Looking for used 5 or 7... Best years, or specific models and options

[beshannon]

Still looking!

Almost bought one last week but the BMW dealer was dishonest and wasted my time and money ($106 for an indy inspection).

Was wondering though...
This car I almost bought had 57k miles on it. Is it sometimes better to get one with maybe 20k more miles, say 70-75k so that all the crap that goes wrong around 60k is sure to have been fixed?

(Just seems like a lot of expensive maintenance happens around 60k)

// Radar //

There will always be things to break

[Pelican Parts]

535i for the win! Excellent mileage, sporty enough, powerful, and looks great. If the E39 is too old; this is hands down the best, economic option.

-Dmitry

[fisher99]

Hi,

i currently have a 2006 330ci convertible with the ZHP performance pak. Love it, but it's gonna be the wife's ride soon and I'll be getting something a little bigger for my 52 mi/day (mixed city/hwy) commute and for road trips.
I'm 50, love to drive and go quickly from A to B. Mechanically inclined, but back issues make it harder and harder to DIY now.

budget will be about $30k, preferably less than 50k miles on it. I looked in AutoTrader and this is a realistic goal as there are many.

Many 740Li and many various 5's. Was thinking about a 550 with the turbo 8.
just concerned about reliability and astronomical repair costs with either. (My 3 has been great though...).

Opinions? Year/model/option pax preferred. Please add a few word justification with your response so I can then do my own research on the answers I get.

Thanks so much!

// Radar //

I have had 3 series and 7 series, but just bought my first 5 series. Replaced my wife's 740iL with a 2011 (F10) 535i xdrive. A very nice, one owner car with only 26k miles. Loaded with all of the amenities we were looking for. I had some misgivings about stepping down to a 5 series, after having owned two 7 series in a row over the last several years, but this is my wife's car and she decided she wanted to downsize a bit. After 3 weeks of ownership, including "around town" driving and two trips of around 600 miles each, I have to say that we absolutely love the 535i. The 300 HP 6 is very smooth and powerful and the 8 speed automatic is a wonder. Nearly imperceptible shifts in comfort mode but quite quick in sport mode. And the all wheel drive will be a plus since we get a few weeks of snow in the winter where we live. All in all, it is shaping up to be a solid, quiet, comfortable road trip car and also a car that is quite competent when I am flogging it on twisty 2 lane roads. Especially in sport mode and using the paddle shifters. And highway mileage that is so far averaging in the 29-31 mpg range (cruising at 75 mph). I really thought I'd miss the 740iL, but so far I'm finding myself preferring the 535i.

[radarcontact]

Well that's pretty cool that 1) you are happy with the 535, and 2) you married a woman that wanted LESS of something instead of more -- GOOD JOB! Lol

I negotiated a 2010 535 M-tech last night...if it checks out (Indy mechanic again) I'll arrange having it shipped to me on Friday. Very excited...hope it works out this time!

// Radar //

[fisher99]

Well that's pretty cool that 1) you are happy with the 535, and 2) you married a woman that wanted LESS of something instead of more -- GOOD JOB! Lol

I negotiated a 2010 535 M-tech last night...if it checks out (Indy mechanic again) I'll arrange having it shipped to me on Friday. Very excited...hope it works out this time!

// Radar //

Yeah, I actually convinced her to try out a gorgeous 2012 745Li xDrive with only 19k miles. Amazing car. But once she tried the 535i she was firm in her desire to downsize.

Good luck on the 2010 535.