but are as
easy as any car to change and not exactly expensive.

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*It's o.k. to laugh during sex??.??.just don't point!

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

You'll find the same with any car.

--
*Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups *

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

The cupholders suck. That is all.

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I have a 2000 528i and I love the car with the exception of the interior and exterior plastic and rubber they used does not hold up. I live in Florida so maybe its just the hot temperature. I have replaced the rubber around the windshield and rear windows only 1.5 yrs ago and it is already disinigrating. also the door running boards rubber, engine cowling and any other plastic or rubber.

I have an April 2001 530D UK spec / sourced car and to date the following
has
had to have been done
New driver seat leather cover - cosmetic - bad original I think - creased
New Headlamp unit as Euro dipper shade locked in Euro position (lamp still
fine)
errr nothing else in its 18,500 miles and 22 months age
Not even tyres and brakes / pads

Nick

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"The cupholders suck."

Built-in multifunctional devices -- use as vacuum cleaner also;-))

DAS
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Ah, well, now I would regard that as a benefit :).

The cupholder in my 5 is great. She's blond, about 5'4", and never spills a
drop.

Kurt Ridder

Drove a 2000 528it for the past three years. Ended lease with about 20K
miles. Only problem I recall is that one of the keys wasn't programmed by
the dealer before delivery, and we managed to break one of the flimsy front
cup holders. Other than one minor recall item, nothing other than scheduled
service was required.

I wouldn't want to have to pay a dealer for parts or service, but once a car
is out of warranty is the time to look for a good independant shop.

DS

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