Should I buy?

Hello All,

I was shopping for a conv 6 series with the cold pkg and HUD. I came across this one dealer that had a 2005 conv with both features for $26,900. However it had 86,000 miles on it and it's not a CPO. I know this is an $80,000 car, but what is a good mileage deadline for these car in the $25,000- $29,999 price range?

I didnt think they even had hud on the 05s

Originally Posted by Jace_91

I didnt think they even had hud on the 05s

They did! They started putting them in 2004 actually, but only a few had them.

I bought my 05 vert with 79K in Aug 2010. It was a CPO and I paid 26,800. Items that were replaced under CPO were, drivers side seat belt and a hose that runs across the top of the radiator fan. So far everything else runs smooth. It has 91k. The CPO was up in Feb 2011. There is always that fear of something going wrong and costing big bucks but I drive it responsibly and I also found an honest Indy guy that I trust. The headlights are a concern for me because they fog everytime I wash the car and the hard water out here in Vegas is starting to eat away at the liner that covers the Headlight assembly which is a BIG expense, like 1250 per headlight brand new.

Originally Posted by vegas645

I bought my 05 vert with 79K in Aug 2010. It was a CPO and I paid 26,800. Items that were replaced under CPO were, drivers side seat belt and a hose that runs across the top of the radiator fan. So far everything else runs smooth. It has 91k. The CPO was up in Feb 2011. There is always that fear of something going wrong and costing big bucks but I drive it responsibly and I also found an honest Indy guy that I trust. The headlights are a concern for me because they fog everytime I wash the car and the hard water out here in Vegas is starting to eat away at the liner that covers the Headlight assembly which is a BIG expense, like 1250 per headlight brand new.

05 6ixer for 26500. Did it have the HUD and the cold pkg?

It doesn't have the HUD. My first experience with a BMW was my wifes 07 328i. These cars are well maintained the first 50k miles under the BMW warranty. My gut feeling at the time I purchased the 6 was that anyone spending 80k for a car most likely takes damn good care of it and maintains the car religiously. It was a one owner car. I don't think I would have purchased it knowing I was the 3rd owner. I would probably not have bought it without the CPO even though it was up in a short time.

86k miles ummm that's a lot of miles.

Originally Posted by famous650.i

86k miles ummm that's a lot of miles.

That's what I was thinking, but the price blinded me for a sec. BTW you can take that benz picture down. This is a Bimmer forum .

lol i got rid of my 650i because of several problems to get an 08 S550 and so far so good. Mercedes has the upper hand over Bmw

Originally Posted by famous650i

lol i got rid of my 650i because of several problems to get an 08 S550 and so far so good. Mercedes has the upper hand over Bmw

Everyone should be happy...but not at the expense of others.

Originally Posted by famous650i

lol i got rid of my 650i because of several problems to get an 08 S550 and so far so good. Mercedes has the upper hand over Bmw

Really? Do tell ( in my Omar from the wire voice). I never looked at a Benz because I love BMW. Even the sl which is a good looking hard top conv. The car looks too girly. BMW looks manly.

Originally Posted by castercorey

Really? Do tell ( in my Omar from the wire voice). I never looked at a Benz because I love BMW. Even the sl which is a good looking hard top conv. The car looks too girly. BMW looks manly.

My thoughts exactly!!

I guess so... and that 750 looks good Lesierc.

Originally Posted by famous650i

I guess so... and that 750 looks good Lesierc.

Thanks! At this level it's more about personal preference than anything else. Sorry to hear that you had bad experiences with your 6...I had three of them and zero problems or complaints...I hope you fare better with your S550.

In 18 months 1 issue with the car and it was fixed under warranty. The only problem is i can't duck the potholes well enough not to bend my wheels.

That's a good price. Don't worry too much about the miles. If you can do preventative maintenance yourself you'll see another 150k+!

The S550 is a very nice car for an older gentleman.

Yea it's a nice car but i'm very young actually. It took me a while to adjust to the length of the car coming for a 650, I might actually be getting back into an 08 650 or M6 in the next couple of months

Thanks for all the advice. I will take a look at this car tomorrow. I'm currently researching problems that 6ixers have with 80,000 miles.

I also looked for quite some time for an 05 with HUD, cold weather pkg, and sport pkg. when I found it, it had about 63k miles. I am almost at 80k, and with some preventative maint, I really haven't had terrible issues.

Around the 80k mark, I would expect perhaps a valve cover gasket change - which usually means the other is coming. Also, I replaced almost all of my hoses in the past year or so, as they were fairly inexpensive. Thermostat and sensors may also come up, and just be sure to check your fluids often at that mileage. There is a transmission seal that may need to be replaced and fluids replenished as well at this mileage - ignore any "lifetime" fluid claims. And now that I am thinking about it, reset the transmission when you get the car - it is very easy and is in various places here on the forums. Depending on the frequency of use on the car, a battery as well - since our car requires quite a bit of juice, and if it isn't driven often or left for a long period, it can degrade the battery to the point of general electronic malfunction.

Honestly, if it was well-maintained before, you really wont be able to predict anything earth-shattering - but my ownership experience has been great - and I am the 3rd owner. In fact, the second owner of my car I would say was borderline irresponsible with maintenance, but only owned if for 6 months.

Finally - if you don't have a dependable indy, GET ONE. It will save you thousands in the long run.

For most of the issues you run into, the community will be able to give you some insight and save you time & money - but no matter what, be prepared for the possibility of a few thousand $ in maint per year when out of warranty.

I like the S550 but if i decided to get a benzo it would have to be the CL that car does something to me when i see it.. But i love my 6 and still enjoying it till i see the 1st 18 yr kid rice one up then im gone.

I have 84K miles on my car... No major problems. Probably the best car I've ever owned. I still have a CPO through July of this year.
I'm going to take it into an indy shop and have the car FULLY inspected in June before the CPO expires. I'm hoping they find some stuff.

Thanks for all the replys! I think that i will wait based on Hossy's post . I will look for one with about 40,000 miles and is no more than $32,000. If I can't find one by May then I will get a 750. I don't know why they are cheaper, but oh well they have more features .