[r00r]

Currently have a 2008 Lexus IS350, love the car except the size now (growing family), and its performance in the winter (RWD).

I have been researching what I want to replace it with for the last couple months. I was pretty set on getting a used Audi A7, but about a month ago a friend of a friend picked up a used 550xi.

I had totally forgot about the 550, and I began to heavily research the F10, and the 550xi specifically.

I have found a CPO 2011 550xi 40k with Adaptive Drive/Active Roll Stabilization, Heads Up Display, basically fully optioned with everything I want for a great price...

My last lingering hang-up with the car is the possible future reliability issues, so I am looking for opinions on CPO cars.

By purchasing a CPO car, am I going to be well-protected while the car is under the warranty? I.E. fuel pump, random electrical component failure etc?

Anyone regret recently purchasing a CPO'd 550?

Also maintenance wise, what will the car need from 40K+?

[493263]

Go to the bmwusa website and find the what CPO covers and doesn't cover. I'm pretty sure it doesn't cover wear & tear, battery, interior pieces, infotainment and Nav system. But your drivetrain and things like fuel pump, electrical components relating to to it are covered.

The only regret buying CPO is the higher price you pay. But generally, you get a pretty good condition vehicle with low mileage and proper maintenance cycles done.

BTW, I would go for a 2012 CPO because BMW updated several important parts midway through the 2011 production vehicles. Things like bluetooth, CIC, Black out instrument panels, HUD, folding rear seats, heated rear seats, etc... can really piss you off.

[r00r]

It has already been difficult to find a 550xi with M-Sport and Dynamic Handling Package, so I think I can live without some of the 12' refreshes.

Another question, are the all-season run flat tires adequate in the winter? I know dedicated snow tires would be best, but I'm trying to avoid the situation I'm in now which is 2 sets of rims/tires.

[M5Beast_NYC]

My suggestion is to go as new as possible with CPO. You came to the right place to get more info. I believe there is a ton of info on this forum about issue with the 550s and i think they are mostly with 2011. Being that you dont know the history of the car, i would be more cautious on buy any 2011. I would probably try to get a later 2012 or a 2013 550. Aside from that, I heard they are great.

I have a 535i xdrive with msport, to me the power is adequate enough and ample room for my family. As for the runflats, I quickly took off the Goodyear LS2 as they are not that great in the snow or wet cold roads.

hope that helps.

[493263]

Originally Posted by r00r

It has already been difficult to find a 550xi with M-Sport and Dynamic Handling Package, so I think I can live without some of the 12' refreshes.

Another question, are the all-season run flat tires adequate in the winter? I know dedicated snow tires would be best, but I'm trying to avoid the situation I'm in now which is 2 sets of rims/tires.

I run the stock Goodyear All Season RFT in Rochester, NY and DC. They're fine until you hit a pothole.

The refreshes are not just feature, it greatly affect functions. You will regret it when you find out your fancy 550xi can't handle bluetooth properly, back seat doesn't fold down or heat, old school laggy systems, and nav that looks like a 2004 tom tom.

Literally everyone I know with the early 2011 models with no fold down back seats are pissed off about it. Even though most of them didn't have it on their must have feature list.

[r00r]

Originally Posted by 493263

I run the stock Goodyear All Season RFT in Rochester, NY and DC. They're fine until you hit a pothole.

The refreshes are not just feature, it greatly affect functions. You will regret it when you find out your fancy 550xi can't handle bluetooth properly, back seat doesn't fold down or heat, old school laggy systems, and nav that looks like a 2004 tom tom.

Literally everyone I know with the early 2011 models with no fold down back seats are pissed off about it. Even though most of them didn't have it on their must have feature list.

So between 2011 and 2012 they changed the Nav screen resolution? And I'm not sure about what you mean "old school laggy systems".

Bluetooth and the back seat stuff I would be fine to sacrifice, although images of the 2011 I have my eyes on shows it has heated rear seats.

Like I stated previously, it would be great if I could find a 2012 with everything I want but buying used sacrifices have to be made. My must haves are M-Sport and Active Roll Stabilization, finding a car with those has been difficult on its own.

