DRANGED

Or you could buy an 06 550i SPORT|STEP|MTECH|NAV|PDC|COLD WEATHER|LOGIC 7|CPO, Black Sapphire Metallic/Black Leather for the same price!!

https://5series.net/forums/index.php?showto...p;#entry1029537

C's Bimmer

I wonder if this is my old car. What color is it?

NYC530XI

I just purchased a CPO 2007 530xi with 32,xxx miles, Logic 7, Sport, Premium, Cold weather, heated rear seats, 18 inch 123 wheels and other stuff, and the dealer had the asking price as 39,999. This is in New York City. I got them down to $34,200, and they would not budge any further. Considering Edmunds quotes a similar CPO at $37,000~, I think I got a decent deal. $30,000 without the CPO and buying your own extended warranty (even through BMW), and I would say you got yourself a fine deal (depending on the vehicle in questions condition of course).

I would say go for it.

C's Bimmer

I almost thought this was my old car, but mine was Jet Black.

sdg1871

Now THAT's a deal. There is simply no comparson between a 530xi and a 550. 550 is in a different league. If I wanted to spent about $30K on a CPO E60, John's 550 is a no brainer. John has taken such good care of his 550 and it's a real beauty. If you need winter capability, slap on a set of dedictaed snows which is exactly what I do with my 550 which I use as a 4 seasons car.

NYC530XI

I had the same feeling when I test-drove the 550i and the 530xi. There is no comparing the power. John's car is awesome looking, too.

I then however had a friend tell me of his experiences with his 2008 550i in the winter, with dedicated snow tires. He said the car was basically undrivable in 1 inch of snow, even with the snows (which were Michelin snows, name eludes me right now). Being that I drive often in the snow, and I have to drive regardless of the conditions because of my job, I chose practicality over the sheer power of the V8. The 530xi still provides me with adequate driving pleasure (although not a supercar, it still is fast), and the peace of mind knowing that my all season Conti's and AWD can handle anything mother nature throws at me.

Could I buy a 2nd car for the winter and have the 550i? Ya, sure. But I would rather have one machine that can handle anything, and still look good in the process. It depends on your individual situation, I guess.

sdg1871

I understand where you are coming from. Of course, the traction offered by dedicated snows varies wildly by brand and model. Some are made for the occassional snow but are geared more for dry weather performance, such as my snows, the Dunlop Wintersport M3. But others sacrafice dry weather performance for maximum snow traction such as certain (but not all) models of Bridgestone Blizzaks. If you carefully select a dedicated snow for maxiumum snow grip you should be OK. But it is true that 2 wheels spinning cannot match the grip offered by 4.

Here are some winter tire comparos as food for thought: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=94 and http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=94 and http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=111

DRANGED

As one might imagine, it snows massive amounts here in MN. My wife drove the 550 as her daily driver and she leaves for work everyday before the snow plows come through as well. Let me tell you there is absolutely ZERO problem with the 550 running dedicated snow tires in the winter. Never been stuck or stranded, not once. Would the 550 have problems in a 12" snowfall, yes, but because of ride height not because it's rear wheel drive...the XI will have the same issues. BMW's, with their near 50/50 weight distribution, DSC and DTC, can handle just about anything winter can through at it IF they are running snows.

I wouldn't let fear of a non-xi sway your purchasing decision. GL with your purchase.

sdg1871

John:

This might help the OP...which brand and model of dedicated snows were you running on your 550?

alexinbalt

Beautiful car, but I need an AWD daily driver for my wife. This is too much car for her!
Good luck with the sale.