I've got a 525iT loaner

What a great ride in this car. Your 5-series(I own a Z3) are solid as a rock. Feels like they are made out of solid granite. Anyway, I do have a question or two here.

Although I know cupholders are not important for "real" drivers, I do want a good one for my large coffee in the morning. These in the 5-series are not really that great. Are there modifications available for better one's?

How the heck do you shut off the rear wiper? ;-) The loaner didn't come with a manual and I can't make out the hyrgliphics on the stalk to figure it out.

I can sure see why people love these cars so much now that I've actually driven one.

Originally posted by bk3104
What a great ride in this car. Your 5-series(I own a Z3) are solid as a rock. Feels like they are made out of solid granite. Anyway, I do have a question or two here.

Although I know cupholders are not important for "real" drivers, I do want a good one for my large coffee in the morning. These in the 5-series are not really that great. Are there modifications available for better one's?

How the heck do you shut off the rear wiper? ;-) The loaner didn't come with a manual and I can't make out the hyrgliphics on the stalk to figure it out.

I can sure see why people love these cars so much now that I've actually driven one.

There's a cupholder that slides onto the driver's door storage pocket that looks pretty stable. About $30. Pull toward you on the right stalk on the steering column to turn off the rear wiper. You like the 525, take the 540 for a spin.

Originally posted by johnlew
You like the 525, take the 540 for a spin.

Can I take yours?

And not give it back?

You never know unless you ask.

Originally posted by johnlew


There's a cupholder that slides onto the driver's door storage pocket that looks pretty stable. About $30. Pull toward you on the right stalk on the steering column to turn off the rear wiper. You like the 525, take the 540 for a spin.

The 540i would be amazing to say the least, albeit quite a bit out of my price range. I can't even imagine. I was thinking about a 530i 5-speed with the sports package, and a few other goodies as well. The 3.0/5-speed combination in my Z3 is wonderful and it has got to be as good in the 5-series I'd imagine. Thanks for the tip on shutting off the rear wiper. I'll try that.

ACS offer a compressor for the Series 5. So you may get a very good performance from the 525!

I think I've had that same loaner before. By any chance is it a non-sport silver one with 'BMW Gallery" amblazoned on the back window? If I recall, they have a Orient Blue one as well.

Also, nice to see you here. You are, by far, the closest member on this board to me! I'm right on the Halifax line.

Originally posted by LarryN
I think I've had that same loaner before. By any chance is it a non-sport silver one with 'BMW Gallery" amblazoned on the back window? If I recall, they have a Orient Blue one as well.

Also, nice to see you here. You are, by far, the closest member on this board to me! I'm right on the Halifax line.

Hey neighbor! Nope, this one is black with the beige interior. It *does* have the BMW Gallery sticker all the way across the top of the back window. I just got a call from the BMW Gallery up there in Norwell, and they had to order a new armrest for my Z3. Turns out I'll have the loaner through the weekend including a family trip up to Portsmouth, NH. Should be a good test and a nice way to not put any miles on our cars too! This loaner is a non-sport 525 as well. I actually used to live in Pembroke, right over by the Duxbury line. Now off 105 in Halifax.

Did the rear wiper stop?

Originally posted by bk3104


The 540i would be amazing to say the least, albeit quite a bit out of my price range. I can't even imagine. I was thinking about a 530i 5-speed with the sports package, and a few other goodies as well. The 3.0/5-speed combination in my Z3 is wonderful and it has got to be as good in the 5-series I'd imagine. Thanks for the tip on shutting off the rear wiper. I'll try that.

The 530iT is not sold in the country.

Originally posted by johnlew
Did the rear wiper stop?

Don't know yet. I've been at work all day, and it's been pouring out here in Massachusetts. Haven't had a chance to go outside and check. Will do so later.

Originally posted by Nick325xiT 5spd


The 530iT is not sold in the country.

Oh, I know. I wouldn't be interested in the "T" version as my wife already has a Volvo V70/AWD. If I were to get the 530i, it'd be the sedan with the 5-speed and sports package. Wonder if the ride with the sports package is noticeably more rough than with the stock suspension?

I find the ride on my 540iAT with sport package to be just fine. Smoother than my 330 w/sport. But I'm sure mostly due to weight and wheelbase.