In the process of seeking a replacement for my wife's old Lexus ES300, she's road-tested a number of cars, and the only ones left on the list are the E60 (in 530xi trim...possibly via ED), Audi A6 3.2, and Infiniti M35x. I've been reading posts for a couple of months now, and there seem to be many complaints about the E60: software, rattles, poor service and the like, and some scary posts about the costs of things. Since many in the forum have collectively a lot of experience with the car, what could a new owner do to minimize the long-term costs of ownership of a 530xi? Generally, we pay cash for vehicles, and keep them for 7-8 years before moving along.

Any ideas, anyone?

 

Like many things in life, you hear people complain about the problems, but you rarely hear from those happy folks who have no axe to grind. Many of the software issues were in the 2004 model year and have been worked out. The poor service is a dealer by dealer issue, mine is just fine, no complaints. Others have had problems, and I would say that overall, the level of service at BMW dealers in general is below what you will find at Lexus or even what we get from the dealer we bought my wife's Acura MDX from. Do your research on your local dealers before you buy, it may be worth your time to drive an extra 20-30 minutes to another dealer for the better service. As for the costs, well here in the U.S. the cost for the first four years is technically $0 as all service and maintanence is included, from oil changes and wiper blades to warranty issues. Beyond that, we can't really say as the model, and therefore the related software and electronics, are still so new. Having owned my car for over a year now, I've been to the shop for an oil change and a couple of minor recalls. I'm sure some of the other members who have owned earlier BMW models can shed some more insight here, but BMWs have been noted for requiring a bit more pampering than say the Lexus or Acuras as they get older. I assume you are not too concerned with gas milage and the cost of gas as the 530 gets OK mileage, but not great. As for insurance, my annual premium increased just $30 going from a GMC Yukon XL to my 545. I, like you paid cash and plan on keeping this car for many years. Hope this helps a bit.

Ken

 

i am really upset, i have had my car 6 months and a i have had no problems, not one rattle, no software bugs nothing,,,

ps my cupholders are crap if that counts

 

a side from my engine vibration and poor Dunlop tires - which the dealer is being responsive on both of these issues with BMW, I have had no electrical problems or rattles and would not drive anything else.

Like a told a buddy of mine, who is pondering the same question: The BMW IS the ultimate driving machine. The question is, will your wife appreciate that.

The records are pretty clear that a Lexus is going to be more reliable. The few problems are the price you pay for pure driving enjoyment everytime you get into the BMW.

If you are going to drive it sometimes, get the BMW - it will be worth the few extra headaches. Right now, I can't stand to drive my wifes Volvo 850 turbo.

 

I intentionally waited until the '05 MY because of some of the early problems. I picked up my car Dec 3 and have 6300 miles on it. I have had not one rattle or flaw except the car told me at about 500 miles that I needed an oil change(!). That was a two-minute stop at the dealer for a display reset. Otherwise I've never had such a trouble-free car the first 6000 miles. I'd do it again in a minute because the ride is AWESOME!

 

Cant speak for the E60 yet for cost of ownership... but like someone said first 4 years is $0 and for the price of what japanese cars cost now once they go into the dealer its not that much cheaper than a german... (*am I the only one that notices this?*) Yes still a little cheaper but its really not much...

So with the $0 and the little extra for years 5 6 and 7 you can even the price out.

My mom has a 13 year old 525 and it averags $500 in maintanece cost a year including the warranty.

Shes put about $11-12K into the car for maintance cost and non maintanence... and this is EVERYTHING... including brakes, wiper blades, engine belt replacement AC fan replacement, Radio Replacement, blown light bulbs, engine coolent leak. tires, tints twice and new rims, just cuz my dad wanted it to look nicer when it hit 10 years old and that was close to $3K un related to car maintanence cost. So for a 13 year old E34 i think its relativly cheap running cost.

E60 I have no idea... I'm hoping by the end of 4 years everything will be sorted and for years 5 6 7 and so on it would be pretty minor up keep stuff like brakes tires alignments minor replacements of old worn out parts... I too bought the car and will be keeping it for a while... aiming for 10 years.