Help with first purchase...

[ramos777]

Ok, I've been lurking this site for some time now and have some questions regarding my potential purchase.

I want a sporty sedan and I've narrowed my search to a 335 and maybe an m5 (06-07). The m5 maybe a stretch as I must stay within a budget of 25k after a 5-7k trade in.

Being new to euro I need something that is reliable and would prefer a warranty. CPO or aftermarket.

I read that navi units and radio's are NOT covered with CPO. So thinking I want a basic 335 with sport and premium package without the navigation.

Is the premium spent at a dealership for a CPO worth it or are aftermarket warranties just as good? I assume my best bet is to buy a car still under factory warranty to get cost of aftermarket down. Also, thinking of 2009 or 2010 for CPO coverage to last 3-4 years. If I get aftermarket does it matter if what year?

All in all looking for a 'play car' at my lowest cost of ownership. I know about the fuel pump and other problems with the 335's but not sure if the 5's are problematic enough to warrant a warranty. Plus to get one in my range it will have over 50k miles. (Dfw)

Thanks for any help!

[mryakan]

CPO is not just the warranty, it is supposed to be a guarantee that all parts are OEM and to BMW specs. Is it worth it to you? In my opinion, if you do not care for a warranty, go for a private sale, if you do, it is hard to beat the CPO.

[nvmaddog]

Lowest cost of ownership is definitely not going to be the M5. Not to mention 06 and 07's with reasonable mileage are going to be in the mid 30's like you said.

If you are looking though, I would not buy any M series car that was not CPO.

From what I've seen on here, the later model 335's seem to be pretty reliable outside of a few common nuances.

[ramos777]

Thank you both... Just reading this forum for the last month or so along with other forums I def want a warranty. I honestly believe the m is out of the equation.

By late model do you mean post 2008? Any options to stay away from or must haves? I'd love to find a manual sedan but they are almost no where to be found.

How do find out if the fuel pump has been replaced?

Also anyone with positive experiences with non CPO warranties?