Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 23 April 2012, 14:16:33
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The old man in law has a 5 series, it's a 2000 X plate which he's owned from new. It's a nice car. In honesty, it feels like a cut above the Omega, and I'm thinking of getting one. It's really good on fuel too - and the S6 idles much nicer than the 3.2
Italso has a 5 speed Auto!
Any recommendations or opinions on here? I have actually thought about getting the 4.4 V8 - what are these engines like? ::) Ripe for LPG I would imagine :D
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E39 beemers are cracking cars,I prefer them to the later E60
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I would rather drive a totally chavved out saxo than anything made by bmw, better to have people think I am an idiot than to drive/ride a bmw and be confirmed an idiot ;D ;D
Sorry but way to many horror stories about bmw. Some quite close to home. I will give up driving before I have to buy one of them.
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I was very tempted by 5 series too, that age there is a lot to like about them. I drove a V8 one too, very smooth consider its interstellar miles it had.
I too am quite disappointed in 3.2 smoothness at idle, some of it is down to a goosed lamba, but my 2.2 idles a lot smoother!
Trouble is I knew sod all about them and no similar trade club I decided not too.
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I don't understand the hate towards BMWs. Surely some of it is down to jealousy.
I like them if if I could afford them, I would have one. In your position James I wouldn't hesisate to buy one as you're handy with spanners.
Mantahatch, I bet you really wouldn't ;D
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In your position James I wouldn't hesisate to buy one as you're handy with spanners.
Problem is mate, I am only really experienced with VX. I wouldn't know where to start with the quirks on one of these!
Anyone know if the 4.4 V8 is reliable? Autoboxes good?
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The old man in law has a 5 series, it's a 2000 X plate which he's owned from new. It's a nice car. In honesty, it feels like a cut above the Omega, and I'm thinking of getting one. It's really good on fuel too - and the S6 idles much nicer than the 3.2
Italso has a 5 speed Auto!
Any recommendations or opinions on here? I have actually thought about getting the 4.4 V8 - what are these engines like? ::) Ripe for LPG I would imagine :D
The 2.8 is very rapid for the size of motor and not bad on fuel.
140+ mph / 60 in about 7 seconds :y
Watch out for dodgy cylinder liners.
Iirc, they had some issues with the sulpher in petrol eating them :(
I believe some of the cars where recalled to fix the problem
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USS Enterprise mileage, but got to be worth a go at the price & engine!
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/bmw/5_series/postcode/tw89de/radius/1501/sort/default/engine-size-cars/4l_to_4-9l/price-to/1000 (http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/bmw/5_series/postcode/tw89de/radius/1501/sort/default/engine-size-cars/4l_to_4-9l/price-to/1000)
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Saw that one Tunnie :y
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Had a lovely 728i individual a few months ago, bloody gorgeous motor and not too bad on fuel. Prices of good ones are climbing lately though, this was mine
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1314902885/0
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Yes, the V8 engine is nicasil treated aluminium bores, so possibility it will have suffered on ULSP, although most of the ones that did so are probably dead and buried now. Not sure how that would affect an LPG conversion, nor how they wear with very high mileages.
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The 4.4 V8 is a good engine, to be honest though the 530i, is nearly every bit as good. The E39, drives absolutely fantastically, they just feel right in about every way. The V8 does shift, don't get the 535i though because it's no quicker than a 530i :y. 540i has 286 BHP, and the 530i has 231 BHP, so there isn't loads in it, but the V8 sounds much better :y. 200,000 is nothing for them really, listen for VANOS rattles which can occur, earlier V8's had a nikasil issue although I don't believe the E39 was affected. Suspension knocks are pretty common, so listen carefully for that too :).
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E39 530d has to be the perfect everyday car on a fairly limited budget. Cracking cars, always been a fan.
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I currently run an E39 525i Touring.
Good Points:
Very smooth ride.
Excellent handling.
Very quiet and refined.
