Originally Posted by bha7176' post='1026679' date='Oct 7 2009, 08:40 AM

Thanks for the kind words.

I will upload pictures soon - never did that on here, so we'll see how that goes.

To all veterans - thank YOU for your service.

To those with loved ones either already deployed or on their way to deploy - may time pass quickly and safely for you and them. I will tell you that it was one of the fastest years of my life, and looking back, my wife and children would probably agree.

Thanks again everyone!

Originally Posted by porsche911targa' post='1027806' date='Oct 8 2009, 01:58 PM

You're welcome and thank YOU too for your service. Congratulations on your new ride. You're going to love it. I honestly had no idea that people are driving BMWs in Iraq. Things must really be getting better there. Take care and thanks again.

Originally Posted by bha7176' post='1027819' date='Oct 8 2009, 02:10 PM

No, I bought it via the internet while I was in Iraq, but it's back here in the States.

However, there are A LOT of raggidity BMW's driving around in Iraq - saw them everyday. Lots of Mercedes too.

Weird i know.

By the way, took my 550 into the dealer today - had a battery discharge issue and they are checking it out. The loaner they gave me is a 2009 528XI - what a bummer. I want MY car back! Must say, even the 528XI is fun to drive though, must just be a bimmer thing. Still can't wait to pick mine back up though.

Originally Posted by porsche911targa' post='1027871' date='Oct 8 2009, 03:09 PM

That makes more sense. What do you mean a 2009 528Xi is what a bummer? My last loaner was a 2009 Hyundai Sonata from Enterprise. I'm not kidding. The 528XI would actually be an improvement over my 2006 525XI (in the better electronics toys dept). If my dealer gave me that as a loaner my car might be at the dealer every week.

Originally Posted by bha7176' post='1028024' date='Oct 8 2009, 03:13 PM

Electronics is what i mean - it didn't even have iDrive.

Like I said though, its was still fun to drive.

Originally Posted by pjinca' post='1028039' date='Oct 8 2009, 06:33 PM

They still MAKE 5er's with no iDrive?!?!?! Really?

Originally Posted by bha7176' post='1026224' date='Oct 6 2009, 05:31 PM

It's CPO'd with an original in service date of July 2008 - so I'm covered till 2014 for warranty and 2012 for maint - until I upgrade the maint package too, which i'm still debating.

Anyway, I posted back in July / August that i was looking for one, and i found it on autotrader and called, got the service records and BMW maint info on the car, then put money down while still in Iraq. I returned from my tour in early September, then on 19 Sept my son and I flew out to Wisconsin (i live in Pennsylvania) to pick it up. I bought it from a BMW dealer out there - top notch! They picked us up at the airport, took us to the dealership, showed me the car, let me test drive it, and even offered for us to load up on their free water, soda and cookies for the two day trip back to PA. What an awesome experience. And the car - absolutely perfect.

So far I've added the RPI scoop (red), black grills, huper optik tint (30%) all around, and the RPI axle back exhaust - oh, and removed the charcoal filter. I love all the mods, especially the new exhaust. I couldn't believe how heavy the OEM one was compared to the RPI - must be twenty to thirty pounds lighter. It was super simple to cut the old one and install the new one - had to move the rear holder bracket over one hole to fit the RPI, but that was easy, just unscrewed the holder and re-screwed it on the other side.



Next, when I can convince the wife to let me spend more on it, I want to have the wheels powder coated gun metal, tint the headlights and taillights, and maybe get the Dinan stage II ECU flash.

Oh, its a 2008 550i with sport package, sprot auto transmissions, jet black with black interior, HUD, comfort access, active steering, satillite radio, NAV, and all the stuff with the sport pckg.

It had 12,800 miles when I bought it and I already have 15,120 on it.

Hard to keep that jet black clean, but I've been trying my best nightly. California duster does a good job, although I've hand washed it twice already.

Going from a 1988 Blazer on post over in Iraq, back to my 2003 330XI to this 2008 550i sport is simply amazing. funny how you get used to the power and driveability so fast though, isn't it?

Anyway, for those who remember, thanks for all your help a few months ago helping me to weed through the ups and downs of buying a pre-owned 550i sport. I love it!!!!

Originally Posted by z06bigbird' post='1029310' date='Oct 10 2009, 02:10 PM

We're proud of you for service our country and putting your life on the line on a daily basis.

Congratulations on the BMW. We hope it serves you very well.

BTW, since you had such a good experience with the dealer in Wisc, it would be nice to mention the dealership name. I believe there is even a section here for that; maybe not.

As you know, if a customer walks into a dealership with an attitude, the dealership returns the same type of behavior, attitude, etc. You obviously took the opposite approach.

Last item: Snide comment on my part. What is worse than a BMW dealership?? Ans. A BMW customer.

Good luck; take care of yourself; take good care of that car. It will last you many many moons.