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Help in considering a 2002 BMW530 purchase
I am considering purchasing a 2002 BMW 530i (36,000 miles) from a dealer in Puerto Rico. This would be my first BMW purchase. The car is in excellent conditions (exterior and interior). I had the car tested by my boss' mechanic who specializes in BMWs and he gave me the OK to buy after his drive test and check. Before purchasing, I decided to check the vehicle history at the local official BMW dealer and also verify the remaining warranty. I found the history shown below, which I was able to include the description of the code thanks to the information on your forum. I am concerned with the frequent electrical problems. I also do not know how serious were the DSC item and the Blower item as far as future problems. I will appreciate any help or comments. Does it seems like an electrical lemon? Regarding the 36,000 miles, they are city miles and consider that the roads in Puerto Rico are really bad.
Thanks, Ricardo
==== History includes date, miles, code, and description ======
12/23/2004 34,962 11280377 Rived V-Belt A/C Compressor
11530115 Thermostat, permanent damage
10/06/2004 32,374 31120169 Rubber Mount Front Axle control arm, worn
61610077 Wippers
61660148 Washer fluid reservoir leak, permanent
63130512 Front turn signal, permanent damage
63210612 Brake light lamp, permanent damage
85990091 Engine oil service
07/16/2004 29,216 64112712 Blower output stage, front permanent damage
04/14/2004 25,926 34110077 Service on Front Brakes, Pads Only
34210077 Service on Rear Brakes, Pads Only
02/04/2004 22,763 62112011 LCD Display Occsional Failure
01/20/2004 21,878 34521015 DSC Control Unit (includes HDC), permanent
12/19/2003 20,646 85990092 Inspection I
07/03/2003 14,485 61210012 Battery, permanent damage
04/21/2003 12,768 12310012 Alternator, permanente damage
03/24/2003 11,845 63130512 Front Turn Signal, permanent damage
03/10/2003 11,432 63260512 License plate light
02/28/2003 11,123 84119102 Telephone discharging Vehicle Battery
01/09/2003 9,541 85990089 Engine Oil service
06/18/2002 3,150 61210012 Battery, permanent damage
| | Reply » Help in considering a 2002 BMW530 purchase |
I would stay away from any car with RECURRING electrical problems.
Just like the obsessed girlfriends they keep coming back. And even if the car is under warranty, you may find yourself spending more time at the dealership than behind the wheel. 
| | Reply » Help in considering a 2002 BMW530 purchase |
Thats alot of crap that he's brought the car to the service center for. Doesn't look like it'll stop either.. I second the 'stay away'
what's with all the "permanent damage" ? Did they mean that it needed to be replaced ?
| | Reply » Help in considering a 2002 BMW530 purchase |
Wow, that is alot of stuff! For comparison, here is the warranty/maintenance program services needed on our 2003 E39 now at 30K miles, purchased 10/02:
One window regulator
Three free oil services
Three free sets of wiper inserts
One free brake fluid flush
A couple oil changes done myself in between the included ones, $45 in parts each time.
That's it... as the others said, I'd keep looking.
ketchup, 'permanent failure' is the term they use on the defect codes. I think it just means replacement was necessary. (As opposed to terms like loose, leaking, cracked, occasional malfunction, unpleasant noises...)
| | Reply » Help in considering a 2002 BMW530 purchase |
Thank you for your comments. I was thinking to stay away due to the recurrent electrical problems. However, I wanted to check with you people in the forum because I was told by some friends here in the island that BWMs are known to suffer from frecuent minor electrical problems. I figure from you current owners that this is not the case. I wonder why the dealer have not identified the root of the problem. Could it be the type of wires they used in the manufacturing of that lot of cars?
Thanks,
Ricardo
| | Reply » Help in considering a 2002 BMW530 purchase |
Quote: ==== History includes date, miles, code, and description ======
12/23/2004 34,962 11280377 Rived V-Belt A/C Compressor
11530115 Thermostat, permanent damage
10/06/2004 32,374 31120169 Rubber Mount Front Axle control arm, worn
61610077 Wippers
61660148 Washer fluid reservoir leak, permanent
63130512 Front turn signal, permanent damage
63210612 Brake light lamp, permanent damage
85990091 Engine oil service
07/16/2004 29,216 64112712 Blower output stage, front permanent damage
04/14/2004 25,926 34110077 Service on Front Brakes, Pads Only
34210077 Service on Rear Brakes, Pads Only
02/04/2004 22,763 62112011 LCD Display Occsional Failure
01/20/2004 21,878 34521015 DSC Control Unit (includes HDC), permanent
12/19/2003 20,646 85990092 Inspection I
07/03/2003 14,485 61210012 Battery, permanent damage
04/21/2003 12,768 12310012 Alternator, permanente damage
03/24/2003 11,845 63130512 Front Turn Signal, permanent damage
03/10/2003 11,432 63260512 License plate light
02/28/2003 11,123 84119102 Telephone discharging Vehicle Battery
01/09/2003 9,541 85990089 Engine Oil service
06/18/2002 3,150 61210012 Battery, permanent damage | Shouldn't this car qualify for a lemon!
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Help in considering a 2002 BMW530 purchase