My e60 is two years old today
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,585
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From: Hong Kong
My Ride: In a place where the Mercedes density is the highest in the world (no. of MB per square kilometer) I choose a Bimmer, why? because of one thing "The Ultimate Driving Experience"
My Ride:
523i Steptronic, Silver Grey Exterior, Black Interior with Black Dakota Leather and Maple Wood Trim. Chrome Grill, Style 123 rim, Airbags everywhere, PDC, Rain sensor, Auto lights, Moveable front armrest, Advance Climate Control, Glass Sunroof, Auto dimming interior and exterior mirror with foldable functions, Extended Lights package, 6 CD changer in glove box, Power seats with memory, Power adjustable steering wheel, Power rear sunblinds.
Add ons: 123 wheels, chrome grill, K&N Hi flow filter, Eibach Pro Kit, e60.net decal and 24,000km
Past rides:
2001 Nissan Xterra SE
1999 E39 523i
1999 E46 323i
1996 Acura Integra LS
PDC is a must for me where I live, so which means the car doesn't have anything ugly.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,776
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Thats very nice... I'm gald to hear that not all MY04s have problems... Wish everyones experience is / was plesent as yours...
P.S. I love PDC!
P.S. I love PDC!
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Contributors
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 434
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From: California
Thanks for the feedback. I am willing to cut PDC some slack, I see where it is helpful to many forum members. If you folks like it, that's good enough for me. My issue with it is simple, I am always parking in tight spaces - at home & at work. I already know that my wife's BMW is real close. Yep, that wall is about 6 inches in front of me. PDC just hasn't brought anything to the party - for me. I am glad to hear that other members find it useful. Thanks again.
Senior Members
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 684
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From: Los Angeles, USA
My Ride: MY05 545i Jet Black with Auburn interior. SMG, Logic7, Sport Package, Comfort Seats, Navigation.
I just want to say that PDC has saved me countless times. It's true that it takes a few seconds to activate, having to bypass the lawyer screen, but useful nonetheless. One thing the PDC does not pick up is the curb, so you still have to estimate your distance yourself.
Senior Members
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,113
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From: Albany, NY
My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
Very insightful. I say that because I have just purchased a brand new 04 (yup, 700 demo miles) 545 6 spd. I traded my 98 540 6 spd with 101700 miles. In my first week, I have had numerous "mini strokes" where all the electronics burped and all the warning lights went on. We're headed back to the dealer for those.
On the Review/Comparison side of things, I'll say that each succeeding model has become more "civilized" or actually softer, more insulated, and I'm not sure I like that. This engine power curve is much softer on the low end (where I need it around town); it's more like driving the M5 engine. Second, I really am annoyed by the encroachment of the wheel well on the clutch pedal--to the point that I must clutch with the toe of my shoe, rather than the ball of my foot. This is VERY annoying, and I hope I can get used to it without having an accident. (and no, they are average 11.5 Ds, and not clunky soles either). I almost miss the very tight heavy spring clutch on my old 87 535iS.
The PDC is annoying most of all because the front center left unit stays on for some reason; otherwise, I think it beneficial for a car with so little reverse visibility.
I am very heartened to hear that you ditched the RunFlats without any repercussions. I am about to do that in favor of narrower 17" snowtires and wheels. Eventually, I may ditch them all together; I don't find them as grippy as the Dunlop 2000s that came on the 540.
So, that's all for now, but I'll be interested in learning more about longterm experiences.
Thanks,
Ray Hull
On the Review/Comparison side of things, I'll say that each succeeding model has become more "civilized" or actually softer, more insulated, and I'm not sure I like that. This engine power curve is much softer on the low end (where I need it around town); it's more like driving the M5 engine. Second, I really am annoyed by the encroachment of the wheel well on the clutch pedal--to the point that I must clutch with the toe of my shoe, rather than the ball of my foot. This is VERY annoying, and I hope I can get used to it without having an accident. (and no, they are average 11.5 Ds, and not clunky soles either). I almost miss the very tight heavy spring clutch on my old 87 535iS.
The PDC is annoying most of all because the front center left unit stays on for some reason; otherwise, I think it beneficial for a car with so little reverse visibility.
I am very heartened to hear that you ditched the RunFlats without any repercussions. I am about to do that in favor of narrower 17" snowtires and wheels. Eventually, I may ditch them all together; I don't find them as grippy as the Dunlop 2000s that came on the 540.
So, that's all for now, but I'll be interested in learning more about longterm experiences.
Thanks,
Ray Hull
Originally Posted by juan2mini' post='195210' date='Nov 8 2005, 01:40 PM
Two years and 21,000 miles on my e60 without any "real" problems. The car runs better than the day I bought it. In November 2003, I called BMW dealers all over Calif. looking for a 545i w/6-speed. Found mine in Irvine, rented a car and drove down to buy it. It was difficult finding a 6-speed at that time, BMW figured the first buyers wanted automatics. My only problems have been minor software issues and cracks in the headlight brackets. These problems were solved quickly. I have never had any of the noise problems - doors, back seats - that others have mentioned. My e60 is rock solid. I don't care about some stuff. That the clock doesn't automatically adjust for daylight savings time is of no interest to me.
The Good - engine and transmisson are a flawless combination. I get decent mileage and have all the power I can use - and it is great fun. Sports package - including the seats - are a perfect combination of performance and comfort. Logic 7 was worth it and Sirius is nice to have. I can't help it - I love the Universal Garage Door Opener. The Adaptive Xenon Headlights are outstanding. Brakes are also fantastic. I have mixed feeling on the Active Steering, I would like it better with less "assist". That said, the quick, tight turning ability is fabulous for a car this size.
The Bad - The runflats were harsh in my opinion, I changed them out for Michelin Pilot Sports AS and am very satisfied. If my rain sensors adjust speed, I sure can't tell. Lawyer screen is minor issue to me.
The Ugly - For me it is PDC, I can't stand it and it cost $700 when I got my car. If I could activate it myself, through idrive, it wouldn't be ugly - just bad. It comes on every time you put the car in reverse, yet in two years I have used it three times.
Bottom line for me, I am satisfied with my purchase - I would buy another e60 tomorrow if need be. Time will tell if this is the best BMW I have ever owned, it is beginning to look that way.
The Good - engine and transmisson are a flawless combination. I get decent mileage and have all the power I can use - and it is great fun. Sports package - including the seats - are a perfect combination of performance and comfort. Logic 7 was worth it and Sirius is nice to have. I can't help it - I love the Universal Garage Door Opener. The Adaptive Xenon Headlights are outstanding. Brakes are also fantastic. I have mixed feeling on the Active Steering, I would like it better with less "assist". That said, the quick, tight turning ability is fabulous for a car this size.
The Bad - The runflats were harsh in my opinion, I changed them out for Michelin Pilot Sports AS and am very satisfied. If my rain sensors adjust speed, I sure can't tell. Lawyer screen is minor issue to me.
The Ugly - For me it is PDC, I can't stand it and it cost $700 when I got my car. If I could activate it myself, through idrive, it wouldn't be ugly - just bad. It comes on every time you put the car in reverse, yet in two years I have used it three times.
Bottom line for me, I am satisfied with my purchase - I would buy another e60 tomorrow if need be. Time will tell if this is the best BMW I have ever owned, it is beginning to look that way.
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