mister4bz

Hello out there. I'm fairly new and had a few questions. Currently I own are 2004 545i and was considering upgrading to a 2008 550i with m sport package. The 545i has been notorious for issues and errors, none of which I have experienced personally....knocking on wood, but I was wondering are the 08 550s problematic. Any info, opinions or experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

tnycman

My 07 has many problems, I doubt it there are many improvement from 07 to 08, but I might be wrong.. If its under warranty you're pretty much covered for the most part. NO warranty = costly repairs..

Sublime

From owning two E60's over the years - I feel like it's really hit-and-miss process identifying the problematic ones. I know a few people with 550/545's and none of us (knock on wood) have major issues, aside from one person who I know from this board having 545 tranny problems. My pre-LCI 550i had some minor leaks and now is developing a slight tick from the lifters (I presume) at 55K miles - but I still have warranty and that helps me sleep at night. There is a lot to like about the 08+ 550i including the electronic shifter, refined interior/lighting, stock mtech kit and great looking wheels (IMO).

Having bought 3 BMW's from the dealership I always say; if you're getting used, go for CPO, it's worth the extra. And the maintenance package has worked out beautifully as well. No worries until 100K miles is something not a lot of manufacturers can sell you (Land Rover!).

Isaiah_Charles

I had the valley of death issue and I had my heads replaced just north of 110k(owned since 92k)miles, among other things :thumbsdown: With that said if you are buying one make sure it's CPO because they are hit or miss, GL

umichchris

almost exactly a year ago i was looking at a 2008 550i w/ 20k miles that was CPO for $42k....all options even had night vision, mtech package, nav, lane departure system, etc....

but then my pocket book started talking to me and a heavily modded 545i w/ only 40k miles on it was sitting at the very same BMW dealership lot....asking price was $25...talked them down to $20k and drove her home....

but now, a year later, with electrical system problems (still dont know wtf the issue is exactly), recent trans issues that are driving me CRAZY and a ton of money spent to get her to look like the MTech version i previously wanted.....i really think the 08 was worth the extra $22k LOL! never thought i would admit that


i say if you dont have any problems now....ride that 545i until its time to give her up. then jump to a CPO 2008 M5....the onslaught of the F10 M5 next year should rapidly drive those $50k prices down to the low 40s soon...good luck!

syrousd

So far this my 3rd 5er...I had a 04,545,05,M5,08,550. I never had any major issues with any of them. Must say my 08,550 is so far the best of the bunch. Much more refined and improved all around from the 545.


One thing for sure buy CPO from the BMW dealership not from Tummies auto shop that cliams it carries the warranty but then after u run out ofthe warranty all kind of crap goes wrong with it.

Best of luck to you

S