Pre-owned 535i?

Hi All

Getting a decent offer on a low milege 2008 535i (under $30K) from a local dealer. Factory warranty is valid up till 50k (car has 32k right now).

It's NOT a Certified car but has a clean car fax and service records. White with beige interior with sports/prem packages.

I know the 535's had a big big recall on the turbo and this car has already been remediated by BMW.

Other than this, anything else to worry about on the 535i? The dealer also offers extended warranty for $2K (another 50k miles) so I'm wondering whether to save that money and use it for regular maintenance instead. Or shall I get the EW as well?

Coming from an Acura TL so not used to german cars yet.

Thanks!


PS: Went in to buy the 528i and then saw the 535i in the lot so we took that out for a drive...rest is history

Ask when the factory warranty expires? It's 4 years OR 50K, I have 32K on mine, but it expires in Nov of this year, just FYI. The extended warranty is not a bad idea for just an extra 2K, if something goes wrong, that 2K will go quick.

I just picked up a used 08 535i and other than the fuel injectors, I had the moon roof seal updated with the newer version. You can hear the wind coming through, the updated seal fixes that. The dealer should be more than happy to fix that for free. Also, have the window rubber trim in the top front and back replaced, they have a tendency to get brittle. Again, an easy fix and free under warranty.

Originally Posted by dlounge

Ask when the factory warranty expires? It's 4 years OR 50K, I have 32K on mine, but it expires in Nov of this year, just FYI. The extended warranty is not a bad idea for just an extra 2K, if something goes wrong, that 2K will go quick.

I just picked up a used 08 535i and other than the fuel injectors, I had the moon roof seal updated with the newer version. You can hear the wind coming through, the updated seal fixes that. The dealer should be more than happy to fix that for free. Also, have the window rubber trim in the top front and back replaced, they have a tendency to get brittle. Again, an easy fix and free under warranty.

whose extended warranty are you getting for $2K???

I just picked up a CPO 535i in Feb of this year. Same situation, went in for a 335i and got the 535i for LESS!!?!?! Can't be happier. Mine had 27K miles on it and was nicely loaded. Picked it up for right around 30k.

There was a software upgrade for the ECU to help with pressure on the fuel pump (that was the biggest issue, not the turbo).

Otherwise, no major issues that I have run into. One heck of a buy!!

But then again, mine is CPO'ed.

FYI - the CPO usually costs $2k - that is most likely what dlounge was referring to.

If it is a CPO warranty, worst case split the cost with them.

Chances are something will need it. Could be minor, but better to be safe.

Originally Posted by BMW535xia

whose extended warranty are you getting for $2K???

Was referring the the OP. he said he can get the extended warranty for an additional 2K.

Reznick6044 - What year was yours? I've also been looking around for a 535xi (or maybe the right i) and am trying to figure a great price. If you got a loaded CPO 2009 535 with ~27k miles for 30k that'd be a good data point (where did you get yours??).

OP/all,
I've been looking a quite a few 535's and I haven't noticed any recall work for the NPFP. Have you in your 535 search? Shouldn't that be on the carfax?

Originally Posted by afscotch

OP/all,
I've been looking a quite a few 535's and I haven't noticed any recall work for the NPFP. Have you in your 535 search? Shouldn't that be on the carfax?

I just picked up my 08 535xi this past May. The HPFP was replaced before I bought it and it wasn't on the Carfax, but it was on the Service Record from the dealer.

Originally Posted by dlounge

Was referring the the OP. he said he can get the extended warranty for an additional 2K.

Pentagon Federal Credit Union has one from Route 66 for $1895.

Same story: Went to replace my 98 528i, finally found a 535i with manual, great price, drove it and the rest is history. But I really wanted CPO and it has been a better decision every day. The problem is that the dealer is not proactive with these upgrades. things have to fail before they update software, other parts, etc. For example, the Angel eyes went out a few days ago. I read in here about the software upgrade and they did that. However I just had the car in for oil service last month and inquired why they didn't resolve this problem proactively, as opposed to this added inconvenience (H8 bulb replacement is quick, software upgrade can take hours). I asked whether there are other upgrades necessary and the response was that we have to just wait for stuff to fail first. Gotta love that.

Originally Posted by themust

Same story: Went to replace my 98 528i, finally found a 535i with manual, great price, drove it and the rest is history. But I really wanted CPO and it has been a better decision every day. The problem is that the dealer is not proactive with these upgrades. things have to fail before they update software, other parts, etc. For example, the Angel eyes went out a few days ago. I read in here about the software upgrade and they did that. However I just had the car in for oil service last month and inquired why they didn't resolve this problem proactively, as opposed to this added inconvenience (H8 bulb replacement is quick, software upgrade can take hours). I asked whether there are other upgrades necessary and the response was that we have to just wait for stuff to fail first. Gotta love that.

Just had my angel eyes (1) on left fail. My 530 is out of warranty. $350 to change the 2 on left and update software.

Looks like I am going aftermarket!

Originally Posted by madurodave

$350 to change the 2 on left and update software.

Wow. There is only 1 H8 bulb for both angel eyes on each side.

Originally Posted by ProMed12

Wow. There is only 1 H8 bulb for both angel eyes on each side.

yep... about $12-$16 for a 2 bulb pack from any car parts store. I just can't get over all the bulb posts on these car forums.

For some reason BMW owners can't figure out how to replace their own light bulbs. I will change the bulbs in the lamps in their house for $25!

If this is your first BMW and you are coming from Acura then you really need to open your eyes to the maintenance costs on a BMW. The reliability of BMW is nowhere near what it is with Acura. There aren't any cheap repairs on a BMW. Be prepared to spend $1k here, $3k there over time. But the BMW is much more fun to drive and the interior is nicer, so it's a tradeoff. You will not be able to justify this purchase financially vs. purchasing a comparable Japanese luxury model. This is all about driving a car that feels like it has a soul vs. the soul-less one.

Read the fine print on the CPO: it only covers major mechanical systems on the car. Anything electronic or regular maint is not covered. Mine is CPO and I just spent $1500 replacing the radio.

Originally Posted by ProMed12

Wow. There is only 1 H8 bulb for both angel eyes on each side.

I had not looked at it yet - thought it was 1 per ring.

Then I guess the $350 is a "bargain". Not!

Originally Posted by NoQuarter

yep... about $12-$16 for a 2 bulb pack from any car parts store. I just can't get over all the bulb posts on these car forums.

For some reason BMW owners can't figure out how to replace their own light bulbs. I will change the bulbs in the lamps in their house for $25!

I am thinking LED instead of standard bulb. Looks like around $150 for bulbs. Checking reviews first.

Looks pretty straight forward to replace.