535i AWD 2008 w/high mileage-thinking about buying??

Pardon my lack of knowledge on this vehicle, but I believe it's a 535i AWD station wagon 2008 with 118K miles. I'm going to go look at it tomorrow and just wanting your input. It's a one owner and has car fax report on it and all BMW service records. Owner had no kids and apparently it's in excellent condition. He leased it originally then purchased it. He did a lot of traveling as a salesman (obviously). Small car dealer owns it after it was traded in at a local Lexus dealership. Lexus wouldn't keep it because it's mileage was over 100K.

Thinking about selling my 2005 Honda Odyssey EXL minivan with 70K miles on it and getting this. I can't find much info on this car, but I am doing a ton of internet research tonight.

Any thoughts? He's asking $19,900.

Post the service record.

I would not even consider it. Chances are you will have fuel pump issues at some point and that warranty expires at 120k. Probably be a $2k bill when needed.

Seems like a really risky move to go after this car. The Honda minivan, albeit a completely different car will provide a much, much more reliable drive for you. Consider that the minivan has years and years of reliable operation left in it. The BMW? It's likely getting ready to kick off some major repairs. And as the other poster pointed out, due to the mileage the HPFP warranty is gone. For a few thousand more you can find a much lower mileage BMW that will get a you a few years of reliable service. This one seems like a ticking time bomb. Think of it this way: fairly high probability that at this mileage you are looking at $2-4k in repair bills in the next couple of years. Why not pull that money forward and get a much lower mileage vehicle. Other posters here can argue the probability of needing that magnitude of repair dollars.

And if you are looking for a reliable European family hauler then I would switch gears to a Volvo, something like an XC70. For whatever reason, a Volvo's value drops like a stone in it's first three years and they can be had very cheaply. I know it isn't the same driving experience as a BMW, but if you want something that you or your spouse can jump in day after day and haul kids/pets/whatever around, it's hard to beat a Volvo. Volvos have their share of problems(mainly electrical) but compared to BMW they are quality stars.

I would look at the service history. Some things to consider, in any car over 100K, you probably have to consider replacing all of the shocks etc. sooner or later. With the twin turbo engine, it could be that the turbos might need to be replaced too. Given the mileage, I would expect at least $1,000-$2,000 or more a year in repair/maintenance.

Also if you are that keen on getting a BMW - consider a 2007 530 xit.

Originally Posted by subvino

Pardon my lack of knowledge on this vehicle, but I believe it's a 535i AWD station wagon 2008 with 118K miles. I'm going to go look at it tomorrow and just wanting your input. It's a one owner and has car fax report on it and all BMW service records. Owner had no kids and apparently it's in excellent condition. He leased it originally then purchased it. He did a lot of traveling as a salesman (obviously). Small car dealer owns it after it was traded in at a local Lexus dealership. Lexus wouldn't keep it because it's mileage was over 100K.

Thinking about selling my 2005 Honda Odyssey EXL minivan with 70K miles on it and getting this. I can't find much info on this car, but I am doing a ton of internet research tonight.

Any thoughts? He's asking $19,900.

I wouldn't worry too much on HPFP, that part is not expensive and it's not labor intensive.

Things you need to worry about***********:
1) turbos, with extended oil change combine with no proper cool-down, the bearing may be coked, you need dignostic tools to check for boost then rattle for any problem mechanically with them.
2) transmission, well ZF is not very well know for sturdines most mechanic give it's lifetime to be about 150k-miles.
3) xfer case since it's AWD
4) engine health, carbon build up is known for DI (direct injection engine), oil leaks is well known in BMW, and cooling systems overhaul at this mileage is a must.

At the end, if you are handy or willing to set aside emergency funds for repair take this car to specialize BMW mechanic to get it check, else I'll keep looking.

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

I wouldn't worry too much on HPFP, that part is not expensive and it's not labor intensive.

Things you need to worry about***********:
1) turbos, with extended oil change combine with no proper cool-down, the bearing may be coked, you need dignostic tools to check for boost then rattle for any problem mechanically with them.
2) transmission, well ZF is not very well know for sturdines most mechanic give it's lifetime to be about 150k-miles.
3) xfer case since it's AWD
4) engine health, carbon build up is known for DI (direct injection engine), oil leaks is well known in BMW, and cooling systems overhaul at this mileage is a must.

At the end, if you are handy or willing to set aside emergency funds for repair take this car to specialize BMW mechanic to get it check, else I'll keep looking.

Also since this is a wagon - what about clogged sun roof drains?

When my car hits that mileage, I will be considering selling it.

I don't understand why you would want to get rid of a vehicle with 70K miles and replace it with one that has 118K. It should be the other way around....
As others have pointed out to you, I would pass on this car also. Too many miles and it's over priced. Why do you think the previous owner got rid of it?
Either save your money and keep your more reliable Honda or buy a BMW with way less mileage.

