I'm having a difficult time deciding which direction to go in, and I'm curious to see what others have done in a similar situation.

It's almost new car time and I currently lease a 2011 CC. It has been a fairly reliable computer for me (except for a manifold replaced under warranty) but I am eager to be back in a BMW. Currently I have the CC, an MDX, and a 1998 E36 M3 that will be sold soon (never driven, no car seats for my kids, too small).

Here are the options I'm contemplating:

1 - Lease a 328i sport
2 - Buy a used 550i or 535i

I have owned 2 E36 M3's, 740i, 530i sport, and a bunch of VW's so I am well versed in unforeseen vehicle repair. This has me leaning ever so slightly to the F30 (new car reliability and warranty, turn the keys in in 36 months and start over with less (hopefully) headaches).

Having driven the F30 vs the 550 and 535 though is where it is more difficult. The 550i is a beast; sound, road holding, refinement, prestige (to an extent). The 535 is cool as well for what it is. Tuneable, similar "prestige" (not just ANOTHER 3 series), and the F30 328i is a good car. There is nothing else I would consider in its segment.

Both e60's would likely be a 2010 version with up to 50k miles. Both would need some maintenance, likely performed by me (brakes, tires, fluids, belts, etc. when I buy used I like to perform preemptive maintenance). I fear the 535i simply due to fuel pump and carbon buildup issues and don't know if its worth the haggle of potentially buying a lemon. Lets assume the budget is sufficient enough to lease a fairly well equipped 328i, or make a loan payment on a loaded 2010 e60 in the $34-39k price range.

Any opinions? Has anyone ventured down a similar decision path?

 

I recently acquired a CPO 2010 535xi with the manual transmission. It has 33,000 miles and 2 more years left in the CPO warranty.

Car rides excellent. Except the need to recharge the battery (car sat on the lot for almost 5 months), everything is working excellently.

I would recommend checking up on the car's service history at the dealership to find out whether the HPFP has been replaced, and if so, when. The 2010 is the obvious choice due to the updated hard-drive based i-drive unit. Although i do see some late 2009 model that has the updated idrive control switch.

Anyway, excellent car and if you know how to do basic maintenance, than you're ahead of the game.

 

Get the 550i with sport package if anything. Feel like if you don't get all options it'll just be another 5 series and if you get the f30 328i you have another standard 3 series out there..

That v8 + the whole M pack will keep a smile

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/att...l-img_5891.jpg

 

He is sure correct! I have a 05 545i V8 and it makes its presence by know on the road!

 

Both E60's are good cars and kinda comes down to personal choice, but the 535 will be a little less, get better gas mileage and still have all the power. I'm just not feeling the F30 with a 4 cyl. engine...

 

Call me crazy, but I'd lease the F30. 0-60 in less than six seconds, 33mpg on the interstate, and it's BRAND SPANKING NEW. Go check one out; I did last week, and it is an impressive BMW.

good luck with your car search. You might want to spend some time digging around this forum, 5post, and the F30 forum (F30post) to help you with your decision.

 

I just treaded in my E60 550 for a 320i (Sport Pkg + 6MT).

I bought my 550 4 year ago. It's a luxurous, effortless and very sporty car (for its size). But I still feel the weight of it, it drinks a lot and I cannot really fully utilize its power on public streets ...

Obviously, 320i's power is no where near 550i's but I am having a lot of fun because it's a lot lighter, more nimble and is at least 50% more fuel efficient.

I am coming back to basic...

 

I recently debated between a F10 328i versus 2008-2010 E60 535i. The 2008 535I i bought won out.