KU530

I am at a cross road here. I have a 07 530 xi with only 8500 miles on it. I am looking at getting a different car becasue the deals that my local bimmer dealer is running. I am looking at either 535xi, 550, or a used 750li. Do you guys think it is worth the switch. The only thing I am worried about is that I wont get the money I want out of my car. Plus with my RD sport exhaust if I dont get a 535 I will have blown 3k plus my wheels will not fit on the new car unless it is an xi. Help please!!!!!

jmsod

Seriously depends on your financial situation and how bad you want to make the switch.
There is no question you are going to take a hit on the trade.
Do you "need" AWD? There is no question that you will notice the increase in performance of the 535 and 550 over the 530. The question is.... can you stomach the financial blow?

KU530

The only reason that I am hooked on awd is that I have it now and I want to transfer my wheels over to the new car. I can handle the finance part as long as I dont get raped on trade.

KU530

tempted to lease a M5 or buy and M3. any reason I should not do an m3 over a e60?

jmsod

Then, if you can swing it.... go for the 535Xi, get is lowered about 3/4 of an inch and use your current wheels.
The stock Xi models always look like they are on stilts to me.

KU530

yea I lowered my current xi looks so much better. Me and Calton were the first to lower the monster trucks he has since moved on to a M5

bimmerlust

Simply put, you are going to take a hit on your car. You would be better off to try and sell it privately than to take trade value from the dealer if minimizing the hit is that important. What you are doing can in no way be described as "smart money", so just make your luxury purpose and don't stress yourself out trying to rationalize it. FYI, auction prices in large part control what dealers will offer on a trade and I can tell you that the 530's are holding their value better than the 550 are at this point although they are not equal in used value. However, in buying an 07 new and selling it at 1 1/2 years old you are in the steepest point of the depreciation curve. The depreciation doesn't level out until after year 3, and that is true regardless of whether you sell it to a dealer or a private party. However, the hit will be harder selling it to a dealer. Good luck!

LW78

Inside space...... comfort (The M5 is a smoother ride).......
On the other hand: m3 is even more agile AND has the new auto clutch i.o. the 'old' SMG

jmsod

The 535Xi all the way. Btw... I am more than likely getting the PES software installed this weekend on my 535i. Can't wait.

TwistTie

I always thought BMW owners had a bit more smarts than your average Joe. The OP contradicts that. Or, maybe it's just BMW owners on forums. Oooops, that would include me.

btw, to the OP: I assume you meant "dilemma."