My local dealer has a '04 530 with $8k off the MSRP of $54k. Has anyone else seen last year's models with this kind of discount? I'm driving an E46 3 series right now and was planning on trading in for a new E90 330 this fall, but this car is really tempting me. (Although this one does have NAV and Heads up display that I don't care about)

Is the IDrive really as bad as people make it out? It's an option on the E90 that I would not choose.

Honest opinions appreciated.

Its about cabin size and price. IMO the E90 that you are considering is a better car as it will have the new magnesium inline 6 a suspension tuned for better runflats, keyless entry and much more. The used 530 on the lot has the older one. Also make sure that it is a later 2004 build (04/04 production or later) if the price and the larger car is attractive to you.

99.9% of the posters on this forum will assure you that I-Drive is an easy to use feature and offers many more benefits than drawbacks. The only "people" that don't seem to like it are the anal and biased automotive press. Go for the NAV. You will be surprised how useful it is even if you know your way around.

Ask them to throw in the OEM 2OP warranty for 6yr/100k and extended maintenance for 6yr/100k and it'll be a sweet deal. :thumbsup:

Welcome analogue ! :thumbsup:

Get the car if only you are able to get at least 10k off MSRP

analogue:

1. i have regretted not getting the nav (not retrofittable on my build)
2. i-drive is easy - like hormazd said, press people don't drive it as much as we do
3. is it new or used? (you didn't mention mileage on it)

good luck, whatever you decide on!

daydok

- The car is new - probably still around because it's a 6 spd - which I prefer.

- Curious regarding Hormazd's post - what changed after 04/04 production?

The new E90 330 I have in mind will be $42K so it seems to be worth the jump for the few $K. Rear seating is my only problem with the 3 series, but I don't want to lose the driving experience of my trusty 3er.


Thanks guys.

I think it's because some of the earlier build dates prior to 4/04 have had a few more problems than later build dates.

330's more fun, 530 is much less "boy racerish." it's your call.

You are aware of the significant engine upgrade coming in the 2006 530 Right? Plus you are getting a less horsepower car with 2 years of depreciation...

The biggest being an older TCU. Telematics Control Unit. The older TCU will not allow Bluetooth to be enabled by software. I would go for the E90 fully loaded, 2006 530 fully loaded or 2006 550i fully loaded. With these three brand new engines and cars coming out within the next 6 months, why buy a 2004 530. There is a very good reason the car is 8K of MSRP. Here are the issues that have been resolved with the above three models that software updates cannot fix.

RF Road noise
RF ride and comfort
Rattling Doors
Bluetooth compatibility
Interior upgrades
Comfort key entry (or whatever its called)
Squealing brakes ( 530 only not present in 545)

Any other issues can be resolved by getting a SW upgrade but the above are hardware related.

Look at the 3 cars mentioned above when they arrive. Buy the one that you can afford.