25-30mpg around the doors.
40+ mpg on a run.
Excellent build quality.
Bad Points:
Parts are expensive.
I believe the injectors can fail, luckily I haven't experienced this (where is that piece of wood....)
I would have preferred the automatic, as I am a lazy devil.
People seem to dislike us, even VX owners :o
I had to have the ABS ECU refurbished at the cost of £150.
I would highly recommend any 5 series (E39). If you are going for the later model I would recommend a 530 or 535D. I had the 530D saloon auto and it was a brilliant car.
Good luck with your hunt.
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Be warned James, the 4.4 V8 is tricky to convert to LPG properly ;) It is, of course, possible but they are tricky AFAIK ;)
TBH, it looks more and more likely that I will head towards BMW when the Omega turns it's last wheel for me, but it will be an oil burner if I do ;) That said, I'm seriously considering going down the 4WD route again when the time comes :-\
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Be warned James, the 4.4 V8 is tricky to convert to LPG properly ;) It is, of course, possible but they are tricky AFAIK ;)
TBH, it looks more and more likely that I will head towards BMW when the Omega turns it's last wheel for me, but it will be an oil burner if I do ;) That said, I'm seriously considering going down the 4WD route again when the time comes :-\
BMW X5 weazel?? :D
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(http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af107/engineer1_bucket/377956_2412406201694_1597461817_2442010_347059506_n.jpg)
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Be warned James, the 4.4 V8 is tricky to convert to LPG properly ;) It is, of course, possible but they are tricky AFAIK ;)
TBH, it looks more and more likely that I will head towards BMW when the Omega turns it's last wheel for me, but it will be an oil burner if I do ;) That said, I'm seriously considering going down the 4WD route again when the time comes :-\
BMW X5 weazel?? :D
That'll never happen ;) If I get a 4WD it needs to be capable off road and not give up at the sight of a bit of wet grass on a slope ::) :D
Can't see me going BM TBH... I never have liked them that much and it's just against my principles ::)
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(http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af107/engineer1_bucket/377956_2412406201694_1597461817_2442010_347059506_n.jpg)
If I had a pound for everytime that'd picture had come up I'd be a rich man by now ;D.
No they do get a bad press for some reason, I see just as many bad drivers in different makes, but still that's the way of the world I suppose, a cock because of what car you drive ::)
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Exceptionally tight engine management parameters I'm told. If dual fueling get used to having a dash light on of some sort. Certainly first hand experience would suggest similar. Certain aspects of the diesel fuel system run a permanaent fault code. Even in bog standard un fiddled with form.
And if buying a diesel, perform a swirl flap ectomy before you drive it anywhere.
Anything approaching 120k, change the suspension and link rods etc. It will knock if not replaced already.
I'd say the omega was more reliable and cheaper to repair tbh, when compared to e39 which also has cam cover seal issues on petrols too.
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Surely some of it is down to jealousy.
Maybe in the 1980s or very, very early 90s. Not now. They are not 'special' any more. Overpriced 'normal car'. I certainly have no desire to own one at the current prices. I come from a family of BMW lovers, so have driven my fair share, from the disappointing 525 from around 1990, through the mental Alpinas, to the quick (in a straight line) 4.8 X5. Perhaps the best, IMHO, is my Mum's 92 318iS. Old school BMW.
My bro had a 1998 540, with that 4.4 V8 lump in. Sounded great, but actually wasn't that quick in reality. Comfortable ride, though, even in the back.
A mate sold his 740 with LPG last year. Too expensive to run. Even Miss Daisy mode, he couldn't get more than about 15mpg. That, and all the bits that were constantly breaking (7 series tend to have poor build quality).
So, jealousy? No. I am happy with who I am. It seems that BMW is little more than a status badge - a Pittbull or Doberman if you like - from people who feel the need to buy into that. The cars are average, mass produced tat like everything else, but with a handbuilt price tag. Although, their only saving grace is RWD.
