Future5er

Hey guys,

I'm new here and hoping to add a BMW 5 series to my garage soon in North Carolina. My wife drives an 00 323 CiC which we love so I've been a fan for many years. I'm currently shopping for an 06 or 07 530i and have a few questions I've been wanting to ask so here goes:

1. What are the differences, if any between an 06 and 07 530? Are there any positive changes (like MP3 capabilities) between the two? What about iDrive changes? Will the dealer do any software updates that would make an 06 like an 07?

2. I am hoping to buy a car with the Sport Pkg. Sometimes, the steering wheel seems to change when you get Sport and other times, it appears the same. Any ideas why? I know the suspension and wheels change on the 5 for certain.

3. How do you tell if a car as the upgraded Logic 7 stereo. I've read it has more speakers but am not sure the best way to make that determination.

4. I would also like to find a car with the upgraded front seats. What is the easiest way to tell if a car has the upgraded seat package. I know there are additional buttons or controls but I'm not sure where they are.

5. If I take a VIN number to most dealers, will they tell me the history of that specific car? I know the dealer would like to sell me a car but they rarely seem to have what I'm looking for.

6. On my 3 series, I've had to change control arms and bushings much earlier than any other Japanese car I've owned. Is that the same with the E60?

Thanks.

AP Sales

1. 2007 has a different, more powerful engine.
2. the sport package does have different steering wheel, suspension and wheel/tire combo
3. Yes, L7 has more speakers
4. Comfort seats look quite a bit different. Easiest way to tell is the neck pillows on the headrest.
4. VIN gives some info on a car, but nothing about its history. Carfax, previous owners are best sources.
5. Not heard of 5er owners needing to replace these suspension components.

You can learn alot on this forum, using the search option. Good luck

trojan.525i

To clarify more on some of the topics,

1. dealer will always update you with the latest software.

2. with sport package, u get a tighter suspension, sport wheels, m-tech body kits (rear diffusor, side skirts, front bumper). and M strips when u open the door (dont know what its called, but i'll add pics)

3. To determine if your car has logic 7, go to the settings in the audio menu. On the background, you will see 'logic 7' written; you will also get an equalizer option.

4. Yes, the easiest way is the extra pillow. (picture attached). besides that, u'll also find added controls like the lumbar support.

C's Bimmer

I'm 99% sure the 2006 and 2007's both have the same 255HP engine, so #1 is not correct. I believe it was the 2004's and the early 2005's that had the same 225HP engine as the old E39 530i.

As for #2, the suspension is the same on the Sport Packages on the 2006 and the 2007's. So are the wheels (123's). Both years have the 123's.

trojan.525i

123? i thought it was 135. that's what i got. maybe its different in the US. and i also think the M door strips don't come in the US models..