2004 5-series owners?

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Randy S - 22 Mar 2004 21:23 GMT

Considering a new 5-series, hoping I can afford a 530i, but might have to be a
525i. I have a '97 E420 right now, so I wish I could get a 545i, but there is
no chance... I was just curious to hear some pros and cons on the cars from
people who have owned them for several months now. Is iDrive tolerable? Is
the sports package worth it? e.t.c.

Randy in Chicago

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Fred W. - 24 Mar 2004 19:49 GMT

> Considering a new 5-series, hoping I can afford a 530i, but might have to be a
> 525i. I have a '97 E420 right now, so I wish I could get a 545i, but there is
> no chance... I was just curious to hear some pros and cons on the cars from
> people who have owned them for several months now. Is iDrive tolerable? Is
> the sports package worth it? e.t.c.

Randy,

I have no personal experience to lend you, but you should try to get ahold
of the recent Roundel magazine where they extensively test drove the 530i w/
sport package and active steering. They had a big problem with the active
steering feel and encouraged potential buyers to be certain to test drive
current version to be sure they liked that feature. The one they had for
the test was one of the first few made. Supposedly this has been sorted out
by BMW and resolved but you may want to be sure before you order it.

As I recall, the only way to eliminated active steering is by deleting the
sport package.

-Fred W

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Hatman - 26 Mar 2004 22:23 GMT

I recently bought a new shape 735i complete with idrive of course. The
magazines have all slated the idrive, saying its complicated etc. Utter
drivel. I mastered the idrive within five minutes - its a fantastic thing
to have, with all your car settings, radio, cd, sat nav etc shown on a
graphic display. Frankly I don't know how I lived without it before.
Wonderful. Just read the instruction booklet and you're away.

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