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Be warned James, the 4.4 V8 is tricky to convert to LPG properly ;) It is, of course, possible but they are tricky AFAIK ;)
TBH, it looks more and more likely that I will head towards BMW when the Omega turns it's last wheel for me, but it will be an oil burner if I do ;) That said, I'm seriously considering going down the 4WD route again when the time comes :-\
BMW X5 weazel?? :D
That'll never happen ;) If I get a 4WD it needs to be capable off road and not give up at the sight of a bit of wet grass on a slope ::) :D
Can't see me going BM TBH... I never have liked them that much and it's just against my principles ::)
If its gotta be good offroad its narrowed down to either Jeep or Landrover then :D
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I'd definitely have a BMW over the omega, i've had plenty of both and just find as you say it's a cut above, if you like working on the engine yourself it might not be the best of cars to buy but once you've got your head round it im sure its not too bad...
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I don't understand the hate towards BMWs. Surely some of it is down to jealousy.
I like them if if I could afford them, I would have one. In your position James I wouldn't hesisate to buy one as you're handy with spanners.
Mantahatch, I bet you really wouldn't ;D
Actually I would. There is no jealousy in it at all. bmw's are plentiful and in everyone's price range. I am currently driving a 2009 Astra 1.8 Auto that cost £5000. I could have bought a fair bmw for that price, albeit a bit older. As TB says the only saving grace is they are RWD and over the years I have had loads of fun in RWD cars.
I suppose the biggest complaint from me is some of the idiots that drive them. Admittedly they now appear to be driving audi's. ;D ;D.
That said there are enough idiots in Astra's, me for one ;D ;D ;D
I suppose at the end of the day it is down to personal experience and choice. A number of years ago I said I would never own anything with a bmw badge and I have stuck to it, and see no reason to go back on what I said. If Vauxhall don't make a car I like then I will end up going down the Japaneese route. :y
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i was for a while tempted by a 530-40 touring... as a way to go if i couldn't get another 3.2 omega.
then i drove one for a weekend to scotland and back.
don't want one anymore.
it does what it's supposed to do very well, drove fine..... but i found it uncomfortable for long miles, and actually, the interior is not nearly as civilized or refined the miggy.
given that i do occasionally, and sometimes frequently, have to do stupidly large miles to get to a work site.... this is actually a deal breaker for me.
driving 400 miles and arriving with back ache..... before doing 10 hours work and driving home same day,.... NOT acceptable.
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I have been very tempted by the idea of an E36 M3 recently (I know, we're talking about 5 series here) .. not quite sure how I'll survive without indicators, but everyone else seems to manage.. ;)
*hides from Del*
(I'm serious about the temptation part, though)
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Surely some of it is down to jealousy.
Maybe in the 1980s or very, very early 90s. Not now. They are not 'special' any more. Overpriced 'normal car'. I certainly have no desire to own one at the current prices.
Not wishing to try and convert people, just my view on the subject as I own an Omega and a BMW. The indicators work on both of them. :y I also still like the E39 as mentioned by the OP. :y
Although there are many who are adamant that they will never own a BMW, a lot of the cost of higher spec bmw's is in the dash.
You have google for general searching, tv, the ability to send info to the car from a laptop or iPad and the SOS function in the telecoms unit. Music can be downloaded to the hard-drive so no need for disc's or iPod as it holds thousands of tunes.
You can set the heater to come on at a time of your choice so no need to defrost on cold mornings. The same with cooling in summer. As on many other manufacturers cars, the navigation is 'live' and at the touch of a button you can request data sent to the car. Any info on the dash can be read out to you over the car speakers, such as texts, the news or weather. If you have an accident, the cars sensors assess the severity and await a call to be made from the car. If no call is made, the call centre dials the car to check you are ok. If there is no response they call emergency services, giving them your position (thankfully not tested this yet). The SOS button dials emergency services number for you and is better than using your mobile as they can immediately pin-point the cars position rather than tracking your phone.
