JLAWS

Good thing is that I got $7,250 for a 14+ year old car. She was near perfect though.
I was just only testing the sale waters on Craigslist. Got several low ball offers for several weeks but finally there was some that agreed to close to my asking price. Paid me all cash!! The guy said he always wanted a GS400. I had VERY strong second thoughts about letting her go but money talks!

I will definately miss her. My potential replacement is a 2008-2009 BMW 550i. After owning a GS300 & GS400 and two LS430s, I wanna see what all the BMW hype is all about


Check you guys later,, I might be back


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lex...ml#post8120622

puff

iTrader: (4)

There's no hype in BMW. You'll be back .

LuxuryGS3

iTrader: (12)

Agreed. Many have tried and failed, you'll be back definitely.

MasterKwan

Haha. I was SO happy to see the last of my M3.

Sevenevez

iTrader: (2)

i went from a '02 3 Series Drop to the GS4 and never looked back

MattyG

Congratulations. That is an awesome price. These cars really do hold their value.

I won't predict how you'll do with the 5 series but from what I've researched and read, you won't be having a Lexus experience with the Bimmer. Then again you probably already know that.

Good choice on 08 and up 550i. I like those too. Maybe you can let people know how things go.

FWIW - the Fiver's money pit reputation and the manufacturer's general indifference to fix very expensive recurring issues kept me away and I"m happy with my GS4.

gsean400

See ya when your warrenty expires

MattyG

And I should add. If you're actually in the mood to see what life looks like behind the spinning propeller logo, definitely test out a 97 to 03 540, six speed or a 540iA.

Those are considered the last "good" beautiful 5 series BMW's.

Before the Bangle-butts and sloppy handling. But like all aging beauty queens, they don't do well beyond a certain mileage. About 2-3k a year for maintenance headaches. Astonishing handling and power. Nothing to sniff at.

JLAWS

Gees now I'm rethinking my choice. The Gs4 did cost me some money to straighten out so it wasn't that worry free. The previous owner of my Gs400 spent thousands getting it serviced at the Lexus stealership. The Ls430s I had were flawless. I would still entertain another one but it has to be Flint Mica, black interior with sport wheels. I am also interested in the 05 or 06 E55 Amg.
I have some time. I'm roughing it in my1994 Camry with 210K miles.. You wanna talk about reliable, my Camry still has the original alternator , ac compressor and everything works, even all the door locks. That is one car I am going to keep till the wheels falls off

JLAWS

I agree 1000%!!! The 97 to 03 540i are timeless. Always wanted a 03 540 M sport. Those are GORGEOUS! Gave up on finding the right one and settled for the GS400 which was a close 2nd

The 550i Sport is not a bad looker.

MasterKwan

Dude I know has one. You want to talk about $1000's in maintenance. It's been costing him a couple grand a year. I think BMW makes a fantastic car and they're great as long as you have a warranty.

MattyG

You got that right. Them,s the ones right there. Some of the best styling in the auto world.

That's the exact same scenerio I had before I purchased my GS this summer JLAWS.

BMW sold a lot more of the 5 series so there were a lot of them around but I couldn't afford to buy one and then keep a "reserve" fund to anticipate problems at the same time, so that meant the GS430 which often doesn't come up for sale around here.

Oh well, here's an interesting example that's been sitting at a Lexus dealership for awhile. I won't comment on the irony

DanielDD

iTrader: (1)

This is my E39 (1998 528i) that I've had for the past 4 years. Paid $4K for it when I got it and probably put maybe $3K into including new rims. This has been THE most fun and reliable car I've owned in a long time. It is a beautiful car, inside and out and it has never left me stranded. Of course I do all my own wrenching and have kept it all stock except for a ZHP short shifter. When I bought my 2nd gen GS400, I was going to sell the bimmer, but after I cleaned it up, I just can't ever see getting rid of it. I've got 150K miles on it now. The trick to maintaining them is to stay on top of maintenance and use genuine BMW parts. All BMW cooling systems are a fundamental weak point, but like I said, if you stay on top of the maintenance, you'll be fine. Personally, I would stick with the E39 series. The later series, after 2003 (Bangle design) has its share of problems, plus most diagnostics can only be accomplished at either the dealer or an independent that invested several thousand dollars in the right diagnostic equipment. For instance, if you require a new battery, you will have to get either of them to reprogram the car to your new battery. Lots of complicated electronics. The E39 series is at least simple enough that a regular guy can work on them

Here's a couple of shots of mine...

sugzz

iTrader: (9)

I had a E39 before owning my GS. I prefer the Lexus anyday. I feel even if you keep up with maintainence on the bimmer, they still have issues.... Good luck.

armanitran

iTrader: (-1)

I was DEFINITELY happy that I let go of my BMW.. nothing but headaches!