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Car Forum / BMW Cars / September 2006recommendations for 5 series year / model - in UK
I have just sold my 1995 E34 525TDS, and whilst it had a few problems which I sorted, I really liked the car. However, the replacement does not inspire confidence and so I am looking for another 5 ? series and have the following wishlist. Diesel, Manual, reliable, age between 1997 and 2001 and a budget of around GBP £8K or a bit more if justified. I can do most work myself but do not have many "special" tools. Can anyone point me to models to look for and those to avoid for ? whatever reasons ? I guess it may/must be an E39, but don't know much model history / years to avoid / gadgets to go for etc.. Appreciate comments and suggestions Thanks, Nick E39 530d is well-regarded. Only significant weakness might be the plastic/aluminum radiator which can develop cracks in high-miles cars. Not sure if diesel can be optioned with sport suspension, but it makes an already fine-handling machine even better. There are no "stay away from" options for the car., but the navigation system is notably inferior to that offered on Japanese luxury cars of the same era. R / John >I have just sold my 1995 E34 525TDS, and whilst it had a few problems which >I sorted, I really liked the car. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Nick > E39 530d is well-regarded. Only significant weakness might be the > plastic/aluminum radiator which can develop cracks in high-miles cars. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > options for the car., but the navigation system is notably inferior to that > offered on Japanese luxury cars of the same era. You guys are lucky to get BMW diesels. If BMW ever offers it here in the US, I wouldn't hestitate to get one, especially if you can get it with the sport suspension. After all, once the cars gets kind of old, you can convert it to "bio-diesel" and drive around smelling like french fries (or are we still calling it "FREEDOM FRIES.") >You guys are lucky to get BMW diesels. If BMW ever offers it here in >the US, I wouldn't hestitate to get one, especially if you can get it >with the sport suspension. After all, once the cars gets kind of old, >you can convert it to "bio-diesel" and drive around smelling like >french fries My neighbors car smells like won tons. I was behind a bus last week that smelled like curry. If I'm not mistaken the lincoln diesels had bmw engines.  SignatureNeed Mercedes parts? http://parts.mbz.org Richard Sexton | Mercedes stuff: http://mbz.org 1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Home pages: http://rs79.vrx.net 633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | http://aquaria.net http://killi.net > E39 530d is well-regarded. Only significant weakness might be the > plastic/aluminum radiator which can develop cracks in high-miles cars. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > options for the car., but the navigation system is notably inferior to that > offered on Japanese luxury cars of the same era. You guys are lucky to get BMW diesels. If BMW ever offers it here in the US, I wouldn't hestitate to get one, especially if you can get it with the sport suspension. After all, once the cars gets kind of old, you can convert it to "bio-diesel" and drive around smelling like french fries (or are we still calling it "FREEDOM FRIES.") >> E39 530d is well-regarded. Only significant weakness might be the >> plastic/aluminum radiator which can develop cracks in high-miles cars. [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > you can convert it to "bio-diesel" and drive around smelling like > french fries (or are we still calling it "FREEDOM FRIES.") Can't you import them ? Nick > >> E39 530d is well-regarded. Only significant weakness might be the > >> plastic/aluminum radiator which can develop cracks in high-miles cars. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Can't you import them ? Not that I'm aware of. We have very strict emission laws, especially here in California. BMW would need to certify that a diesel engine meets all EPA/California emission requirement. BMW hasn't sold a diesel in the US since the E28 524td way back in 1986 or 87. However, its my understanding that in either 2007 or 08, the US will be going to something called ultra clean diesel fuel and BMW is suppose to bring in the highly praised 535d. One other thing, I would try to stay away from idrive and BMW navigation as soon as possible. In the US, only the E90 3 Series allows this option. I bet most people end up not getting either. > Not that I'm aware of. We have very strict emission laws, especially > here in California. BMW would need to certify that a diesel engine [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > navigation as soon as possible. In the US, only the E90 3 Series allows > this option. I bet most people end up not getting either. OK - I thought the euro ones had to meet pretty tight laws nowadays as well though - but praps yours are tighter - however some of us Europeans have the ?misguided? opinion that the US seems to care less about emissions / fuel economy than the Europeans in their general lifestyle Nick > > Not that I'm aware of. We have very strict emission laws, especially > > here in California. BMW would need to certify that a diesel engine [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > in their general > lifestyle I think the problem is the disparity