This all comes at a price in the build, whether you choose to use it or not.
Advantages of my 3.2 omega ---> it's relatively quick, it tows the van well and is very comfy on a long run and is well cushioned from road imperfections.
Disadvantage is obviously the fuel it consumes.
Advantages of my 330d ---> regardless of what people think, it is much quicker than my omega, has loads of useful media toys and for a three litre diesel is very economical. 50mpg from a car limited to 155mph surely can't be sniffed at.
Disadvantage is feeling every pot hole through 255x35x19's and rather harsh suspension set-up on M Sports and obviously the cost.
Oh, and being labelled a knob because I drive one. ;D ;D
Sorry it was a long and boring reply. :-[
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Good post, well said :y
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.. but all I want on a dashboard is an oil pressure light. ;) Why would I want a car full of toys like that when I'm supposed to be concentrating on driving it?
Whilst the development cost of a funky dashboard might be high, the cost difference once you're churning out millions of them is probably negligible.
.. it does answer a few questions about why BMWs are generally driven like they are. ;)
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.. but all I want on a dashboard is an oil pressure light. ;) Why would I want a car full of toys like that when I'm supposed to be concentrating on driving it?
Whilst the development cost of a funky dashboard might be high, the cost difference once you're churning out millions of them is probably negligible.
.. it does answer a few questions about why BMWs are generally driven like they are. ;)
;D ;D ;D I don't think it has one of those Kevin. ;D ;D
Highlight part 2:
Yeh I'll give you that one :y. You may have a valid point there. ;D ;D
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.. but all I want on a dashboard is an oil pressure light. ;) Why would I want a car full of toys like that when I'm supposed to be concentrating on driving it?
Whilst the development cost of a funky dashboard might be high, the cost difference once you're churning out millions of them is probably negligible.
.. it does answer a few questions about why BMWs are generally driven like they are. ;)
So use the voice control and carry on concentrating ::) ;)
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I must say that I wasn't really a BMW lover, never really floated my boat. But our traffic dept. has got rid of our last Volvo T5 now :'( :'( :'( which I've been nursing around with over 140k. We've gone to BMW 530d's and I'm quite impressed. For such a big car it handles very well and is only a tad slower on the uptake than our T5 Volvos were believe it or not. We've just received the brand new shape 530d now too....... holy $h1t!!! they're quicker than the old ones!!!!! They seem lower, squat, and corner like they're on rails, and the power :o :o :o :D :D :D . There's always a fight now between the 4 of us who gets the new toy, if anything we always turn in early so we grab the keys before anyone else ::)
I wouldn't say I was a complete BMW convert but the 530's we've now got are lovely to drive, still I miss the Volvo T5, like an old friend we've been through a lot :(
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There's always a fight now between the 4 of us who gets the new toy, if anything we always turn in early so we grab the keys before anyone else ::)
Must be a traffic thing.... I thought the secret was to let everyone else empty the key cupboard first, so when you get called to a crap job your reply is "negative, apologies, no vehicle" ;D
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I must say that I wasn't really a BMW lover, never really floated my boat. But our traffic dept. has got rid of our last Volvo T5 now :'( :'( :'( which I've been nursing around with over 140k. We've gone to BMW 530d's and I'm quite impressed. For such a big car it handles very well and is only a tad slower on the uptake than our T5 Volvos were believe it or not. We've just received the brand new shape 530d now too....... holy $h1t!!! they're quicker than the old ones!!!!! They seem lower, squat, and corner like they're on rails, and the power :o :o :o :D :D :D . There's always a fight now between the 4 of us who gets the new toy, if anything we always turn in early so we grab the keys before anyone else ::)
I wouldn't say I was a complete BMW convert but the 530's we've now got are lovely to drive, still I miss the Volvo T5, like an old friend we've been through a lot :(
Agreed. :y The problem being that they have improved the three litre diesel to such an extent that it is now treading on the toes of the 535d/335d. Bit of an own goal as they have now got to do something with the 535d to widen the gap again. ::)
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Must admit, this is very nice:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201140419536947/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/model/5_series/make/bmw/page/2/postcode/tw89de/radius/1501/keywords/sport?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201140419536947/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/model/5_series/make/bmw/page/2/postcode/tw89de/radius/1501/keywords/sport?logcode=p)
But it costs nearly 10 times what my Elite did, that buys a lot of fuel. Combined with DIY work on my car, it makes it very cheap to run, despite its heavy fuel use. Costs nothing to 'own' per month & no big garage bills
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.. but all I want on a dashboard is an oil pressure light. ;) Why would I want a car full of toys like that when I'm supposed to be concentrating on driving it?
