Buying Advice: 535xi manual
 

Hey all - I'm new here. Have always wanted a sporty wagon but never had the chance. Long story short, I've found a 2009 535xi with 134,000km (~83,000 miles) and a manual transmission. It's at a GM dealership and they've sent it to the local BMW dealer to have it serviced and make sure everything is working as it should. I've driven it and everything seems fine (I'm no mechanic but there were no obvious knocks or rattles, etc...). Interior is in good shape considering the age and mileage.

My biggest gripes is that it doesn't seem to have any options outside of the pano roof. No power tailgate, no nav, small screen, small wheels.

The dealership is pretty keen to move it and have given me a price of $12,125 + $375 doc fee (Canadian so ~$9,500USD)

I know I'll have to shell out $$ in maintenance over the next few years but I do feel like this is a pretty good price and a pretty rare car. If it was optioned better I'd go for it. As it is, I'm not sure.

Thoughts?

edit: I should add this is a second vehicle and we drive maybe 15,000km a year.

It is a rare find with manual transmission, indeed. However, you should really for for a 2010, there are a number of things that were upgraded for 2010. The most notable item is the iDrive, version CIC, larger screen and better graphics, faster processor, etc. The outside saw minor revisions, mirrors and bumpers are slightly different. I'd look for a 2010, even if it is automatic (IMO). I grew up with manual transmissions and I like them, but I don't have to have a MT in my cars, nice if it does but not a requirement.

Hope this helps.

To give you some perspective, for the three model years combined, 08 / 09 / 10, BMW CANADA sold a GRAND TOTAL of 32 manual 535xi wagons. They then discontinued the model and it is never coming back IMHO. So you are looking at 1 of 32 cars. I would suggest you get the VIN and run it to see just how the car was equipped from the factory. Then get BMW to run it and see what was replaced under warranty and when. Key items you are looking for are HPFP and both Turbos.

I have had mine for 3 years now and love it more now than when I got it. Yes it is a little overweight as cars go, but I love the combo of the engine and the transmission. Such combinations are very rare, new or used.

Good Luck. ( Make an offer of $11,000.00 and see how it goes from there )

My bad: they have not discontinued the model, simply stopped bringing it to North America.

Do you know where this information came from? I'm fascinated that few were sold in Canada, would like reading additional stats if they are available somewhere. Thanks.

Check out this tread for some interesting info that gives some great detail:

https://5series.net/forums/e61-touri...l-e61s-142515/

Fascinating, thank you for posting!