What do you think?

[browneyedgirl]

Hi, I haven't posted here in quite some time as I'm not that knowledgable about cars. I've been driving a 1993 525i for 7.5 years. Bought it secondhand with 125K miles. It now has 169K...no major problems during the time I've had it other than what seems to be a short in the electrical system, which I believe it had when I got it.

It doesn't get the best mileage, but I love that it's been a good solid car and I feel halfway safe in it when driving among 18-wheelers. I'm wanting something a bit newer and am considering a 2000 528i with 125K miles. It has heated seats, voice commands, premium sound, etc. I'm interested in what someone thinks who knows much more about these cars than I do. I want a car that has been as reliable as my 93 525i and I'm also wondering how this model compares in size?

Thanks in advance for any input.

[3050rpm]

I'm not all that familiar with the 2000 5-series, I imagine they're good cars, so I'll just pass on a few personal musings, for whatever they're worth. First, if the present car is working just fine, why not just stay with it? The car would seem to have plenty of life in it, particularly in light of its being driven only 6000 miles/year, so proper care and maintenance should allow many more years with it. I'm not sure you'd see any overwhelming advantage, particularly in the fuel economy category if that is a conern for you, in getting the newer car. Maybe marginal improvement, but I don't think all that great.

If you do desire to have something newer, however, I think you're right to look at the 6-cylinder version rather than the V8. That makes sense if again fuel economy is a key concern. Also, I suspect that the inline 6 is a better, more reliable engine, and perhaps less costly to service.

Another bias, go with the manual transmission if you're of that ilk, again for fuel economy reasons, but also to avoid problems with the automatics.

[browneyedgirl]

Thanks for the reply. You're right about the 8 cylinder which is why I've ruled out the 540. Compared to a 17-year-old car, even 10 years old looks pretty new. My present car is about to need new brakes and I do wish for something a bit newer. Unfortunately, when buying older, used cars you have a limited selection (concerning the manual vs. automatic transmission). The car I had before was a 5-speed Honda Accord and it was fun to drive but I've enjoyed the automatic.

The reviews I've read are all over the place. My mechanic (independent) thinks the 528 is a good car. Because it's lighter than my 1993 model, it should get better mileage...it's a trade-off of weight vs. mileage, but the 528 has more airbags. The car is out of town but I've seen pictures and it looks to be in excellent condition. I hope to test-drive it in the next few days.