GX528i

Welcome to the same boat as me! haha. I'm new to the E60 experience but according to a lot of threads I've ran across on this forum, to maintain a 5 series after so many miles could get costly. Lexus is very reliable, hence that's why I did not extend the warranty on my GX470 (and it was a guinea pig unit too because I was one of the very first to buy the GX when it first came out) but of course I ran into a few guinea pig bugs and defects but now she's running perfect and very well has much juice left in her without worrying about major repair bills..

I'll report back after 3 years if I could say the same thing about my 528i. It's a fun car to drive, so are Lexus vehicles, but it's like comparing apples and oranges. Lexus is for reliability and comfort, BMW is more of performance and handling

johnny13oi

Wow thanks for the quick replies. Although the one post with a big repair every year is pretty bad. Reliability is obviously not my main concern but it definitely is important to me because an extra several thousand a year quickly adds up and could've meant another very nice car initially.

How good are the CPO warranties offered by BMW? Will it cover almost everything? I see another 550i that is $4K more and is a year newer with 44K miles and is a CPO car and might consider it now. Just to be sure, if it's a CPO car sold by BMW, it's 6 years from when it was made (2007) or 100K miles right?

I also had a backup car of a 2007 GS350 just in case my concerns of reliability and the cost of maintaining the 550i changed my mind. I take really good care of my car but I am also a very DIY guy and try to fix a lot of things on my own. Also, how easy is it to change the oil in a 550i on your own? I always change my oil with Mobil 1.

pjinca

Yes the CPO warranty covers all major components and CPO cars are gone over with a fine tooth comb (BMW has pretty much the strictest CPO program around). The oil, brakes, and all other maintenance will be done already when you get it. CPO covers you for 6 years (from in service date) and 100K miles, you also get an extended maintenance for the same 6 years 100k miles.
You are much better off with CPO than without. It could really cut those repairs (if any) by quite a bit.

johnny13oi

I also had another question, when would be the best time to buy a 550i in terms of price? I am in no rush really. I have read that there is going to be a really drastic new design for 2011 for the 5-series and from some renders people have posted, I actually like the current look better.

or_550i

Probably when gas prices get high again.

skelevirus

...haha you said copious.....

pjinca

Then the best time will be from now until the next model release. Prices on all E60 (model year 2004-current) are dropping as we approach the next model (F10) release, I did what you will likely do. I was patient, looked around and waited for a car that had the options and mileage I wanted and then went and got it. Do that and you probably can't go wrong. Just one word of warning - that 550 is a best, good luck wiping the silly grin off your face whenever you drive it.

skelevirus

+100!

luigi524td

+ a Forum "cling" after making a substantial donation!

skelevirus

most definitely!! CPO isn't an option its an absolute must!! my 06's a/c fan died and it was a two day full dash removal 3600$ dollar job that was covered by my cpo, i only had to pay a 50$ deductable(which i didn't know about) so check w your dealer and see if you are going to have a deductable as well. either way it was way cheeper. an oil change here @ weber bmw is 147 dollars.. im no gear head but i wouldn't wanna change my oil in one of these.. thats just me tho theres guys on here that do all kinds of crazy shit to therye cars. i traded my 525 in w 62k even though it was a cpo recently cuz i was getting soo nervous about losing major value$ over 80k mi. my wife has a new lil328 w 20 mik on it now and being back under the 50k umbrella is nice!! get the 100k mi maintenence too. @ weber it was only 1900$ more and thats the best piece of mind youll def get! the new f10 pics are just renderings BTW so don't use those to make your final decision, the best pic so far are the camoflauge spy pics floating around.. valkkomen to the forum!!
ian