i don't think you're going to find a 535i in the price range quoted, anyway - so that line of discussion is pointless.

I would buy the 545i, and plan to do a bunch of preventative stuff up front so you never have potential or unaddressed problems hanging over your head, or taking you by surprise.

Not sure about you guys, but I didn't come to the BMW camp to drive a slow car, a la 530i. :-)

 

I thank you for your input but i'm aware of maintenance issues and the SMG is one that is easy to avoid as it's certainly not in the realm of DIY repairs.
I understand that BMW dropped the option in later years because of the issues with it.
I'm quite intrigued with it and even might consider it if as you say the previous owner has dealt with it.

 

I have had both the 545i and the 535xi.
I say it all depends on what condition they are in when you buy them!
Both have been almost maintenance free for me. BUT that is because i bought them KNOWING what had been done to them and that i wasnt going to keep them for more than 1-2 years a piece. Thats just how i am though. I look for below BB prices for well maintained vehicles, preferably single owner, have them mechanically inspected by my friend who is an ASE certified audi mechanic and if he says they are good i pull the trigger. Now you dont have to know someone who is a mechanic to do the same thing, just take it to a good indy bmw or bmw dealer and get them thoroughly inspected for all preventive maintenances. this is my reccomend. Both are great cars, as long as they have been well maintained, if not, get ready to dig in your pockets, and you had better have deep pockets!

 

Yes thank you for the advice!
I will use an independent for advice.
Dealer advice is not worth the paper its written on.

 

BMW replaced the SMG because they came out with a different, "better" transmission -- not because the SMG was issue prone. To be complete frank, the SMG mechatronics system is identical to the 6 speed manual transmission. All the SMG is is a a manual 6 speed that BMW have taught to shift its' self. The Achilles heel of the SMG is the pump. If you can find one with the pump already swapped then there ya go.

However, if you find a SMG with the original pump, make sure and point that out to the Indy who does the inspection, he'll obviously quote you with a new pump, and make it that much easier to talk down the price.

From my understanding of the 545i, and after looking at a few of them before I bought mine -- normally people sell their 545i not because they don't like it anymore, but the dealer or indy gives them sticker shock with some upcoming repairs, and they dump their problems on someone else. The sad part is normally they aren't too upfront with this, and try to charge KBB or close to it.

A little bit of knowledge will serve you very well. Also lots of indys give discounts when you do a ton of services at one time. Bear this in mind when purchasing the car.

Don't write off the SMG -- after a week or so with it, you will have a hard time going back to any other system.

 

Here here!!!

I love my 545!! The power is simply unmatched! Well except if you have a 550 or an M5