[rmastale]

I know you're set on a 550 and if that's the case then cool... the extra power is always awesome. But I'd recommend looking for a CPO 535 as well... i happen to be in an '11 and the bluetooth and back seats fold down great. I'm in CA now but had it in Chicago for several years and even though it wasn't an Xi it handled snow rather well. On coilovers no less.

I'd imagine at a 535i you could go newer and get some of those updates if that was something you were interested in.

You're gonna love the car either way... we guarantee it.

[4MULA_1]

From what I'm seeing on the forums, including this one...I'd stay away from 2011-2013 550's as they have the N63 engine which appears to have its fair share of problems. If you're set on a 550, I'd go with a 14 or newer as they've changed into the N63TU engine.
BMW isn't calling them recalls, but they are recalls and I think its too soon to say that the issues are fixed.

[r00r]

The car I want is listed as a 2011 but I checked the VIN (http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html) and its Production date is 12.07.2011. I checked another car that is listed as 2012, and its Production date: 07.09.2011.

So it looks like it really should be listed as a 2012, correct?

[r00r]

Dealership just sent over the service history: https://mega.nz/#!l9ZAQT4T!f8AGZ_TR1...55OCqOTQ0ygR_I

Any opinions?

[Ben2k9]

I have owned 2 2011 f10's (535 and 550i) and have not had a problem with any of the items mentioned above. Go for it...the 550 is impressive versus the A7.

[r00r]

Details of car: CPO 2011 550xi 41k with m-sport, head-up display,cold weather, SAT, adaptive drive/active-roll stabilization + more for $41K

Here is the main service history:

[NewM3driver]

get a 12 or newer.

[r00r]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

get a 12 or newer.

There are no 2012's CPO with M-Sport & ARS in my area.

There is a 2012 w/ M-Sport with 34k miles for $49995 and another same story but 9k miles for $50k. That's why I am so interested in this 2011.

[493263]

Originally Posted by r00r

There are no 2012's CPO with M-Sport & ARS in my area.

There is a 2012 w/ M-Sport with 34k miles for $49995 and another same story but 9k miles for $50k. That's why I am so interested in this 2011.

http://www.bmwoffairfax.com/certifie...e97b6a8456.htm

I'm sure you can take them down further. You need to look further than your local area. The dealers will often transport it for you as well. We're all telling you to be careful with 2011s for a reason. Someone buying used cars should have more patience as money is obviously something you don't have a lot of. But it's your money so do what you want. Good luck.

[r00r]

Originally Posted by 493263

http://www.bmwoffairfax.com/certifie...e97b6a8456.htm

I'm sure you can take them down further. You need to look further than your local area. The dealers will often transport it for you as well. We're all telling you to be careful with 2011s for a reason. Someone buying used cars should have more patience as money is obviously something you don't have a lot of. But it's your money so do what you want. Good luck.

The car that is the topic of this thread is already located 5hrs away, so I am looking in a large radius.

I've spent a month or so lurking, and have convinced myself that Active Roll Stabilization is a feature I need, based on the opinions of others here. (The you car linked does not have this feature.)

I hear everyone on the 2011 vs 2012 stuff, to try and put it into more specifics:

2011 CPO vs 2012 CPO... statistically speaking I am more likely to have issues with a 2011 model, but ultimately major stuff will be covered under the CPO warranty, correct?

Going with a 2012 would give me better odds of avoiding trips to the dealer, but ultimately will be under the same warranty.

[493263]

Originally Posted by r00r

The car that is the topic of this thread is already located 5hrs away, so I am looking in a large radius.

I've spent a month or so lurking, and have convinced myself that Active Roll Stabilization is a feature I need, based on the opinions of others here. (The you car linked does not have this feature.)

I hear everyone on the 2011 vs 2012 stuff, to try and put it into more specifics:

2011 CPO vs 2012 CPO... statistically speaking I am more likely to have issues with a 2011 model, but ultimately major stuff will be covered under the CPO warranty, correct?

Going with a 2012 would give me better odds of avoiding trips to the dealer, but ultimately will be under the same warranty.

If that's what you think then go for the 2011. But BMW docs and my experience with CPOs are different than your assumptions. There's a lot of things that the extended warranty don't cover. Many of which costs well over $1k to fix.

