Question about buying a 535xi
10-25-2007, 09:16 AM
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Hi all, I am a newbie to this forum...
I am planning to buy my next car in early 2008 and keep it for as long as possible (10-12+ years). I don't drive more than 12k a year. I test drove a 535xi and loved it but I'm a bit nervous about the reliability of a BMW 5 series after the warranty runs out. I know I can purchase an extended warranty but have heard they are a ripoff. Reading through some of the threads on this forum make me wonder if buying a BMW is a mistake (for example the interior peeling thread, among others).
So... is it a mistake to buy a 2008 535xi to keep long term?
I am planning to buy my next car in early 2008 and keep it for as long as possible (10-12+ years). I don't drive more than 12k a year. I test drove a 535xi and loved it but I'm a bit nervous about the reliability of a BMW 5 series after the warranty runs out. I know I can purchase an extended warranty but have heard they are a ripoff. Reading through some of the threads on this forum make me wonder if buying a BMW is a mistake (for example the interior peeling thread, among others).
So... is it a mistake to buy a 2008 535xi to keep long term?
10-25-2007, 09:21 AM
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My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
It's a facelift (LCI) model with is really good but the N54 engine is a pretty new.
The x-drive will need more service than a normal RWD.
But I wouldn't worry about it.
BMW's reliability is better than with the M-B's.
Order a March (US MY '09) built one.
The x-drive will need more service than a normal RWD.
But I wouldn't worry about it.
BMW's reliability is better than with the M-B's.
Order a March (US MY '09) built one.
10-25-2007, 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Ricracing' post='485988' date='Oct 25 2007, 01:21 PM
It's a facelift (LCI) model with is really good but the N54 engine is a pretty new.
The x-drive will need more service than a normal RWD.
But I wouldn't worry about it.
BMW's reliability is better than with the M-B's.
Order a March (US MY '09) built one.
The x-drive will need more service than a normal RWD.
But I wouldn't worry about it.
BMW's reliability is better than with the M-B's.
Order a March (US MY '09) built one.
Why a March built? Is that when the 2009's come out?
10-25-2007, 09:37 AM
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My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
Originally Posted by Og Oggilby' post='485996' date='Oct 25 2007, 08:30 PM
Are you saying that BMW's are a bit better than M-B or a lot better. I thought M-B's had a pretty bad reliability rating.
Why a March built? Is that when the 2009's come out?
Why a March built? Is that when the 2009's come out?
BMW may be one of the best.
As I wrote, US MY's from March production. Delivery in April/May.
Let's see what others say.
10-25-2007, 09:39 AM
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My Ride: 2005 545i | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Dakota Leather | Anthracite Maple | 6 Speed Manual | Sport Package | Logic 7 | Sirius Satellite Radio
Model Year: 2005
As a member of the BMW Car Club of America I get their monthly magazine, Roundel. Many people write about their BMWs that are 10 to 20 years old and have over 200,000 miles on them. More important than the reliability of the car are the driving style and the maintenance.
10-25-2007, 10:27 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
You want the body style and the drivetrain to have been out for a few years to work the bugs out. My new body style 1997 and 2004 had many major problems, my mid model 2002 and 2008 were only to the dealer for scheduled maintenance.
10-25-2007, 11:31 AM
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Originally Posted by BrianTx5' post='486003' date='Oct 25 2007, 01:39 PM
As a member of the BMW Car Club of America I get their monthly magazine, Roundel. Many people write about their BMWs that are 10 to 20 years old and have over 200,000 miles on them. More important than the reliability of the car are the driving style and the maintenance.
That's what I like to hear
10-25-2007, 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by pennetta' post='486015' date='Oct 25 2007, 02:27 PM
You want the body style and the drivetrain to have been out for a few years to work the bugs out. My new body style 1997 and 2004 had many major problems, my mid model 2002 and 2008 were only to the dealer for scheduled maintenance.
Hmmm... I think that the 535xi body style is a few years old. Is the drivetrain considered new? Also is the fact that they just added the twin turbo's something to avoid?
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