in the price of gas. In Europe, its my understanding that gasoline cost like $5-7 per gallon. In the US, people scream when it hits $3 per gallon or so. The difference in price appears to be taxes. You Europeans allow yourself to be taxed in this manner. Further, California is stricter than any other state AND the federal government on emissions. For example, we were the first to require catalytic converters. Of course, we also have the most drivers. For most Americans, when we think of diesel, there is this image of big, stinky diesel trucks/engines with tons of black smoke. With the new ultra clean diesel coming soon, that should change. Currently, the only diesel cars I can think of that are available in the US market are made by VW and Mercedes. Hopefully, this change in 2007 or 08. I'm looking forward to a 535d as possibly my next car. >> Not that I'm aware of. We have very strict emission laws, especially >> here in California. BMW would need to certify that a diesel engine [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Europeans in their general > lifestyle You guys in EU live in your own world. The fact of the matter is that the US has had stricter emissions requirements than EU for around 30 years, and our emissions laws have basically led the EU by 10 years during that period (exclusive of CO2.) The emissions situation in the US is complicated *currently* by the fact that we haven't switched to low-sulfur diesel; that comes in next year and will allow PM/soot reduction to EU levels. However, NOx requirements that phase in next year are more stringent than EU standards: diesel autos have to meet the same NOx levels that gasoline autos meet. FloydR > The emissions situation in the US is complicated *currently* by the > fact that we haven't switched to low-sulfur diesel; that comes in next [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > FloydR Minor technical correction. The US has mandated and used low-sulfur diesel fuel for many years. The new, 2007 requirements are for "ultra-low sulfur" fuel. Eisboch > You guys in EU live in your own world. The fact of the matter is that > the US has had stricter emissions requirements than EU for around 30 > years, and our emissions laws have basically led the EU by 10 years > during that period (exclusive of CO2.) Don't different states have different requirements? And are pollutants measured as a percentage or absolute? Signature*When it rains, why don't sheep shrink? * Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. >> You guys in EU live in your own world. The fact of the matter is that >> the US has had stricter emissions requirements than EU for around 30 [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Don't different states have different requirements? And are pollutants > measured as a percentage or absolute? Current federal emission standards apply for every state. California has sometimes set emission standards that exceed those of the fed standards. For a few years some vehicles were known as "California" cars that were specifically built by the manufacturer to be sold there. Often they were (are) noted for having less engine performance and tend to be less desirable at resale to out of state buyers. Eisboch >>> You guys in EU live in your own world. The fact of the matter is that >>> the US has had stricter emissions requirements than EU for around 30 [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >> Don't different states have different requirements? And are pollutants >> measured as a percentage or absolute? Pollutants are an absolute measurement AFAIK .... so many parts per million for each type. At least that's what is printed on the emission test results after you have your vehicle inspected. Eisboch >>>> You guys in EU live in your own world. The fact of the matter is that >>>> the US has had stricter emissions requirements than EU for around 30 [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Eisboch I keep thinking of things. The way it works in the US is that the federal government establishes the criteria for emission requirements and vehicle manufacturers must meet them in each model year in order to offer them for sale as new cars. The fed encourages each state to adopt the current criteria in their respective emission testing programs. Failure to do so by any state can cause that state to lose federal funding assistance for road repair and/or construction. Florida eliminated all vehicle inspections .... safety and emission.... a few years ago. I don't know what the rational was to do so. Eisboch > In article <12f9gjhikgre7@corp.supernews.com>, >> You guys in EU live in your own world. The fact of the matter is that [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Don't different states have different requirements? And are pollutants > measured as a percentage or absolute? There are currently around 10 states signed up for the California emissions standards. All CA standards are stricter than the federal standards, which are at least as strict as EU standards. The diesel NOx requirement is a federal standard. FloydR With America being so clean then, what's the problem with the Kyoto agreement ? Serious question - I really would like to know...... Nick > With America being so clean then, what's the problem with the Kyoto > agreement ? Ask the President.... >> With America being so clean then, what's the problem with the Kyoto >> agreement ? >> >Ask the President.... ...and you'll get a blank stare, at best. The person to ask is the Vice President...and I think we know who's been buttering his bread all these years.... /daytripper (only two more years of those two nitwits. thank god herself!) > With America being so clean then, what's the problem with the Kyoto > agreement ? > Serious question - I really would like to know...... 