2010 535i Opinions

[ifrt431]

I randomly test drove a 2010 535i Auto while walking the lot for an S4. Really enjoyed the car. It has 110k miles and looks to be in perfect condition. They are asking $10k.

My understanding is that NA Straight Sixes from BMW can be quite reliable.

Any opinions on reliability of a car like this? What about price compared to condition? The car is at NESCO in Arlington, TX.

Is this one of the best versions to get? Thanks in advance for any help.

[pbonsalb]

The turbo sixes will cost more to maintain. Great car, though. Have had my 08 535xi for 9 of its 11 years and 110k of its 140k miles.

[Kaane]

N54 is probably the least reliable engine bmw ever made, next to N63. At 110K miles, it will need, every rubber seal replaced. Valve cover, rear main seal, oil cooler gasket, oil pan. Motor mounts will be shot and also turbo waste gates will be worn out. Suspension will be pretty close to being needed to be fully overhaul. It would take about $10K to bring a car like that to perfect life if none of those components have been serviced. It also might need injectors, water pump and few other things that always fail on these engines. It's a great car if you have years of BMW experience and deep pockets. I am on my second one and while I love it, it ain't cheap.

[pbonsalb]

Usually when you buy a car for $10k that cost $50k plus new, it is old and worn enough that it will need working the cost of the work will be for a $50k car not a $10k car. You need to be prepared for that.

Could be the previous owner did most of the typical repairs and maintenance or it could be the car is being sold because it has become too expensive to maintain and there appears to be no end in sight.

I do pretty much everything myself, which saves money, and expect to keep our 08 E61 535xi for a couple more years.