DSG03COBRA

Hi guys, first I'd like to introduce myself... I currently have a 2003 Mustang Cobra that puts out about 600rwhp. I live in Chicago, so wintertime means the car goes into hibernation for a number of months. When that happens, I drive the winter beater... a '97 Ford Contour. Anyhow, I was thinking of picking up 335xi, but instead have changed gears and am seriously thinking about picking up a 5 series due to the whole "wife and 2 kids thing"

I haven't done too much reading up on the 5 series yet, so I'd like to get a little input from you guys on a specific car that I took for a drive today. I've found a 2007 Mystic Blue Metallic 530xi with a tick under 8k miles on it. It was an executive car, so it's never been titled, plus it's certified. So I would get to start the 4yr/50k mile maintenance from scratch, and then still get the 6yr/100k mile extended. The car looks mint and comes with the following options:

Cold Weather Package
Premium Package
Auto Trans
Heated Rear Seats
Park Distance Control

Dealer's MSRP is $55,270

Looks like I can pick it up for $43,995. Obviously $11k off MSRP sounds like a hell of a deal to me, but I don't know how this is considering it's already got 8k miles on it. I'm still thinking it's an awesome deal, but would like your input. How's this sound?

They're trying to bend me over backwards on trading in my Cobra, so I don't know whether I'll be trading it in, or trying to sell it on my own... might have to start working the numbers with them to get that up a bit more... I assume BMW dealerships are just like all the others... rip you off on your trade-in, right?

DSG03COBRA

Any input at all?

C's Bimmer

Sounds like a good deal. What's KBB say it's worth? Not sure if you're interested, but member DrLev99 is selling his 2007 530xi as well. PM him, if you're interested. His name is Dave.

DSG03COBRA

Thanks, I'll have to see if I can dig up any info on DrLex99's car... As for KBB, I think it says that for a Certified Pre-Owned, it would be right around $47k. If I can get them down a little more on the car and up a bit more on my trade-in, I think I might be driving my new ride by the weekend, but that all depends on how much these guys will work with me.

For my trade-in, I've got about $12k invested in the Cobra after I bought it. The thing is practically mint (save a few chips on the hood from normal driving) and puts down about 600+rwhp. I've seen similar cars go for around $29k - $30k for private sales, and with the nicer weather coming, I don't think that would be too far out of the question. The dealer wants to give me something like $23k for it. Thinking that if I can get them to $27k, the tax benefits would bring my total realized value of about $28k+, which I would be alright with. Dealer should be able to toss a $32k sticker on it and end it with $30k sale and still make $3k on the car, if not more.

DrLev99

Hey Cobra,

Here's the link to my ride. If you want a smokin' lease, check this out! As for the 335xi, I had one for a week and dumped it for the 530xi. It was way toooooo small for me, but was fun to drive. My ride has a little over 8100 miles on it.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?s=&sho...st&p=516562

PM for other info or pics....

Dave

DSG03COBRA

Thanks for the link and info Dave, those wheels definitely look better than the stockers! Can't help you out with the sale of the car, but might hit you up on the wheels if you end up selling it.

CWS530

Every dealer wants to "get you in the box" to play the payment/interest rate/sale price/trade-in value shell game, aka "Steal Your Trade." They generally make a large percentage of their profits from trade-ins, so you'll usually lose cash-wise. My experience has always been that you come out ahead several thousand if you sell first, then buy ouright, or the reverse. Of course, it's riskier and more complicated than just trading keys and driving away, which is why so many people do it. Also, you may or may not have the cash to lay out while you wait for the Cobra to sell later on. In addition, the dealer probably doesn't place the same value on 600 hp at the wheel as you do, since you never really get back the value of all your mods when you sell.

Frankly, you sound like a true Car Guy, so I'm not really sure you'll ever be really happy by giving up your customized pride-and-joy. I'm all for the e60, but maybe keep the Cobra and get a less expensive BMW X-model to see how you like it first? Just my .02. Good luck.