I own a 2011, and I'm telling you to get a 2012 for a reason.

[r00r]

Originally Posted by 493263

If that's what you think then go for the 2011. But BMW docs and my experience with CPOs are different than your assumptions. There's a lot of things that the extended warranty don't cover. Many of which costs well over $1k to fix.

I own a 2011, and I'm telling you to get a 2012 for a reason.

I'm just trying to nail down what getting a 2012 is saving me from. If I had this all figured out I would have impulsively purchased the car by now.

I am fine with targeting a 2012 now, and value your input greatly. Would you mind elaborating on your CPO experience? I have no context with BMW, and no one in my circle who I can look to for answers.

[493263]

The CPO warranty is basically just a powertrain+ after your original warranty ends at 50k miles. The original warranty covers everything including maintenance. The only thing you ever have to pay for is gas and tires from my experience. Anything goes wrong, you just select the teleservice in your infomtainment and someone will call you to make an appointment. No deductibles, no questions, no nothing. Just plain heaven for the first 50k miles.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...eoverride=true

CPO coverage is limited, has a deductible and doesn't cover maintenance. Guess what? there's more maintenance from 50-100k miles than 0-50k miles.

So yea, it's quite a difference. But my advice used cars in general and especially with BMW is this. Always buy the more reliable model years. The warranty is just peace of mind but it's better if you never have to use it. Even if it cost you nothing, you still lose time and patience. Not to mention, the more times a technician opens up your car, the more chances of more things going wrong due to human error. Your vehicle value will just go down.

If this is your first BMW, I highly suggest you get a vehicle still within the original warranty and experience their Ultimate service. It is probably the best service experience I've had of any luxury brand. Always always always do an honest review of your Service Advisor. Don't sugar coat it either.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...teService.aspx

[r00r]

Originally Posted by 493263

The CPO warranty is basically just a powertrain+ after your original warranty ends at 50k miles. The original warranty covers everything including maintenance. The only thing you ever have to pay for is gas and tires from my experience. Anything goes wrong, you just select the teleservice in your infomtainment and someone will call you to make an appointment. No deductibles, no questions, no nothing. Just plain heaven for the first 50k miles.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...eoverride=true

CPO coverage is limited, has a deductible and doesn't cover maintenance. Guess what? there's more maintenance from 50-100k miles than 0-50k miles.

So yea, it's quite a difference. But my advice used cars in general and especially with BMW is this. Always buy the more reliable model years. The warranty is just peace of mind but it's better if you never have to use it. Even if it cost you nothing, you still lose time and patience. Not to mention, the more times a technician opens up your car, the more chances of more things going wrong due to human error. Your vehicle value will just go down.

If this is your first BMW, I highly suggest you get a vehicle still within the original warranty and experience their Ultimate service. It is probably the best service experience I've had of any luxury brand. Always always always do an honest review of your Service Advisor. Don't sugar coat it either.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...teService.aspx

I may have to reconsider the 535 to be able to get a newer car with the factory warranty.

Does your 550 have the Dynamic Handling Package w/ Active Roll Stabilization? That's the main feature that is really limiting the amount of 550's to choose from.

This 550 seems to be a good fit: http://www.bmwofmamaroneck.com/detai...-13242423.html

2012 with 9k miles

[493263]

Here's a list of must-haves options for me.

HUD: because it gives you the bigger screen in the instrument cluster with a completely blacked out panel.

DHP w/ ARS: because the 550xi is soft with stock suspension

Sports tranny: Shift stick Looks better and comes with paddles

Multicontour seats: Trust me, it's just better

Ventilated seats: You'll want this

Cold weather package: mainly for the fold down rear seats. The pass through hole is huge.

Sideview, rear view cameras with sensors(i think it's park assist): it's a big car, you need this

Also a 2012 with 9k sounds good but these cars are not supposed to sit around or more things will break. You may want to check it thoroughly. It's weird that a rarely used vehicle may be less reliable.

[rmastale]

Go for a 535i and put a Dinan tune on the engine. You'll love it. And it won't ruin your warranty.

Also; if you're worried about soft handling, put some KWV3 coilovers on it. You'll never ever go back to any other suspension again.