Any hidden costs of the new 5-series for a DIY-selfer?

yogi799 · 05-10-2011, 12:28 AM

OK guys, help me out please... I own a 99 328i, which I've purchased at 4-yrs old for half of the value at that time ($11k). I do my own maintenance and repairs, even those more difficult ones, such as some engine fixes, suspensions, etc. The 3-series forums have been a tonne of help, in fact, it'd be almost impossible for me to do everything by myself had it not been for these forums. I have never been to the stealership for any kind of repair.

So here comes my question... I am finally about to but a new car for the first time in my life (a 535i). Obviously, this ride will be 12 yrs newer so the technology would have changed a lot, at least on some components. Are there any hidden costs that I should be looking out for - which will drain my pocket each time they occur (w/o me being able to avoid them/fix them cheap on my own, past warranty of course)? Things like run-flats, lack of dipstick, perhaps a lot of other things I have no idea about? Any experienced DIY-selfers, help me out! Thanks

bobblehead · 05-10-2011, 06:34 AM

Price for the OEM Parts would be expensive. Basically, the car has way too many computer electronics, therefore, once the warranty is over, electronics module, a/c would cost a mint. To get the update software may cost a bit too from the dealer as you will have no other option.

Even for regular maintenance, OEM brake disc & pads will probably run you close to $750+ (without labor, of course)

btw, have you shopped around for the car yet ? BMW Toronto would be a good dealer to visit (where I got my car). You are just 2 months or so away timeline to order a 2012 model.

gatoman39 · 05-10-2011, 10:10 AM

This thing is about as DIY friendly as the Space Shuttle. Simple things like oil changes, brake pads, battery, are all monitored by the computer. You need a diagnostic tool to clear codes and reset monitors.

yogi799 · 05-10-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobblehead

Price for the OEM Parts would be expensive. Basically, the car has way too many computer electronics, therefore, once the warranty is over, electronics module, a/c would cost a mint. To get the update software may cost a bit too from the dealer as you will have no other option.

Even for regular maintenance, OEM brake disc & pads will probably run you close to $750+ (without labor, of course)

btw, have you shopped around for the car yet ? BMW Toronto would be a good dealer to visit (where I got my car). You are just 2 months or so away timeline to order a 2012 model.

Well, I was told getting a 2011 will get me a 4.9% financing as opposed to 5.9 for 2012. Is that true? Should I wait for this or any other reasons? The dealer is willing to almost give me a free executive package b/c of the parts shortage from japan. Sweet deal I think....

Also, I should be able to get aftermarket brakes too. Those parts are usually standard when the car has been around a while. Shouldn't be different for the new 5, should it?

bobblehead · 05-10-2011, 05:49 PM

Nobody knows what financing rate will be when the MY2012 comes out. Therefore, you would have to make a judgement call. As for MY2011, BMW Canada may drop it a bit more to 2.9% around late summer to entice the buyers looking for end of MY in stock inventory clearance, if any still available.

As for your remark of a dealer offering the Exec pkg option for free (retail $5400, cost to dealer $4950, would you be able to get any more $ discount off on top of that ? As it stands now, it's a typical fair deal, IMO.

As for aftermarket brake part, right now, hard to find ... perhaps by next year, they should be available.

LuvMyE92 · 05-11-2011, 09:49 AM

You are correct that as the car ages and more get out of warranty, there will be other options for parts other than the dealer and OE.

However, what everyone else says is true. These cars have way too many electronics, computers, sensors, and require frequent reprogramming that only the dealer can do (do a search on battery replacement, for example). As a current owner, I seriously suggest that you run away and just forget about buying one of these things. I am really regretting it. Hey - want to buy a slightly used one?

Seriously, go find yourself a nice low mileage E39. Best car BMW ever made. Lots of Internet help available for it as well as they sold millions of them and they are all still on the road.

gatoman39 · 05-11-2011, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

Seriously, go find yourself a nice low mileage E39. Best car BMW ever made. Lots of Internet help available for it as well as they sold millions of them and they are all still on the road.

The E39 was great, and probably the best car I ever owned, but it had it's own set of issues as well. With all the complaining on this and other forums I am happy to say that I haven't had a single mechanical issue with the F10...so far

yogi799 · 05-11-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

You are correct that as the car ages and more get out of warranty, there will be other options for parts other than the dealer and OE.

However, what everyone else says is true. These cars have way too many electronics, computers, sensors, and require frequent reprogramming that only the dealer can do (do a search on battery replacement, for example). As a current owner, I seriously suggest that you run away and just forget about buying one of these things. I am really regretting it. Hey - want to buy a slightly used one?

Seriously, go find yourself a nice low mileage E39. Best car BMW ever made. Lots of Internet help available for it as well as they sold millions of them and they are all still on the road.