The N.A.D.A on it is priced at $31k.

The Transfer case is getting replaced tomorrow.

I have personally spoken with the technician manager at our local BMW that has known this car and it's owner from day one. He said everything is ok with the car and all work has been done on it by BMW.

As a full time college student right now, this is all I can afford for now. Believe me, I will be getting a newer one eventually if I fall in love with this one! I am a German engineering type of girl. So why would I buy this instead of keeping my Honda?....Because nothing drives like a Bimmer, and this momma needs some excitement in her life!

Thanks for all the input!

Try to buy after market warranty from credit union at least for couple years. It will safe you some money.

Good luck!

I have three guiding principles:

1. It's only money;
2. Never bet what you can't afford to lose; and,
3. A fool and her money are worth two in the bush.

I think only the first two are relevant.

Consider that when things go wrong in a BMW (which, my local shuttle driver advises, stands for Break My Wallet) they often go wrong big. Consider that those telling you the car is great have an interest in you buying it. Consider that it drives like nothing else. If that calculus works out to "buy" for you, then do it and enjoy. It is only money.

I would advise against a 535 and recommend a 528 for a college student. Much more reliable.

I for one am just delighted to hear of an N54 with 118k on the clock and in sellable condition. I am hopeful she will post the service records so we can see what it took to get that far. That being said, I would recommend one of the more practical products from the US or Japan to get through school.

My understanding on the HPFP is that since it was recalled you can take it in at any time and have it replaced with one of a new design free of charge. I did that on mine at 60K miles. I would bet it has already been done on this one since it is very unlikely that the original pump lasted this long. Otherwise I say go for it. You might even try to negotiate with the dealer and he may come down a couple more thousand given the high mileage. I love my N54 and at 75K have had no problems. I drove a 328 for a few days when mine was at the dealer for service and couldn't wait to get my 335 back so wouldn't necessarily recommend the 528 over the 535. This car is however a completely different animal than a minivan so I wouldn't consider it a suitable replacement for your Honda. I do believe that the BMW sedans are wonderful machines and would recommend them highly. Good luck.

Originally Posted by subvino

The N.A.D.A on it is priced at $31k.

That $20k price might be OK but don't believe for a minute that it is supposed to be worth $31k.

Originally Posted by nam11b

I would not even consider it. Chances are you will have fuel pump issues at some point and that warranty expires at 120k. Probably be a $2k bill when needed.

This.

Even if the chances are reduced if the guy took it in for a recall.

Originally Posted by kmorgan_260

My understanding on the HPFP is that since it was recalled you can take it in at any time and have it replaced with one of a new design free of charge. I did that on mine at 60K miles. I would bet it has already been done on this one since it is very unlikely that the original pump lasted this long. Otherwise I say go for it. You might even try to negotiate with the dealer and he may come down a couple more thousand given the high mileage. I love my N54 and at 75K have had no problems. I drove a 328 for a few days when mine was at the dealer for service and couldn't wait to get my 335 back so wouldn't necessarily recommend the 528 over the 535. This car is however a completely different animal than a minivan so I wouldn't consider it a suitable replacement for your Honda. I do believe that the BMW sedans are wonderful machines and would recommend them highly. Good luck.

The extended warranty is 10 years/ 120K miles.

Originally Posted by subvino

The N.A.D.A on it is priced at $31k.

Price it at edmunds.com instead, $31k for a dying car is nuts.

Originally Posted by subvino

.Because nothing drives like a Bimmer, and this momma needs some excitement in her life!

I can assure you there are lots of cars out there which drive better than this bimmer, cheaper, more reliable and more technologically advanced - Infiniti comes to mind.

Just coming back with an update. Sold our van for good money on craiglist. Purchased a X3 yesterday with 36k miles for $24,250. We also bought an extended warranty to 100k or 5 years. It's white with terra cotta leather interior. Payment is less than $200 for 4 years. We will probably pay it off way sooner. Feels weird to have a car payment again after 4 years of not having one.


Thanks for all your help. Passing on the wagon was the right choice.

Subvino - glad to hear that you have joined the BMW-fold. The high mileage 535xi would have been trouble sooner or later. Hoping that you will have many trouble free miles with your X3.

Congrats, post up some pics!

Originally Posted by subvino

Just coming back with an update. Sold our van for good money on craiglist. Purchased a X3 yesterday with 36k miles for $24,250. We also bought an extended warranty to 100k or 5 years. It's white with terra cotta leather interior. Payment is less than $200 for 4 years. We will probably pay it off way sooner. Feels weird to have a car payment again after 4 years of not having one.


Thanks for all your help. Passing on the wagon was the right choice.

Which year ?

Originally Posted by bkun

Which year ?

Oops, forgot that. 2008.

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