Whilst the development cost of a funky dashboard might be high, the cost difference once you're churning out millions of them is probably negligible.
.. it does answer a few questions about why BMWs are generally driven like they are. ;)
So use the voice control and carry on concentrating ::) ;)
Can the voice control operate the indicators?
Can it keep the vehichle to the left on motorways? Maybe there is a programming issue and some confusion between left and correct hand drive and actually keeping to the left hand side of the road in the relevant country...? ;D
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.. but all I want on a dashboard is an oil pressure light. ;) Why would I want a car full of toys like that when I'm supposed to be concentrating on driving it?
Whilst the development cost of a funky dashboard might be high, the cost difference once you're churning out millions of them is probably negligible.
.. it does answer a few questions about why BMWs are generally driven like they are. ;)
So use the voice control and carry on concentrating ::) ;)
Can the voice control operate the indicators?
Can it keep the vehichle to the left on motorways? Maybe there is a programming issue and some confusion between left and correct hand drive and actually keeping to the left hand side of the road in the relevant country...? ;D
You asking questions about these cars Chris shows that you are slowly mellowing towards bmw's. :y This can only be a good sign and I'm pleased for you. ;D ;D I may even bring the bimmer to the Wycombe meet as a treat for you. :y ;D ;D
Regards
Alan
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.. but all I want on a dashboard is an oil pressure light. ;) Why would I want a car full of toys like that when I'm supposed to be concentrating on driving it?
Whilst the development cost of a funky dashboard might be high, the cost difference once you're churning out millions of them is probably negligible.
.. it does answer a few questions about why BMWs are generally driven like they are. ;)
So use the voice control and carry on concentrating ::) ;)
Can the voice control operate the indicators?
Can it keep the vehichle to the left on motorways? Maybe there is a programming issue and some confusion between left and correct hand drive and actually keeping to the left hand side of the road in the relevant country...? ;D
You asking questions about these cars Chris shows that you are slowly mellowing towards bmw's. :y This can only be a good sign and I'm pleased for you. ;D ;D I may even bring the bimmer to the Wycombe meet as a treat for you. :y ;D ;D
Regards
Alan
RIIIIGHT, that's it, I'm not rather goin' now! >:(
;D
The ones I've seen (e39 and an 06 plate 2,0d m sport the tramlines like a bitch with run flats, what ever number that is) seem well made, designed and thought out. Rwd ethos. Clever touches programming the interior functions. Although cant remember what they are. Some proper engineering under the bonet.
But they are no way as good as "some" people think they are. Over priced, over confident (and over here) and a classic drive from the "all the gear, no idea types". A classic case of a brand completely let down by its customers. ...generally speaking of course Al ;)
I mean why is it ALWAYS a BMW? Every single time. ???
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I mean why is it ALWAYS a BMW? Every single time. ???
I find it's actually either a BMW or a Skoda these days. Both preoccupied with a badge, from different ends of the perceived "status" spectrum. ;D
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But yes, on a serious note, I've never driven a BMW that's as stable on the road as a well sorted Omega, and that's not saying a lot, because a well sorted Omega is only acceptable in that respect.
