YES
NO
I've been wanting a daily driver, 100 miles daily. I also miss having a manual (3 pedals).
I found a 2008 535xi 6 speed with 14K miles.
2 owners, clean title, complete history, but I don't see the HPFP or Turbos replaced.
145K miles.
XI (initially wanted an I)
Has Dinan Stage 2 tune.
No dash lights, everything in working order.
New tires.
Asking price: $7K.
I've read about the 1st year 535i vs. later years, and of course XI vs. I.
I live where there's no snow. If I was to go to the snow, I would take the 4x4 Tacoma.
What do you all think?
Should I make the purchase or wait?
Last edited by tudes; 10-17-2018 at 02:54 PM.
- the ultimate driving machine, indeed.
Why buy more complicated xi if you don’t need it?
It's something I've been debating about... but 535i in manuals aren't common and there's not a good one listed here on the west coast at the moment.
- the ultimate driving machine, indeed.
I’d be patient. If it’s a wagon then go for it since I don’t think there were any rwd wagons. If it’s a sedan, wait for a rwd manual. AWD is more complex, slower, and more stuff is in the way when it needs servicing.
With 100mi daily trip, I wouldn't want to be paying that gas bill with a 535xi.
Granted, it's not terrible on the highway at a constant speed since you're not really under boost, but they're thirsty if you've got any stop and go along the way.
I average about 21mpg in mixed use (535xi wagon) and I'm not a terribly aggressive driver.
I don't know what the going rate is for an E61, but if it's a good price, then buy it and set aside a few grand for any needed repairs. If it's on the higher side, then pass. At that kind of mileage, it WILL need repairs unless they've previously been done. Water pump, oil leaks (including the oil pan gasket [xi cars are nightmares]), probably gonna need turbos, injectors, coils, etc.
ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician
I don't think this is for an e61. I think it's just an AWD sedan.
Thank you guys! All the info was really helpful and I've decided to heed the advice of "be patient." I had my reservations about the AWD since I'm in Southern California and definitely don't need it. When I do the outdoorsy stuff, I use the truck.
And yes, at 140K, original turbos, no HPFP replacement on file, it gave me cold feet.
Thanks again all!
- the ultimate driving machine, indeed.
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