ct530

I currently have a 2004 545i sport with 6-speed manual that I've been considering trading to a newer model. My 545i is sapphire black with beige interior. It has now 42.5k miles. It has CPO 6yr/100k warranty as well as extended maintenance to 6 yrs/100k. I purchased the car as a CPO in Dec. 2004 with 5k miles. It is March 2004 production.

The options on it are:
sport package
cold weather package
rear heated seats
navigation
Logic 7 sound system with CD changer
split folding rear seats with ski bag
PDC
Bluetooth

I just looked at a 2008 carbon black 550i sport 6-speed manual. That car pretty much has all of the options on my car (including active steering - which I happen to like) plus Ipod connector. Its sticker is at just over $70k and invoice at $64.9k. I could do the trade up for my car plus $31.2k. Of course, the big question is whether it's worth it.

The 550i is an improved vehicle over my 545i. I especially like the comfort seats over my sport seats, the exhaust note, the short shifter, a bit more power, better feel and handling,... I think the new features have been discussed a few times. 535i sport crossed my mind as well, but I don't want to start another 550i vs 535i debate.

Given that my car is a CPO with warranty till 2010/100k and maintenance included till then as well, it makes me question whether going for this change makes enough sense. Perhaps I should wait a couple more years and enjoy my current car, which has been great. I'd be interested in some opinions.

Hormazd

Since you popped for the extended warranty, waiting for the F10 in 2009 or 2010 might not be a bad idea. I have just made this exact upgrade and you already know the differences. For me the biggest improvements are in the superior interior, the non run-flats and comfort seats giving and exceptionally comfortable ride and the short shifter. I also enjoy the change in color to CB and the light wood interior.

tachyon

How about your car + $30k for trade on a nice used 2006 M5? To me, that would be the better investment and a lot more fun!

That Carbon Black 550i would be fantastic, though.

BMWSTL

I'd do the deal and get the '08.

Your car will only depreciate further. Although the '08 will as well, and will take bigger percentage drops, your car is now worth (per the numbers you listed) $30-34000 on a trade (depending on the actual cash value of the deal you cut), and more on a retail sale (easier to do as it has the CPO). You'll never see that again, and a new car will only climb in price. The true economics say keep your car until it drops, but if you desire the latest and greatest, now is the time to do it. With a new '08, you get 4 years/50k miles of warranty, plus paid maintenance, through 2012, well into the new model.

If you wait for the new 5-series, you'll likely wait 3 years plus, perhaps longer, especially if you want to avoid getting year 1 of a new model (advisable given the greater repair potentials). Your car may then be out of warranty, have a lot of miles on it, and not be worth all that much. My car is 6 years old now, and it's value is definitely on the low side. Again, true economics said I did the right thing by keeping my car, but upgrading in general is not necessarily the best economic decision anyway.

The reasons you list that make the '08 a "better" car in your opinion are compelling reasons to upgrade: comfort seats, exhaust, short shifter, more power, better feel and handling, etc. Non-runflats, the body kit, colors, better Bluetooth and RTTI are some other reasons.

Go for it!

(Besides, I love spending "Other People's Money". )

Lou

PS: you could save some money and get the 535 (comparable performance for less money, a better deal all around! )

ct530

Thanks for the opinions presented so far. I think I'm a bit torn between two of them - as both represent my points of view, depending on a given moment. Also, M5 would be nice, but a used one could be quite an expensive headache if I had to visit the service department too often, as I don't believe M5s get CPO'd. 550i, 545i or 535i would be more intuitive choices for me. I'll think a bit more. Thanks again and I hope to see several more opinions here.

heezy545i

I don't think it's worth it for essentially the same car. Get the M-tech kit and upgrade the suspension and wheels on your current car if you want something a bit more fresh.

Like mentioned, if you're going to bother, I'd look into a M5. I wasn't aware that the M5 couldn't be CPO'd though. I thought all Ms could be covered.

heezy545i

So why is BMW not allowing the e60 M5 to be certified? Couldn't you get an aftermarket warranty.