pumbaa

Hi everyone I am new to the forum !
I'm trying replacing my 2001 E53 X5(3.0) for a used 5 series E60.
I factor out the 530 because I am looking for a change in terms of performance.
Unfortunately, I have only driven a 545i and a 2011 535i Xdrive.
I appreciate the comfortable interior of the new 2011 535, but I do not like the driving experience at all.
The engine note seems to be very detune and the ride is too soft.

I love the 545i but I'm concern with its age, I believe I only saw 2004-2005 models?
So the questions are
1. Are 550i really worth the extra $ vs 545i? considering the age/performance/fuel efficient if there is even a diffrence* lol
2. Does the 535i have reliablity issues? I only know turbo engines arent as durable as N/A
3. Consider my local market price for 2008 550i $43000, 2008 535i $35000, and 2005 545i $25000.

I know I should have just test them all out, but I was unable to find a 535i locally for a test drive thus end up testing 2011 model. As for the 550i I dont know if its even worth the $ given that 545i is already so fun to drive.

Thanks for all your inputs.

rctmthouse

I think you can find better deals than those listed. There is no way an '05 545 goes for 25K nowadays unless it's a fully modded car with low mileage. Go for the 550...LCI if you can find one and there is no turning back.

DKNewYork

Is gas a factor? I'd get an M5. It's within the price range with the 550i more or less.

west

If aftermarket performance mods are in your future, you may want to consider that it is generally less expensive to get a 535i pushing 400hp+ than a 545i/550i.

Sublime

43K for an 08 550i is exorbitant. Unless it has less than 20K on the odo, I would pass that one up without regret. 35k for the 535i seems more reasonable if is CPO. Maybe cars are just cheaper in LA, but I recently shopped around to buy a car for my girlfriend and saw much better deals.

west

'Excellent' condition would be a great find, but here is the KBB of a well equipped 2008 550i with 45,000 miles on it:



(mind you, this is the KBB estimate for zip code 98121- Seattle)

leese8080

Are car prices generally much higher in Canada? Those quotes are very high. If I were to shop for a ride, I'd look for an LCI(2008+) 550i. Good luck shopping.

umichchris

+1 on the 2008+ 550i

dont go for the 535i....not enough raw displacement or rumble/exhaust note...some things are just intangible but u know them when they are present. and if MPG isnt a factor for you....go test drive a used CPO M5 and i dare you find a way NOT to buy it. those things are like crack on wheels....if only i could afford one

phlfly

Buy in US, but I don't what is involved with customs. I can sell mine to you.

Gilgorm

IMO, price for the 08 550i should be around $40,000 (probably less);
08 535i sounds very good at $35,000
05 545i should be less than $20,000 (pre-LCI car)

All of the above comments would be for at least Premium or Sport or Tech packages.

To our US friends, cars in Canada are all way overpriced and importing from the US is not for the faint of heart. Canadian cars do have more standard equipment (eg. Cold Weather Package is part of standard equipment) BUT that is not enough to justify the extra cost.
Our dollar is at par and lately is above par with the US$ but a laundry list of reasons exist for exorbitant prices. All car makes have this same problem.