So I'm gettin ready to buy my first BMW, and am dealing with a $20k budget. I have lots of questions and hope you guys could help me make the right decision. I'm only interested in the 530i or 530xi

First off, is there any big difference in the 04-05 model and 06-07 model besides the price?

What I'm lookin for is the following: 530i or xi with park distance control, navi, bluetooth, push button start, premium pack, sports pack, and cold weather pack, logic 7 sound system.

What year should I be lookin for that has all of those features?
Also, most dealers I go to have almost no clue what I'm talking about when I mention those features...so have can I really know if the car has those features? The reason I ask is because I'll be going to a few auctions to get a good deal. Any thing I should look out for when I'm checking out the car?

Also, is it really worth getting the xi over the regular one? How does the xi compare to xDrive that started in 08?

 

xi vs rwd ... where do you live? Will you encounter snowy weather. If not (and I have an xi) the rwd 530 will feel peppier. The extra weight of the xi and the drivetrain drag seems to hamper how the car "feels" in acceleration from a stop. But in reality they are within a tick of each other in 0-60 runs. Add some snow and it makes a big difference! One additional little point - if you're serious about the xi and want to do wheel and suspension mods - other rwd e60 parts will not interchange!

As for your price range ($20K) you're probably looking at the '04 / '05 model years or a very high mileage (maybe even rough) '06 / '07. The options you desire are usually found in the many of the 530s ... but the xi sport option is 18" wheels, sport seats, and shadowline trim - in the RWD car it includes some suspension tweaks. The later models use push button start - don't confuse that with comfort access - that's another option!

I'm sure you have already checked this http://www.bmwusa.co...odelsearch.aspx


Good luck in your hunt!