turnbowm

The April 2005 issue of Consumer Reports really slammed the 2005 530i for reliability, giving it the lowest possible grade ("well below average"). Athough CR was impressed with the ride, handling and performance, they found the interior fit and finish to be less impressive than in the previous generation.

They also listed the 2004 530i in the Used Cars To Avoid list.

Very disappointing results, considering that the 2003 CR Buying Guide indicated that the 530i was the highest-scoring car that they had tested.

Was just about to pull the trigger on a new 2006 530i, but CR's report is definitely cause for concern. Am interested in your thoughts and experiences.

Martin T.

E60COYOTE

This certainly hurts my cars re-sale value... I'm not at all happy with this report. I think CR is way off-base with their evaluation. Non of the MINOR issues I've had indicate any major reliability issues.

Aaron

The 2005 reliability report is based on the 2004 MY reliability numbers, and many of the early adopters have had problems, especially those early on in late 2003. I don't know if CR separates between minor and major issues, but there were a lot of minor issues, some buybacks, etc. Given the issues reported on this small sample of owners here, I expected the numbers to be low for reliability, and if I were buying a used car, I would avoid a 2004 E60, even those built later in the model year seem to be more reliable. Let's just hope that the reliability numbers get better over the model years. From 2005 and beyond, the number should look a lot better than the 2004 numbers. Also, software should stabilize over time, so that should improve the reliability numbers tremendously.

Guest

Only because of I drive issues nothing mechanical or serious!

Baron

They're not wrong. My E39 528 with 120K miles didn't squeak rattle or fall to bits ....my E60 530 with 10K miles is going in on Tuesday for a list of 7 things ALL interior fit and finsh. Its spoiling an otherwise great car.

Andy

m630

take these things with a grain of salt, they will also give a Hyundai its highest marks in the same breathe.. please CR

MaxBuck

Interesting discussion. My wife asked me, "Honey, do you still want the BMW after reading what CR had to say?" My answer was that of course I did, but that I planned to get the extended warranty coverage and that only a fool would not, given the Bimmer's poor reliability record. I went on to point out that the reliability issues were primarily annoyances, as opposed to the kinds of things that could endanger the driver or passengers. And I also pointed out that the 545i is the only car I have driven that keeps me awake at night waiting for the magic moment that my lease expires on my present Acura TL-S!

She now sees the wisdom of my thinking.

alex123

That is one of the reasons I lease mine

darkside

It is too bad about the Consumer Reports rating. I can remember after buying my 2001 530i I picked up the Consumer Reports Car Review, and saw that it was rated the best car they had ever ever tested. I liked it, but also realized that in areas where I am in a position to know Consumer Reports has not done well. I am a veterinarian and recall an aboslutely rediculous piece on pet foods. They also did a report on veterinary medicine and it was an absolute hatchet job. So while it is not good re resale etc., I really don't pay much attention to the substance of their report. I already knew the new 5 had some glitches. I do think it might be best to avoid the first year of a major model change, but I can tell you that the 2005 5 series I test drove was way better than the 2001.

Ågent99

I just got the CR mag yesterday in the mail. I was dissappointed, too, but not surprised. The E60 is too new and is bound to be fraught with all sorts of problems. By years 5-7 of the E39, they had it just about perfect. 1997-1998 E39s didn't fare very well....