[CarBrain]

Although it is too early to tell, but which car do you think is more reliable and not have to spend too much time in the shop for repair after the warranty runs out.

[Soon ExAudi Guy]

The residual % on the 535 is higher which might say something....

[mlai]

I thought normally speaking, residual value (%) is always higher for lower cc engines for the same model?

[CarBrain]

Originally Posted by mlai

I thought normally speaking, residual value (%) is always higher for lower cc engines for the same model?

So it has nothing to do with reliabilty?

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by CarBrain

So it has nothing to do with reliabilty?

The higher-end car is expected to have higher operating costs over its lifetime.

[mkaresh]

Actually, I think it is largely the fact that the more expensive a car is, the weaker the used car market for it tends to be, unless it's in short supply (e.g. some Ferraris). Used car buyers tend to be more price-conscious than new car buyers.

I also agree with Raleedy that higher operating costs play a role. Used car buyers will be more likely to want to minimize these as well.

Reliability, if anything, would count against the 535, as the E60 535 had a notoriously unreliable fuel pump. The new engine could very well avoid this problem. I hope so, because I conduct a car reliability survey and I'll be able to provide more precise results for the F10 if I don't have to split the sample by engine from the start.

About the survey--additional participants always helpful:

Car reliability research

[mkaresh]

I'm hoping we'll have an initial stat for the F10 in February. I should know early next month.

It is going to be close--even a few additional participants would be very helpful.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by mkaresh

I'm hoping we'll have an initial stat for the F10 in February. I should know early next month.

It is going to be close--even a few additional participants would be very helpful.

The 528i is somewhat less complex, having no turbos and no direct injection. It also has a less complex sport handling option. Those things may make it more reliable than the 535i or 535i xDrive. Currently the residuals are the same for the two models, except that the 528i has a higher residual for 48 months, and the 535i xDrive has a higher residual for 60 months.

[gatoman39]

Originally Posted by CarBrain

Although it is too early to tell, but which car do you think is more reliable and not have to spend too much time in the shop for repair after the warranty runs out.

In terms of the 535i versus the 550i, throw a dart. Both cars are incredibly complex. If long term reliability is a large concern for you I would try and opt out of as many electrical systems as possible. In my experience it's not the engine/transmission (drive train) that goes on these cars. It's adjustable suspensions,cameras, electric what ever. If you have a choice of electric versus mechanical, it's usually best to choose the latter.

[bfv]

Originally Posted by gatoman39

If you have a choice of electric versus mechanical, it's usually best to choose the latter.

Agree.

[pharding]

Originally Posted by CarBrain

Although it is too early to tell, but which car do you think is more reliable and not have to spend too much time in the shop for repair after the warranty runs out.

Residuals are related to projected future demand and depreciation which does correlate to projected future reliability.

The V8 has been around for a while and has been problem free. Unless you use regularly at the top of its potential, it is over designed by a wide margin. However it is more expensive to run because of the increased gas consumption which ultimately will buy some repairs on the 535i. The previous iteration of the 535i with its twin turbos had some issues, but none have been reported on the F10 iteration which was redesigned. The 528 engine has been around forever in some iteration going back to 2001. It is bullet proof. Some sub assemblies are manufactured by vendors, i.e. seats, transmissions, dashboard assembly, etc. BMW is solely responsible for their engine design, engineering, and manufacturing. These engines are certainly among the best in the world. On sheer conjecture in response to your original question I would guess that the V8 ultimately would have fewer repair issues than the 535i because the V8 is so grossly over-powered and you just do not opportunity to use its massive potential in the US. If you are concerned about reliability and intend to keep your car forever, I would change the oil twice as often as the manufacturer recommends and maintain the engine properly.

[svdb]

All my BMW's have been very reliable. If I was a US citizen, I would choose the 550i. You guys are so lucky. Here in Europe the 550i is nearly unaffordable (taxes, insurance).

[JOHNBMWM5]

ALL my BMW's have had ZERO problems, the 550i M Sport I will pick up 10th Jan 2011 will be the same faultless.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by gatoman39

If you have a choice of electric versus mechanical, it's usually best to choose the latter.

I quite agree; however, these days most mechanical systems are computer controlled - aint no way to get rid of them pesky electrics .