No, seriously, E39? I have an E46 right now and loved in until I saw the F10. This thing is a piece of beauty, inside and out. My E46 is still running strong but come on... it's 12yrs old now, the looks are less and less attractive each day, it's time has passed, unfortunately, and I so anxious to get the new one. Just becuase I can fix almost anything on my E46, does not mean I want to keep doing this forever. Plus, if engine or tranny broke, I still couldn't fix that on my own. And I suppose suspensions, etc will be easily doable on the F10 in few yrs time as the forums grow.

Why are you so regretting getting your F10?

LuvMyE92 · 05-13-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogi799

Why are you so regretting getting your F10?

I've got issues (well, not me, the car has issues) and they can't fix it. I'm working with BMW NA on a resolution.

Yes, you can fix the suspension and other normal wear items as the F10 ages, but Lord help you if any computer-related issues appear out of warranty. There are a myriad number of computers running these cars, and they all have to play nice with each other. There are only a very few on your E46, and they are generally independent.

yogi799 · 05-13-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

I've got issues (well, not me, the car has issues) and they can't fix it. I'm working with BMW NA on a resolution.

Yes, you can fix the suspension and other normal wear items as the F10 ages, but Lord help you if any computer-related issues appear out of warranty. There are a myriad number of computers running these cars, and they all have to play nice with each other. There are only a very few on your E46, and they are generally independent.

True, but if even one of them broke on my e46, the cost to fix it would exceed the value of the car at this point, so I remain positive about my F10 upgrade...

All manufacturers will sooner or later put more electronics into their cars. It's bound to happen even on Civics... So you can ask yourself, if you want a new car, what do you do? Get a POS hoping it'll be easier to fix 10 yrs later and be miserable every day, or get what you want and keep your fingers crossed? I remember getting my e46 7 yrs ago, even then it was generally regarded as a way more expensive car to maintain that Civics and Camrys. I am glad I did not chicken out of getting into the BMW world! Most aftermarket parts were cheap as hell, and I did the labour myself.

As to my DIY practices, other than electronics which is hard to fix on any car regardless of model and age, I assume all mechanical solutions will be publicized sooner or later as the model ages. I take it there are probably less 5-series owners than 3, but I would assume in relative terms, there should not be less F10 owners than E39, so that non-scientific, unverified and possibly completely useless assumption is keeping me positive LOL. I'll enjoy my F10 for at least 4 years LOL.

What issues do you have? Sounds really concerning.

bobblehead · 05-13-2011, 05:05 PM

^^ when are you picking up your new ride ? I see you got yourself a good deal, afterall.

yogi799 · 05-13-2011, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobblehead

^^ when are you picking up your new ride ? I see you got yourself a good deal, afterall.

Yes, I can't complain. Basically a US price (as verified on bmwusa.com). Free nav, sound system, automatic trunk, etc ain't bad, however, had it not been for the "free" sound of this package, I could have gotten about -4k on the MSRP, so bare-bones 535i would cost be about 58k (which still is a decent deal compared to 528i which comes with absolutely nothing by default, compared to a lot of stuff on the 535i, plus extra power).

The dealer told me minimum 7 weeks, up to three months....

bobblehead · 05-14-2011, 05:58 AM

That's virtually the end of the MY 2011 production. Normally, BMW Canada will start to drop the rate around July, I hope you can get the anticipated lower finance rate by the time you take delivery.

yogi799 · 05-15-2011, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobblehead

That's virtually the end of the MY 2011 production. Normally, BMW Canada will start to drop the rate around July, I hope you can get the anticipated lower finance rate by the time you take delivery.

I don't know if that's an option (lower APR). Should I expect that? I was told 4.9% and it did not sound like it was due to be dropped for me at delivery. If anything, the dealer told me that the new MY might go up to 5.9 or 6.9, so that sounded like a good enough deal for me. Not sure what to do, then...

bobblehead · 05-15-2011, 08:03 PM

You should contact your sales associate and clarify and if he/she says you will get the lower of the posted rate for MY 2011 (day of delivery or day of agreement signed), then you will be in good shape. But do put that in writing (amend the purchase agreement ... do not take verbal confirmation or even email correspondence as proof)

As for MY12 ... Yep, the rate will definitely be around 5.9 - 6.9% (as Bank of Canada will raise interest rates 2-3 times in the later of 2011, so will US interest rate)

yogi799 · 05-15-2011, 09:14 PM

Might be a bit too late to negotiate anything at this point...

bobblehead · 05-16-2011, 06:36 AM

The old saying ... :"You don't ask, you don't get"

