Hello All,

I'm looking to buy a 2005 or 2006 530i auto, this would be my first BMW so I have a few questions...

1. What does it cost to maintain a BMW compared to the Japanese cars? I hear the repair and parts cost are high, which what I would expect for most German cars.

2. How much maintenance work I can do myself (change oil, filter, plugs. etc..)? What repair or maintenance items do I have to take it in to the dealership for?

3. What are the real world mpg numbers for the 530i? If I went with the 525i would I see an big increase in mpg compared to the 530i?

Thanks!

Hello All,

I'm looking to buy a 2005 or 2006 530i auto, this would be my first BMW so I have a few questions...

1. What does it cost to maintain a BMW compared to the Japanese cars? I hear the repair and parts cost are high, which what I would expect for most German cars.

All depends but let me share with you some standard costs if you do not have the Ultimate Maintenance.

Oil change = ~$250
Brakes = ~$500
Blah...Blah... Blah...

2. How much maintenance work I can do myself (change oil, filter, plugs. etc..)? What repair or maintenance items do I have to take it in to the dealership for?

None unless you have to very expensive tools to reset the OBD/Computer

3. What are the real world mpg numbers for the 530i? If I went with the 525i would I see an big increase in mpg compared to the 530i?

Thanks!


No. 1 to 2 points difference.

MPG in the 20's.

Hey, I am in the same hunt you are in however I would like to get a 04 or 05 530i. I think gBelton missinformed you greatly. He actually didnt give you any factual information at all. I currently have a 02 x5 4.4 and before that had a 99 m3 and a 96 4Runner.

Answers:
1. It is certainly going to cost you more than a jap car. It has about 3x more moving parts and electric components. 20way power seats! heated steering wheels. HUD (heads up display). All these car break and are big $

2. Changing oil, $30. You can def diy. Filters, easy take 5 min. You can dooo itt. Dealership is stuff like fixing the iDrive, alignments, suspension.

3. Real world 25-28 I would say. I have heard lots of people getting 29-30. You would not see any increase in MPG with a 525. about the same or less. Same weight, smaller engine. Needs to propel that heavy car so in this case, the more hp the less the engine has to work. They get about the same MPG.

Maintenance costs should be zero for a while - as maintenance is provided by BMW for 4 years/50,000 miles. Oil changes after that are easy to DIY. My mpg is about 19 in town and 28 on the highway. YMMV.

Jim

Go with a 2006. First of all, on a 2006, you should have a good two years left on the maintenance. That means you pay nothing out of pocket for anything except tires. Do some research on BMW maintenance.

Also, in a 2006 530i, you will have 255 hp, and in a 2005, you will have 225, with no real change in gas mileage.

agree it Fitzla. 06 is the way to go. And anytime you can get a later model car is good. BMW works some of the minor kinks out each year.

wow, good thing I got an 06, cuz even the one I have feels kinda slow...

but dudes, I have to ask: how do you get these MPG's?!?! I have a manual '06 530Xi and my fuel consumption is 18mpg (combined cycle) AT BEST!!! How come I'm using so much more gas than you guys? its unfair at these prices haha

You don't need "very expensive tools" to reset the computer. It can be done by turning an ignition key and pressing the odometer reset button. You can find detailed instructions online.
All depends but let me share with you some standard costs if you do not have the Ultimate Maintenance.

Oil change = ~$250
Brakes = ~$500
Blah...Blah... Blah...



None unless you have to very expensive tools to reset the OBD/Computer




No. 1 to 2 points difference.

MPG in the 20's.

here is a link to a nice article that describes service reset procedures on newer BMWs. Scroll down to page 3: https://www.bavauto.com/newsletter/2008_n108_newsletter_specials.pdf

Thanks to all for your comments, I will have my sights on a 06 530i. I test drove a 05 525i and like the way it drove. Good driving position, steering was firm and precise, not much body roll in the turns, quiet, and decent torque. Overall the car drove like it was made from a single billet of steel, I like that.

I'm not too concerned with 0-60 times in this car, I just want a safe, solid, and well balanced sedan.

here is a link to a nice article that describes service reset procedures on newer BMWs. Scroll down to page 3: https://www.bavauto.com/newsletter/2008_n108_newsletter_specials.pdf

you beat me to this....lol