Ok. I need some frank advice.

I bought a 2004 525i about 3 months ago because my previous car broke down. It's most basic 525i (no options or anything), but it has low mileage (20,000miles) and I got it for a great price. I haven't had any problems with it yet and I do have another year in warranty with extended warranty for another 4 years, 60,000 miles. So far loving the car.

So I come to this forum and everyone is talking about sports package, xenon, comfort seat.... etc. Now I want to get more powerful 5 series to satisfy my power hunger. I am thinking about 2008 535i now and when I build it like how I like it on BMWNA, it cost ~$60,000 which is more than twice more expensive than my current 525i.

However, I am going to be changing the car every 3 years (maybe 4 years if I end up keeping 2004 525i), therefore I think leasing is a better way to go. Monthly payment for 2008 535i leasing is similar enough with what I am paying now for financing 2004 525i. From BMW website, it should cost a little less than $800.00 a month and I am paying a little less than that now.

My question is that is it worth it to upgrade to 535i? Would I be losing too much money if I end up upgrading to 2008 535i now or in near future? Such as loan finance charge, trade in price drop, payments that I already made...etc. Should I just ride 525i and upgrade afterwards?

Also, is 535i a good car to upgrade from 2004 525i? How does 2008 535i compare with current 2008 528i and 2004 525i in terms of power and comfort (noise level mostly)? I am not considering 550i because of mpg and that it cost way too much.

I would like to know your view on this situation.

 

Go for it!

You only live once!

1) If you order it now, you'll get the fresh EU MY '08, early next year.

2) Order it so, that you'll get the US MY '09.
The production will start in March 2008, so you would get you car in May.

The changes for the US MY '09 may not be that significant.

 

I would definitely go for it. I've ridden in both and after a go in the 535, there is absolutely no comparison. I'm purchasing mine so I'll be keeping it for the long haul. It's the only way it made any sense to buy a car at this price.

 

+1 fellow long hauler here......driving mine till the odometer reads 'TILT'

 

Frank advice is as follows: Buy it. I started by looking for a used 545 and ended up with a new 550. No regrets. Now go buy that 535!

 

Funny - I just went through the "lease vs. purchase" comparison today and ended up purchasing a 2008 535i. When you look at all the costs over the term of the lease (36mos) the purchase was actually a bit less but with all the variables considered both options were very close. The real determining factor (IMO) is what your life style/usage/personal preference is. Also, with a lease you don't have to invest a lot of capital up front. Once you lease, forget about getting out of it - VERY expensive to end a lease early. Also, the WORST scenario would be to lease and then turn around and purchase the car!

I was looking at both the 550i and the 535i and had originally settled on the 550i - but after looking very closely at the specs, cost difference, close performance numbers, I decided the 535i would be the best for me. I'm looking forward to the twin turbos and the fact that the 535i is almost 300lbs lighter was great news too...don't get me wrong - the 550i is awesome too though!! LOL...I think i fI could have ordered the 550i with the Sport package in the Monaco Blue met. I would have that one!