BAD idea!!! I currently have a 550. I love the car but I just gave up on it. Gonna try the Merz for a while. I've never had a catastrophic breakdown but small things on this car is very expensive and small things turn into BIG jobs costing thousands. If you are not mechanically inclined or have deep pockets DO NOT get a 550 especially with those miles. At such mileage you are looking at valve cover and timing cover gasket, alternator bracket oring, and the real big one valve stem seals.

 

+++1. Just replaced the water pump for the 4th time and spent $3.5k to stop myriad oil leaks on my 2006 550i with 110k miles.

 

Hey guys I just got a 2010528i with 60,000 miles instead. What would you guys say about this model ? Any major issues I should be prepared for ? How’s the reliability it was owned by a older women as well

 

That's a much more reasonable choice, Andy. The 528 should be more trouble-free than the 550i you were originally interested in.

 

I think there are three types of people who buy BMWs
Rich
They don't care if it breaks because they just take it to a dealer or buy a new one every few years
Want one
They want a bmw but are not mechanically incline or have never had an opportunity to learn about mechanics
Mechanics/handyman
Love BMW's and can repair them or will have a go themselves

All the problems in the post are simple easy fixes if you are prepared to have a go
Study books or watch YouTube channels or ask people on this site

Owning a used bmw is a great experience to learn and enjoy a wonderful motorcar
Don't give up
Have a go
Buy a few tools and ask questions and for help
A used bmw is more like a hobby and something to be enjoyed

 

I actually agree with you, I fall into your Mechanic category. I actually enjoy tinkering with the car but at some point you just want a reliable car. To own a used BMW without warranty you need a second ride. That's why I went out got another car and parked the 550. I will get back to it this summer.

Given OP's revelation to not being mechanically inclined we couldn't in good conscience tell him to get a 550 with 94K miles for his first BMW. That is a no go. If money wasn't an issue he would have probably gotten a New or CPO 550.

 

I have a 2010 550i that I bought new. It's pretty reliable but everything BMW is kinda expensive. Oil change is somewhat cheap but other than that everything else costs extra money compared to say a toyota. However, I don't mind it because if you think about it, dividing anything by 365 even if I spend some $$$, it's still cheaper than buying a new car which may not be as fun (my 550i is manual).

 

You're talking apples and oranges my man!

 

I know but I intentionally used a toyota since they are the most reliable even when neglected. Btw, I see you have a 6MT too!

Ok, to give some idea on how much things cost. Think it this way, a BMW USB charger is like $40, the BMW LED Flashlight is also about $40.

So far I did 1 oil change and will be doing another one next week which is about $70 each. I replaced all 4 tires along with alignment and I believe I had to replace the pump gasket. Everything costs about $2800 or so. I also had to replace one of the rear door handles earlier this year which was about $450. So I spent about $3500 on the car this year so far. It's about $10 a day which is nothing compared to how much I spent on food.

But these are cheap compared to the money I spent modding the car...

 

I’ve had my 550 for 12 years and it’s been great. I try to fix most things and the car only went once to the dealer for a repair. I’d you are handy with cars it’s a great car. Better than most new cars and the last of the drivers 5 series.

Here are are my DIYs. (93k)

Wiper pump
coolant sensor
gas tank vacuum pump
idrive module
passenger cup holder
power steering filter cansister
full brake job.
One ignition coil and plug
radiator hose
tranny filter and fluid flush
active steering disc clean
battery