I keep hearing this horror stories about new 5. I like the car but not sure now about overall reliability. Do I need to pay for every software update after warranty expires? Latest patch $149 + labour 6 hours * 140 = $$$$$$$  What do you guys/gals think? IF you were able to start it over again what would you have done diferrently? Thanks, ES |
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Quote: I keep hearing this horror stories about new 5.
I like the car but not sure now about overall reliability. Do I need to pay for every software update after warranty expires? Latest patch $149 + labour 6 hours * 140 = $$$$$$$
What do you guys/gals think? IF you were able to start it over again what would you have done diferrently?
Thanks,
ES | The only thing I would have differently would be to look into leasing rather than buying. I leased my last 2 bimmers and thought I would just buy this one, pay it off and keep it many years. I probably should have leased and put the extra $$ towards paying off my house. I understand the money factors etc... are/were excellent.
I would buy another e60 without hesitation and would equip it with exactly the same options.
I think you'll find that most of the horror stories here are from people who bought 2004 models (1st year of production).
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| Reply » TO go for it or not - New 5 ??? |
Best car I have EVER driven in all aspects. They do tend to have some software problems, but I suspect by the time warranty is ready to expire, with updates, everything should be fine. It doesnt seem like there are mechanical issues. I have a 06 550 with 4000 miles and havent had any software or mechanical issues. It looks like they have corected them along the way. I think you will be v. happy!!!
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I have had my BMW 530i since October and have yet to have one problem.
Knock on Wood 
I think most of the problems you are hearing are from first year models which were from 2004. Most of the '06 5's seem to be pretty solid.
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In general, most software problems will not last more than an year or two. Since software is field upgradable, it should be easy to fix things.
What I can not understand is why it takes 6 hours to update the software. I guess field update was not a core objective for the design team. I also wonder why someone needs to pay labor for the 6 hours. The technician has to hook the car up and hopefully program what needs to be updated and leave it there. Does he hold a paper fan over the computer to keep it cool over the six hours? It looks like a blatant rip-off if someone is actually paying for 6 hours of labor for the field upgrade of the software.
Ideally, you should be able to update the software in the car by downloading it, burning it into a disk and loading it in the CD player. There is no magic to that. Just poor design.
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Go for it!!!!!!!!!
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TO go for it or not - New 5 ???