Interested in buying a 535xi

Hi all, I'am interested in buying a 2011 or 2012 535xi. I have the funds to buy it cash. Besides the crappy tires, which I might replace as soon as I get it, what should I look out for. I will most likely be buying a CPO model. I've also read about some steering issues.

Thx all..

If buy "crappy Tires" you mean the bubbles issues, it's the 19" wheels that are prone to the developing bubbles. The 18" that come with the xi non-sport model are fine. Seriously, I'd suggest you just read the forum to get more detail info on the car and any other issues.

Originally Posted by mrcamp

If buy "crappy Tires" you mean the bubbles issues, it's the 19" wheels that are prone to the developing bubbles. The 18" that come with the xi non-sport model are fine. Seriously, I'd suggest you just read the forum to get more detail info on the car and any other issues.

Thx for clearing that up for me. What about the steering issue?

I would drive one and that will give you the best impression on steering. You'll get lots of information from reading the forum, a lot of which relates to tip-in. Again, there is no substitute for driving one. A 2012 may drive a little differently from a 2011. From my experience its been a very good car.

You should really consider a MY 13. They have corrected the tip in issue, has a new navigation, and there are some great incentives right now.

Also the "steering" is related not related to the XI model since this has the older (and preferred by many) hydraulic steering.

Originally Posted by PeterC4

I would drive one and that will give you the best impression on steering. You'll get lots of information from reading the forum, a lot of which relates to tip-in. Again, there is no substitute for driving one. A 2012 may drive a little differently from a 2011. From my experience its been a very good car.

Thx for your input Peter.

Originally Posted by miamiboyca

You should really consider a MY 13. They have corrected the tip in issue, has a new navigation, and there are some great incentives right now.

Also the "steering" is related not related to the XI model since this has the older (and preferred by many) hydraulic steering.

Cool, I'll look into it Miami.

I have a 2012 and never experienced any severe tip-in but drivers have had various experiences. In my view, the tip-in can be alleviated if you tune the car as well, but that's a whole other thread. Tuning really gives the 535 some get-up-and-go.

Hey peter, did you change your tires? Or are they the original 19"s.

Originally Posted by PeterC4

I have a 2012 and never experienced any severe tip-in but drivers have had various experiences. In my view, the tip-in can be alleviated if you tune the car as well, but that's a whole other thread. Tuning really gives the 535 some get-up-and-go.

Omg, enough with that already.

OP, if the car drives weird, move on to another one. Don't risk it. Good luck. Do you know what options are important?

Originally Posted by miamiboyca

Omg, enough with that already.

OP, if the car drives weird, move on to another one. Don't risk it. Good luck. Do you know what options are important?

Yeah, I do Miami.

If you have the cash (I don't care if you earn your money over time by selling donkeys) that you should buy a left-over new 2012 or new 2013. The standard 18" wheel Continentals are fine and aren't crappy. The crappy part runs into a production run of Goodyear RFT LS2's mainly found on some 2012's, 2011's and before. Having the right tire pressure (following full load placard) I think makes a difference.

I had a 2011 535xi that did have steering issues. Software reprogramming was done as some modification/changes to the front strut mounts were done. It was better but not perfect. I traded and got a 2012 550xi Sport Pkg. which is fine. It has none of the problems that my 535 had.

Do your research and check around. I don't think there's a large enough discount to buy used vs. buying new IMO--especially over 1-2 year old cars. You can take advantage of clearance specials, etc.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by DJHomie

Hey peter, did you change your tires? Or are they the original 19"s.

I have original 19s. The have been fine. Pretty good in the winter too.

I agree with Peter C4--unless there were extenuating circumstances, I'd probably stick with stock with an AWD car.

What's interesting or rather distrubing is I've had a lot of people ask me about snows--whether they'd get one or not. It really ques some basic questions. Do you expect to have freezing temps, do you expect tke need for snow tires.

IMO all seaons = no seasons. They are the ultimate comprimise. Not all of us have concentrated population masses such as the NE. For that matter, if you think you might absolutley need to get to some place, get he snows. Come on, if you can afford a car that's in the 70-80k range, you can afford the snow tires. If not, get a Ford Truck (which makes sense if you live in some bad weather areas). I expect to travel in lake-effect snow areas at home, and for areas that I will travel in. So I put snows on. If the weather is bad, and I must be at a place for business or for medical care I'll go to my destination ahead of time. East coast low pressure systems aren't typically what spawns my weather, so I cannot depend on that. Each person really needs to look at their own weather patterns. What happens in NJ does not mean what you'll get in Omaha, Ohio. or PA.

I don't have a probem with people saying all-seaons should be ok. That's their decision. I've gotten snow tires for my cars for almost 20 years. Even my SUV's I've gotten snow tires for. I costs a lot of money, but it all pays back if something bad erupts. I can see both sides of it, but I have to bet on the safe side. I know I'll be traveling in heavy snow areas (my local is a heavy snow area) so I went with OE BMW recommended tires and wheels. They are also covered as a BMW part number under my tire & wheel insurance.

All I wish is for our members to get to their destinations safely. I live in an area that has very unpredictable weather events. That's all I can go by. Best wishes!

Thank you very much Peter and schnell525 for your input. It is very much appreciated. So if I'am buying new, should I shoot for a price of $1,000 over invoice?

Originally Posted by DJHomie

Thank you very much Peter and schnell525 for your input. It is very much appreciated. So if I'am buying new, should I shoot for a price of $1,000 over invoice?

Well, that seems reasonable, but it always depends on the month, a trade-in if you have one, the amount of inventory the dealer has, the special options you may want etc. I like ordering a car as I get it the way I want it...but some times the urge over takes you. In Canada, there are 3-4 option packages that provide most options but it runs the price of the car up quickly.

Originally Posted by DJHomie

Thank you very much Peter and schnell525 for your input. It is very much appreciated. So if I'am buying new, should I shoot for a price of $1,000 over invoice?

There is currently a $2,000 Holiday Credit available and a $750 Loyalty Cash as well. I would shoot for invoice price plus incentives.

I got my car at $500 over invoice, I think you shoot for that before incentives. Reach out to one of the sponsors, they will give you excellent pricing.

Thanks guys, you are a real help. I will start doing my H.W. I don't have a BMW yet so the $750 doesn't apply to me. But the $2000 does of course. So first go for $500-$1000 over invoice, then tac on the $2000. So I should be around $1000-$1500 under invoice when all is said and done right? Again, thx for all of your help. I will stay around and help others also when I get more knowledge.