05-10-2011, 12:28 AM	#1
yogi799 Private First Class 5 Rep 100 Posts Drives: '11 535i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Any hidden costs of the new 5-series for a DIY-selfer? OK guys, help me out please... I own a 99 328i, which I've purchased at 4-yrs old for half of the value at that time ($11k). I do my own maintenance and repairs, even those more difficult ones, such as some engine fixes, suspensions, etc. The 3-series forums have been a tonne of help, in fact, it'd be almost impossible for me to do everything by myself had it not been for these forums. I have never been to the stealership for any kind of repair. So here comes my question... I am finally about to but a new car for the first time in my life (a 535i). Obviously, this ride will be 12 yrs newer so the technology would have changed a lot, at least on some components. Are there any hidden costs that I should be looking out for - which will drain my pocket each time they occur (w/o me being able to avoid them/fix them cheap on my own, past warranty of course)? Things like run-flats, lack of dipstick, perhaps a lot of other things I have no idea about? Any experienced DIY-selfers, help me out! Thanks
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05-10-2011, 06:34 AM	#2
bobblehead Brigadier General 256 Rep 4,721 Posts Drives: warp speed Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, On iTrader: (0)	Price for the OEM Parts would be expensive. Basically, the car has way too many computer electronics, therefore, once the warranty is over, electronics module, a/c would cost a mint. To get the update software may cost a bit too from the dealer as you will have no other option. Even for regular maintenance, OEM brake disc & pads will probably run you close to $750+ (without labor, of course) btw, have you shopped around for the car yet ? BMW Toronto would be a good dealer to visit (where I got my car). You are just 2 months or so away timeline to order a 2012 model. Last edited by bobblehead; 05-10-2011 at 07:34 AM..
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05-10-2011, 10:10 AM	#3
gatoman39 Major 116 Rep 1,346 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335 M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: LA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E92 335i M Sport [1.00]	This thing is about as DIY friendly as the Space Shuttle. Simple things like oil changes, brake pads, battery, are all monitored by the computer. You need a diagnostic tool to clear codes and reset monitors. __________________
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05-10-2011, 05:49 PM	#5
bobblehead Brigadier General 256 Rep 4,721 Posts Drives: warp speed Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, On iTrader: (0)	Nobody knows what financing rate will be when the MY2012 comes out. Therefore, you would have to make a judgement call. As for MY2011, BMW Canada may drop it a bit more to 2.9% around late summer to entice the buyers looking for end of MY in stock inventory clearance, if any still available. As for your remark of a dealer offering the Exec pkg option for free (retail $5400, cost to dealer $4950, would you be able to get any more $ discount off on top of that ? As it stands now, it's a typical fair deal, IMO. As for aftermarket brake part, right now, hard to find ... perhaps by next year, they should be available.
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05-11-2011, 09:49 AM	#6
LuvMyE92 Occasionally frequent poster 3000 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: CT5V-Blackwing Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: RTP NC, USA iTrader: (0)	You are correct that as the car ages and more get out of warranty, there will be other options for parts other than the dealer and OE. However, what everyone else says is true. These cars have way too many electronics, computers, sensors, and require frequent reprogramming that only the dealer can do (do a search on battery replacement, for example). As a current owner, I seriously suggest that you run away and just forget about buying one of these things. I am really regretting it. Hey - want to buy a slightly used one? Seriously, go find yourself a nice low mileage E39. Best car BMW ever made. Lots of Internet help available for it as well as they sold millions of them and they are all still on the road. __________________ Current inventory: F22 & G05 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing w/3 pedals Past: E24,E28(3),E34,E36,E37,E38(2),E39(4),E46,E89,E92 (obviously),F01,F06,F10,F30,F87,G12,G30(2),G82(2)
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05-13-2011, 05:05 PM	#11
bobblehead Brigadier General 256 Rep 4,721 Posts Drives: warp speed Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, On iTrader: (0)	^^ when are you picking up your new ride ? I see you got yourself a good deal, afterall.
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05-14-2011, 05:58 AM	#13
bobblehead Brigadier General 256 Rep 4,721 Posts Drives: warp speed Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, On iTrader: (0)	That's virtually the end of the MY 2011 production. Normally, BMW Canada will start to drop the rate around July, I hope you can get the anticipated lower finance rate by the time you take delivery.
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05-15-2011, 08:03 PM	#15
bobblehead Brigadier General 256 Rep 4,721 Posts Drives: warp speed Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, On iTrader: (0)	You should contact your sales associate and clarify and if he/she says you will get the lower of the posted rate for MY 2011 (day of delivery or day of agreement signed), then you will be in good shape. But do put that in writing (amend the purchase agreement ... do not take verbal confirmation or even email correspondence as proof) As for MY12 ... Yep, the rate will definitely be around 5.9 - 6.9% (as Bank of Canada will raise interest rates 2-3 times in the later of 2011, so will US interest rate)
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05-15-2011, 09:14 PM	#16
yogi799 Private First Class 5 Rep 100 Posts Drives: '11 535i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Might be a bit too late to negotiate anything at this point... __________________ 2011 535i F10 delivered 1999 328i E46 retired Kill time at the pump! http://logmympg.com
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05-16-2011, 06:36 AM	#17
bobblehead Brigadier General 256 Rep 4,721 Posts Drives: warp speed Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, On iTrader: (0)	The old saying ... :"You don't ask, you don't get"
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