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But yes, on a serious note, I've never driven a BMW that's as stable on the road as a well sorted Omega, and that's not saying a lot, because a well sorted Omega is only acceptable in that respect.
I'm glad you raised that Kevin as I was going to reply to Chris's reference to tram lining above. I bought my Omega when it was ten months old with 9k on the clock. Tyre tread depth played a part but it has always tram lined from nearly new and I put it down to the wide low profiles. My 330d has 235/35/19's on the front (I think) and 255/35/19's on the rear and does not tram line. It is not affected by white lines or Tarmac level changes like the Omega but in fairness the bmw's have all been brand new and done really low mileage when I px them. I assume it was the 'tightness' from being new that helped prevent this. :-\
Anyway, have we answered James's question about the E39. ::) I think not, but my vote goes to the 530d. :y
Regards
Alan
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But yes, on a serious note, I've never driven a BMW that's as stable on the road as a well sorted Omega, and that's not saying a lot, because a well sorted Omega is only acceptable in that respect.
I'm glad you raised that Kevin as I was going to reply to Chris's reference to tram lining above. I bought my Omega when it was ten months old with 9k on the clock. Tyre tread depth played a part but it has always tram lined from nearly new and I put it down to the wide low profiles. My 330d has 235/35/19's on the front (I think) and 255/35/19's on the rear and does not tram line. It is not affected by white lines or Tarmac level changes like the Omega but in fairness the bmw's have all been brand new and done really low mileage when I px them. I assume it was the 'tightness' from being new that helped prevent this. :-\
Anyway, have we answered James's question about the E39. ::) I think not, but my vote goes to the 530d. :y
Regards
Alan
+1
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I must say that I wasn't really a BMW lover, never really floated my boat. But our traffic dept. has got rid of our last Volvo T5 now :'( :'( :'( which I've been nursing around with over 140k. We've gone to BMW 530d's and I'm quite impressed. For such a big car it handles very well and is only a tad slower on the uptake than our T5 Volvos were believe it or not. We've just received the brand new shape 530d now too....... holy $h1t!!! they're quicker than the old ones!!!!! They seem lower, squat, and corner like they're on rails, and the power :o :o :o :D :D :D . There's always a fight now between the 4 of us who gets the new toy, if anything we always turn in early so we grab the keys before anyone else ::)
I wouldn't say I was a complete BMW convert but the 530's we've now got are lovely to drive, still I miss the Volvo T5, like an old friend we've been through a lot :(
Kent did that about 3 years ago. I remember talking to one of the drivers, whilst waiting for the accident investigator to do his stuff, and his opinion was that it's good to drive, but had a lot less room in it than the Volvos. That's something that hadn't changed from the E34 estate, which I had at the time.
Funnily enough, the latest batch of motorway cars are Volvos again!
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But yes, on a serious note, I've never driven a BMW that's as stable on the road as a well sorted Omega, and that's not saying a lot, because a well sorted Omega is only acceptable in that respect.
I'm glad you raised that Kevin as I was going to reply to Chris's reference to tram lining above. I bought my Omega when it was ten months old with 9k on the clock. Tyre tread depth played a part but it has always tram lined from nearly new and I put it down to the wide low profiles. My 330d has 235/35/19's on the front (I think) and 255/35/19's on the rear and does not tram line. It is not affected by white lines or Tarmac level changes like the Omega but in fairness the bmw's have all been brand new and done really low mileage when I px them. I assume it was the 'tightness' from being new that helped prevent this. :-\
Anyway, have we answered James's question about the E39. ::) I think not, but my vote goes to the 530d. :y
Regards
Alan
probably needed set up. They are poorly set up from the factory when compared to Tony at Wims settings... By now, fairly certain it will need bushes and a thorough check over, THEN set up.
...and what tyres? Anything except Falken should be fine ok IME. And how do they wear?