'Cause Kyoto is about CO2 emissions - and thirsty cars do nothing about this regardless of other emissions. Indeed, a 'cat' may actually increase CO2 emissions. Signature*Why do overlook and oversee mean opposite things? * Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. Indeed. Sign of complete combustion. Daft measure of pollution (and for car road taxation in UK) IMO. DAS For direct contact replace nospam with schmetterling --- [...] > 'Cause Kyoto is about CO2 emissions - and thirsty cars do nothing about > this regardless of other emissions. Indeed, a 'cat' may actually increase > CO2 emissions. > However, its my understanding that in either 2007 or 08, the US will be > going to something called ultra clean diesel fuel and BMW is suppose to > bring in the highly praised 535d. ULSD day in the USA is October 1. 80% of the diesel available must be ULSD except in California where it is 100%. Fireworks and excessive consiousness modification would be appropriate. .. Especially in Haight-Ashbury. DAS For direct contact replace nospam with schmetterling --- [...] excessive consiousness modification would be appropriate. > .. > You guys are lucky to get BMW diesels. If BMW ever offers it here in > the US, I wouldn't hestitate to get one, especially if you can get it > with the sport suspension. After all, once the cars gets kind of old, > you can convert it to "bio-diesel" and drive around smelling like > french fries (or are we still calling it "FREEDOM FRIES.") Not all modern high tech diesels will run on bio diesel without modification. Signature*My designated driver drove me to drink Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. > > You guys are lucky to get BMW diesels. If BMW ever offers it here in > > the US, I wouldn't hestitate to get one, especially if you can get it [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Not all modern high tech diesels will run on bio diesel without > modification. That's true, but conversion kits are available and many more will be developed as diesels become more readily available. I really like the thought of bio-diesel and wished BMW had more offerings in the US. >> > You guys are lucky to get BMW diesels. If BMW ever offers it here in >> > the US, I wouldn't hestitate to get one, especially if you can get it [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > developed as diesels become more readily available. I really like the > thought of bio-diesel and wished BMW had more offerings in the US. When the US government started tightening up the emission requirements for diesels the relatively small market for them in cars and light duty trucks (in the US) was not worth pursuing. Virtually all European manufacturers withdrew diesel exports to the US. A good example is the Sprinter (Mercedes). The little 2.7L, 5 cylinder diesel was used throughout Europe but did not meet US emission specs. It wasn't until DaimlerChrysler decided to replace the conventional Dodge van series with the Sprinter that the numbers made it worthwhile to clean up the emissions on the engine in order to sell in the US. Eisboch By our (European) standards it's not so little... DAS For direct contact replace nospam with schmetterling --- [...] > (Mercedes). The little 2.7L, 5 cylinder diesel was used throughout Europe [...] > By our (European) standards it's not so little... > > [...] > > (Mercedes). The little 2.7L, 5 cylinder diesel was used throughout Europe > [...] Agree. My friend's brother, who lives in Germany, came over and had to drive my 1990 E34 535i, 5spd, 108K miles. He really enjoyed the torque and said because of the extreme price of gas in Germany, all of his cars were 2.0 liters or smaller. Of course, we Americans believe there's No Replacement for Displacement, and the bigger the better! >> By our (European) standards it's not so little... >> [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > Of course, we Americans believe there's No Replacement for > Displacement, and the bigger the better! We have a RV conversion that is built on the 158" wheelbase Sprinter chassis. I am simply amazed at how well the Mercedes 154 hp diesel performs. We recently took a 1400 mile trip towing a light cargo trailer with it. It had no problem maintaining 65-70 mph on the highway, up and down hills, and delivered 17 mpg, even pulling the trailer. Very impressive. Eisboch I'm not...:-) Of course it 'ain't no 6-litre 600 hp engine' but it does the job. I rent cars with turbo-diesel engines of around 2 l -- always impressive 'pull'. DAS For direct contact replace nospam with schmetterling --- [...] > I am simply amazed at how well the Mercedes 154 hp diesel performs. [...] > I guess it may/must be an E39, but don't know much model history / > years to avoid / gadgets to go for etc.. It was one of those rare models which was right from the off, so no year to avoid. As regards gadgets - same as any other car. But even the base model is well enough equipped. Signature*Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things. Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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