Sell 2008 550i for 2010 550i?
 

Hello all -

I have an interesting scenario for you that I'm hoping you can shed some light on. My 08 550i Sport is currently at 52k miles... which as you know means it is now out of warranty. I am very meticulous about how my things are maintained so it's been serviced and taken care of very well. But I also know that at 50k+ I'm one major issue away from a huge repair bill.

I absolutely love the e60 and think of it as the end of an era: no turbos (at least in the 550), no adjustable suspension, hydraulic steering... it's just exactly how it needs to be. As such, I plan on having one forever and will eventually relegate it to weekend status.

My question is, would I be stupid to sell mine and get an almost identical one that's model year 2010, two years newer? I LOVE my car but I would love it even more with the M Sport goodies that came with the 2010 (anthracite headliner, M door sills and steering wheel) as well as the updated iDrive. It would also be nice to have one that will be under warranty until next year. It slightly concerns me that I won't know how another car was maintained, but if it's certified I would assume it was treated pretty well for them to certify it.

Let me know your thoughts... much appreciated!

If you're going to keep it forever, then why not trade up, if convenient, to the one you really want. If it will be a weekend prize, you don't want to have that enjoyment tainted by a slight tinge of remorse everytime you see a 2010 550i Msport. :)

Not a bad idea at all, but you mention that you could be one major issue away from a huge repair bill and would be nice to have one that is under warranty until next year. If this is all you are wanting to gain, the I would think the cost difference between the cars would not out weigh the bennies. It sounds to me like you would be willing to take a 2010 that might not be under warranty or have only a little left. To me this part doesn't make a lot of sense because what I understood was the main reason was the warranty and a few of the upgrades. I've also thought about this scenario with my 08 but I would only consider one with extremely low miles maybe 20-30 and nothing without the extended warranty to 100,000. To take one with a little less than 50000, would only get you coverage for a short time and I am sure the cost difference between the two cars will be well over 10,000. When I think about this, I also think about keeping the car longer and securing an extended warranty or just not tapping into my slush fund as often and saving that for the repair that will eventually come...

I personally would rather keep a car that I have owned from day one and taken care of then swapping for an unknown service/abuse history.

You should do it - chances are good you can get what you want now as a CPO, which you won't be able to do as easily in a year or two, and the swap will cost you relatively little after you sell your '08. If I were you I'd do it in a heartbeat - and I put my money where my mouth is and did basically what you're talking about a few months ago with a 535.

The price difference between the trade-in value and the cost of a 2010 model would probably be more than enough to pay for upgrades and/or repairs to your 2008 model. I personally would not do it.

Have you thought about purchasing an extended warranty? Even if you bought the 2010 model, what would you do when that car's warranty ended?

If you are able to upgrade financially then I would upgrade it to 2010. I was in market to get another car last November. For 2 months I looked at 06 330 (almost bought 1), then 07 335, 08 335 (almost bought 1), 07 530, 08 535 (almost bought 1), and ended up with 10 550iM January this year. Go figure, LOL!!! I can tell the updated iDrive and the MSport pkg is a joy to have. Also the last model year usually have less issues. Life is too short so enjoy without regrets.

+1 on no turbos , no adjustable suspension, hydraulic steering etc , good points ...

if you like your car and its problems free i say keep it
sale - buy will cost you up to $8-10k+ for 30-40k miles 2010 M Sport goodies
are you ready for it ? the difference will not be so huge ... and it will be always some car which is better than yours

GL !

Thank you everyone for your responses. It's interesting that the responses are almost split!

Gaining a remaining warranty isn't the sole reason, although it's kind of a bonus. I plan on demoting this car to weekend status around 60k. Being that I have 52k on it now, that's extremely soon and I'd rather put that off with one that has lower miles. There's a 2010 almost identical to mine not too far from me now that has 37k. While not super low, it's definitely lower than mine and would allow me to drive it regularly for longer. Remaining warranty protection as well as the 2010 M Sport goodies and updated iDrive would be bonuses.

That is a good point about keeping something you've owned from day 1, and it's probably the part that's holding me back the most. Due to this point, I would most likely get a CPO. If from a private seller, I assume I would get some sort of an inspection which would somewhat assuage my concerns. On top of that, if it's still under warranty I could have things fixed I happen to notice.

Although I'd love a 2010... I'm still torn. There's something about the last year of a model that gets me. I also have a soft spot for the 2003 540 M Sport.

why are you worrying so much about the mileage and possible issues that "could" happen?
save your money and just keep driving your car until the wheels fall off, or til you just get bored of it. if some repairs come along the way, so be it, and deal with it. plus if you bought the car new, it'd be dumb to buy another car where you dont know the history.
i'd only consider changing, if you were going from an early model year(2004-2005) to the later.