Considering a 2002 525i Sport or 2003 530i - Any input is helpful
Asked by Niloc64 Nov 25, 2012 at 12:20 PM about the 2002 BMW 5 Series 525i Sedan RWD
Question type: General
I'm looking at two nicely maintained 200 5 series BMW's. One is a 525i With Sport package - private seller
- asking $7,900 - has many service records - recent, radiator/hoses, coolant, oil housing gasket, 8K on
new tires, new front rotors/pads. sensors, rear pads. 100,000 Miles.
the 530i w/Luxery package is from a dealer, looks super clean - 104K $8,200 - I'm guessing it would
need some work.
If both cars where equally maintained which would be a preferred choice?
Also, I prefer manual - but here in LA its almost impossible to find a manual - do the 5 series have a good
track record with the auto transmissions?
Best - Cole
7 Answers
CARFAX..if private party you will have to pay for it yourself, dealer demand one. Other than that I don't kow much about beemers, but the carfax will tell you if it's been wrecked, how many owners and much more
PS you gotta have the VIN
Thanks for the advice. I have subscribed to Experians version of Carfax, dealers usually use Carfax and provide so I bounce it off of the Experian report - so I agree with your advice it gives you a sap shot of the cars history. I also use this a site to run the actual specs on the BMW - its very helpful - lists all options, production date, original color etc. Dealers often market the car the wrong color: Here's the site: www.rubmw.rv/vincode/eng/ You just need last 7 of the vin. Thank for the reply - CH
Take both for a drive. Inspect the from top and bottom. The manual tranny is the preference here. You are looking for under carriage puddling since shrouding covers everything. The sports package is my preference here as well.
Michael - Thanks for the reply. On other forums I've also read about the preference of the sport package - a stiffer ride but a lot more enjoyable. I've been driving both sport and premium models 525i & 530i - I'll find the right balance of cost, maintenance/condition, mileage etc. Thanks again- CH
I have an 01 E39 Sportwagen, my fifth Bimmer, with a manual tranny that I have owned since 2003. I have personally worked on every aspect of the vehicle. What I have learned about this amazing vehicle is that it requires maintenance, lots of it. I have stiffened the suspension even further and have NO PROBLEM at all with the ride quality. My suggestion would be to purchase a Bentley manual and use the hell out of it along with Bimmer Forums. Rubber and ABS replacement is going to happen. Lots of it. Just be aware of that fact and you can make replacements accordingly.
Michael- Thanks for the tip. I like working on cars. I have worked on my 84' Mercedes 240D by asking questions, & using Haynes repair manual. Its an easy engine to work on with a lot of room. When I look at the BMW's inline 6 and all the components at first glance its intimidating! But its good to hear your success. I'd love to find a Manual Wagon - I think they look great & are super useful. Maybe I should hold out for a good wagon - I just keep coming across beat up ones. Best - CH
