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[Silver4evr]

I started this thread in 6/04. It's now 3/08, almost 4 years later and 4 years, 3 months since I purchased my 2004 530i. I thought I would report in on the current status of my ride.

I took the car in just before the warranty ran out and got them to replace all the brakes/drums...It had just a minor squeal.

The right rear tire has had a slow leak since the car was brand new. I finally got them to keep the car over night and test the wheel in a water barrel. The tech found no leak and no problems with the tire. I went in the next morning and I had the tech take the air pressure in front of me---sure enough---it was down 1.5 lbs. The tire and the rim were replaced.

I also had them replace the front windshield rubber molding...it had some areas that were coming apart and had small tears.

I had them detail the car. The scuffed up my 3m clear bra that I have on the hood.
Idiots. I mean, it still works and everything..it's not torn. I just don't have time to follow through on a complaint. (Shelly BMW-Buena Park, CA)

Everything else has been working fine. Have only 21k miles on it, though. Not much so the jury is still out on this car. It still looks brand new, in and out.

We drove Hwy 101 from Santa Cruz (near San Francisco) to Los Angeles and the car was outstanding. Handled great, especially at high speed (up to 120mph), averaged about 80mph. Got 24 mpg, xlnt acceleration. Great sound system. A bit of wind noise at speed.
Sport seat were okay in comfort, a little stiff. We stopped along the way a couple of times to stretch our legs. The sport suspension was like traveling on rails and is pretty stiff as well. If you want to tour with the new BMW's, get the standard suspension.

With the problems sorted out, it's been a fun driver but it took too much effort to get them straightened out, though.

Bottom line, don't buy a first model year car, especially one filled with electronics.