etocfa

Hi all, I haven't done much posting before but I had a great experience yesterday. About 9 months ago I traded my '05 330xi for an 07 525xi. Big mistake! Miss the giddyup. My local indie dealar just got in 2 other 5's, an 08 535xi with premium and cold weather package, park distance control too. 46,000 miles and he wants $33,800 which I think is an ok price. Drove it and it did go faster off the line and was a very clean car. But in general there seemed to be very little difference except for off the line (what I really want) It's space grey (LCI) with a black interior. He also got in a black pre LCI 07 550i six speed manual with same stuff plus a Logic 7 sound system. Same miles and he wants $28,900. This looks like a better deal where I live in NH. I drove that one and it blew me away it was so quick but...a little too quick for me(???). Wife figures I'll kill myself in about a week's time!

Anyway I opted for the '08 xi because it's LCI, one owner and is extra clean. But of course I'm thinking about that 550!!

Can you talk me IN to the 535? That ought to be obvious given what I've read here! I really liked the Logic 7 and the raw power and SOUND of the 8 cylinder. Tomorrow, I'll ask my wife to drive both to see if she likes the 550 as much as I do. One other consideration is no x drive in NH will be a pain in the snow.

Finally, The '07 525xi has 71,000 miles, pre LCI, premium package and cold weather package. I'm hoping to get $20K for it in trade.

How are my numbers?? I think I'm talking myself into the 550!! Thanks for any comments.

Tom

omaralt

do either one of them have the sport package? if your into speed, you would definitely want that

jmsod

The price on the 535xi is ok... not great. I would think that you can get them to come down a bit on the price to about $32K or so.

I doubt you will get $20K for your car on a trade. I think you are looking more at $17-18K.

In your area, I would opt for the Xi. The power of the 550 is nice, but even with dedicated snow tires, you will have some issues. You seems to drive quite a bit.

JayArras

Don't trade it in, sell it privately. I just bought an '07 530xi with 68,000 miles for $24.5k, which was an exceptional buy. Book value was closer to $30k.

You didn't specify if the 535 has a stick. If it doesn't, the 550 would be a no-brainer for me.

jmsod

Unless I am missing something, the book value on the car you bought is right around $25K.
You seem to be quoting the "Suggested Retail Value" and not "Private Party Value". Suggested retail value is around $30K.

lutfiabed

imo u should shop around more..i found a couple 08 550's with m sport packages, fully loaded too around 35k with rougly 36k miles...auction they go for about 32k not sure if you looked into that around your area..

etocfa

The 535 is an automatic. I'm not 100% comfortable with a stick even though I've had quite a few. I always worry what would I do in an accident-stall it out? be in too high a gear? Just paranoid.

DKNewYork

Sounds like you want the 550. So if anything, tell your wife the 535 tend to have HPFP issues that can leave you stranded. 550 is more reliable.

I'm biased anyways. I'd go with the V8. Also if you're planning to get wheels, there are more options with the 550.

etocfa

Thanks for the input. When something turns your head, I guess it's best to pursue. It left me second guessing myself.

PlanB

I drove those exact cars last weekend, and the 535 felt a little 'jumpy' whereas the 550 was pure smooth power!! I know I'm deinitely getting a 550 next, especially since I'm not a fan of F10 (if I ever get rid of my 530). But i live in Cali and don't drive it in snow or generally bad weather conditions....but still...there are enough members here that wish they didn't have xi after the fact.

I've also learned recently of the HPFP issues on 535 and 335 so I will stay away from those.

Good luck!!