mcorliss

My brothers, I am in the market for a new ride. I had intended to wait for the 550xi with M-Sport Package, if it is going to be offered. It may have been confirmed but I have not seen it. Well, today I was confronted with pretty tough dilemma: Should I go with a 550i or go with an E63. Aside from the fact that this is a BMW 5 Series forum, if you were me what would you do?

I am able to get 2010 E63 demo with less than 4,000 miles (well-equipped) for what is likely to be $22K off the sticker or for a lease payment all-in of around $900 (only acquisition fee, tags, 1st months pmt down). A similarly equipped 550i would likely run me closer to $1,150 - $1,200 including sales tax, if not more.

Objectively, taking off the BMW Fan Boy hats (because I wear one too), what would you all do? My only hesitation is that I would like Xdrive, but could probably live without it by using an 11 year old ML430 for snowy days. BTW...I sold my C63 for the very reason that it stinks in the snow, even with snow tires all around on it, but somehow the allure of the 6.2 Liter is calling.

Please advise as to what you all would do if you had the similar decision to make.

Thanks!

swajames

Between those two, I'd struggle to choose a 550 over an E63.

SergeyM

No brainer! Get it!

mcorliss

Thanks for the feedback. I really wanted to go BMW but the E63 deal is just too compelling to pass up. Now I just need to push the dealer beyond the breaking point to test the envelope. I believe there is another $2,500-3,000 off to be had for a total discount of $21,000 plus free M-B maintanence for 39 months. The quoted residual is 55.8% for 39 months!!!!!! Only disclosure is the the car is a demo with 3,900 miles on it but will be sold new and will hence qualify for the super subvented M-B leasing deal.

v_therussian

I hate to say this, but the E63 does seem like the way to go here

Wish you best of luck with whatever you choose

PS just for the record: would 550 even touch E63 performance-wise? No, right?

Petes550i

Well ultimately, it's your money and you have to live with it everyday. But with any major purchase, make sure you know what you're getting into. I would test drive both cars very thoroughly before making a final decision. To me, it's ludicrous to make a final decision solely based on other people's opinions. What you decide should ONLY be based on what your needs are and your significant other's.

All that being said, sure the E63 will be a bit faster than 550i. But if you live and work in a big city, you'll probably never have much opportunity to use all that power. The E63 will also have slightly worse fuel economy but if you can afford these types of cars, buying gas shouldn't be an issue. As far as snow traction, in my opinion, AWD is vastly over-rated. If you live in a big city with good snow removal, AWD is not necessary and just adds more weight to the car. A good set of snow tires should be more than adequate. (When I had my 545i, I had no problems in the snow with winter tires). Heck, the vast majority of cars in Europe don't even have AWD and you wonder how those people get around!

pennetta

I have to say the MB's are much better than you would think.

mcorliss

All sage advice. Just had my heart set on the 550i but one has to stop and take notice of an E63 deal like this. Though my signature is not up to date, I actually had C63 before and it was great car. The E63 just drives smoother, is more comfortable inside, and handles just a well. I may have to do it. The deal is just too good to pass up.

C's Bimmer

E63 AMG without a doubt!

Petes550i

If you get the E63, just make sure it's thoroughly inspected before you take delivery. I don't know but 3900 miles seems like a lot for a demo sold as "new."