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Old 05-26-2009, 09:06 AM
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Gentleman (and ladies)

I am at the 76K mile mark on my 2005 545i and I am getting close to feeling it's time to trade in and get something newer. The car runs well but has been having some issues recently (clicking noise from valves, water pump failure, etc). It's still covered to 100K but as I am finding out, not all is covered under the extended warranty. I am thinking it's time to trade in and move on before more expenses (new tyres) come along again...

So here's what I am debating on getting. I want something smaller, preferably smaller, but don't want to sacrifice the power.....
1. New 550i (no brainer but not much change given my 4+yrs now with the E60)
2. New M3 (very tempting)
3. Fully loaded 335i
4. Wait out one more year for the F10 knowing that first-gen may have lots of issues

Keeping the ceiling cost no more than 70K which is where these choices come from...

Your vote, feedback is appreciated

=S=
Old 05-26-2009, 09:21 AM
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new 535i, Not smaller but good bang for your buck and almost the same performance as a 550. The 2010 will have the newer idrive and nav and the little things that have changed since you've had your 545 are a nice touch.
Old 05-26-2009, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by subarashi' post='890566' date='May 26 2009, 12:06 PM
Gentleman (and ladies)

I am at the 76K mile mark on my 2005 545i and I am getting close to feeling it's time to trade in and get something newer. The car runs well but has been having some issues recently (clicking noise from valves, water pump failure, etc). It's still covered to 100K but as I am finding out, not all is covered under the extended warranty. I am thinking it's time to trade in and move on before more expenses (new tyres) come along again...

So here's what I am debating on getting. I want something smaller, preferably smaller, but don't want to sacrifice the power.....
1. New 550i (no brainer but not much change given my 4+yrs now with the E60)
2. New M3 (very tempting)
3. Fully loaded 335i
4. Wait out one more year for the F10 knowing that first-gen may have lots of issues

Keeping the ceiling cost no more than 70K which is where these choices come from...

Your vote, feedback is appreciated

=S=
Here's my votes-

1. a 2007-2008 cpo 550i with all the proper options would be the best deal, let someone else lose on depreciation.
2. :thumbsdown: hard to find a good deal on that, big depreciation hit, expensive insurance, reliability questions.
3. tiny car, big depreciation hit, fun to drive though.
4. If you must buy new get a new 550i, I would be concerned about the 11 F10 as well.
Old 05-26-2009, 09:33 AM
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I'd go with the M3 or 335i. The 550 will look dated in a year, and the '11 F10 will likely have issues. You'll still have some fresher lines on the e90, which will carry you into the second or third year of F10. Obviously, the 3ers are smaller, as you've stated, so I am guessing that hauling things is not a major issue or you wouldn't even have listed them.
Old 05-26-2009, 09:36 AM
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550i or M3 if you don't need the interior space.
Old 05-26-2009, 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by subarashi' post='890566' date='May 26 2009, 07:06 PM
I am at the 76K mile mark on my 2005 545i and I am getting close to feeling it's time to trade in and get something newer. The car runs well but has been having some issues recently (clicking noise from valves, water pump failure, etc). It's still covered to 100K but as I am finding out, not all is covered under the extended warranty. I am thinking it's time to trade in and move on before more expenses (new tyres) come along again...
Those upcoming expenses are nothing compared to the depreciation on the newer car
Old 05-26-2009, 09:56 AM
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Get a used m5!! It will be way less than if you get a new m3. You can get them in 40s.
Old 05-26-2009, 10:09 AM
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if you can live with the loss of space I'd also go for the M3 or 335. For what it's worth, the difference in interior size between the E90 and E60 is nowhere near as big as some of the posts here suggest.
Old 05-26-2009, 10:19 AM
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Originally Posted by tex_phil' post='890624' date='May 26 2009, 12:56 PM
Get a used m5!!
+1 ... I just got one and you will be amazed that the M5 is built by the same company - it is in a whole different league.

Otherwise, go get a new M3 (or even a pre-owned in the new series). Motor Trend calls it The World's Greatest All-Around Car.

"No other car combines so many virtues - speed, handling, good looks, roominess, practicality - into one package. And few cars of any kind are executed so well. Driving the M3 is an absolutely blissful experience, flooding your brain with dopamine as if you were arriving to courtside seats at the Lakers game with Jennifer Connelly on your arm."
Old 05-26-2009, 10:26 AM
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Guys --- awesome replies...

So yes, space is not an issue as the other car is a 2007 X5. This will be my daily drive but I don't want to be boxed into a smaller engine after driving a V8 all these years.

The 535xi and the 550i, while refreshing and new experiences --> still are the same exterior and the same overall feel. Would I truly feel like I was in a new car and indeed a new experience? Maybe behind the wheel and with the new iDrive, but it looks and feels largely the same!!!!

I am leaning towards the 335 coupe or the M3 -- sucks to leave the E60 world though!!! So torn!!!!!!!!!


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