Can someone straighten me out... 2011 BMW 550i possible purchase

[eelpoint]

I looked at a private party sale 2011 BMW 550i with 30K miles on it today. Car looked nice, but I have some concerns. I have scheduled a pre purchase inspection for later in the week if we can agree on numbers. Here are my concerns

1. Should I feel a minor shake of the engine while sitting at a red light? It was not overly noticeable, but I have nothing to compare it to other than a friends 2013 750i and I don't recall his engine doing this.

2. Has the M Sport package with 20" M Sport wheels... Was this an option? I thought the M Sport package came with 19 inch wheels. Any negatives to 20" wheels on this model?

Any comments would be much appreciated.

[MIKYZZ4]

Definitely do the pre-purchase inspection before purchase. Hopefully that will include a diagnostic scan of all the cars computer modules, with BMW specific scan tool or software.
The minor shake is not normal operation. Is there a CEL,SES or any warnings displayed on dash?
A quick stop and scan with a generic scan tool, at your local AutoZone or other such parts store, might give a hint to cause of said shake.
Sorry,I don't have info on tires.

[eelpoint]

No warning lights and no service lights. Dash gauges and lights all appear to be normal. It was a quick test drive as the owner was riding shotgun and proctoring my every move.

[MIKYZZ4]

Is the owner a close friend or stranger? Some unscrupulous sellers remove or disable warning lights.
Did you turn the ignition to only light and display the dash and corresponding warning lamps, without engine ignition,
To carefully observe if any bulbs are burnt out or not illuminating? Did you observe a nervous response to a request for a quick scan at AutoZone?

[eelpoint]

stranger... but a nice person and a little aloof like he really didn't care one way or the other if I bought the car. I started the car and did not notice the illumination, but i wasn't looking for it.

[MIKYZZ4]

These are just general tips to help with car purchase decisions.
The tips are useful to help eliminate or weed out undesirables,
Before advancing to the next level in the decision process, and saving the cost of a PPI.

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I was in no way suggesting not to perform a PPI.
My intent was to help you eliminate cars from even being considered for purchase, so you could concentrate on and consider a PPI for the one you eventually choose to purchase.

[nuck]

Do not buy a 550i without a mechanical inspection at a BMW dealer or specialist BMW shop. The N63 engine has some well publicized mechanical issues that you don't want to mess with. As far as the wheels my 2012 M Sport has 19s with the M logo on them. I have never heard of 20s being available so I presume they are not factory or were swapped off of an M5. Good luck

[5.0 Bimmer]

My 2008 550i had an engine shake. I had to replace the balance, motor mounts, and transmission mount.

[johnnydee]

I looked at a private party sale 2011 BMW 550i with 30K miles on it today. Car looked nice, but I have some concerns. I have scheduled a pre purchase inspection for later in the week if we can agree on numbers. Here are my concerns



2. Has the M Sport package with 20" M Sport wheels... Was this an option? I thought the M Sport package came with 19 inch wheels. Any negatives to 20" wheels on this model?

The standard sport package came with 19s but 20s were available as a further option.

[ezaircon4jc]

I would avoid the N63 like the plague! It is fraught with problems. An engine shake is NOT normal!!!!!
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=817273