I am thinking of getting a 550i or a 545i as my first car. I have been using my parents car for a while so technically it will be the 2nd car I use but my first car that I will pay for. Do you recommend these cars and what is the price range I should pay for one of these cars. Are they fast compared to others in the price range? Reliable? What i am looking for is a car that is fast and stylish so it looks good to. I am in the Detroit area if that matters. Thank you in advance.

 

Here's what I tell my kids and nieces and nephews. If you are early in life (like 20's and 30's) and don't make or have access to a lot of money or you aren't a mechanic for a living, I'd get a Japanese car. If money isn't an issue or you are a mechanic for a living, go for it. You will love the BMW when it works and you will sink a ton of money into it over time. Especially if you are buying an older one.

 

Fast? yes. Reliable? No.

 

You might also want to look at the 528 or 530 instead of a 545 or 550. Both are more reliable and cheaper to operate, relatively speaking of course.

 

They are reliable if you put enough money into their maintenance. Like it was said previously, if you have the talent to go at it yourself or are independently wealthy or have a trust fund you can raid, then go for it. If it is the latter buy a new one.

 

Read this http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=731460

 

^that's a great read. I"m also in the detroit area, in my 20's and I've had a 550i now for 2 years. It's great, but you have to do your homework before getting one. I knew what to expect when I got it, and I'm somewhat handy so I can take care of the simpler things.
Have you test driven a 545/550i? What do you currently drive? I'd take a look at a CPO model for peace of mind as well. Note that the 545/550i modesl are rwd only so you'll need to get a set of winter wheels/tires.

 

As everyone says it will cost more to maintain a BMW than a Honda or a Ford especially as the cars age. If something breaks I'd figure 2-3 times the cost for the replacement part and extra for labor too even if you have a good local mechanic. If you do your own wrenching you can save on the labor but it will still cost more to fix.